Brunson Closes, Wemby Injury, and ROY Race Heats Up Again

The Mismatch dives into a whirlwind of NBA and college basketball developments as the season reaches its climax. The episode opens with a dramatic recap of the Michigan Wolverines' national championship victory, highlighting their dominant inside game and surprising roster composition—players from five different schools, none of whom started their careers at Michigan. The hosts marvel at the team's success despite no continuity, drawing parallels to Indiana's recent football success. They then shift focus to the NBA, discussing the Memphis Grizzlies' record-breaking 29 three-pointers in a game that was already out of reach, a bizarre intentional foul strategy to break the record. The Knicks-Hawks game is praised for its intensity, with Nikhil Alexander-Walker's breakout 36-point performance earning high praise as a late bloomer reminiscent of Norm Powell. The Spurs' win over the 76ers is noted, with a rib contusion ruling out Wemby for a stretch, though the injury appears precautionary. The episode also explores the ripple effects of player health, particularly Anthony Edwards' ongoing patellofemoral pain syndrome, which mirrors Steph Curry’s injury, raising serious playoff concerns for the Timberwolves. The hosts speculate on the future of coaches like Michael Malone, suggesting a potential move to college basketball due to the NBA’s analytics-driven culture. A personal highlight includes the viral moment of Nikola Jokic’s brother intimidating a fan, which boosted the show’s credibility. The episode ends with a humorous look at the upcoming playoff race, ticket prices, and the hosts’ annual Masters golf updates, complete with the long-lost walrus mascot’s triumphant return.