Hey, Smash Mouth. Why can't we be friends?
Well, folks. I don't really know where to start this, so I guess I'll begin by ripping the Band-Aid off: Today is my last day here at For The Win. With that, this will be the final Morning Win I write for you all. It still doesn't quite feel real yet. I can't believe it.
I've been here for five and a half years now. I've been writing this newsletter for just two of those years, and it's unbelievable how attached I've grown to it. It's so special to me. I believe it's a conduit, really. Not just for me to spout takes into the ether of the internet, but it's a place for me to share my colleagues' work and sharply shape the voice of this website alongside them. I hope you all believe I've done a good job of that in the time that I've been here with you. I think I have. I certainly have no regrets.
Er, well. Um. I have one.
Okay. Maybe this isn't exactly a regret. I'm not sorry that this happened, but I do wish it didn't. What I'm referring to is Smash Mouth deciding that I'm public enemy No. 1. Yes, I'm referring to the band, early aughts band Smash Mouth. No, I'm not joking.
Last NBA season, when Draymond Green inexcusably choked out Rudy Gobert in a chokehold, I wrote about it in the Morning Win. I said that allowing Draymond Green to be Draymond Green had become the Warriors' biggest problem. I stand by that. Green was on a nasty streak of just completely losing his mind on the court and it all seemed to stem from that Jordan Poole punch. Not only did it break up what had been a championship-winning core with the Warriors, but it also resulted in multiple ejections and suspensions for Green. I wasn't wrong!
But Smash Mouth — a big Bay Area sports entity, apparently! — decided that what I wrote was nothing more than a hit piece. That I'd just targeted Green for the sake of a click. Here's what the band's account said on X (formerly Twitter):
He protected his player, that's what's up with Draymond! Take it case by case and in this case Dray was in the right. And nice hit piece on him dude, you obviously don't know how the Ws work and why they work.
They say good journalism will sometimes make people mad. The truth sucks sometimes, gang. Criticism can be harsh. It is what it is. Again, I don't regret it. I need to be super clear about this. This is not an apology whatsoever.
With that said, if I could use my last gasp here in the Morning Win to do something personal, I'd like to extend an olive branch to Smash Mouth. I don't want you guys to hate me.
Like every other '90s kid out there, I grew up yelling "HEY NOW, YOU'RE AN ALL-STAR. GET YOUR GAME ON. GO. PLAAAAAY," from the top of my lungs. I love Digimon: The Movie. I love Shrek! Those movies shaped me in ways I can't describe. I think I watched Shrek at least once a day from 2005 to 2007. It was my baby brother's favorite movie for a long time. I can sing I'm a Believer word for word.
I also think about Wendigomon swaying in the wind to All-Star fairly often. Why? I don't know. Truthfully, this movie isn't great. But I don't care. I love it.
I can't watch these things the same way knowing that Smash Mouth has beef with me. Especially not over Draymond Green, of all people! It's just not worth it.
So, Smash Mouth, can we please consider this squashed? As a wise man once said, the years start comin' and they don't stop comin'. Life is too short for beef. As you once sang: Why can't we be friends?
The Pacers are unbelievable
The Team of Destiny vibes from the Indiana Pacers are just undeniable at this point. You couldn't go into Game 6 feeling great about Indiana's chances to extend the series. The Thunder had just dominated Indiana at home and Tyrese Haliburton's calf seemed to be a major problem.
So, naturally, with all odds against them, the Pacers play their best game of the series in Game 6.
TJ McConnell becomes the great white hope, in Tyrese Haliburton's words. The Thunder throw the ball everywhere on the court except in the basket. And, now, here we are with a Game 7 in Oklahoma City on Sunday. Honestly, it's unreal that we're here.
Now, we should probably expect a classic heading into Sunday.
Whew, man. Game 7. Let's get it.
Shutting down Caitlin Clark
If Natalie Nakase isn't the best coach in the WNBA right now, she's certainly up there with the best. The Golden State Valkyries legitimately look like one of the best teams in the league, and they're doing it without a star player on the roster.
Golden State got yet another win against the Fever on Thursday, holding the team overall to 77 points and locking up Caitlin Clark. The Fever star only scored 11 points on 3-14 shooting from the field. That's one of her worst games in a long time.
How'd they do it? Charles Curtis says Nakase let us in on the secret. It's physicality.
Take note, WNBA. This is the playbook.
Photo Friday: Can't stop the Tush Push, baby
Since this is my last Morning Win, I figured I'd pick by favorite photo ever. This is so hilarious, yo. Big shoutouts to whoever made this sign.
Fly Eagles, Fly.
Quick hits: WNBA to Philly? ... Shedeur, please chill ... and more
— Dawn Staley and Kylie Kelce have hatched a plan to bring the WNBA to Philadelphia. I love it. Caroline Darney has more.
— Sheduer Sanders doesn't seem all too worried about his speeding tickets. Charles Curtis has details.
— T.J. McConnell's dad was so proud of his son for his performance in Game 6. This was awesome. Robert Zeglinski has more.
— Pascal Siakam's vibe pre-game should've let us all know the Pacers were winning this thing. Bryan Kalbrosky has more.
— Drake absolutely cursed the Thunder. Smh.
— Please read Prince Grimes on the Kendrick Lamar and SZA show. He captured it perfectly. What a story.
Well, folks. This is it. It has been an absolute pleasure working on this newsletter and writing to this audience for years. I can't thank you all enough for indulging me. Thanks to everyone who opened this thing. Thank you to everyone who took the time to reply or sent kind words. Thanks to everyone who sent in thoughtful critiques, too. You all made me better and you made For The Win better. And I know you'll continue to do that when I'm gone. I'll be right there with you as a fan.
Prince Grimes will be here with you on Monday. That's a wrap. Love you guys. Peace.
-Sykes ✌️
This was For The Win's daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
8 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade could land Bucks former no. 1 draft pick
The Milwaukee Bucks saw an earlier exit from the NBA playoffs than they are likely used to last year, losing to the eventual Eastern Conference champions, the Indiana Pacers in five games. And even though the franchise has seemed very adamant about keeping their star power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, they could get more for him than they likely expect. According to Bleacher Report's Connor Thoms, who presented some "wild trade ideas" for the offseason, and one of them included a deal the Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks that would send Giannis to Atlanta and the Bucks would receive the 2024 no. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher and also Jalen Johnson. Despite what many may believe, Thoms believes that both sides would be walking away happy and with substantial compensation. "If you're the Bucks, you get a phenomenal return, in my opinion," said Thoms. "Jalen Johnson could be a legitimate All-Star for you as soon as next season. You get back four first-round picks and a swap. Those Hawks picks could be interesting." Thoms also believes that if Giannis truly wanted a trade, then the team wouldn't be one to hold their star hostage. "The reason the Bucks waived and stretched Dame is to try and keep Giannis in town, but if Giannis goes, 'I want to be dealt,' then you're out of luck. You have to trade. You have to get a return, and that's what it comes down to."
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Lakers plan on waiving Shake Milton in order to sign Marcus Smart
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to sign veteran guard Marcus Smart after he agreed to a buyout of his contract with the Washington Wizards. Smart, who was named the Defensive Player of the Year for the 2022-23 season, will reportedly sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Lakers once he officially clears waivers. Right now, they don't have enough space under the first apron of the NBA's salary cap to sign Smart. But according to Shams Charania of ESPN, they're planning on waiving guard Shake Milton in order to clear some space. "The Lakers plan to waive guard Shake Milton to create the roster spot to sign Smart, sources told ESPN," Charania wrote. "Milton's $3 million contract for next season would have become fully guaranteed Sunday." Milton was thrown into the deal that brought Los Angeles forward Dorian Finney-Smith in late December. He played sporadically afterward and averaged 3.9 points on 43.3% field-goal shooting, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 11.5 minutes a game as a member of the team. Waiving him would open up a good portion of L.A.'s bi-annual exception. In order to open up the full bi-annual exception of $5.1 million, another move, such as waiving guard Jordan Goodwin or a consolidation trade, would need to be made. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers plan on waiving Shake Milton in order to sign Marcus Smart
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Padres vs. Nationals predictions, odds: MLB picks, best bets Sunday
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. Can the Padres catch the underachieving Dodgers in the NL West? San Diego begins the second half of the season at Washington. The Padres' Nick Pivetta recorded back-to-back scoreless outings prior to the All-Star break, scattering five hits over those 12 ²/₃ innings. A look further back shows he has surrendered one run in his past 25 ²/₃. The Nats counter with MacKenzie Gore, who has given up nine runs in his past 23 frames. Play $50 on Pivetta and the Padres. Nick Pivetta #27 of the San Diego Padres throws a pitch in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Petco Park on July 13, 2025 in San Diego, California. Getty Images -$ Overall, a good day. Stitches was not, I repeat not implicated in the Epstein files. The Royals however, have implied that they have no interest in postseason play. Learn all you need to know about MLB Betting With the game tied 1-1, reliever (a loose term indeed) Lucas Erceg made sure we lost again. Fish won 3-1. Down -253 georgebretts.
