Z Ball is joined by Jay as they discuss the key matchups, storylines, narratives, and strategies of the 2024 NBA Finals between Boston & Dallas. Then they both make their official pick for the Finals & Finals MVP. They close out with a brief discussion regarding the rumor of JJ Redick becoming the next head coach of the Lakers.

2024 NBA Finals Preview

Season 7 Episode 12!
(3:47) Celtics take first two games of NBA Finals from Luka Doncic, Mavericks
(31:17) Dan Hurley turns down Lakers head coaching job to remain at UConn
(43:06) Panthers dominate Oilers to take 2-0 lead in Stanley Cup Final
(56:55) Steelers extend Mike Tomlin for three more seasons
(1:06:40) Caitlin Clark left off Team USA roster for Paris Olympics
(1:15:46) Scottie Scheffler enters U.S. Open as heavy favorite after another PGA Tour win

NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Final Reactions and U.S. Open Preview

Season 7 Episode 13!
(0:15) Celtics defeat Mavericks in five games to finally win record 18th NBA title
(26:39) Luka Doncic’s immaturity plays frustrating role in team’s NBA Finals loss
(44:50) Panthers on verge of closing out Oilers to win Stanley Cup
(54:10) Bryson DeChambeau outlasts Rory McIlroy to win U.S. Open

Boston Celtics win 2024 NBA Finals

The Magic lost Game 1 in Boston 103-86. The main worry came to fruition. Boston buried us with 3s and Paolo Banchero (36 points and 11 rebounds) and Franz Wagner (23 points) need other support guys to step up and hit shots. No other Magic player beyond the two stars had more than 7 points. The good news is Orlando is up for a fight, and we have Game 2 to look forward to.

Orlando’s defense was overall good enough. Jayson Tatum (17 points) and Jaylen Brown (16 points) were overall subdued. But Boston has a ton of scoring depth and Derrick White (30 points) and Payton Pritchard (19 points off the bench) picked up the slack. The Magic didn’t get to the free throw line enough, and Boston’s big strength in the second half was fast break points.
All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


162. Celtics Take Game 1; Magic Stars Need Support

Orlando hands over Game 2 to Boston, 109-100, and trail the series 2-0 coming home. Magic blew this game. You knew the refs were going to screw you with no Jayson Tatum. Too many missed open Orlando shots. Too many missed free throws. Another wasted defensive effort because guys like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope can’t hit an open 3. 

Once again, it was Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner performing…and not a lot of help from the supporting cast. 

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


163. Magic Blow it in Boston, 0-2 Back to Orlando

Orlando is on the board. Led once again by their stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic at home scrap their way to a 95-93 Game 3 victory to make it a 1-2 series against Boston. Franz had 32 points, Paolo dropped 29. It’s the second youngest duo in NBA history to have consecutive 25-point playoff performances together. The only younger duo was Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in OKC. The Magic won this game with essentially two guys scoring. And some fantastic hustle and defense. It sets the stage for a fascinating Game 4.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


164. Franchero Claim Game 3; 1-2 Series

This should be even going back up to Boston, but the Magic missed way too many open shots and left the game in the refs’ hands. Celtics win Game 4 107-98. They closed the game on a 16-7 run. This game was tied 91-91. Paolo was gassed. Franz couldn’t hit an open 3. Other than Cory Joseph, no one else on the Magic really stepped up offensively. And you hand Boston a 3-1 series lead. 

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


165. Too Many Open Missed Shots; 1-3 Back Up to Boston

Magic lose in TD Garden, 120-89. Series over. Adam Silver called Tony Brothers at halftime of this Game 5 with the Magic up 2 in Boston. Brothers tags 3 questionable fouls on Paolo Banchero, gets him out with 5 fouls, and the Celtics avalanche was on from there. Orlando loses this series 4-1. We go another year without a series win and no road playoff game victory. Similar offensive story, not a lot of help for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


166. Silver Made the Call; Magic Lose Series 4-1

Z Ball is joined by Ri Bound & Haroon as they preview all 4 Conference Semifinals Matchups!

2025 NBA Conference Semifinals Preview

We got a look at how our future stacks up against the present in the playoffs. Paolo and Franz versus Tatum and Brown. Our stars overall outplayed their champion stars. The difference was the supporting casts. Now we’re getting a good look at what happens when your title winning team has to be torn down because of Collective Bargaining Agreement restrictions. Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis all can be had in trades because the Celtics need to get below the second apron. Tatum is only 27 years old and tore his damn Achilles. That used to be something that only happened in your mid-30s and later in life. Now it’s happening to MVP-level guys in their prime. Which for our front office should be heeded as a warning to not wait when you have two stars ready for much more. Should we go after a Celtic?

All of that and more!

#LetsGoMagic 

Warning: Adult Language


170. White, Jrue, Porzingis

Podcast about all things NFL and NBA!!!! Weekly NFL Scorching Six Picks as well as all things NBA!! Please direct any questions, comments, and inquiries to zballpod@gmail.com

The Penny & Pops Podcast is hosted by Adam Papageorgiou (Pops) and Spenser Strode (Penny). All matters Orlando Magic basketball are discussed. The opinions expressed are local and strong. This is the longest running podcast (since 2009) dedicated to talking Orlando Magic basketball.

We are the two most knowledgeable people when it comes to Orlando Magic history that you can listen to. We aim to present unique viewpoints that you won't find in traditional media outlets. We want to bring a passionate piece of Orlando to your listening devices. 

*Warning* Episodes may and probably do contain profanity.

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