Best of The Ben Maller Show

You’re with the Best‑of edition of the Ben Maller Show on Fox Sports Radio.

A banner kind of day, friends—back in the saddle, riding the overnight airwaves and aiming for that sweet spot.

Question on the board: what’s the one word for the Knicks saying no to an NBA Cup banner at the Garden?

Gravitas. Credit to James Dolan for acting like the adult and refusing a participation ribbon when you’re chasing real hardware.

The Lakers and Bucks put Cup flags in the rafters; that’s like asking for a green jacket after the par‑three contest.

Biggest loser in New York’s decision? Not Adam Silver and his in‑season baby—it’s Jeanie Buss, because the Knicks just proved the banner was optional after L.A. floated ‘the league made us do it.’

Fans see the Cup as a marketing trinket, and the Lakers stuck a souvenir next to their legends; the Knicks, who haven’t won big in decades, still said we’re grownups here.

Switching fields: any issue with Commanders coach Dan Quinn calling Giants rookie Jackson Dart a running back first in an NFL Films clip?

No. That’s the unvarnished scouting report many staffs share. Films rarely let the raw stuff through, but it slipped out; now it’s on Dart to change that label.

To L.A.: Puka Nacua blasted NFL refs on a streamer’s show, calling them the worst and saying they chase TV time.

He didn’t uncover a scandal; he broke the fourth wall. Officials are people with egos and group chats, and some absolutely love the spotlight.

This was more clout chase than crusade—he wanted in with those influencers so badly that Sean McVay kept them out of the facility and Puka met them elsewhere.

There will be a fine disguised as a charity donation, and a brighter light on his jersey. If he balls out Thursday, it disappears; if he struggles, it becomes the jinx everyone cites.

Vegas time: how’s Geno Smith’s Raiders outlook?

Stormy with a whiff of bad seafood. He’s been near the bottom by any sane measure, lagging behind guys who’ve already been benched, and the signature moment is flipping off the home crowd.

If this were a Strip residency, refunds by week one. Tom Brady’s group needs a loud, leaf‑blower housecleaning.

Plenty of heavyweights have fallen short. Who’s the biggest disappointment?

Baltimore and Kansas City. The Chiefs were warned by a thin roster and age, but the Ravens were supposed to be in their window; Lamar’s missed time and uneven play make their slide the stunner, with a nod to Detroit’s fade.

A Warriors fan leaked an email from Joe Lacob griping about the team and coach preferences. Steve Kerr shrugged. Is it a big deal?

Not really. It shows Lacob cares, but the dynasty arc is clearly in the twilight phase—good, not great—and every coach has pet player types.

Adam Silver says expansion decisions come in 2026, and he named Vegas and Seattle. Do both get teams?

Yes. The money pieces are falling into place, even if revenue shares get thinner. Bring back the Supersonics name in Seattle and let Vegas lean into its gambling identity.

Ask Ben time. Favorite French fry?

Curly fries are elite—Arby’s nails them—and I’ll still crush McDonald’s. I even eat soggy fries because fries are fries.

Give me slightly thicker than shoestring, perfect for soaking in steak juices; wedges are a bit much for me.

I’m basic fry with a soft spot for crinkle cut; curly is good, just not top tier for me.

Do you give Christmas gifts to non‑Jewish friends?

Yes. I lose track of time around the show, but my wife usually handles most of that.

Any allergies?

Penicillin. That’s the main one.

Bread sometimes gives me a weird mouth rash; it’s inconsistent, so I’m not sure what ingredient triggers it.

I get scratchy from hazelnuts but still eat them; lychee is a hard no.

Favorite dairy product?

Ice cream, lately an ice cream sandwich.

Cream cheese all day.

Amped for the Benny Cup mid‑season awards?

Christmas night. The year‑end show will smash download records, trust me.

Sophie Cunningham here from Show Me Something with a quick heads‑up about moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity. If loud snoring, heavy daytime fatigue, irritability, or focus issues ring a bell, they may point to breathing pauses and low oxygen at night—learn more at dontsleeponosay.com, with information from Lily, a medicine company.

Whoo—what a matchup: pure HBCU energy with the band thundering, chants bouncing, and school colors everywhere. Moments like that call for an ice cold Coca‑Cola—crisp, refreshing, and right on beat; fans plus a cold Coke is a winning combo.