Who wins the NBA MVP Race? And is Mazzulla the Coach of the Year?

In this episode of PTI, hosts Tony Kornheiser and Pablo Torre dive into the NBA MVP race, weighing contenders like Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama. While Doncic’s recent 15-2 run with the Lakers boosts his case, Pablo ranks him fourth, favoring Gilgeous-Alexander for his elite team performance and Jokic’s all-around dominance. Wembanyama’s public desire for the award and his defensive impact are noted, though his limited minutes remain a hurdle. The conversation shifts to NHL honor codes, with praise for Ducks captain Radko Gudis for facing Toronto’s Max Domi after a career-ending hit on Auston Matthews—seen as a courageous act of accountability. In the NFL, the hosts critique the league’s decision to play a 49ers-Rams game in Melbourne, Australia, with Kyle Shanahan calling it a logistical burden with no tangible benefit. They argue the 16-hour flight is excessive and detrimental to team performance. The episode also features ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins, who defends the Coach of the Year award, calling Joe Mazzulla’s dismissal of it as 'asinine' and highlighting the immense sacrifice coaches make. Perkins also discusses the Pistons' resilience without key players and expresses confidence in the Cavaliers' playoff potential. The segment closes with lighter topics, including player routines, John Taylor’s legendary career, and the growing trend of underreported player heights in baseball.