Larry and opens with one of the biggest early stories in sports — Victor Wembanyama’s 40-point, 15-rebound masterpiece against rookie Cooper Flagg in Dallas. It’s a statement win for the Spurs and a “Welcome to the NBA” moment for the top pick. Larry recaps a wild night around the league, including VJ Edgecombe’s record-setting debut for Philadelphia and strong showings from Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson.

Then, Purdue play-by-play voice Rob Blackman joins the show ahead of Friday night’s exhibition clash between No. 1 Purdue and No. 9 Kentucky. He and Larry break down the Boilermakers’ rise to preseason No. 1, the leadership of Braden Smith, the resurgence of Trey Kaufman-Renn, and how Coach Matt Painter’s consistency has turned Purdue into a powerhouse.

Later, the conversation shifts to baseball as Larry and Tony react to the Giants’ stunning hire of Tennessee’s Tony Vitello — the first college coach to jump straight to an MLB managerial role. They preview the Dodgers–Blue Jays World Series, discuss the dominance of L.A.’s rotation, and debate whether Toronto can keep up.

Finally, Chris Bengel of CBS Sports joins to talk early NHL trends: Carolina’s hot start, Tampa’s slide, Vegas’ dominance, and whether Boston and Detroit are contenders or pretenders. The episode closes with Larry and Tony breaking down the NBA’s second night and a Moment of Awe recalling the Jets’ legendary “Monday Night Miracle.”

TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

• Wembanyama’s 40-point statement win vs. Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks

• Rookie VJ Edgecombe makes NBA debut history with 34 points

• Purdue vs. Kentucky exhibition preview with Rob Blackman

• Matt Painter’s culture and Braden Smith’s All-American leadership

• Giants hire Tennessee’s Tony Vitello — a historic MLB move

• Dodgers–Blue Jays World Series preview: rotation breakdowns & x-factors

• Chris Bengel on NHL headlines: Carolina’s rise, Vegas’ title push, Boston’s struggles

• NBA early takeaways — Thunder, Warriors, 76ers, Knicks all making noise

• Moment of Awe: The 2000 Jets’ “Monday Night Miracle” comeback

QUOTES OF THE DAY

“Wemby just went from prodigy to problem — 40 and 15 in 29 minutes? Unreal.” — Larry Smith
“You can’t get out in transition if you don’t have the ball. Purdue’s rebounding will decide everything.” — Rob Blackman
“If the Giants think Vitello’s the guy, you pay the buyout and see if it works — but expect fireworks.” — Tony Cordaro
“Vegas looks scary again. Adding Mitch Marner might have just put them over the top.” — Chris Bengel