Tag: New York Knicks

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Lessons Learned from the 2026 NBA Finals | Knicks Win! | To the Victor Goes the “L”

53 years of waiting is officially over. New York is officially Knick-a-bonkers.

The gentleman’s sweep of Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs is complete, and Mike and Tarlin are back for Year 6 of Running It Back to unpack the definitive lessons learned from the 2026 NBA Finals. From Jalen Brunson’s masterclass in footwork to the elite grit of the Nova Knicks, we are breaking down how culture, character, and clutch timing systematically dismantled Vegas’s favorite “alien.”

Pop a top, shrug off the NFL media takeover, and let’s run it back.

Timestamps:

  • 00:00 — Year 6 of the pod, NFL trade distractions, and the upcoming NBA Draft (“wingspan,” not arm length!).
  • 01:15 — The 53-year drought is over: Brunson-sanity takes over Brooklyn.
  • 04:00 — Tarlin’s dispatch from enemy territory (Times Square) and escaping JFK lightning strikes.
  • 05:40 — To The Victor Goes The L: The 63 Saturday night arrests and why Macy’s wooden escalators are lucky to still be standing.
  • 07:45 — Taylor Swift’s crumpled hat & the Knicks as America’s Team.
  • 08:30 — The Lamppost Theory: Why analytics failed the Spurs.
  • 10:00 — Lesson 1: You always want an OG as your wingman (and the legend of “Twinkle Toes” Brunson).
  • 12:10 — Lesson 2: Who let the dogs out? Real grit vs. genetic lotteries.
  • 15:30 — Lesson 3: Experience matters. There are no shortcuts to the mountaintop.
  • 21:50 — Basketball Intelligence: A San Diego callback to the Luka vs. Brunson debate.
  • 24:15 — Roster Construction: How Leon Rose and Worldwide Wes built a culture of underdogs.
  • 28:45 — Can you coach heart? (Spoiler: Hell yeah you can).
  • 30:50 — The Explicit Outro: Don’t get enamored of youth, the street meat metaphor, and putting Draymond Green on absolute blast.
  • 32:45 — Ticker Tape Parade Predictions: Will Jose Alvarado end up on top of a street light?

🏀 Key Lessons From The 2026 Finals

  • You Want an OG as Your Wingman: Everyone thought KAT was Brunson’s primary shield, but OG Anunoby proved to be the ultimate, introverted, cold-blooded killer when it mattered most.
  • Analytics Are a Lamppost: The analytics said the Spurs were the better team on paper. The basketball court said otherwise.

“Analytics are like a lamppost to a drunk person. They’ll hold you up. They’re not gonna get you anywhere.” — Josh Hart (quoting Jay Wright)

  • Don’t Get Enamored Of Youth: Talent is great, but Gen Z can’t win championships alone. Unseasoned street meat is a stay-away; you need mature, battle-tested veterans who know how to close out the fourth quarter when the game slows down to “winning time.”
  • Character Over “Wingspan”: The Knicks built an entire identity around New York grit. From trades for Mikal Bridges to elite bench minutes from Jose Alvarado, they hired for character and reaped a championship.

🌶️ The Clean-Up Crew (EXPLICIT CONTENT WARNING)

We managed to keep it PG-13 for most of the run, but the final whistle required some explicit, lyrical flow. Mike finally crosses the line to clear up a massive cultural misconception: Street meat is NOT about the white sauce. Draymond Green, consider yourself officially put on notice.

As for Thursday’s ticker tape parade? Let’s just hope the city greases the poles, because Jose Alvarado is definitely climbing a lamppost by noon.

Hit that Subscribe button, leave a 5-star review, and let us know in the comments: Will the Knicks repeat in 2027?

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Knicks Spurs NBA Finals Breakdown, Predictions, Crazy Comps

The dance card is officially set, and we are running it back to 1999! The 2026 NBA Finals are locked in: Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs versus Jalen Brunson’s rough-and-tumble New York Knicks.

In this episode—unfiltered and pulled straight from the raw recording—Mike completely throws objectivity out the window and goes 1,000% insufferable Knicks fan. Tarlin tries to inject some actual data with an objective breakdown rubric, but it’s hard to fight the “street meat seasoning” and pure destiny of Midtown bedlam. From Baby Yoda comparisons to ginger-on-ginger crime, the energy is completely unplugged.

  • The 1999 Revenge Tour We are trading the Y2K panic for the AI apocalypse as the Knicks and Spurs meet again on the ultimate stage.
  • The Pod Burn Book Find out why Draymond Green, Becky Hammon, and Brian Scalabrine are officially banned from the rotation.
  • The Objective Rubric Tarlin breaks down the data on Mike Brown vs. Mitch Johnson, River Walk vs. Midtown, and who actually has the championship pedigree.
  • Star Wars Fandom Only Why Jalen Brunson is a mix of Grogu and Captain Kirk, and why Trekkies aren’t welcome here.
  • Forged in Suffering The difference between a fast-ascent team and a squad that built its culture in the trenches of heartbreak.

Timestamps:

  • 00:00 – The Dance Card is Set: Knicks vs. Spurs
  • 01:10 – 1999 vs. 2026: From Y2K to the AI Apocalypse
  • 02:05 – The Media Hate List: Done with Draymond and Scalabrine
  • 03:45 – Bedlam in Midtown: Why it’s Knicks in Six
  • 05:15 – Is Jalen Brunson actually Baby Yoda?
  • 06:40 – The Coach Rubric: Mike Brown vs. Mitch Johnson
  • 09:15 – New York Street Meat vs. The Alamo Dome
  • 14:40 – History Repeating Itself: The 22-Year-Old MVP Narrative
  • 21:15 – Team Culture: Forged in Suffering vs. Lucky Ascent
  • 25:30 – Roster All-Stars and the Playoff Eye Test
  • 28:15 – Final Predictions & Mike’s Impending Wellness Check

“Put the women and children to bed. Don’t bring your family to Times Square for game six.”

Connect with us:

Enjoyed the breakdown? Don’t miss a single second of our post-Finals reaction. Follow Running It Back on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Smash that follow button, leave us a 5-star review, and let us know who you have taking the Larry O’Brien trophy home!

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The Nova Knicks’ Historic Run to the 2026 NBA Finals

It is almost June, and that can only mean one thing: the NBA Finals are here. On this episode of Running It Back, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray sit down to process the immaculate, unexpected vibes of a New York Knicks squad that has defied expectations to play for basketball’s ultimate prize. Why is Knick Nation so uncharacteristically quiet right now? Because they know exactly how fragile a postseason run can be.

The guys break down how this team evolved from the top-down, starter-heavy grind of the Tom Thibodeau era into a selfless, 10-deep “Voltron” unit under head coach Mike Brown. With the Knicks boasting top offensive, defensive, and net ratings in the playoffs, the conversation shifts to their potential Western Conference opponents: will they face a resilient but banged-up OKC squad, or the “Godzilla” presence of Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs?

But it wouldn’t be Running It Back without a detour through sports culture, personal milestones, and a healthy dose of perspective. Before diving deep into the hardwood strategy, Tarlin opens up about getting beat in HORSE by his daughter following his hip surgery, launching an unofficial injury rehab support group, and executing a passionate corporate takedown of Starbucks’ existential mobile-ordering crisis.

Whether you are a die-hard member of the blue-and-orange faithful or just love elite sports storytelling, this episode captures the exact blend of nostalgic history, advanced-stat breakdowns, and authentic banter you need.

What’s Inside the Episode

  • The Starbucks Living Room Rant: Tarlin calls out why hanging drapes and plants can’t fix a business model completely dominated by mobile-ordering robots.
  • 1994 vs. 1999 vs. 2026: Mike looks back at the heartbreak of the Patrick Ewing era—complete with the infamous June 17, 1994 OJ Simpson chase interruption—and contrasts it with the collective, selfless basketball of the current “Nova Knicks”.
  • The Mitchell Robinson “Granny Shot” Campaign: How a broken pinky might force Mitch to go full WWE Cowboy Bob Orton with a heavy hand club, and why MSG is ready for a Rick Barry-style free-throw revival.
  • The Mike Brown Masterclass: A look at how Brown’s player-coach mentality empowered Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns while keeping the starters fresh for the fourth quarter.
  • Generational Finals History: Celebrating Jalen and Rick Brunson as they become the sixth father-son duo to reach the NBA Finals.

Episode Timestamps

  • 00:00 – Welcome to June: The Knicks are Finals bound.
  • 01:00 – Tarlin’s quick hitters: Memorial Day HORSE matches and driving tests.
  • 02:00 – Creating an injury support community and calling out Starbucks’ identity crisis.
  • 04:00 – Assessing Knick Nation’s quiet confidence and the scars of past postseasons.
  • 05:00 – Mitchell Robinson’s broken pinky, WWE clubs, and the legendary “granny shot”.
  • 06:00 – Scouting the West: Banged-up OKC vs. Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs.
  • 07:00 – Nostalgia lane: The heartbreak of ’94, the OJ chase, and the ’99 miracle run.
  • 09:00 – Deep dive into the numbers: #1 ratings and a 10-deep rotation.
  • 14:00 – Top-down vs. Player-empowered leadership: From Thibs to Mike Brown.
  • 16:00 – The “Nova Knicks” chemistry, KAT’s defense, and 2014 Spurs-style ball movement.
  • 22:00 – All-NBA slights, media potshots, and the “team of destiny” narrative.
  • 27:00 – Rick and Jalen Brunson join rare father-son Finals history.
  • 29:00 – Bandwagons, 30th college reunions, and non-alcoholic beer survival tips.

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Thibs’ Firing, Hali v SGA NBA Finals, Plus “Big Shot Rob” and the History of Clutch

Thib's Firing and Hali v. SGA

Get ready for an unfiltered and energetic breakdown of the NBA playoffs as we, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray from ⁠Running It Back⁠, dive headfirst into the latest on the hardwood!

We kick things off by dissecting the Knicks’ recent playoff run, asking the tough questions about what went wrong and what’s next for Mike’s beloved and Tarlin’s bandwagon team. Tarlin connects Coach Thibs’ firing to a fascinating historical trend—it seems winning Coach of the Year can be a bit of a curse. Meanwhile, Mike remains optimistic that this shake-up opens up exciting new possibilities for the Knicks in the trade and free agent markets.

Then, we shift gears to marvel at the Indiana Pacers’ surprising success. We’re talking about Tyrese Haliburton’s incredible clutch shooting and Rick Carlisle’s brilliant coaching. While we might not label Haliburton a “superstar,” you’ll hear why Mike concedes he is an elite point guard who consistently delivers in the clutch. Tarlin even drops some compelling stats, drawing comparisons between Haliburton and Chris Paul.

Of course, we can’t ignore the Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC). We delve into their suffocating defensive intensity, and I’m even bold enough to make a finals prediction you won’t want to miss! We’re exploring the evolving landscape of basketball, celebrating deep teams that bring high intensity for all 48 minutes, rather than relying on just one “alpha” superstar. And Tarlin makes a powerful point: it’s about the quality of basketball, not just who’s the “face of the NBA.”

So, join us for all this and more—we promise a fun, insightful, and passionately debated journey through the world of NBA.

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Knicks Pacers Rivalry | Reggie v Patrick, Hali v Brunson and More | Running It Back

Knicks Pacers Rivalry

Tarlin and Mike are back to chop it up about the Knicks Pacers rivalry through the years heading into the big series starting this week. Tarlin asks in on the Knicks bandwagon. Mike extols Brunson’s leadership, doesn’t fear Haliburton, the Pacers, Pat McAfee, or even Hans Perez, the firefighter who wore a Haliburton jersey to the midtown New York celebration outside MSG on Friday night. Mike and Gilbert Arenas are saying Knicks in 5. Tarlin is on Knicks in 6–It sounds good, doesn’t it?

Where do you stand? Which half of Knicks Nation do you belong to? Or are you riding or dying with the House of Haliburton? Listen in and learn. Subscribe wherever you get your pods. Video episodes up on Youtube and Spotify.

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That’s My QB 2024 – Plus the KAT for Randle and DiVincienzo Trade

Quarterbacks

In our kickoff to SEASON 5 of Running It Back, Hosts Tarlin Ray and Mike Palmer dive into the exciting world of NFL quarterbacks and their narratives. After Tarlin’s “291” anecdote, we start with a New York focus, getting NY Sports fan Mike’s takes on the recent trade of Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks and the current state of the Mets. Then we shift gears to analyze “That’s My Quarterback…” narratives from across the league, including Aaron Rodgers’ return from injury, Josh Allen’s video game-like performances and improved decision-making, and the ongoing debate about Daniel “Danny Dimes” Jones upside for the New York Giants.

We explore the idea that a quarterback’s success may depend more on their organization than individual talent, using examples like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes. We also touch on the changing landscape of the NFL, with an increasing number of mobile quarterbacks and black quarterbacks leading teams. We’ll return to that once we’re caught up on Lou Moore’s book The Great Black Hope and The Evolution of the Black Quarterback series which just dropped on Amazon.

Join us for a lively discussion filled with hot takes, witty banter, fantasy football insights, and musings on the future of the game. Don’t miss this episode, which is packed with NFL analysis and takeaways from emerging QB narratives. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

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Is the “Big 3” Era Over in the NBA? 🏀

Is the Superstar “Big 3” Era Over in the NBA? 🏀 Knicks’ Cinderella Run & the Rise of the WNBA 🌟

On this episode of the Running It Back sports podcast, hosts Tarlin Ray and Mike Palmer break down:

  • Golf star Scotty Scheffler’s bizarre arrest before the PGA Championship 🚓 Drawing hilarious comparisons to Tiger Woods and John Daly mugshots
  • The New York Knicks’ unexpected underdog playoff run led by the “Nova Knicks” 🗽 Is this gritty team the end of NBA’s superstar “Big 3” era?
  • Why the WNBA is having a moment with rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese 👀 Is this the tipping point for the league’s popularity?
  • Should NBA teams stop chasing manufactured “Big 3” superstar trios? 🤷‍♂️ The benefits of cohesive, role-oriented squads

Get insight, analysis and laughs as the hosts banter about the latest NBA, golf and WNBA storylines in this must-listen episode! ⛳️🏀👂

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Hoops IQ Part 1 – Jalen Brunson vs Luka Doncic – Recorded Live at ASU+GSV

NBA Playoffs 2024

Running It Back recorded live together in person for the first time! Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray record this podcast live from the 39th floor of a hotel in San Diego while attending the ASU+GSV education technology conference. Despite the non-sports setting, we managed to discuss a variety of basketball topics in our signature free-flowing style.

Our main focus rests on Jalen Brunson’s impact on the New York Knicks and his potential to be one of the most underrated stars in the NBA this playoff season. We debate his elite basketball IQ, leadership qualities that have unlocked teammates like Isaiah Hartenstein, and how his game compares to past greats like Isiah Thomas and Kevin Johnson. Other storylines include our playoff predictions, the Knicks’ chances against teams like the Bucks, Celtics and 76ers in the East, and frequent references to the 1990s Knicks.

Sans our usual prep, and in-person, not in Zoom, the new dynamic brings a fresh energy to the conversation. Don’t miss insights into leadership, life, and more while chopping it up heading into the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

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NBA 2023 Trade Deadline Shuffle Up and Deal Edition

NBA Trade - Kyrie & KD

Mike and Tarlin are back to talk about Lessons Learned from the NBA with the recent team shakeups across the league as we prepare for the stretch run after the All-Star Game. Kyrie and KD are no longer Nets and that has set off ripple effects that have transformed the NBA. We get Mike’s reactions to the new look Knicks and Nets and hear from Tarlin about his revamped Lakers before digging into the new Big 4 with the Suns and how they shape up against Jokic’s Nuggets and the new pecking order in the Western Conference. The leadership in the East is clearly Boston, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia. Mike issues an “Intangibles Alert” with the crafty Jae Crowder heading to the Bucks. What have the experiments with Big 3s and so-called “Super Teams” taught us so far and how does this set us up for the rest of this season? We try to answer this while also reflecting on the sale of the Suns from Robert Sarver to bench player for the 2000 NCAA Champion Michigan State Spartans, Matt Ishbia, and what it means for the league.

Then we conclude by reflecting on LeBron breaking Kareem’s All-Time NBA Scoring record in a wide-ranging romp through the exciting and vastly transformed NBA in 2023. Don’t miss it.

Subscribe to Running It Back wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at RunningItBack.fm for more amazing lessons learned from the world of sports.

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Linsanity – Lessons Learned from a Magical Run

Tarlin and Mike are back to talk about Jeremy Lin’s historic hot streak back in 2012 when he took advantage of his opportunity with the New York Knicks to break through and lead the team to an amazing winning streak before being sidelined with an injury and getting traded to the Houston Rockets. We explore what got him to that point and why he captured the global consciousness at the time before shifting focus to what lessons we can draw from his experience both during the stratospheric heights of 2012 to what is now a 10 year professional career in the NBA.

We also explore his role as a trailblazer, a role model, and an influencer as issues of AAPI hate and bias have recently bubbled up in America and beyond. We talk through what Linsanity means to Knicks fans (Mike) and Harvard Alums (Tarlin) before concluding with takeaways about self-belief, focus and preparation in what we hope is an inspirational return trip to a magical performance during a brief stretch of time nearly 10 years ago.

Thanks as always for Running It Back with us. If you like what you’re hearing subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and check us out at RunningItBack.fm.