Bald Guys On The Bench
Bald Guys On The Bench
The Heat is On: Playoff Battles and Major Predictions
When playoff sports ramp up, the Bald Guys bring their A-game. Scott and Graham return after a brief hiatus, fired up and ready to dissect the most thrilling moments across the sports landscape.
The Stanley Cup Finals have delivered nail-biting overtime drama in both opening games. Edmonton and Florida have split the first two contests, with Scott boldly declaring "the Panthers are going to win 4-2" after analyzing how each team's physicality and execution have evolved from last year's matchup. The hosts break down key moments, including McDavid's "stupid good" assist and the controversial officiating that has already sparked heated debate.
Meanwhile, the NBA Finals produced perhaps the most stunning upset of the postseason when the Indiana Pacers shocked Oklahoma City in Game 1 despite being 10.5-point underdogs. The conversation centers around Tyrese Haliburton's clutch gene—he now has an astonishing five game-winning shots in these playoffs—despite being voted "most overrated player" by his NBA peers. As Scott notes, "My guy's got ice in his veins."
The heartbeat of this episode, however, is their passionate preview of the US Open at Oakmont. Drawing from Scott's firsthand experience playing the legendary course, the hosts paint a vivid picture of the punishment awaiting golfers. "If you want to watch the best players in the world hit bad shots, you better watch this week," Scott advises listeners. Their analysis goes beyond picking favorites (Bryson DeChambeau and Collin Morikawa) to explain why Oakmont represents the purest test in golf—where "par is an amazing score" and even bogeys can be celebrated.
Between predictions and analysis, Scott shares a hilarious flag football coaching saga involving sideline confrontations and a game ultimately called off by officials. The episode closes with the hosts realizing they've hit their three-year podcast anniversary, a testament to their enduring chemistry and sports passion.
Celebrate with us as we mark three years of the Bald Guys on the Bench podcast!
#baldbuysonthebench #graboneandcrackone #usopen #oakmont #nbafinals #stanleycupfinals
Welcome to another episode of the Bald Guys on the Bench podcast, with your hosts Graham Cohen and Scott Wasco.
Graham:What's up everyone, welcome back to another edition of the Bald Guys on the Bench. Scotty, it's good to see you again, brother, and oh damn, is it hot out here.
Scott:How you doing, brother, dude I know it's hot in Vegas, but, bro, if you like 85% humidity, I'm right there with you. I know it's two different kinds of hot, but the main thing is guess what? It's goddamn hot Facts, oh man. But gee, it's been a couple weeks we haven't been on the air. It's time, bro, let's grab it and crack it.
Graham:Sweet, I need to cool off, let's go.
Scott:Oh, the only thing that can cool me off is I can dip my balls in the pool right about now. Totally got done playing some g today and my dad and all his buddies are like man I can't wait to get home, jump in the pool and I'm like, god damn it, I miss my house in california, right, oh god, you remember the days, dude, you're going to get home from playing some golf and it would be like superman changing in the phone booth.
Scott:Bro, bathing suit, cord light. I was so wanting that today. But anyhow, uh, first foremost, sorry we didn't do an episode last week, and with saying that, it kind of made me feel good that we didn't do an episode last week, because I got a lot of texts from people going bro, where's the episode, where's the episode, where's the episode? And I'm like oh damn. Okay.
Graham:Let's go, my bad, let's go. My bad, let's go I was available.
Scott:Graham had to do some work, but it was probably thanks. It was probably a good thing we didn't do it last sunday night because after the situations in flag football the whole segment might have been a kick rocks moment.
Graham:That's right. You got to bring that up this time around. I forgot about that.
Scott:Oh yeah, we're going to bring it up, but you know, like we always do, you got last weekend and this weekend to kind of talk about, even though we are recording for the first time ever on a Saturday night.
Graham:Yes, which is kind of weird, folks, I've always said this to Scott and everyone else, friends of mine I'm a firm believer in things happen. For a reason Was it unfortunate that we couldn't get an episode out last week? 100%? But? But To be fair, what really happened last week? A whole lot of nothing. I mean we were on break from the NHL playoffs. We were on break in between the NBA. Yeah, there was some hockey I mean hockey Slap myself. There was some baseball going on, but like, did we really miss anything?
Graham:You got to watch Scotty Scheffler dominate again at jack's place yeah, I mean, is this a golf podcast or all around sports podcast?
Scott:well, like we said in episode one, we met because of the sport of golf facts a and and.
Graham:As I told you, after that dominating performance, I officially folks you heard it here first. Scott already knows but I am no longer referring to scotty scheffler as scotty scheffler folks his new name is the white tiger and I'm just leaving it, and folks, graham's already gotten that patented, so try to steal it.
Scott:You're welcome. He's already got the website Whitetigerorgcom. Ballguys on the bench Go ahead and try, motherfucker.
Graham:So I mean we're going to get into a lot of golf in a little while, because Well, the US Open, that's different, you know, I mean jack's place is jack's place, I get it. Memorial, I mean it's iconic, I get it. But yeah did you see?
Scott:the little dig that jack did in his press conference after tiger won. It was amazing oh yeah about. He's like yeah, ben griffin's a good player, yeah, step struck is a good player, but they're not even on the same level as scotty bro.
Graham:No one's on his level right now dude.
Scott:It was so awesome that he said that. I mean the way the media blew it up, like they always do, you know, but jack's the only guy that can get away from get away with saying that. I mean, yeah, but anyhow, back to your weekend. You know, sidetracked much yeah, right, um, um.
Graham:What did I do? I'd say the Cliff Notes version is I helped my dad reset up the little outside above-ground pool that we got Just been having some complications with that. Got that all situated and worked out. Finally got the float in the mail from Amazon. That should have been here in a day and it took a week and a half, for whatever reason. Thanks, work being work, I didn't get into that, but really I've. Let's check out the movie checklist. What has Graham seen in the last week and a half.
Scott:Oh God, if it's in a theater. My guy's seen it.
Graham:Hey, I've been waiting for some movies to come out here, so let's not, you know, even though I did watch two in the past week, so three. I saw the Mission Impossible movie Unbelievable. I can't remember if we brought this up last time.
Scott:We did Okay, alright, we got a broken record going. Alright. Alright, bro, we did Okay, all right, we got a broken record going All right.
Announcer:Bro, like I said on this podcast before.
Graham:I don't remember what I had for dinner three nights ago. So, to be fair, right, last night saw Ballerina, the spinoff of the John Wick movies. I thought it was really good, really enjoyed that, saw that with Pops. And then a few days ago I saw the new karate kid movie. And I'm gonna be honest, folks, I it's not that I had high expectations going into the movie, but I was pleasantly surprised on how good it was. I mean, it wasn't cheesy like how they did the cobra kai series on netflix, like they did a really good job bringing in Jackie Chan. They brought in Ralph Macchio.
Scott:They brought in Ralph Macchio.
Graham:Yeah, dude, they even brought in Zepka. No, sorry, but it was really good Wax off wax off motherfucker.
Scott:Yeah, so both movies are really good. Good, I'm so happy you hit that we can say bad language on our podcast button now, right now, for now, for now, okay.
Graham:No, the only reason why I say it is like we can, but when we start going on youtube, they demonetize you if you swear. Oh okay, so like we can swear, but it will be bleeped out okay, that's fine, bleep me, bleep these got him who dot, dot dot cares.
Scott:And yes, folks, you can tell we're fired up for this episode after missing last week and we haven't even started talking about our god damn thing.
Graham:Yeah I mean, hey, at this point, enough about me, brother. How was your last two weeks?
Scott:well, you know it's been awesome. It's getting hot, it's getting busy. Golf season's booming here on the east coast. Uh, you know, flag football last week we had a double header so we got rained out week one and you know we were just balling, dude, my team's fucking doing work and we had a game, the first game last week. We're playing a team that wasn't very good and the second game was the team that was in first place above us because of points scored against, that's the tiebreaker, right, right scored against. So, dude, literally first game. It's less than a minute into the game and my son has two touchdowns, okay, it's like, yeah, we won 42 to 12, okay, and we rested everybody.
Scott:So the the best part about the game was the officials were like, oh man, y'all play the commanders next after this game. Right, we're like, yeah, oh, somebody just hit a bomb, is that Ronnie? There we go, metropolitans. The officials are like hyping it. You know what I mean. It was like the perfect storm. The officials were like ooh, like oh, oh, oh, y'all gonna do work against them. Oh, y'all are big, oh, and the kids are like buying into it. Yeah, you know, the officials are talking to the kids about it and I'm like, yeah, bro, shut up. You know anyhow won the game.
Scott:The first game 42 to so now we're playing the commanders, okay Right, the team that hasn't allowed a point all season. Oh damn, they skunked, sorry, they allowed eight points going into the third game against us. Fourth game oh wow. And we did the coin toss. They get the ball first, they get a touchdown, they drive down the field, bada bing, bada boom. Eight, nothing, cause they go for two. We sought out on the field and you've seen the video, first player of the game. I give it to Kellen run pass option. What's Kellen do, graham?
Graham:House call Booba.
Scott:And we may put it on the video on our instagram now. The best part about the video is number one kristin jumping up and down, all excited. Number two my dad going like this, when kellen does his spin, he's telling just my dad just goes bye-bye, he gone, it's awesome, but yeah, tie game, you know, whatever this. So this team, you know they're like oh damn, we're in a battle, right. They're like, okay, and it's the first team they've played that they can really say, okay, they're good and things just went to shit after that, dude. And when I mean shit, I mean shit, dude. Normally it's your boy and I'll admit it that gets fired up and doesn't know how to shut his mouth. You know that I mean, for once, kristen was like damn, I'm proud of you, I can't even believe it.
Scott:And it all started with, you know, kellen spins when he runs the ball. They started saying you can't spin in this league. Well, no jackass, you can spin, you can't jump. So we get into this heated debate. Their coach is saying something to Kellen. And you know, dad coach. And you know, dad coach, whatever you can say, whatever you want to your players, you ain't talking to my son, fat boy, like right. He said something to kellen and kellen fires back at him why don't you eat a salad? And at that moment I'm like I mean not that I didn't know before, but my god knows, he's got my attitude in my mouth.
Scott:But anyhow, the game is, the official calls a timeout and has me and the coach in a little huddle on midfield and I'm like, and he's like arguing you can't spin. I'm like, dude, read the rules. Blah, blah, blah. Yeah, so I, I call the next play and I'm like walking off the sidelines. I'm like kellen, spin, spin. Like and I didn't realize how loud I said it I'm like spin, spin like a god dang tornado, dude. My entire sideline loses it. They're all dying, laughing, whatever right. So, whatever I mean, it is what it is.
Scott:Parents are getting hit or getting pissed. Their coach says to one of their players and that fat son of a bitch in the blue sweatshirt is lucky I didn't hear it because he goes. If that kid, kid spins again, just hit him, dude. I'd have put him in the Stone Cold Stunner, and I'd have been like Austin. 316 means I just whipped your ass, fat boy. You want me to drop you on that stack of dimes? You call a neck, you know. So that's going on. My quarterback's dad is very mild tempered and he was about to go over there lay the wood the fat boy in the blue sweatshirt, anyhow, halftime, second half starts and you know, the kids start jawing because you know it is what it is. They're 14 years old dude, you know.
Announcer:Yeah.
Scott:They're years old dude, you know, yeah, they're competitive, they want to win. Selling goes for a run. Some dude like grabs his flag, throws it down and kellen's like, oh, you think you're cool. You were the last person on your team that could have gotten my flag, congratulations. Dude gets in kellen's face and I'm like, oh god, I'm grabbing kellen back.
Scott:So then the straw that broke the camel's back was one of their parents on the sideline starts yelling we got the ball on offense. And I'm like, dude, shut up. I'm in the huddle and the kid on their team goes don't tell my dad to shut up. You shut up. And he says something. And my boy, shane you know, hoover vacuum best hands in the league. Shane's like bro, you ain't talking to my coach, like that homeboy. We're about to go down. And that's when the league official called the game game over. Everybody, go home. We're not finishing the game. Wow, it got out of hand. But all I'm gonna say is you know, I wrote a letter to the league. We have to wear these red t-shirts, right, let's say nfl flag coach on them. That's how they distinguish who the coach is right they had six dudes on their sideline.
Scott:One person had the red t-shirt on, okay, and they're all. Yeah, they're all yelling and screaming, and probably because blue sweatshirt guy couldn't fit in his t-shirt that they sent his fat ass. So we'll excuse him, okay. So then we got four more. I mean, oh, my God, I don't know it was, so they ended up giving us the loss. Whatever it is what it is, we'll see him in the championship. That's the main thing. Whatever, I'd rather lose in a regular season than that. We know what they're all about and I'm not. Hey, they were good. I'm not taking anything away from their team. They were good. Yeah, their coaches were douchebags.
Graham:Yeah, but something that you kind of left out that I just want to bring up.
Scott:Why do you think they were so good? Oh, because they practiced multiple times during the week.
Announcer:Isn't that illegal?
Scott:Yeah, in my league you're only allowed to practice an hour before the game. These dudes didn't settle the entire game. I mean fat boy in the blue sweatshirt God, I wish I knew his text because I'd send him this Fat boy in the blue sweatshirt. I mean you ain't the second coming bro of God, dang Josh McDaniels, or give me some other offensive geniuses. I mean you ain't the second coming bro of God, dang Josh McDaniels, or give me some other offensive geniuses. I mean Sean Payton. I mean, bro, come on, guy Kingsbury, you don't have an offense named after you, like me, the Woffence. I mean I do this shit legal, bro. We huddle, we practice an hour before the game. That fat son of a bitch, I guarantee you he goes the fucking arby's as much as they practice during the week. Who's?
Graham:got the beef that guy.
Scott:Oh, dude, dude, anyhow, it is what it is. Enough about that. And I do have to say one thing greg shane's dad. He was texting me like bro, where's the episode? And I knew what he was getting at. He was like poking the bear because he wanted to hear the kick rocks. But from the five game last week, greg, I get it, dude, some parent told greg, I'll see you in the parking lot. What? Yeah, like bro, it's 13, 14 year old kids playing flag football. I want to win as much as anybody, but come on, bro, I mean yeah. So anyhow, let's go, bro. Stanley cup finals finally start, after God knows how many days off. Game one in Edmonton you know we got a rematch of last year. Last year the Panthers had home ice, this year the Oilers have it. Dude, I'm on the way home from work. Forget the game's on, turn it on. There's 18 minutes and X left and it's already 1-0. I'm like, holy shit, right, dude. Overtime. Game one Did it disappoint? Not a chance.
Graham:Pins and needles, that game Look.
Scott:You know the best thing about this You're starting to watch hockey playoffs.
Graham:I told you know the best thing about this you're starting to watch hockey playoffs I told you in the past, and I was actually just gonna say this I watch when the playoffs go on. There's an intensity and, trust me, I get why you like it. I get it. You know what I mean. But it's just in all the sports, when the pressure is on and it means something, the intensity is up and it's just like I don't want to call it a different game, but like when something's is on and it means something, the intensity is up and it's just like I don't want to call it a different game, but like when something's on the line, it means more. And you could really tell. I mean especially and we'll get into it even with game two, dude, game two in the double overtime, bro dude, there was parts that I like I was watching the game before you even called me and like I'm telling stuff to you and you're like, wait, you actually did watch the game.
Scott:I was like, yeah, I've been watching it from the beginning dude, I told kristen last night in the second after the first overtime. I'm like I'm so glad this is not the nights, because I'd be a wreck right now oh, facts even though it was only game two, but anyhow it's. And the worst part about it, bro, is you can't go take a leak when you're having some beverages, because there ain't no timeouts. It's like, oh, can a brother just go take a leak.
Graham:Can a brother get that TV outside again?
Scott:Thanks for making me remember my California house again. Graham, Appreciate it. Just for that I'll smack myself in the face. I don't even know why, but you know Oilers win game one, dude, and you know it was insane. It was what we wanted to see, right? Yeah, Rematch and TP, and I said it, the Oilers are a better team this year. They're deeper, oh yeah, Much deeper. But going into game two, my whole thing were the Panthers are going to light them up. My prediction was and you've seen the text my prediction was Skinner's not in the net to start game three. You said that. And, dude, he almost got hurt. And then he was almost. My prediction was going to be right. Not that I want him to get hurt, I just wanted him to get lit up like a christmas tree, but dude the way that game started.
Scott:Panthers score early on a power play and then edmonton scores to 11 penalties. Dude In the first period.
Graham:Bro. I mean Unlike last year, you could tell. I mean for someone that's an outsider Looking in, I could tell how much More of a physical team that the Oilers Were compared to last year. Like last year the Panthers were slapping them around. You know what I mean. And it's just like All the chippiness was from the Florida Panthers. Now this go around it was much. I mean I would say the Panthers were more aggressive with their chippiness but the Oilers weren't backing down from it. You know what I mean. Like they were trying to hold their own.
Scott:That's the way the Panthers play, dude Right. And if you rewind back to when the Knights beat the Panthers in the cup, it was the same thing and the Panthers are chippy, chippy, chippy. That's part of their game plan. Dude, hit Graham after the whistle. Get Graham to retaliate. Guess who? The penalty's on Graham? Yeah, and the Knights didn't fall for their bullshit and that's why they were in the penalty box the whole time and that's why we beat them four to one. No-transcript. They're playing some hockey, man. But with that being said, last night, third period, panthers are up one empty net. Three minutes left in the game-ish, yeah.
Graham:I was surprised that three and a half minutes. They took them out, dude, that's a lot of fucking time they had to get one quick, a lot of time.
Scott:And dude, the Panthers couldn't maintain possession of the puck. You know my bet. I had Panthers minus one and a half. I'm going hell yeah, empty net. Three and a half minutes, it's going to take a miracle. And then 18 seconds left.
Graham:The worst part is I mean I've said it already like I mean I want the Oilers to win, but the thing is, after how game one went, I thought for sure the Panthers were going to come out. I wouldn't say smoke them, but I don't really want to say easily take care of business, but like I thought they were going to come out, I wouldn't say smoke them, but I wouldn't even want to say easily take care of business.
Graham:But I thought they were going to get the win. So, that being the case, obviously I had to make up for my losses in NBA. Thank you very much. So I put the money on Florida. So when they scored or should I say when the Oilers scored with what, was it 30 seconds left?
Scott:18.
Graham:18 seconds left.
Graham:I'm like you've got to be kidding me and folks I know I've mentioned this before. It doesn't matter what sport it is. What's worse than betting the other team when you really want the original team? It's like you want the team that you're not betting to actually win, but you want your money, so it's like a lose-lose situation Just because I know how the series is going to go. Every game matters, Dude, if the Oilers would have gone up 2-0, it would have been a much bigger swing. Granted, I know that the Panthers did lose two in the last series and came back. I get that, but they also are not the Oilers. Dude last series and came back. I get that, but they also are not the.
Scott:Oilers. So, dude, I couldn't agree with you more. The Oilers threw everything at the Panthers and the kitchen sink and in both games the Oilers had to have a third period goal to tie it up, just in both games overtime. Last night was the series bro. Have a third period goal to tie it up, just in both games of overtime. Last night was the series bro. In my opinion I'm going out there right now and saying it Panthers are going to win 4-2. Last night was huge for the orange yeah huge.
Graham:I mean sound like a homer game. Three is gonna be huge.
Scott:That first game back in florida, oh dude that place is gonna be rocking oh, as the kids say, it's gonna be litty yeah, the only the worst part about it is Kepka is not going to be there. He's going to be at Oakmont. But whatever, beating the bookie, he'll be there. But, dude, as I'm watching the game last night, you could just feel the one-sided BS from the officials. I mean, literally to feel it, the goalie interference when Homeboy pushed the Panthers player into Skinner. That's called a penalty. Okay, if one player from one team pushes another player into the goalie, okay, whatever. After the Panthers took the lead in the third, I'm literally texting TP and texting Greg. I'm like, oh, wait for the penalty. It's coming, wait for it, wait for it. Boom. But the best thing I saw in that game yesterday was make David's assist. Oh, dude, stupid, stupid good. You know what can you say about it. But how about marshand? Dude, from a bruin to a panther gets the shorthanded goal and then the game winner right and people hate him, whatever. So what? He licks people's ears. It's hockey, dude, you got to have a screw loose to play that sport. Oh for sure. I mean people hate him because he's good and because he played on the bruins and because he's physical and because you don't take your shit.
Scott:You know, but we got game three Monday night, which is crazy. You know they got a couple days off. Granted, they are going from one side of the world to the next. Yeah, I mean, I don't know if a matchup could be any farther apart, but let's jump into the NBA playoffs, dude, or finals Sorry, my bad, they started Thursday night. Okc, the heavy favorite. I mean just what everybody predicted, right, pacers, thunders in the finals, yeah, maybe one side, but not the other maybe one side, but not the other.
Graham:I you know, yeah, look, you gotta play the team that that's there. And what I mean by that is just because you think a certain team's gonna win with better record. Sometimes it's. It doesn't go how you think it's going to go. Sometimes players get hurt. I mean, look, everyone thought it was going to come down to Boston and Cleveland in the Eastern Conference Finals. They had no idea it was going to be the Pacers and the Knicks which, by the way, bringing it up, can you believe they fired their head coach, tom Thibodeau. I just don't get it.
Scott:Like I said to you the other night, if you would have told any Knicks fan that they would have been three games away from the NBA Finals at the beginning of the season, do you think they would have been cool with that?
Graham:Oh, all day, all day. So you know it is what it is. In that sense, look, I for the longest time said well, I don't want to say this, but it's just like. It's not that I didn't have confidence in the Patriots. Wow, slap, pacers, pacers. It's just when you look at their roster you're just like, okay, yeah, they got some players. Okay, you know they play well together. And look, playing well together is pretty, pretty important.
Scott:Dude, as you're saying that I'm sitting here thinking back to our NBA playoff predictions and this and that, and I think I said Graham couldn't even tell you a person's name that plays on the Pacers.
Announcer:Right, right Right.
Graham:I mean a couple of guys. But yeah, I mean especially with you for not watching it.
Scott:Dude, my boy halliburton, my guy's got ice in his veins.
Graham:Like all everybody in sports professional sports always say he's got that dog in him yeah, which is hilarious because, voted amongst his peers, he is the most overrated player in the NBA.
Scott:What? Okay, I'm sorry. How'd that work out in Knicks, game one? How'd that work out in OKC, game one?
Graham:Bro, he has five, Not one, two, three or four. He has five, not one, two, three or four. He has five game-winning shots with less than three seconds in the playoffs in one season.
Scott:Yeah, he's pretty overrated. What? Yeah, like I said, he's pretty overrated. You know the best thing about that when he was voted the most overrated player. Remember when our boy Fowler was voted most overrated player? Remember when our boy fowler was voted most overrated player on the pga tour? What did he do the next week after that came out?
Graham:oh, he won the players championship yeah, right, like I just so all this, build up all this buildup, all this buildup, and I'm sure we mentioned it a few weeks ago yeah, wasn't OKC minus 900 to win the series 770.
Scott:770. Ok.
Graham:Weren't they minus 400 to win the first game?
Scott:What was the spread? Was it like nine, nine and a half?
Graham:Ten and a half and it's still ten.5 today or for tomorrow.
Scott:It should be for tomorrow.
Graham:Bro, this could be. This could be like Last series where OKC Against the Timberwolves, where the Timberwolves Snuck one out in game, one Dude, the Timberwolves were down. It literally was the same play. They were down anywhere of an average between 8 and 14 points and then, like right at the end they just come back and say, all right, bloop, here's a shot at the end to get the dub and just sneak out of the house and get this dub.
Scott:I remember sending you the emoji of the dude with the big eyes and you're like shut up, no chance. And then I sent another one and it was crickets. It was like texting Andy when he said hashtag WS. But dude, that game was exactly what you thought was going to happen until the fourth quarter.
Graham:Fourth quarter. How about the last six minutes of the game? They were up by 14 points with six and a half minutes left. Bro, the money line was they were plus like 38,000 at that point. Like it's unfathomable. But it's dude the pacers how they play the game, their pace, they look.
Scott:What did you just say? The Pacers, how they their pace. I like it. Yeah right, I like that. The pace of the game in which the Pacers play.
Graham:The three-piece I like it, the three-piece shooting the threes. Bro, they can't miss like, but it but let's don't forget about that block shot at the end of the game oh, 100 oh dude is that 100 oh like it's, you know hey, it's only one game, but they got OKC puckering up a little bit. Yeah, that's what the? Timberwolves thought too. What happened in game two, you remember?
Scott:Yeah, I did, but we're talking about the Pacers. We're talking about the Pacers. We're talking about the Mall of America. We're talking about what was voted the most miserable sports city in all of sports, and that is Minneapolis.
Graham:And they got all four sports too.
Scott:Yeah, how about it? Who, yeah, how about it? Who gives up for youtube?
Graham:I mean, look, I'm not saying they're gonna get blown out in game two like the timberwolves did by 45 or whatever it was, but um myself and like every like all the other 80 percent of people I am on bet mgm. Uh yeah, not only are they taking okc money line 80 favorites minus 10 and a half 80% favorites, and I was also kind of surprised because how the game started, game one, the point the points between both teams was low, like there was three minutes left and it was like 18 to 11.
Announcer:And.
Graham:I'm like, I'm like dude, how am I making it to?
Scott:11 and a half in the first half. Bet the over. Bet the over on the half and the total.
Graham:Yeah, and the half made it. I'm saying I think the end did, would you?
Scott:say the line is 10 and a half. Yeah, 10 and a half. I'll alternate, spread that shit to 14. Facts the only thing that sucks about that is if you got a big lead in the.
Graham:But here's the thing you know everyone's going to say, oh well, the Pacers had 20 turnovers and this. I'm like, yeah, that's true. But okay, see, played like shit in the first half. Like well, it was more of the first quarter. The second half played like shit in the first half. Well, it was more the first quarter. The second half they brought it back together. I mean, when you watch them, okc far and away looks like the best team.
Graham:It's just, you know, the Pacers just kept hanging around, and hanging around, and hanging around, and what happens when you let a team just hang around, it's over. I mean what it really comes down to. I mean, look, sean Gildress, sean Shane Gildress, alexander had the ball in his hand for the last. What he thought was going to be the last possession With 15, 20 seconds left, dribbled the ball, had it. He's known as the best mid-range jumper in the game. He's the MVP. He made his move, did a spin move, took a shot in and out of the rim and missed. If he makes that shot, this game's over.
Scott:Yep.
Graham:Like they would have a four point lead.
Scott:I need one more strikeout from Clay Holmes Please.
Graham:I was wondering why you're looking at TV so intently. So it's just like look, obviously what happens happens, and you know it's how the cookie crumbles. If he makes it, it's over, If he doesn't, but then again, look, you know, Halliburton is going to get the ball. You know all this stuff is going to happen you know where it's going. Yeah, it's like it's almost to the point of everyone has to say to themselves can he do it again? Can you be that lucky?
Scott:I'm pretty sure he's backed it up.
Graham:Yeah, yeah, I mean I get it.
Scott:I mean remember Game 1 series against the Knicks. Knicks were up what 14 with 3 minutes left.
Graham:Yeah, it was like 14 or 12 with 3 minutes left. Yeah, I mean dude, they were up Total total series swung on his shot, oh facts, facts, oh, that plus like if the Knicks would have advanced, the Knicks would have got their clocks cleaned. So I mean, look, it's kind of like the David and Goliath, a team of destiny. Well, they're both kind of teams of destiny to be honest.
Graham:But it's good for the league. But you know, yes, is it too small markets? Yes, is it the new? I don't want to say the new version, but like, look, a lot of the old teams that have been around for a while with the older players. They ain't there no more. This is the young bloods and this is like where we're going to see the future, so like it's good for the game. It's you the game. The series has been good so far. We'll see what happens. All right, all right, all right.
Scott:That's enough of the NBA. I mean, we just spent a long time talking about that.
Graham:But hey, I will say the game was entertaining it was super entertaining. I mean I think that deserves a golf clap. Hearing that from Scott, I mean hey, super entertaining Folks that's. I mean I think that deserves a golf clap. Hearing that from Scott, I mean hey super entertaining.
Scott:But, dude, something we've talked about for hours and hours and hours on this show finally happened, and that is none other than the dude that doesn't like his mom and the dude that dumped Danica Patrick Stein with the Steelers and the Mets just hit a bomb. Who was that? Jared Young, let's go.
Announcer:Who.
Scott:Exactly, exactly. I was just talking to TP about that earlier. Rodgers is officially a Steeler. I hate every part of it. You love it. Eh eh, I just don't like it.
Graham:Love is not the right word, I would say I wouldn't really say accepted, I would say I prefer our chances to win with him. Obviously he's not a long-term situation, bro. Did you see his deal numbers?
Scott:Yeah, in fact I screenshotted it.
Graham:It was 13.6 and 10 guaranteed, yeah, and then like 19 with incentives if he hits. It can't get any friendlier than that.
Scott:That's fine and dandy.
Graham:And, bro, there's still rumblings. Pittsburgh has picks, there's talks on the town. And, bro, there's still rumblings. Pittsburgh has picks, there's talks on the town. They want to make another trade Like a splash trade.
Scott:Like maybe potentially they don't need to, what I just saw before getting on the show and I didn't want to bring it up until we got on. Yeah, I'm hearing Keenan.
Graham:Oh, I did not hear that.
Scott:Which would be an unbelievable underrated signing for you guys. Possession receiver.
Graham:I'm mad at it.
Scott:I'm mad at it at all. No, no, I mean DK, and then you add Keenan. You got. Roman Wilson, who was out his entire rookie season.
Graham:Yeah, you know, dude, I would much rather have old-ass Keenan Allen than I mean we brought in, and by we obviously the Steelers brought in Gabe Davis, you know, the other day, Is that even a question?
Scott:Yeah, guy had one good game against the Chiefs and has gotten paid for it.
Graham:Hey, sometimes that's all you need bro.
Scott:Just ask that dude, the Packers guy that went to the Seahawks and then Russell Wilson was like hey bro, yeah, I'm going to be the starter. Flynn, Matt Flynn, Matt Flynn, it's 17 back in the day, Chimney crickets Names you don't think of.
Graham:Which goes to show you how important the quarterback position is. You can go from a zero to a hero in one game and all of a sudden it's like, hey, can I pay you some money? Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'll take all that.
Announcer:Please come on down.
Graham:So you know, I'll just say this and we'll finish it with the football. You see what Terry Bradshaw said today. Today, I've been seeing what he's been saying in the past Before the signing.
Scott:No.
Announcer:I've heard before.
Scott:After the signing Look, the Steelers' problem ain't Mike Tomlin. He's a damn good coach, One of the best. Our problem is that, oh, Omar Khan. The Steelers haven't won a single playoff game since he became GM not effing one. And now he's banking on a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. That's the dumbest move I've seen in years.
Graham:All right, Terry, I'm going to have to back you up on that.
Scott:Not back you up, that's not what I meant. But I saw something earlier. Cp sent me Okay and this opened my eyes. I was kind of like oh damn, wow, yeah, quarterback versus quarterback stats Rodgers versus Josh Allen Rodgers 3,897 yards, allen 3,700. What Completion percentage. They're both at 63%. Passing touchdowns, both at 28. Interceptions Rodgers had 11. Allen had 6. Bad throw percentage I don't even know what the hell you want to call that. Yeah, you know. Maybe when aaron rodgers started calling mike williams out for not running down the red line, how about you say good morning to your mom? Uh, 17.3% for Rodgers and 18% for Allen. Granted, the Bills had a different style offense. Yeah, they let them run the ball, exactly.
Graham:Their running back had how many touchdowns last year.
Scott:Yeah, I don't know A lot. He's a bitter Betty right now, huh.
Graham:Well, I mean dude, rightfully so. The NFL does not want to pay running backs. Or let me rephrase that Unless you're not the number one generational talent, unless you're Saquon.
Announcer:Derrick.
Graham:Henry or Christian McCaffrey, you ain't getting paid and it's just like. Trust me, we've beaten the drum way too many times about that whole situation.
Graham:We get it. But it's just like, with the salary cap going up every year, you can't throw him a few Like why does the quarterback have to get 60 million? Like why can't he just get 50? And then you can give the running back like five more, four more like. It's just like you will have to keep like spread, spread the wealth is all I'm saying. You know what I mean. It's just like I'm not saying everyone has to be paid equally, because that's not fair, like certain people deserve it, and I get that, which is also the talent of how you run a team by putting it together based on how who you pay and not pay. I get all that. That being said, you know.
Scott:Speaking of disgruntled players, who Scary Terry Washington?
Announcer:Yeah, he was a name that was mentioned in Pittsburgh.
Scott:Top five receiver in the league. Look what he's done with nobody throwing him the ball. No offense, sarah Honegge, dude they're. I mean. Oh, he just threw it in the left field, let's go. Dude, there's rumors out there Chargers. He's only got one deal, one year left on his deal.
Graham:Yeah, Chargers got money to spend too.
Scott:Yeah, anyhow, let's go, bro. What is next week? As we sit here on Saturday night?
Graham:You know, there's this golf tournament in La Trobe. It's in La Trobe, right, no, no?
Announcer:it's not Smack yourself.
Graham:Thanks, it's next to La Trobe, all right. Whatever it's called Oakmont I know, but I east. It's the beast of all beast. I just forgot it was that.
Scott:That was the town's name um, maybe the hardest us open venue out of the rotation, what is? Is Oakmont known for Greens? Yeah, when I got to play it, dude, and the funny thing is Google memories came up. I was literally there four years ago today. That's crazy, it's wild, but when I was there talking with the head pro, they slow the greens down for the US Open.
Graham:That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. You slow it down and it's at 15.
Scott:That's because you haven't played there. The members. When that place was founded, they wanted the hardest golf course. That place was founded, they wanted the hardest golf course and you know the best thing about it there's no water. There's a couple of ditches.
Graham:All right, let me ask you this question what is the club champion from Oakmont? What's he shooting in the conditions right now?
Scott:Well, the guy that invited me for that amazing trip, rich Berglund, who's the national sales manager for Callaway. He is the club champion and when he won it he shot three under and six inch rough. Graham, you've heard the stories right? Yeah, no, I know. If there was a natural disaster, oakmont would be ready the next day to host the US Open.
Announcer:Yeah.
Graham:No, I get it, I get it.
Scott:Dude, the place is ridiculous. It's. I mean it's ridiculous dude. I mean it's ridiculous dude. I mean the members love it. They're prideful of it being a hard golf course. They don't care, they don't mind going out there and shooting a million because it's their club.
Graham:Yeah.
Scott:I mean that's slick.
Graham:I mean that's now the world, that's pretty cool.
Scott:Now the world gets to see it, starting Monday. I mean, we've already seen a lot of the players making scouting trips to the facility to play a couple rounds. You know they did a little renovation. Gil Hans took down all the trees on the place. There weren't a lot of trees back then, anyway, when I played it, but the players' videos posted on social media about the green speed and the rough it's real, bro, it's going to be fun. I can't wait. I tell all my students that I teach be fun. I can't wait. I tell all my students that I teach. If you want to watch the best players in the world hit bad shots, you better watch this week.
Scott:Because you're going to see it.
Graham:They're going to go from this week at the RBC, shooting 20 under, to Oakmont next week, where the winning score could be plus 5? I hope. I hope it is. I mean it won't be under par. I mean that has to be something we can bet on. I mean I'm sure it would be minus 200. I'm sure we can find it somewhere.
Scott:Yeah, I mean there's no way. When DJ won it in 16, I think he finished it 400. Really, yeah, almost positive. Which one was it? It ain't happening this year.
Graham:Was it at Bethpage that they finished over par for the Open?
Scott:I don't know, cabrera was over par when he won it At Oakmont yeah.
Graham:I'm like I know I mean, look, the whole point of the US Open is to be the toughest test, and it's usually Either right at even par Two under something like that. It's a range of two under to plus Three or four Something like that. For four days and you can't even break par. I love that's amazing.
Scott:I love when par is a great score, I agree, and I love when making a bogey is not a bad score.
Graham:Well, I really think you should break that down in the sense that people need to realize that, yeah, is it easier? For how do I say this? It's easier for players on tour to play at a track like how it is at the RBC and shoot 20 under, versus playing at Oakmont, where it's just like. I guess what I'm asking is you have to use your all of your game.
Scott:Dude, look at look at to survive.
Graham:Okay, you know what I?
Scott:mean If the, the facility and the course that the tour is playing at is a birdie fest, that does not benefit the best player in the world named scotty shuffler oh, facts because he's not a guy. I mean not saying he's not going to go out there and shoot 78 under, but I'm just saying the reason he's the best is because he hits fairways, he misses on the right side of the green and he only makes one bogey on the weekend at the Memorial. That's why he's Scotty Scheffler.
Announcer:Yeah.
Scott:Dude, bogeys aren't bad scores. One of my favorite US Opens ever partly because I was there was when Payne Stewart won in 99 at Pinehurst. Yeah, and he was the only person under par. Yeah, shot one under par for 72 holes. Par is an amazing score. You're not at the Bob Hope, where if you don't shoot 65, you're losing ground to the field.
Graham:You know, don't shoot 65, you're losing ground to the field. You know which, now that I think about it, it just kind of throws even more context for the og tiger, where at pebble he was the only person under par and one by 15 like the only person under par and was double digits under par folks Ridiculous.
Scott:What and that's the crazy thing about going into us open week Steffler plus two, 75. So last time something was that low was when Tiger won. At that page he was plus 175. Right, is that any good? Fun fact about Oakmont, dude, the Golden Bear, as a rookie, won his first major championship at Oakmont.
Graham:Yeah, I was watching oh, that's because you sent it to me the historian thing on Oakmont.
Announcer:Yeah, yeah, I remember that.
Graham:Yeah.
Announcer:Amazing dude.
Graham:Amazing. So, all this being said, it's about that time in the show you got to hit me. Bro, who's your favorite and long shot to win?
Scott:Well, before we get into mine. Okay, I gave a little text message to tp. Okay, told him we were gonna. You know, like we always do on major championship shows, I was like, give me your favorite and your long shot. And tp, his favorite, john Rahm, got a little momentum. You know, finished he was when he tied with Scottie at the PGA on the back line until he missed a couple putts, and Rahm is his favorite and Hideki is his long shot.
Announcer:Okay.
Scott:So if we go in and look at those odds, let's see Rom is 12-1 and Hideki is wow. Wouldn't you start with a wow 70-1. Wow.
Graham:To be fair, outside of the top eight players in the world, you're going down to 35 to one. Yeah, like real quick. And at 35 to one you got ludwig and, honestly, the way he's been playing there is not a chance in hell.
Announcer:I'm taking him right now.
Graham:You know, and, as all these picks that we do for the majors, we always say you know anyone except Tiger, or now, in this case, anyone except Scheffler, because it's just it's too obvious of a pick and we're not going to be obvious. Look, number two plus 850 or eight and a half to one, is rory. Am I taking rory? Nah?
Graham:no chance you can't not play at the memorial, but then your whole thing is you. You play the tournament before a major. Okay, you played at the rb. How'd he do? Oh yeah, he missed the cut.
Scott:Well, he got the Toronto Maple Leafs jinx.
Announcer:Well.
Scott:I'm just saying.
Graham:Oh man, I mean, anything could happen. So, that being said, I'm not doing that, I'm just looking at it. I don't want to repeat anybody. So, that being said, I mean, for a while I was going to say Morikawa, but even.
Scott:Morikawa, you can't, because I've talked about him on this show for like weeks and weeks and weeks. Yeah.
Graham:No, I'm not taking him.
Scott:I'm not, I'm not Okay good, even though I want to backtrack, but I still got to stick to my guns.
Graham:No, no, that's fine. The worst part is who I'm going to take. After the top guys, a favorite. The next what we'll call a favorite is like 45 to 1. So I'm not going to do that. So if we're going to pick a top guy, I'll take Bryson. I'll die on that hill. Look, you need to be long. It's a long course, so that fits his game.
Scott:It's really going to come down to him. I hope it doesn't rain.
Graham:Right, oh, 100%. If they slow those greens down even more, or should I say if the rain slows those greens down anymore, it's going to change everything completely.
Scott:Not only that, but the fairways. If the ball's not hitting and running, it's going to take a lot of people out of the game. If it stays firm, fast, it brings a lot of people in, yeah, but when it's firm and fast it also will get.
Graham:Those balls could continue on and bounce into the rough. You know what I mean. There's plus and minuses with everything. So, that being said, I got Bryson and then I was going to go one or the other here, but I'm hoping your second guy is not, because we've been talking about this.
Scott:I know exactly who you're taking. If it is, it's okay. No, no, if it's your guy, then I got to back this. I know exactly who you're taking If it is, it's okay.
Graham:No, no, if it's your guy, then I got to back up. I got to back up. So obviously the original choice would be Lowry, but I have a feeling that's who you're taking, judging by the look on your face and how salty you are right now. So, that being said, I'm going to take Sepp Straka Dude, they're the same guy, I know that's what I'm saying and Lowry's playing so good right now.
Scott:So is Straka, I know that's why, I said either or such a man crush on those two guys because you appreciate how they play because they both hit it straight.
Scott:Lowry has one of the best short games on the planet. Because you appreciate how they play, because they both hit it straight. Lowry has one of the best short games on the planet. I don't know. I'm going to stick with my favorite because I've been talking about it for weeks and weeks and weeks on the show and actually bet it. Yeah, I was going to say, didn't you bet him? Yeah, I bet it a long ass time ago. I'm going to go with Morikawa, even though I'm not feeling great about it right now, but you know it is what it is. I wish I could see when I bet this.
Graham:Yeah, but also not to cut you off. But I also want to say that when we were on the phone before we got on the show here, didn't you tell me I wouldn't call it a stat. But Oakmont is a place that usually not the favorites win at Exactly you know what I mean, yep.
Scott:So I mean Morikawa is my favorite. I mean obviously we've talked about that. Yeah, I love Lowryawa's my favorite. I mean obviously we've talked about that. Yeah, I love Lowry dude, love him, absolutely love him. I don't know. I, like a lot of people, just need to look at the forecast, yeah, so if you took Straka, I'm going to take Lowry. Yeah, I mean, how are you feeling about JT?
Graham:Justin Thomas. Yeah, so if you took. Straka, I'm going to take Lowry. Yeah, I mean.
Scott:How are you feeling about JT Justin Thomas?
Graham:Yeah, I'm just asking to ask. I'm not like there's no agenda with the question, I'm just he was trending dude Won a tournament, I don't know.
Scott:Oh, that's a Met McNeil home run. Get out of that, let's go.
Graham:I don't know Deuce the.
Scott:US Open Facts. You gotta hit it straight.
Graham:Yeah, you have to. I'm just looking at the odds right here. Who's been one of the hottest players in the last month? Ben Griffin. Yeah, I'm looking at him at 71 right now. I mean I'm not taking him to win, but I mean a top 20 place. Put a couple ducats on that, Henley has been playing nice. Corey Connors has actually been playing kind of nice Henley's dead to me after the PGA. Well, that's fair. All right, let's retract that statement, fuck him.
Scott:Even though I like him man, he's an amazing iron player I can't do it, sorry bro. I mean he's not even on here.
Graham:I'm not even seeing, damn, how low is McNeely. I'm not even seeing him on here. No, he's over 101. Wow, but it's look, I don't know. All the majors are so exciting to watch. Our two favorites are always, you know, the Masters of the US Open. We've already talked about all the stuff Like this is the one. And for it to be at Oakmont how challenging it's going to be. I'm super excited, mainly because I'm going to have a lot of time off, or just how my schedule is. I'm going to be able to watch a lot of G this weekend and I'm stoked about it. Like, unfortunately, I work on Sunday night so it won't be, you know, a lot of the podcast the day after or whatever, but it's just like I'll be able to watch all of Sunday. I have Saturday off, so it's just like to watch the weekend and how it just develops and what's going to happen. I'm super pumped about it.
Graham:I'm going to be glued to the TV.
Scott:I'm pumped about this about as much as I get pumped about Torrey Pines hosting the US Open. You know how much I love Torrey Pines. I've played it a thousand and you know how much I love Torrey Pines. I've played it a thousand times. I mean, I named my goddamn dog after it.
Graham:Yeah, Just the fact that I've gotten to play Oakmont and oh, it just kicks it up, feel it is amazing to me.
Scott:Amazing to me the history, the clubhouse, the whole deal. I can't wait, dude. I can't wait to see Carnage. And it's going to be amazing If I was a betting person, which we all know I am. We already gave our favorites and our underdogs. Just go throw your money on Scotty, let's go. I mean, we can talk about our favorites and under underdogs. Just go throw your money on Scottie, let's go. I mean we can talk about our favorites and underdogs all we want.
Scott:If you lose 50 bucks on Scottie, whatever you made the smartest bet you've ever made in your life.
Graham:Oh, facts, I mean look with all of these golf tournaments, the US Open especially, it's all about who can handle adversity during the round, and Oakmont is going to throw everything at you and it's just what players can be able to be like. All right, I hit a bad shot. On to the next one. Don't care about what happened in the past, just be in focus. Do what you need to do, and score.
Scott:Like I was saying earlier, there is such thing as a good bogey.
Graham:Right.
Scott:Turn that double bogey into a bogey.
Graham:Dude, you could have a putt that could be a good bogey. That could turn into a triple real quick.
Scott:And, with that being said, my boy Mero, is one of the best players I've ever gotten to play with Good friend of us. He got to play Oakmont for the first time back in October. My guy had a 20-foot birdie putt on the second hole. He's going to kill me for talking about this, but whatever, don't care. Let's go 20-foot birdie putt on the second hole. You know what he had for his third shot.
Graham:Yeah, didn't he have like 60 yards?
Announcer:Or 40 yards.
Graham:Yeah, 40 yards, that's insane.
Scott:And the hole's like 350 yards. When I played it, dude, I hit four iron sandwich. And with that being said, folks enjoy the US Open, enjoy the Stanley Cup Finals, enjoy the NBA Finals and let's don't forget that's first team in the National League to get to that 40 wins yes, I know, I knew that was coming.
Announcer:Yes, I know, it knew that was coming.
Scott:Yes, I know, it's only June 7th. Let your boy have some fun, please. Thank you, graham, get us out of here.
Graham:Oh man, scott, I'm going to say this, it's not that I, oh shit, what did we miss? I'm sure to say this it's not that, oh shit, what did we miss? I'm sure we missed some.
Scott:Oh, if you like, the three-year anniversary of our podcast.
Graham:Oh.
Announcer:Yeah.
Graham:In my defense, scott makes the notes for the show. I didn't even I mentioned it to you a couple days ago too.
Scott:Yeah, while we were literally talking, I looked it up Our first episode. It's not to the day but it's closer to June 9th June, 9th 2022.
Graham:Who'd have thought, wow, wow. You know, what I was going to say was am I bummed? We had that week off, yeah, but to be fair, granted, and look there's also the extra hype of the US Open. I'm not predetermining this is a top five show or a top 10 show, but like I can't remember the last time that I laughed so much in this episode, like this.
Scott:I can't remember the last time I mentioned salads as much as I mentioned like folks, you're getting a bonus extra ten minutes.
Graham:I know they're normally an hour, but fuck it. I mean, oh beep that out YouTube extra 10 minutes.
Scott:I know they're normally an hour, but fuck it. I mean, oh, beep that out YouTube. And, on a side note, everybody that reached out text me and were like where the hell's the episode. Thank you Seriously. Thank you, graham, and I appreciate that. It makes us feel like we're doing this. So the reason we do it is to entertain our boys, entertain our family. You know, do what we do. Talk about sports Now let's go.
Graham:Scott, it's been an absolute pleasure to do this podcast with you for the last three years. You're the best homie. For a reason. I love you to death and, as the best homie always says, buh-bye.
Scott:Good night blue sweatshirt. You might want to go to. What's that milkshake that chick used to Slimfest. Good night blue sweatshirt. You might want to subscribe to Slimfest. You fat piece of shit.
Announcer:Subscribe to Slim Fest. You fat piece of shit. This episode of the Ball Guys on the Bench podcast is brought to you by our friends at North Star Credit Union and Southern Auto, located in Southeast Virginia.
