Championship Mindsets: Lessons from NBA Finals and NFL Legends
July 2025
Danny Williams, Mark Jackson, and Jeff Gersh break down what it takes to become a legend in sports on this episode of Elevation.
The NBA Finals are heating up, the U.S. Open delivered major drama, and the Broncos are making moves, and the Elevation crew is here for all of it. In our latest episode of Elevation at Fan Nation, Danny Williams, Mark Jackson, and Jeff Gersh dive into the biggest headlines in sports with bold predictions, classic stories, and more than a few laughs along the way.
NBA Finals: Depth, Youth, and the Battle for a Title
It’s Pacers vs. Thunder in this year’s NBA Finals, and the series is living up to the hype. The crew breaks down what makes these teams special, from OKC’s young stars to Indiana’s gritty depth, and how their success compares to the Nuggets’ playoff run.
“These are the two best teams, the two best coaches, the two best GMs, and the two best fan bases,” Jeff points out. “We get to just take it all in.”
While the Nuggets may be out, there’s plenty for Denver fans to learn from this Finals matchup, especially when it comes to building a complete roster and finding ways to improve the bench.
U.S. Open: J.J. Spaun’s Wild Finish
Golf fans got a show at this year’s U.S. Open, where J.J. Spaun staged a comeback worthy of the highlight reels. After a rough start, Spaun battled through tough conditions and a weather delay to capture an unforgettable win.
“Rain delay came. Hey, Cubs fans: you ever seen a rain delay like this before?” Jeff jokes, comparing Spaun’s momentum shift to the infamous 2016 World Series.
Mark, never one to miss a golf story, reflects on how packed the galleries have gotten over the years: proof that golf’s next generation is keeping the game alive and growing.
Broncos Offseason: Veteran Moves with Big Potential
Of course, no Elevation episode is complete without some Broncos talk. With veteran additions like J.K. Dobbins and Evan Engram, the hosts debate how these experienced players could elevate Denver’s offense.
“There’s nothing to replace experience,” Mark emphasizes. “You can be big, you can be fast, you can be strong… but experience is something you can’t really replace.”
Mark also shares how mentorship from guys like Steve Watson and Clint Sampson shaped his NFL career, reminding fans that it’s often the vets behind the scenes who help teams and young players take the next step.
What Makes a Legend?
From Isaiah Thomas lighting up NBA Jam to Mark Messier bringing the Stanley Cup to New York, the crew reflects on the athletes and moments that define greatness. Whether it’s a game-winning goal or a locker room speech that sparks a comeback, legendary moments stick with us, and they often change the trajectory of a team, a city, or even an entire league.
Looking Ahead
The NBA Finals aren’t done, the Broncos’ offseason is heating up, and Colorado fans might even get to see a major golf tournament in their own backyard one day (Cherry Hills, anyone?). Until then, the Elevation crew will keep bringing the takes, the stories, and the laughs.
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NBA Conference Finals Heat Up: Surprises, MVP Debates & Rising Stars
