Straight Fire with Jason McIntyre

Latest Episodes:

Kevin Durant's Greatest Game Ever & Why the Bucks Will Still Win this Series Jun 16, 2021

Show notes

On today's episode, Jason and Producer Rob G share their thoughts on Kevin Durant's legendary performance in the Brooklyn Nets' Game 5 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. It was arguably the greatest game KD has ever played (49 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists in 48 minutes), and it came in the most important game of the Nets' season. It was reminiscent of LeBron James' Game 1 performance against the Golden State Warriors in the 2018 NBA Finals - except Durant's team actually won the game. With James Harden clearly hobbled by his hamstring injury, and every Nets player outside of Jeff Green bricking outside shots, KD had to put Brooklyn on his back in the second half (30 points) and will his team to victory. If KD wasn't already regarded as the Best Player in the World, good luck arguing against it now after last night. Now, you never want to overreact to one game, and It's probably too soon to even have this conversation, but is it fair to call KD a top-15 player in NBA history? Could you even argue that he's in the top-10? In the losing locker room, it's hard not to place the blame squarely at the feet of Giannis Antetokounmpo and head coach Mike Budenholzer. After going up big in the first half, the Bucks offense stalled in the second. What's worse, the Bucks did absolutely nothing defensively to slow down Durant. All that being said, Jason says he's STILL picking the Bucks to win this series for two reasons: 1) Harden is clearly hobbled and should get attacked relentlessly over the next two games, and 2) What are the odds that Durant is able to put together another legendary performance like that?

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Embiid's Worst Playoff Game Ever, Luka's Magic Johnson Power Play & KD The One Man Band in Brooklyn Jun 15, 2021

Show notes

On today’s episode, Jason and Producer Rob G kick things off with a discussion on the Atlanta Hawks’ come-from-behind victory over the Philadelphia 76ers to even the series at 2-2. Joel Embiid shot just 4-of-20 in the game (0-for-12 in the second half) in what was easily the worst postseason game of his career. It’s unclear whether it was his gimpy knee or a night out on the town that led to Embiid’s ugly shooting night, but in any event, Philly simply cannot afford a repeat performance. While we’re on the subject, could you argue than an offense built around Ben Simmons – and not Embiid – could actually have more potential? Perhaps. Later, the guys do a deep dive into the bombshell article in The Athletic detailing Luka Doncic’s frustrations with a certain member of the Dallas Mavericks front office. Is Luka really the kind of guy to execute a power play this early in his career? If so, he may have even more in common with Magic Johnson than we thought. Finally, the guys wrap things up with a quick preview of tonight’s pivotal Game 5 between the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks. With James Harden and Kyrie Irving ruled out with injury, will Kevin Durant get enough help from ‘the others’ to pull the upset?

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This is The REAL Asterisk Season, Giannis - not KD - is Under Pressure & CP3 vs. Steve Nash Jun 14, 2021

Show notes

On today's episode, Jason and Producer Rob G kick things off with a lengthy discussion on Kyrie Irving's unfortunate injury in Game 4 against the Milwaukee Bucks. Irving now joins James Harden, Anthony Davis, Jamal Murray, Mike Conley, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, Chris Paul, Joel Embiid and LeBron James as the latest star to sustain an injury either entering or during the NBA Playoffs. Remember when folks tried to say that the Los Angeles Lakers' 2020 NBA championship should have an asterisk next to it since they won it a Bubble? If that's the case, then shouldn't this 2021 NBA championship have an asterisk as well since most of the best players were hurt? Moreover, anyone who says that if the Brooklyn Nets are unable to beat the Bucks with Harden and Kyrie is some sort of indictment on Kevin Durant is just crazy. But, on the flip side, if Giannis Antetokounmpo can't beat the Nets without Harden and Kyrie... that just might be the biggest postseason choke job of the decade. Moving over to the Western Conference, now that the Phoenix Suns have officially swept the Denver Nuggets out of the playoffs, it's time to re-evaluate where Chris Paul stands amongst the greatest point guards in NBA history. Is he in the top-5? Are we sure he's even better than Steve Nash? Until he wins a ring, it's hard to consider him a lock for either one.

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Kawhi and the Clippers Still Aren't Clutch, Giannis Has a Big Problem & NBA on TNT reporter Jared Greenberg Jun 11, 2021

Show notes

On today's episode, Jason and Producer Rob G kick things off with a deep dive into the Utah Jazz' victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 2. As has been the case all season, the Paper Clips once again stunk it up in the clutch and coughed up a very winnable game. Kawhi Leonard was nowhere to be found in the fourth quarter, and head coach Tyronn Lue was throwing human turnstiles on the floor down the stretch. Stop giving these guys a pass. In the immortal words of Dennis Green: "They are who we thought they were!" On the flip side, it's time to give Donovan Mitchell his flowers. He is easily the best shooting guard in the Western Conference, and so long as everyone remains healthy, should face off with another talented two-guard, Devin Booker, in the Conference Finals. Moving over to the East, the Milwaukee Bucks were able to hold on and beat the Brooklyn Nets in Game 3 to avoid going down 3-0. The Bucks may have gotten the win but they did absolutely nothing to inspire confidence moving forward. Giannis still can't shoot to save his life, and coach Mike Budenholzer is still allergic to adjustments. This series has '5-game Gentleman's Sweep' written all over it. Later, NBA on TNT reporter Jared Greenberg swings by to discuss his postgame interview with Kevin Durant that went viral earlier this week, why he's so appreciative of the way Steph Curry treats media members, the concept of parity and why Super Teams are good for the NBA, why Giannis signing a max extension doesn't necessarily means he won't still leave the Bucks, how Damian Lillard's outward loyalty towards Portland could come back to haunt him, why the Washington Wizards making the playoffs was probably the worst thing that could've happened to them, why Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri is arguable the best free agent available this summer, how 'Ringz Culture' has hurt the League in some ways, the likelihood that Zion Williamson would pass on signing his rookie extension in order to keep the Pelicans' feet to the fire, and much more!

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True Hoop founder Henry Abbott on LeBron, the Billionaires Behind the NBA, Bill Simmons & More! Jun 10, 2021

Show notes

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off with a quick thought on the Phoenix Suns' blowout victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 to go up 2-0 in the series. Phoenix has absolutely dominated the first two games behind the stellar play of Chris Paul and Devin Booker, and the only question at this point seems to be whether the Suns will get the sweep them or finish them off in 5 games. Later, True Hoop founder Henry Abbott swings by to discuss how his website became such a big hit in the basketball world, the trials and tribulations of being an entrepreneur in the sports media game, why there is a large segment of the population who hates LeBron James and how he differentiates from Michael Jordan, why he doesn't have a problem with the current Super Team Era, the shady underbelly of the NBA and how billionaires behind the scenes are pulling the strings, his supposed 'beef' with The Ringer's Bill Simmons, how the sports media world has evolved over the years, if the string of injuries to star players this season (LeBron James, Anthony Davis, James Harden, etc.) could lead to scheduling changes for the NBA next season and beyond, and much more!

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Clippers Still Can't Close, NBA MVP Voting Breakdown & Kevin Durant Going Scorched Earth Jun 09, 2021

Show notes

On today's episode, Jason and Producer Rob G kick things off with a deep dive into the Utah Jazz' come-from-behind victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1. Utah couldn't hit the red side of a barn early which caused them to fall behind by double digits, but in typical Clippers fashion, Kawhi Leonard and the boys faded late and the Jazz were able to steal the win. Adding insult to injury, everyone saw Kawhi, Paul George and Marcus Morris shrink from the moment on the game’s final possession with a chance to send the game into overtime; Absolutely no one on the Clippers roster wanted to take that last shot. It was a game the Clips should have won, and this one could come back to haunt them later in the series. On the flip side, Donovan Mitchell was fantastic for the Jazz. If it wasn't clear before it definitely is now: Utah has a superstar in their backcourt. Later, the guys share their thoughts on the NBA MVP voting - which Nikola Jokic won in a landslide, as expected - and discuss what it all means in the grand scheme of things. On one hand, Steph Curry finishing with the second-most first place votes tells you how much the media respected what he did this past season carrying a depleted Golden State Warriors roster to the play-in tournament. On the other, the fact that guys like Rudy Gobert, Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose (fan vote) got votes also says that some of these voters need to stop playing favorites. Finally, Jason and Rob G close the show with a deep dive into the Kevin Durant-Jay Williams fiasco that played out in the media. Look, in all honesty, we're willing to bet that KD said exactly what Williams reported on TV that he said about Giannis... but does that necessarily give Williams the right to go public with it? All the same, it's great to see KD ditch the burner accounts and go scorched earth on anyone in the media who he feels has wronged him. In a world where guys like LeBron James prefer to use passive aggressive memes to get their points across, it's refreshing to see someone like Durant say exactly what he feels.

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James Harden was Right about Giannis, KD's Case for Best in the World + The Ringer's John Gonzalez Jun 08, 2021

Show notes

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off with a deep dive into the Brooklyn Nets' beatdown of the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2. Remember a few years back when James Harden implied that Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn't all that skilled? He was right! All these years later and Giannis still can’t shoot. It’s almost become painful to watch. The Nets have taken away his straight-line drives to the basket and now he looks as ordinary as ever. At this point, it’s evident that the Bucks can’t beat the Nets in a series and that a Gentlemen’s Sweep - at best - is on the horizon. On the flip side, how impressive has Kevin Durant during this postseason? KD had a case as the Best Player in the World before he tore his Achilles in 2019, and he appears primed to make a run at it again. In the nightcap, the Phoenix Suns absolutely blitzed the Denver Nuggets. Deandre Ayton played Nikola Jokic to standstill while Chris Paul and Devin Booker cooked the Denver guards. With the Lakers out of the picture, the Suns just might be the Best in the West. Later, John Gonzalez from The Ringer swings by to discuss what went wrong for the Philadelphia 76ers during their Game 1 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, the harsh reality that the Sixers are woefully thin beyond their Big 3 of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris, why we could see Simmons on the trade block again this offseason - especially if Philadelphia loses this series to the Hawks - and which hypothetical blockbuster deals make the most sense, the challenges of building around a center like Embiid in today's NBA, why he's excited about Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks moving forward whether they win this series or not, and much more!

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Luka is like MJ in '86, Harden's Hamstring Could Derail the Nets & What Makes a Good NBA Coach Jun 07, 2021

Show notes

On today's episode, Jason kicks things off with a quick thought on the report that Julio Jones will be traded to the Tennessee Titans in the coming days. Sounds eerily similar to something we told you 2 weeks ago. Just sayin'. Later, Jason does a deep dive into the Los Angeles Clippers 7-game series victory over the Dallas Mavericks. The big story to come out of this one is obviously the play of Luka Doncic; He looked like Michael Jordan going up against the Boston Celtics in 1986. If the Mavs can build even a decent roster around him - and dump the highly overpaid Kristaps Porzingis - they should be set up for success for years to come. As for the Clippers, were you really that impressed by them? If any of Luka's teammates could hit an open three pointer in Game 7 maybe the Mavs are headed to Utah for Round 2 instead. Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the Clippers is that Tyronne Lue moved to 4-0 in Game 7s as a head coach; But even then, how much credit does he really deserve? Kawhi Leonard played like 2-time Finals MVP and they beat the team they were supposed to beat. Shifting gears to the Eastern Conference, it's hard not to feel for Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden. Jason already had the Milwaukee Bucks winning the series coming in, but without Harden, it certainly feels like Brooklyn will get eliminated sooner rather than later. Let's just hope that the Nets don't try to force an injured Harden on the floor the way the Los Angeles Lakers did to Anthony Davis. As of Monday morning, 6 of the 8 teams remaining in the NBA Playoffs have a starter that is either out injured or playing through an injury. It truly is a war of attrition.

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06/05/2021 - The Jason McIntyre Show Jun 05, 2021

Show notes

Jason McIntyre reacts to the Clippers forcing a Game 7 and tells you why he still believes the Mavericks will take the series. Jason discusses the Lakers first round exit and what it mean's for LeBron James' legacy. Jason rejects the idea that Danny Ainge's tenure in Boston was a failure. Bucks Beat Reporter for The Athletic Eric Nehm joins Jason to preview the Bucks vs. Nets. Jason previews the fight, or rather exhibition match, between Floyd Mayweather and Logan Paul with The Athletic's Boxing Insider Mike Coppinger. Plus, NBA veteran Ryan Hollins stops by to take Jason to task on his Clippers takes.

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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fox-sports-radio-weekends/id1313512668

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The Sun Has Set on Los Angeles, the Lakers Need a 3rd Star + Former NBA veteran Damon Jones Jun 04, 2021

Show notes

On today's episode, Jason and Producer Rob G give their instant reaction to the Phoenix Suns officially eliminating the Los Angeles Lakers from the postseason. The game was never really in doubt as Devin Booker lit up the Lakers in the first quarter (again). What's more, Anthony Davis was only able to play 5 minutes before re-aggravating his groin injury, which begs the question: Should he even have been playing? Looking ahead, it's painfully obvious that the Lakers will need an infusion of talent this summer to go alongside the aging LeBron James and injury-prone Davis if they expect to continue competing for titles. Do they have the assets to make a run at Bradley Beal? Could Damian Lillard try to force his way down to La La Land? Either way, it should be a very interesting summer for Los Angeles. Later, former NBA veteran and NBA champion coach Damon Jones swings by to discuss what it was like playing alongside a young LeBron, how impressed he was by LeBron's legendary 25 straight point performance against the Detroit Pistons during the 2007 NBA Playoffs, why he believes that Kawhi Leonard - not Luka Doncic - has been the best player in the Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers series, why he thinks Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue doesn't get enough credit for being a great coach, why it's so difficult to evaluate coaches who don't have talented rosters, and much more!

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