The Mismatch

Jaksot

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  Steve Ballmer Accepts His Fate, the Pistons’ Mess, the Year of Brunson Continues, and the A.I. Takeover 15.09.2026 1t 19min

  Verno and Jacoby return as they react to Steve Ballmer’s statement accepting his punishment for the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers. They discuss what the expectations are for the Clippers next season as well as what impact Kawhi Leonard will have with the Raptors now that the trade has been made official. Next, they discuss Mark Williams’s surgery, Jalen Brunson hosting 'Saturday Night Live,' and the ongoing contract negotiations between Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons. Lastly, the guys have three questions each, ranging from the impact of new head coaches to artificial intelligence. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:44) Steve Ballmer releases statement accepting his punishment for circumventing the salary cap (9:41) Expectations for Raptors with Kawhi Leonard (19:15) Mark Williams to miss several months after shoulder surgery (21:01) Jalen Brunson hosting the season premiere of 'SNL' (26:56) Jalen Duren and Detroit Pistons remain far apart in contract negotiations (40:07) Are the Clippers wrong for giving Chris Paul’s no. 3 to Bradley Beal? (44:25) Which team are you personally high on that probably won’t be good? (48:48) Which new head coach will have a major impact next season? (54:58) Reaction to Nikola Jokic’s comments about being a well known NBA player (1:03:43) Which team do you know you will like more than the consensus? (1:05:48) How long do we have until A.I. murders us all? Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Clippers Get Hammered, Ben Simmons Is Back, and Five Questions Ahead of Next Season 08.09.2026 1t 12min

  Verno and Jacoby return as they discuss the NBA’s punishment on the Clippers for circumventing the salary cap with Kawhi Leonard. They then discuss Amen Thompson’s contract extension, Ben Simmons’s return to the league, and the latest with Jalen Duren. Next, the guys have five questions ahead of next season. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:41) League slams the hammer on the Clippers for circumventing the salary cap with Kawhi Leonard (17:11) Is the Kawhi Leonard signing the worst signing ever? (21:39) Amen Thompson signs a five-year, $208 million contract extension with the Rockets (25:50) Ben Simmons is back; signs a deal with the Kings (30:00) Jalen Duren, Pistons remain apart in contract negotiations (34:31) How many teams enter training camp with real championship expectations? (42:34) Are the Lakers going to be better than they were last year? (46:53) How will Giannis’s move to the Heat affect what Nikola Jokic could do with the Nuggets? (51:43) Where do the Pistons rank among the rest of the Eastern Conference? (54:22) Does Jacoby recommend driving across the country in a RV? Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Players We Can’t Wait to See on New Teams. Plus, Which Star Will Finally Get a Ring? 25.08.2026 1t 5min

  Verno and Jacoby return to go through the players they are most looking forward to seeing in action with a new team. They break it all down by each selecting a star, a role player, a once-upon-a-time star, and an "I still believe in them" player. Then they discuss which star is most likely to win their first championship, which small offseason move will net the biggest result, and which scandal they care about the most going into the season. Also, they briefly discuss some of the recent signings around the league, the Wolves' ownership change, and Shaedon Sharpe’s injury. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (1:46) Klay Thompson and DeMar DeRozan sign with the Heat and Nuggets, respectively (7:40) Timberwolves ownership change (12:07) Shaedon Sharpe’s injury (16:17) Star player on a new team we are most looking forward to seeing (19:52) Role player on a new team we are most looking forward to seeing (25:07) The once-upon-a-time star player on a new team we are most looking forward to seeing (31:00) The "I still believe in them" player on a new team we are most looking forward to seeing (40:49) Which star is most likely to win their first championship? (46:19) Small offseason signing that will lead to big results (53:07) Scandal they care about the most Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Inside the Lakers’ New Era With Dan Woike 21.08.2026 1t

  Verno and Jacoby are joined by The Athletic’s Dan Woike to help break down the entire Lakers situation. They discuss Mark Walter's shocking decision to sell the Lakers to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, the not-so-shocking Buss family drama since the Lakers were flipped by Walter, how the new ownership could affect Luka Doncic, and more. They also discuss how the Lakers' offseason acquisitions fit next to Luka, expectations for LeBron James on the Sixers, and Dan’s thoughts on the Clippers-Aspiration investigation. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:16) Initial reaction to the Lakers' sale to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner (10:10) On Mark Walter and the changes he started implementing on the Lakers (17:41) How does new ownership affect Luka Doncic? (21:10) LeBron James leaving the Lakers to sign with the Sixers (28:48) Explaining how a team governor role works (38:17) Pros and cons from the Lakers' offseason (48:34) Clippers-Aspiration investigation Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Guest: Dan Wokie Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The NBA Schedule Has Arrived, and Russell Westbrook Calls It a Career 14.08.2026 1t 14min

  The NBA has finally released the schedule for the 2026-27 season, and Verno and Jacoby react by discussing the Christmas Day games, which team has a surprising amount of national TV games, debate who’ll get booed when returning to their former team, and more. Also, the guys share some of their fond memories of Russell Westbrook after he announced his retirement. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:23) NBA releases the full 2026-27 schedule (3:41) Opening Day schedule (10:51) Christmas Day schedule (17:06) Nationally televised games (32:13) Homecoming games (39:02) Trying to make sense of the Lakers getting flipped by Mark Walter (44:21) Can't-miss games of the season (55:40) Happy retirement, Russell Westbrook Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Loves and Loathes of the Offseason So Far 04.08.2026 1t 11min

  Verno and Jacoby return with the offseason edition of Loves and Loathes! (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:32) Verno loves: The power shift of the Eastern Conference (10:38) Jacoby loves: Still riding the high of the Knicks' championship (16:59) Verno loathes: The second apron (22:56) Jacoby loathes: Victor Wembanyama taking a pay cut (26:00) Verno loves: Underrated acquisitions of the offseason (29:38) Jacoby loves: The Chicago Bulls (32:06) Verno loathes: The neverending Clippers-Aspiration saga (and a bonus side story on Verno competing against Joey Chestnut) (38:21) Jacoby loathes: The Warriors' offseason (39:29) Verno loves: New head coaches around the league (42:38) Jacoby loves: LeBron James surprising everyone by signing with the 76ers (44:53) Verno loathes: Blazers owner Tom Dundon (46:47) Jacoby loathes: Pistons not addressing their needs (49:28) Verno loves: Minnesota Lynx’s Olivia Miles (53:51) Jacoby loves: NBA Europe (55:35) Verno loathes: Being out of touch with current movies and TV shows (1:02:22) Jacoby loathes: Booking an RV vacation with his family Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Still Shocked About LeBron Signing With the Sixers, Big Wilt's Smalls Paradise, and Verno’s Hole in One 28.07.2026 1t 13min

  It finally happened! LeBron James is taking his talents to Philadelphia after signing a two-year deal with the 76ers last week. Verno and Jacoby share their thoughts on LeBron signing with Philly before discussing some of the other news around the league since LeBron's signing, including Mario Hezonja’s rabid interest before joining the Cavs, Nuggets matching the Thunder’s offer sheet for Spencer Jones, and more. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (3:15) Still in shock about LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers (7:37) Should the Sixers trade Joel Embiid? (10:58) The Bob Myers angle (17:13) Sixers have multiple guys who can score 30+ on any night (21:46) Who will miss the playoffs in the revamped Eastern Conference? (27:50) LeBron commuting from New York to Philadelphia and Wilt Chamberlain’s nightclub (37:02) From LeBron James to Mario Hezonja (40:34) Nuggets match Thunder’s offer sheet for Spencer Jones (50:31) Verno’s trip to Milwaukee (56:34) Blazers owner continues his controversial changes for the franchise (1:02:00) Verno going to watch 'The Odyssey' Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Summer League Observations, Another Kawhi Investigation, and a Surprise Knick at 'The Odyssey' Premiere 15.07.2026 1t 11min

  Verno and Jacoby are back as they go through five observations from the NBA's summer league in Las Vegas. They then discuss some of the latest news around the league including a second sponsorship deal investigation surrounding Kawhi Leonard, Victor Wembanyama’s contract extension, and more. Also, Jacoby shares his experience of going to 'The Odyssey' premiere in New York. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:44) Jacoby going to 'The Odyssey' premiere (11:18) Summer league observation no. 1: Top four picks exceeded expectation (19:14) Summer league observation no. 2: Rookie standouts (28:17) Summer league observation no. 3: Sophomores standouts (31:05) Summer league observation no. 4: Disappointing players (33:21) Summer league observation no. 5: Las Vegas experiences (48:07) LeBron James watch (51:28) NBA investigating second sponsorship deal with Kawhi Leonard (56:43) Victor Wembanyama signs extension with Spurs Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, Jeff Shearin, and Remy Hernandez Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Understanding the Jaylen Brown Trade, Early Summer League Impressions, and the Origins of Rich Paul’s Whiteboard 07.07.2026 1t

  Verno and Jacoby return to discuss the Celtics trading Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers and debate Brad Stevens's reasoning for trading him away at this point in time. Next, they discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo’s comments since being traded to the Miami Heat, their latest ideas on where LeBron James will end up, and the most recent free agency news. Also, a brief conversation about Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson, and the early slate of NBA summer league games. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (4:01) Brad Stevens and the Celtics front office speak on trading Jaylen Brown to the 76ers (22:13) Giannis Antetokounmpo speaks on leaving Milwaukee (30:08) Origins of the LeBron James whiteboard and dissecting where he could possibly go (39:57) Recent free agent news: DeMar DeRozan waived, Rui Hachimura signs with the Clippers, and Quinten Post’s Grizzlies offer sheet (46:57) Early summer league reactions Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  LeBron Leaving the Lakers, Kawhi’s Toronto Homecoming, Ja’s Memphis Story Ends, and the Weird RFA Market 01.07.2026 1t 13min

  Free agency is here as Verno and Jacoby react to all the news, starting with the reporting that LeBron James is set to move on from the Lakers and join a new team next season. They then debate whether Kawhi Leonard’s return to the Raptors actually moves the needle for them or the Clippers, and Verno then shares his disappointment with how Ja Morant’s time in Memphis ended. Also, they discuss the ongoing awkwardness between the Celtics and Jaylen Brown, and the weird restricted free agency market surrounding Walker Kessler and Jalen Duren. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:42) LeBron James is moving on from the Lakers. Where will he find happiness? (15:40) Cavs big-game hunting, and imagining LeBron to the Spurs (21:49) Clippers trade Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors (30:52) Ja Morant’s sad ending with the Memphis Grizzlies (40:32) Relating to Jaylen Brown’s situation (51:05) Walker Kessler and Jalen Duren’s restricted free agency (56:39) Rapid fire moves made Protect your summer today at WeatherTech.com Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  How Will LaMelo Fit With the Wolves? Plus, Hornets' Fresh Start, Reaves's Max Deal Conundrum, and the Grizzlies Are So Back. 26.06.2026 1t 6min

  Verno and Jacoby are back, as they discuss the blockbuster trade between the Hornets and Timberwolves that sent LaMelo Ball to Minnesota and Naz Reid to Charlotte. They take a look at the trade from both sides, debate whether either team is finished making moves and if the trade will inspire LaMelo to take his game to a different level. Next, Verno shares his absolute excitement for Isaiah Stewart’s arrival in Memphis, whether or not the Celtics will actually trade Jaylen Brown, and the surprising lack of a market for Ja Morant. Also, the rumors of Kawhi Leonard being open to signing an extension with a former team, and the Lakers absolutely needing to sign Austin Reaves to the max contract. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:17) Hornets get a fresh start, trade LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves (19:51) Tim Connelly takes another big swing with acquiring LaMelo Ball and trading away fan favorite Naz Reid (23:47) Pistons trade Isaiah Stewart to the Grizzlies (32:40) Will the Celtics actually trade Jaylen Brown? (39:27) Where is the market for Ja Morant? (48:02) Is Kawhi Leonard going back to the Spurs or Raptors (49:58) Was it smart for the Lakers to give Austin Reaves a max contract? (58:59) Second-round draft recap Protect your summer today at WeatherTech.com Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  No First-Round Surprises, Spurs Reloading, and the Prospector Returns 24.06.2026 1t 10min

  Verno and Jacoby react to the first round of the NBA draft, beginning with Verno’s thoughts on the Grizzlies drafting Cameron Boozer and a debate on whether Ja Morant will get traded at all. They then dive into the rest of the top 10 picks. They also discuss how college basketball has evolved when it comes to scouting for the NBA, the lack of surprises and shocking moments from the first round, and how the new anti-tanking rules will affect future drafts. Next, the long-awaited return of the Prospector, who shares the picks he did not like from the first round and which players he likes heading into tonight’s second round. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (3:58) Is Ja Morant staying in Memphis? (6:41) Verno on the Grizzlies drafting Cameron Boozer (10:36) Reactions to the Nets drafting Mikel Brown Jr. and the Kings drafting Darius Acuff Jr. (16:14) Why we'll have fewer draft "busts" now (26:17) No surprises or shocking draft picks (32:08) How will the new anti-tanking rules affect the draft going forward? (40:13) The Spurs are loading up around Wemby (53:54) The Prospector returns Protect your summer today at WeatherTech.com Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Knicks Parade Reactions, No. 1 Pick Speculation, and Offseason Decisions 19.06.2026 59min

  Verno and Jacoby return to discuss everything that went down during yesterday’s Knicks championship parade, including all the wild viral moments. The guys then turn the page to next week’s NBA draft and discuss how the top four could go. They also debate if Giannis Antetokounmpo will finally get traded, where will LeBron James sign, and other potential moves leading up to the draft. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:23) Jacoby details his experience going to the Knicks championship parade (8:33) Viral parade moments (17:29) Jalen Brunson’s parade speech (23:17) New York was still popping hours after the parade (27:07) Finals thoughts on Knicks championship (28:55) NBA draft incoming (30:41) AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson? (41:28) The Prospector will return (43:15) Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, and other potential offseason moves The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Visit WeatherTech.com for your Father’s Day gift today. Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091Hosts: Chris Vernon and David JacobyProducers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff ShearinSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  10 Thoughts After the Knicks Win Their First Title in 53 Years 16.06.2026 1t 10min

  Verno and Jacoby return to celebrate the New York Knicks' first championship in more than 50 years. Jacoby describes his day leading up to Game 5 as well as the aftermath in the city. The guys also share 10 thoughts from the Knicks' Finals victory. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:36) Jacoby describes his day leading up to Game 5 (7:28) Hitting the New York streets after the Knicks' win (14:46) Will Jalen Brunson remain underrated? (21:13) Brunson is a wartime consigliere (27:00) Comparing these Finals to the tortoise and the hare (31:34) Shout-out to the Spurs (33:38) Shout-out to Leon Rose and Worldwide Wes (43:49) Can the Knicks run it all the way back to the Finals? (47:04) How Brunson’s Finals performance impacts kids with overbearing fathers (50:13) Hating Victor Wembanyama has gone mainstream (55:48) The road map to a championship has solidified (1:01:48) Let’s enjoy the Knicks winning the titleVisit http://WeatherTech.com for your Father’s Day gift today. Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Resilient Knicks Rally Past Spurs in Historic Comeback Victory 12.06.2026 1t 21min

   The Knicks pulled off the impossible in Game 4 and are now one win away from their first championship in 53 years. Verno and Jacoby discuss just how the Knicks were able to beat the Spurs after being down 29 points. Jacoby recaps his night watching the game and his belief that the Knicks were always going to win, as well as the impact plays from both the Knicks and Spurs. They also briefly discuss their issues with Knicks celebrity row, why the Spurs aren’t playing Dylan Harper more, OG Anunoby’s block and game-winning tip-in, and their predictions for Game 5 on Saturday. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:32) Knicks complete the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history and take a 3-1 series lead (11:21) Jose Alvarado’s impact on the Knicks' comeback (24:38) What will be remembered more: De’Aaron Fox not running out the clock or Victor Wembanyama’s missed free throws? (34:50) Jacoby still uneasy about the Knicks (38:16) Why not more Dylan Harper? (41:04) Knicks celebrity row issues (49:08) OG Anunoby with the game of his life (54:05) Josh Hart’s miss and Karl-Anthony Towns’s fingertip block (57:50) Happy for Mike Breen (1:09:43) Aftermath of Jacoby’s dislike for Wemby (1:15:00) Game 5 predictions The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Visit WeatherTech.com for your Father’s Day gift today. Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Knicks Drop Game 3 at the Garden, Wemby at Gramercy Park, and Game 4 Predictions 09.06.2026 1t 9min

  Verno and Jacoby react to the Spurs holding off the Knicks in Game 3 of the NBA Finals as Victor Wembanyama bounces back after missing a game-winning shot at the end of Game 2 to help give the Spurs their first win of the series. The guys discuss what went wrong for the Knicks, how the referees influenced the game, Wemby’s push on Jalen Brunson, as well as the big and small picture for the Knicks for the rest of the series. Also, they debate whether the Knicks were relying on Brunson too much, Jacoby’s dislike for Wemby, and whether Game 4 will determine the eventual winner of the series. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (3:00) Spurs stun Knicks at MSG (10:48) The referees' influence on Game 3 (15:13) Wemby pushing Jalen Brunson (21:49) Will the series be decided by the outcome of Game 4? (30:34) The Knicks got Brunson-centric (32:29) Is Wemby fatigued? (35:40) Big picture/small picture for the Knicks (45:08) Jacoby is not a fan of Wemby (51:55) Guessing the line for Game 4 (59:26) Predictions for Game 4 The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Visit WeatherTech.com for your Father’s Day gift today. Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Jacoby Went to the Game. $888. Zero Regrets. Knicks Win. 05.06.2026 1t 10min

  Verno and Jacoby break down a wild Game 1 from every angle—including Jacoby's upper-deck view from inside the Frost Bank Center. Jalen Brunson went into the tunnel and came out a closer, dropping 13 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter when it mattered most. KAT bullied Wemby all night long, and Wemby shot just 6-of-21 in his NBA Finals debut. The Knicks stole one in San Antonio—but is this series really over? Not even close. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:04) Jacoby drops $888 to take in the moment of a Knicks Game 1 win (8:32) Inside the arena: San Antonio's kindness vs. New York's chaos energy (15:45) "We've got a guy" — Brunson's fourth-quarter run (28:29) KAT was built for this moment — 18 points, 12 rebounds, and Wemby had no answer (38:56) Hart and Alvarado — the unsung heroes of Game 1 (43:00) Looking ahead: Can Wemby and the Spurs adjust to the Knicks? (52:56) Game 2 predictions and series outlook The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming.  Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Protect your summer today at WeatherTech.com Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Stefan Anderson and Jeff Shearin Directors of Photography: Ulrich Von Dran IV Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Spurs vs. Knicks. Youth vs. Experience. The NBA Finals Are Here! 02.06.2026 1t 11min

  Verno and Jacoby are back to break down how a remarkably poised Spurs squad knocked off Oklahoma City in seven—then turn their full attention to the Finals. They dig into the tactical chess match of stopping Victor Wembanyama, why Josh Hart is the Knicks' X-factor, and whether Mitchell Robinson can be effective with a busted finger. Plus, the regular-season history between these two teams, MVP odds, and why New York City is already losing its mind before tip-off. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:14) Dissecting the WCF–What impressed you most about the Spurs-Thunder series? (4:24) Is the discourse toward Chet warranted? (17:24) Western Conference team building: How will teams deal with the Spurs and Wemby? (20:46) Confidence is contagious for the Spurs: Rookie Dylan Harper plays like a veteran (27:35) Knicks are underdogs even though they breezed through the ECF (30:33) What we learned from the Spurs-Knicks regular-season matchups (34:10) Keys to win for the Knicks: Josh Hart (45:12) Wemby and Brunson are the betting favorites for Finals MVP (47:48) What really happened to Mitchell Robinson and his broken pinkie? (53:53) Changing of the guard in the NBA: Spurs' youth over Knicks veterans (1:00:23) The Knicks are giving Gotham something to cheer about The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming.  Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan.com to learn more about the resources and helplines. Protect your summer today at WeatherTech.com Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Stefan Anderson and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Spurs Force Game 7, and the Draft Lottery Conundrum 29.05.2026 1t 9min

   Verno and Jacoby return to react to the Spurs' Game 6 win over the Thunder and give their keys to Game 7. Then, they discuss the news of Mitchell Robinson breaking his pinkie finger and the new draft lottery rules. Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:00) Thunder-Spurs: WCF headed to Game 7, Spurs defeat Thunder 118-91 (5:32) Rim protection: Spurs held Thunder to 91 points (lowest playoff output) (11:58) Flip-flopped series: Spurs turn the tables on Thunder (18:08) Spurs-Thunder: Both teams have shown non-competitive moments (23:00) Distractions behind the benches: Nuns and boobs (29:13) Small-market fans are not ready for a "New York State of Mind" (34:37) Knicks' championship path:  Need Spurs to take down Thunder (43:42) Spurs-Thunder Game 7 preview: Low-scoring war determines the winner (48:57) Instant reaction: President Trump heading to the Finals (50:54) NBA approves radical 3-2-1 anti-tanking reform for draft lottery The Ringer is Committed to responsible gaming.  Please visit https://www.fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Protect your summer today at WeatherTech.com Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Stefan Anderson and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Knicks Return to the NBA Finals, and How to Blow Up the Cavs With KOC 26.05.2026 1t 12min

  Verno and Jacoby return to react to the Knicks returning to the NBA Finals after sweeping the Cavs in the Eastern conference finals and preview Game 5 of Spurs-Thunder. Then they are joined by Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor to discuss the issues with the Cavs’ roster, the Knicks’ chances in the NBA championship, and the new NBA lottery rules. Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:00) Knicks destroy Cavs 130-93, punch ticket to NBA Finals (2:22) Knicks run out opponents with 11 straight playoff wins (12:29) Gotham stands tall: first NBA Finals since 1999 (19:10) Cleveland lame: Knicks’ average margin of victory +18.5 ppg (26:48) Cavs future retool: Mitchell + Mobley close to contending (30:38) Thunder-Spurs preview: OKC’s lack of offense, series tied 2-2 (38:59) Kevin O’Connor from Yahoo Sports joins the show (42:51) Cavs autopsy report: KOC breaks down the future of the Cavs (49:45) Knicks favorites to win it all? (53:19) KOC headline: Wemby turns SGA into DeMar DeRozan (01:01:30) KOC the FIXER: how the NBA is f**king over the Grizzlies Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Protect your summer today at WeatherTech.com  Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Guest: Kevin O’Connor Producers: Stefan Anderson and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices