May 31, 2025 • 10 mins
US sports correspondent Leon Busby joined Piney to discuss the NHL Stanley Cup final and NBA finals.
LISTEN ABOVE
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport Podcast with Jason Vine
from News talks.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
'b American Sport. Eighteen to three in the NHL. Our
Stanley Cup matchup is confirmed, a repeat of last season,
the defending champion Florida Panthers against five time winners, but
not since nineteen ninety the Edmonton Oilers, best of seven
games starting on Thursday. Our time, Let's bring in our
(00:32):
American sport expert Leon Busby. Hey you earlyon.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
Good afternoon, Jason. I'm well mate. It's great to be
back after short hiatus. Got lots to covis. So let's
get straight into today.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Why not the conference finals which led us to the
Stanley Cup in the East, the Florida Panthers four to
one over the Carolina Hurricanes. That sounds convincing. Talk us
through the Eastern Conference.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
First of all, yes, as you alluded to, the Stanley
Cup's going to be repeatab last year. So at the
Eastern Conference, the reigning NHL champion Panthers easily dispecial the
Carolina Hurricane do in what they call a gentleman's sweep
four games to one. So over the series, Florida won
by an average of four goals to two, and I'm
looking quite ominous to repeat peeking at the right time.
(01:16):
The Panthers will be leaning on their all Stars. Sent
to Sam Bennett, who is also the league's leading goal
scorer in the postseason. The Canadian native and former Calgary
Flame has really transformed Florida's attack and it's no coincidence.
I've now punched their ticket to a third straight finals
appearance since he arrived in the Sunshine State.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
Let's go to the Western Conference. The Edmonton Oilers another
gentleman's sweep here for one over the Dallas Stars in
the Western Conference. Leon.
Speaker 3 (01:45):
Yeah, there seems to be a pattern developing. Air of
the Western Conference. We see the Oilers back for another
crack at top in the Champs after falling short last year,
and one of the most compelling series in Stanley Cup
history go to a seventh and deciding game. Now Edmonton
also defeated the Dallas Stars and a gentleman's sweep four
games to one. Over the series. The oil is much
(02:05):
like the flod of Panthers, won by an average of
four golfs to two in dominant fashion. Edmonton will again
be led from the front by the NHL's Best Player
Connin McDavid, who has pretty much won every single award
except the one that he hungers for the most, the
Stanley Cup. It's also important to note, Pioneer that the
Oilers captain is soon to enter free agency and the
(02:26):
outcome of this final series could well dictate whether he
stays in Edmonton or moves on, as most teams would
pay a kings ransom for McDavid's services. Now, in terms
of which side will lift the Stanley Cupp, well, I'm
going to side with the Oilers this time, taking this
series in six maybe seven games to finally break the
thirty five year gout for Canadian teams, a champion championship
(02:48):
long over due, where I hockey is their national sport.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
Absolutely well, I think yeah, I think most people would
think that was a good idea if it went back
to Canada. We'll keep an eye on the Stanley Cup
best of seven starting in the weak ahead. Can we
go to the NBA Finals? Want to get to the
Eastern A moment where the Pacers have just won the
Eastern Conference and qualified for the finals, but out West
Oklahoma City Thunder securing their place after the Western Conference finals,
(03:16):
Speaking of gentlemen's sweeps, Leon is another one. They made
pretty sure work of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
Yes, and your listeners are weak pony. The Western Conference
champions are okay See and they dismantled Minnesota and a
gentleman's seat. And now they take on the Eastern Conference
champion Indiana pass Now the Thunder after a dominant performance
against the Timberwolves, the second youngest team with an average
age of only twenty five point five years, I had
to put in the twenty five point five to reach
(03:44):
the NBA Finals since nineteen seventy seven. League MVP shaped
Gilgis Alexander led Oklahoma to only their second ever finals
appearance in thirteen years on the back of an NBA
regular season best sixty eight twelve record. Now the Thunder
have the best defensive team wolf season. Even more impressive though,
in the current playoffs, is that their average margin of
(04:06):
victory at home has been a whopping twenty four point
six points despite their inexperience. So who have actually comes
out of the East as we know it's Indiana now
will be huge underdogs.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Absolutely, I actually thought I was watching Oklahoma City Thunder.
They took seven games to get past Denver, didn't they
in the semi finals? Were they just kind of warming
up against the Nuggets and getting ready for the real
point end?
Speaker 3 (04:30):
Yeah, the Nugget series was actually surprising because, as you know,
or your listeners would know, the Nuggets were in a
bit of turmoil would they fired their coach and GM
and there was a lot of murmurs between the players
about what was going to happen and a lot of
disruption there. But that was actually the best series of
Winter seven games. And as we know, Oklahoma got it done,
and you know, and they deserve it. I mean, they're
(04:52):
a young team, but I think they're building something here
which could be generational for many years to come.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Let's go out east, where in the last few moments
it has been the Indiana Pacers confirming their place Eastern
Conference winners by four games to two over the New
York Knicks. You know, I closely fought series, but as
the best team going through in Indiana.
Speaker 3 (05:13):
Yes, Southeastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers. I mean, they got
their blowout win today and I think it says the
let it lie a lot about them because before the
series actually began, I was picking New York to win
in six maybe seven, but it certainly the Pacers who
have really lifted their game to another level, led by
All Star Tyres Halliburton, who earlier in the year was
voted the NBA's most overrated player. I don't think I'd
(05:35):
be happy being voted that anyway. He's played with a
chip on his shoulder in this series, and in Game
four he created NBA history. He recorded a triple double
which included thirty two points, fifteen rebounds in Travis sifts,
but four steals to round up a historic performance only
ever matched by Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson and future
(05:56):
Hall of Famer Jokis from the Nuggets. However, Halliburton set
himself apart with no turnovers in the game, which had
never been done in playoff history before. He's a polarizing
player times, but it's absolutely bolling right now and I'm
not surprised the Pacers advanced. Now another stat to get
your hit around, Pony, and I know you love stats, yep.
This season, when Indiana have scored one hundred and twenty
(06:17):
points or more, they are thirty two and two. Either way.
If the thunder hand Pacers do meet in the NBA finals.
As we know, we'll see a first time champion. Both
franchises have never lifted the Larry O'Brien Trophy before, so
in terms of a winner, I'm leaning slightly towards Okay, Sears,
I've got home court advantage. If the series does go through,
(06:37):
it to siding game seven.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
All right, Okay, see, I hope it goes to seven.
I hope these two Gullery or other over seven games.
Wouldn't that be great?
Speaker 3 (06:46):
Hey? A couple of other peace running series.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Yeah, yeah, sure, yeah, a couple of other pieces of news.
I wanted to get your views on. Speaking of Indiana
Indiana Fever, this is the women's NBA side Caitlin Clark,
of course, who has just you know, just been this huge,
enormous star in the women's NBA. I see she's out
with an injury. This might not just affect the f
This might affect the whole woman's NBA, mightn't it.
Speaker 3 (07:11):
Yes, they're sticking with the hard court pioneer. Earlier this week,
the face of the WNBA Indiana Fever, star Caitlin Clark,
suffered and led quad receps injury, sidelining her for at
least two weeks. The injury occurred during a practice session,
and a return date is unclear, as Clarke will be
reevaluated at the two week mark. To further understand injury timeline. Now,
(07:32):
this is a big blow for the league in terms
of the TV viewing audience and the Fever's next two games,
as arenas normally sell out when she's playing. Clark will
be reevaluated after the first week of June, but that
doesn't mean she'll return. At that point, the Fever medical
staff will determine whether she can return to action immediately
or whether she'll need more time to rehab or recover.
(07:53):
Clark's return date will be determined by the severity of
a quad injury, which the Fever have not made public yet.
A Grade one quad injury typically takes a couple of
weeks to recover, while a Greade two injury means the
player missed closer to a month of recovery. So thankfully,
this will only be a short term regression for both
the Fever and the WNBA. Economically, this unforeseen injury only
(08:15):
reinforces her star power and the so called Capelin Clarke effect.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
And finally, Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. What is
going on here? Can you explain this to us?
Speaker 3 (08:28):
Oh? Yeah, well, the Finnish shop. In the NFL, we
have the ongoing Aaron Rodgers stager. One of the most
storied football organizations, the Pittsburgh Steelers have made headlines pony,
but unfortunately for all the wrong reasons. While the expectation
is that full time MVP Aaron Rodgers will signed with
Pittsburgh solely based on a verbal agreement and handshakeed, there's
(08:49):
still a lot of uncertainty. Rogers are still mully over
his future, and one of the options includes retirement. If
he does play, The Steelers figure to be the last
option available to the future Hall of Fame quarterback, at
least in terms of teams he'd have interest in playing for.
A lot of people are very upset with the Pittsburgh
ownership and front office who have dragged this out to
seemingly no end and an indictment really on their proud history.
(09:13):
It almost feels like Rogers is holding the Steelers to
ransom as he decides on his playing career. Now, just
to complicate matters, pinting during the recent NFL Draft Pittsburgh
had no less than seven picks and baffled their fan
base when they chose to pass on Colorado Buffalo staff
quarterback should do a Standers three times when they had
the opportunity to sign them to their weak quarterback room.
(09:36):
Sanders late drafting was the headline of the NFL Draft,
and even more surprising were that Pittsburgh eventually signed a
quarterback for their fifth pick at number one eighty five.
It can't make sense of that. So this confirmed in
a way that the Steelers arrested all of their hopes
on Aaron Rodgers being their starting quarterback for the upcoming season,
which is troubling for the franchise and the NFL teams
(09:58):
have already started assembling and training. I've made to state
the obvious, but wherever Rogers goes, drama seems to follow
him around. Now in another did no pony before I
wrapped this up. It's now less than one hundred days
until the NFL and college football seasons kickoff, which I
know your son will be excited about being a huge
Minnesota Wakings fan, So I'm assuming you've already paid for
(10:18):
the spiritual game pass. Can't wait?
Speaker 2 (10:20):
Yes, Luckily on you assume correctly. You assume correctly. I
have forked out for that and quite happy to do so.
Lovely chatting to you is always Leon Busby Stateside a
big part of our show here on Weekend Sports.
Speaker 1 (10:34):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk sed B weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport Podcast with Jason Vine
from News talks.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
'b American Sport. Eighteen to three in the NHL. Our
Stanley Cup matchup is confirmed, a repeat of last season,
the defending champion Florida Panthers against five time winners, but
not since nineteen ninety the Edmonton Oilers, best of seven
games starting on Thursday. Our time, Let's bring in our
(00:32):
American sport expert Leon Busby. Hey you earlyon.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
Good afternoon, Jason. I'm well mate. It's great to be
back after short hiatus. Got lots to covis. So let's
get straight into today.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Why not the conference finals which led us to the
Stanley Cup in the East, the Florida Panthers four to
one over the Carolina Hurricanes. That sounds convincing. Talk us
through the Eastern Conference.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
First of all, yes, as you alluded to, the Stanley
Cup's going to be repeatab last year. So at the
Eastern Conference, the reigning NHL champion Panthers easily dispecial the
Carolina Hurricane do in what they call a gentleman's sweep
four games to one. So over the series, Florida won
by an average of four goals to two, and I'm
looking quite ominous to repeat peeking at the right time.
(01:16):
The Panthers will be leaning on their all Stars. Sent
to Sam Bennett, who is also the league's leading goal
scorer in the postseason. The Canadian native and former Calgary
Flame has really transformed Florida's attack and it's no coincidence.
I've now punched their ticket to a third straight finals
appearance since he arrived in the Sunshine State.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
Let's go to the Western Conference. The Edmonton Oilers another
gentleman's sweep here for one over the Dallas Stars in
the Western Conference. Leon.
Speaker 3 (01:45):
Yeah, there seems to be a pattern developing. Air of
the Western Conference. We see the Oilers back for another
crack at top in the Champs after falling short last year,
and one of the most compelling series in Stanley Cup
history go to a seventh and deciding game. Now Edmonton
also defeated the Dallas Stars and a gentleman's sweep four
games to one. Over the series. The oil is much
(02:05):
like the flod of Panthers, won by an average of
four golfs to two in dominant fashion. Edmonton will again
be led from the front by the NHL's Best Player
Connin McDavid, who has pretty much won every single award
except the one that he hungers for the most, the
Stanley Cup. It's also important to note, Pioneer that the
Oilers captain is soon to enter free agency and the
(02:26):
outcome of this final series could well dictate whether he
stays in Edmonton or moves on, as most teams would
pay a kings ransom for McDavid's services. Now, in terms
of which side will lift the Stanley Cupp, well, I'm
going to side with the Oilers this time, taking this
series in six maybe seven games to finally break the
thirty five year gout for Canadian teams, a champion championship
(02:48):
long over due, where I hockey is their national sport.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
Absolutely well, I think yeah, I think most people would
think that was a good idea if it went back
to Canada. We'll keep an eye on the Stanley Cup
best of seven starting in the weak ahead. Can we
go to the NBA Finals? Want to get to the
Eastern A moment where the Pacers have just won the
Eastern Conference and qualified for the finals, but out West
Oklahoma City Thunder securing their place after the Western Conference finals,
(03:16):
Speaking of gentlemen's sweeps, Leon is another one. They made
pretty sure work of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Speaker 3 (03:22):
Yes, and your listeners are weak pony. The Western Conference
champions are okay See and they dismantled Minnesota and a
gentleman's seat. And now they take on the Eastern Conference
champion Indiana pass Now the Thunder after a dominant performance
against the Timberwolves, the second youngest team with an average
age of only twenty five point five years, I had
to put in the twenty five point five to reach
(03:44):
the NBA Finals since nineteen seventy seven. League MVP shaped
Gilgis Alexander led Oklahoma to only their second ever finals
appearance in thirteen years on the back of an NBA
regular season best sixty eight twelve record. Now the Thunder
have the best defensive team wolf season. Even more impressive though,
in the current playoffs, is that their average margin of
(04:06):
victory at home has been a whopping twenty four point
six points despite their inexperience. So who have actually comes
out of the East as we know it's Indiana now
will be huge underdogs.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
Absolutely, I actually thought I was watching Oklahoma City Thunder.
They took seven games to get past Denver, didn't they
in the semi finals? Were they just kind of warming
up against the Nuggets and getting ready for the real
point end?
Speaker 3 (04:30):
Yeah, the Nugget series was actually surprising because, as you know,
or your listeners would know, the Nuggets were in a
bit of turmoil would they fired their coach and GM
and there was a lot of murmurs between the players
about what was going to happen and a lot of
disruption there. But that was actually the best series of
Winter seven games. And as we know, Oklahoma got it done,
and you know, and they deserve it. I mean, they're
(04:52):
a young team, but I think they're building something here
which could be generational for many years to come.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Let's go out east, where in the last few moments
it has been the Indiana Pacers confirming their place Eastern
Conference winners by four games to two over the New
York Knicks. You know, I closely fought series, but as
the best team going through in Indiana.
Speaker 3 (05:13):
Yes, Southeastern Conference champion Indiana Pacers. I mean, they got
their blowout win today and I think it says the
let it lie a lot about them because before the
series actually began, I was picking New York to win
in six maybe seven, but it certainly the Pacers who
have really lifted their game to another level, led by
All Star Tyres Halliburton, who earlier in the year was
voted the NBA's most overrated player. I don't think I'd
(05:35):
be happy being voted that anyway. He's played with a
chip on his shoulder in this series, and in Game
four he created NBA history. He recorded a triple double
which included thirty two points, fifteen rebounds in Travis sifts,
but four steals to round up a historic performance only
ever matched by Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson and future
(05:56):
Hall of Famer Jokis from the Nuggets. However, Halliburton set
himself apart with no turnovers in the game, which had
never been done in playoff history before. He's a polarizing
player times, but it's absolutely bolling right now and I'm
not surprised the Pacers advanced. Now another stat to get
your hit around, Pony, and I know you love stats, yep.
This season, when Indiana have scored one hundred and twenty
(06:17):
points or more, they are thirty two and two. Either way.
If the thunder hand Pacers do meet in the NBA finals.
As we know, we'll see a first time champion. Both
franchises have never lifted the Larry O'Brien Trophy before, so
in terms of a winner, I'm leaning slightly towards Okay, Sears,
I've got home court advantage. If the series does go through,
(06:37):
it to siding game seven.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
All right, Okay, see, I hope it goes to seven.
I hope these two Gullery or other over seven games.
Wouldn't that be great?
Speaker 3 (06:46):
Hey? A couple of other peace running series.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Yeah, yeah, sure, yeah, a couple of other pieces of news.
I wanted to get your views on. Speaking of Indiana
Indiana Fever, this is the women's NBA side Caitlin Clark,
of course, who has just you know, just been this huge,
enormous star in the women's NBA. I see she's out
with an injury. This might not just affect the f
This might affect the whole woman's NBA, mightn't it.
Speaker 3 (07:11):
Yes, they're sticking with the hard court pioneer. Earlier this week,
the face of the WNBA Indiana Fever, star Caitlin Clark,
suffered and led quad receps injury, sidelining her for at
least two weeks. The injury occurred during a practice session,
and a return date is unclear, as Clarke will be
reevaluated at the two week mark. To further understand injury timeline. Now,
(07:32):
this is a big blow for the league in terms
of the TV viewing audience and the Fever's next two games,
as arenas normally sell out when she's playing. Clark will
be reevaluated after the first week of June, but that
doesn't mean she'll return. At that point, the Fever medical
staff will determine whether she can return to action immediately
or whether she'll need more time to rehab or recover.
(07:53):
Clark's return date will be determined by the severity of
a quad injury, which the Fever have not made public yet.
A Grade one quad injury typically takes a couple of
weeks to recover, while a Greade two injury means the
player missed closer to a month of recovery. So thankfully,
this will only be a short term regression for both
the Fever and the WNBA. Economically, this unforeseen injury only
(08:15):
reinforces her star power and the so called Capelin Clarke effect.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
And finally, Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. What is
going on here? Can you explain this to us?
Speaker 3 (08:28):
Oh? Yeah, well, the Finnish shop. In the NFL, we
have the ongoing Aaron Rodgers stager. One of the most
storied football organizations, the Pittsburgh Steelers have made headlines pony,
but unfortunately for all the wrong reasons. While the expectation
is that full time MVP Aaron Rodgers will signed with
Pittsburgh solely based on a verbal agreement and handshakeed, there's
(08:49):
still a lot of uncertainty. Rogers are still mully over
his future, and one of the options includes retirement. If
he does play, The Steelers figure to be the last
option available to the future Hall of Fame quarterback, at
least in terms of teams he'd have interest in playing for.
A lot of people are very upset with the Pittsburgh
ownership and front office who have dragged this out to
seemingly no end and an indictment really on their proud history.
(09:13):
It almost feels like Rogers is holding the Steelers to
ransom as he decides on his playing career. Now, just
to complicate matters, pinting during the recent NFL Draft Pittsburgh
had no less than seven picks and baffled their fan
base when they chose to pass on Colorado Buffalo staff
quarterback should do a Standers three times when they had
the opportunity to sign them to their weak quarterback room.
(09:36):
Sanders late drafting was the headline of the NFL Draft,
and even more surprising were that Pittsburgh eventually signed a
quarterback for their fifth pick at number one eighty five.
It can't make sense of that. So this confirmed in
a way that the Steelers arrested all of their hopes
on Aaron Rodgers being their starting quarterback for the upcoming season,
which is troubling for the franchise and the NFL teams
(09:58):
have already started assembling and training. I've made to state
the obvious, but wherever Rogers goes, drama seems to follow
him around. Now in another did no pony before I
wrapped this up. It's now less than one hundred days
until the NFL and college football seasons kickoff, which I
know your son will be excited about being a huge
Minnesota Wakings fan, So I'm assuming you've already paid for
(10:18):
the spiritual game pass. Can't wait?
Speaker 2 (10:20):
Yes, Luckily on you assume correctly. You assume correctly. I
have forked out for that and quite happy to do so.
Lovely chatting to you is always Leon Busby Stateside a
big part of our show here on Weekend Sports.
Speaker 1 (10:34):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live
to News Talk sed B weekends from midday, or follow
the podcast on iHeartRadio
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.