Warriors defeat LeBron, Lakers & Giannis suffers injury in win vs Celtics | NBA | FIRST THINGS FIRST
Summary
TLDRThe transcript discusses the impact of Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury on the Milwaukee Bucks' playoff prospects, comparing it to past injuries of other NBA stars. It also debates the responsibility of the coach and the team's performance, mentioning the Lakers' struggles despite having LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The conversation highlights the unpredictability of sports and the importance of both individual and team performance in determining success.
Takeaways
- đ Giannis' injury and its impact on the Bucks' playoff chances is a significant concern, with potential absence ranging from 10 days to 3 weeks.
- đ€ Comparisons to past injuries of similar nature, such as those experienced by Damian Lillard and Luka Doncic, indicate variable recovery times and effects on performance.
- đ The importance of Giannis' health for the Bucks' title defense cannot be overstated, as his potential absence could drastically change their postseason trajectory.
- đ€ The uncertainty surrounding the severity of Giannis' injury and the potential for a quick recovery, drawing parallels to other athletes' experiences, leaves room for optimism but also concern.
- đââïž The possibility of Giannis' return in time for the playoffs, though not at full strength, could still pose challenges for potential opponents.
- đ€·ââïž The discussion around LeBron James' current impact on the Lakers, despite his impressive stats, raises questions about the team's overall performance and championship contention.
- đ The Lakers' struggles, despite having two top-tier players in LeBron and Anthony Davis, highlight the complexities involved in building a successful team.
- đ€ Coaching decisions, such as lineup choices by Darvin Ham, are scrutinized in the context of the Lakers' performance, with some questioning their effectiveness.
- đ The Golden State Warriors' impressive shooting performance, marking a potential turning point for the team's playoff aspirations.
- đŻ The Warriors' recent record and the potential for a deep playoff run, contingent on maintaining their current form and health of key players.
- đ€·ââïž The unpredictability of the NBA season, with various factors such as injuries, coaching decisions, and team dynamics playing crucial roles in determining success.
Q & A
What was the main concern discussed about Giannis after he went down in warm-ups?
-The main concern was that Giannis suffered a non-contact injury which could potentially keep him out of the games for at least 14 days and possibly restrict his minutes if he returns during the playoffs.
Who were some players mentioned as having had similar injuries to Giannis?
-Damien Lillard and Luka Doncic were mentioned as having suffered similar injuries, with Lillard missing seven games and Doncic missing the first three playoff games.
What was the speculation about Giannis's potential recovery time?
-The speculation was that Giannis could be out for as little as 10 days or as long as three weeks or more, depending on the severity of the injury.
What was the impact of Giannis's injury on the Bucks' playoff chances?
-The Bucks' playoff chances could be negatively affected as Giannis's absence might put them at a disadvantage, especially if they face strong teams like Philadelphia or Miami in the first round.
What historical example was given to illustrate a possible optimistic outcome for Giannis's injury?
-The example of Dominique Wilkins, who blew every ligament in his knee but still played the next game and was the most dominant player on both ends of the court, was given as an optimistic outcome.
What was the significance of the Lakers' loss in the context of their playoff chances?
-The Lakers' loss was significant because it meant they no longer controlled their own destiny for making it to the playoffs, as they now had to hope to avoid ending up in the 10th seed.
What was the criticism about Darvin Ham's coaching decision in the game against the Warriors?
-The criticism was that Darvin Ham chose to use a lineup that had never played together before, which was seen as a risky move in a crucial game situation.
What was the overall assessment of LeBron James's impact on the Lakers' performance?
-While LeBron James is still considered one of the top players in the league, it was suggested that he is not impacting games as he used to, particularly on the defensive end.
What was the discussion about the Warriors' performance in the game against the Lakers?
-The Warriors had an exceptional shooting night, with key players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green all hitting five three-pointers each, which is a rare occurrence.
How has the Warriors' performance been since January 28th?
-Since January 28th, the Warriors have the fourth-best record in the league, with a 25-11 record over a two and a half month stretch, indicating a strong performance.
What was the general sentiment towards the Warriors' playoff chances?
-While the Warriors are not seen as the favorites to win the Western Conference, their recent performance has raised their ceiling, with some suggesting they could reach the Conference Finals if they maintain their current form.
Outlines
đ Giannis' Injury and Playoff Implications
The paragraph discusses the impact of Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury on the Milwaukee Bucks' playoff prospects. It highlights the initial reactions to the injury, comparisons to past incidents with other players like Damian Lillard and Luka DonÄiÄ, and the potential timeline for Giannis' recovery. The conversation also touches on the importance of Giannis to the Bucks' success and the challenges the team may face in the playoffs without him, considering past performances and the competition in the Eastern Conference.
đ€ Lakers' Season Challenges and Coaching Decisions
This paragraph delves into the Los Angeles Lakers' struggles and the role of coaching decisions in their performance. It critiques specific lineup choices made by Coach Darvin Ham, particularly in a crucial game against the Golden State Warriors. The discussion also explores LeBron James' impact on the team, comparing his current performance to past years, and questions whether the Lakers are underperforming given their roster, which includes two top-tier players in LeBron and Anthony Davis.
đ Assessing the Warriors' Recent Success
The focus of this paragraph is on the Golden State Warriors' recent form, particularly their impressive shooting performance. It debates whether a single outstanding game should significantly alter the perception of the team's potential. The conversation highlights the Warriors' fourth-best record since January 28th and the contributions of various players, including Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and role players. The paragraph also discusses the team's rebounding strengths and their potential as a dangerous contender in the playoffs.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄGiannis
đĄInjury
đĄPlayoffs
đĄCoaching
đĄRoster
đĄPerformance
đĄConference Finals
đĄThree-Pointers
đĄTeam Chemistry
đĄInjury Recovery
Highlights
Discussion on Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury and its potential impact on the Milwaukee Bucks' playoff chances.
Comparison of Giannis' injury to past incidents involving other NBA players like Damien Lillard and Luka Doncic.
Speculation on the possible duration of Giannis' absence and its implications for the Bucks' playoff performance.
Analysis of the Bucks' season, including challenges faced such as coaching changes and team dynamics.
Reflection on the 2022 postseason and the Bucks' championship defense.
Discussion on the Golden State Warriors' performance and their potential in the upcoming playoffs.
Examination of the Lakers' season, focusing on the performance of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Critique of Lakers' coach Darvin Ham's decision-making and its impact on the team's performance.
Debate on whether LeBron James is still able to impact games as he used to, particularly on the defensive end.
Consideration of the Warriors' roster and their rebounding capabilities, positioning them as a dangerous team in the playoffs.
Discussion on the importance of coaching decisions in critical moments of games, using the Lakers' game strategy as an example.
Analysis of the Warriors' shooting performance, noting it as one of the best in NBA history.
Reflection on the unpredictability of the NBA playoffs and the potential for underdog teams to excel.
Discussion on the potential impact of the Warriors' game on the Lakers' playoff positioning and their chances against Golden State.
Critique of the Lakers' draft choices and the potential missed opportunities in selecting certain players.
Analysis of the Warriors' overall team performance since January, highlighting their improved record and potential playoff ceiling.
Debate on the influence of single games on overall team evaluations and the importance of consistency.
Transcripts
wow you are back in a big way back baby
oh my goodness live from New York it's
the show that's still recovering from
eating several cookies yesterday brw how
are you feeling I I did have a Sugar
Rush After the Show I had a headache for
a good hour or two after the show it's
first things first today return to the
court is TBD your reaction well well
first of all I think an apology is in
order not for me well this is not I know
it's not about you but it's just fake
cuz you said you March 4th when Giannis
went down in
warm-ups you said he was writhing in
pain and that it was something to be
concerned about and Nick mocked you no
you Nick destroyed I just said it's not
writhing I said it's wincing and you
then conceded that you used the wrong
it's wincing but this is the same Cal
non- contct injury and unfortunately I I
take no pleasure out of this it's like a
character in a movie who can see the
future like I don't want to look I don't
want to be right about this yeah but
this is terrifying it's going to be at
least 14 days out and even then he's got
to be minutes restriction I think you've
got to be P the playoffs start yeah cuz
D Damien Lillard had the same injury
last year now there's degrees obviously
but he missed he was out for seven games
about two weeks and Luka if you remember
had this injury in game
82 two years ago and just and missed the
first three playoff games so he had
injur Jun right the jayen the year they
made the Conference Finals and so now
Durant had this same injury was out much
longer and then when he came back
towards Achilles so that's yeah his
obviously was probably a different right
but that's my point is I don't know we
know what grade so I think anywhere from
and I'll let you finish but I think
anywhere from him being out the next 10
days and him being out the next three
plus weeks is on is on the board and I
don't think there's any way to know it
right now well the playoffs start April
20th and 21st yep so that's two weeks
away not three weeks away yeah just this
is obviously a problem and unfortun look
I hate to say this but doc has kind of
been looking for an excuse he has a real
one now unfortun oh my goodness I can't
believe that unfortunately he like now
and who else has a real a real parachute
shoot also oh just tell you I don't even
need olive branch your star player goes
down you're a pi free agent that happens
but go ahead
but at hopefully this is not the case I
mean thankfully it's not an Achilles
tear but is the best case scenario or I
should say the more realistic scenario
that is similar to last year's playoffs
when he had to miss two games in the
first round against Miami right and they
they went one in one of those games but
they obviously lost the series four to
one and he didn't look like himself came
back so so even if he's able to play in
the first round if he's not himself they
could be in trouble and look if they get
Philly at especially now they're the
underdog if they get Miami they might be
the underdog just because no well with
Giannis kind of we don't know what he's
going to look like well if if they they
C wouldn't be a Vegas Underdog
unless
Yannis and if Giannis were ruled out for
the series they might be the Vegas if
he's if he's out for the series they're
going down but if he misses even a
couple of games Miami has a great chance
and then look and you talked about this
Indiana and I get it that the regular
season doesn't always you know happen in
the postseason but Indiana's beaten him
four out of five games this season and
that's when Milwaukee was playing better
basketball so it's unfortun it but all
right let me let me paint one optimistic
picture in regards to Giannis not in
regards to how the Bucks play anything
like that I watched this
player I'm
certain blow every ligament in his knee
and play the next game I watched it
happen and I know that sounds ridiculous
I'm telling you guys when I saw that
happen I'm like oh no Giannis is out a
year and he was slightly hampered game
one of the finals and then the next five
games averaged 37 a night and was the
most dominant player on both ends so
there is a level of where and I I
understand that LeBron LeBron never
really dealt with calf issues uh but we
saw LeBron in his prime it's like oh
he's out a month with an ankle sprain
and not miss a playoff game and so I say
that to say this level of freak athlete
which I actually don't consider consider
Kevin Durant in that regard because
Durant's body is not the way giannis's
is and it's not the where you know the I
don't look at it the same way I I'm not
going to say it's off the table that he
recovers from this differently than Luca
donic who's not the same athlete then
Damen Lillard that all of it so that is
the hopefully you're right right and I'm
not predicting it I'm just saying it's
all the there is a full menu of options
here that's the optimistic side the
pessimistic side is this is last stroke
in a season from Hell correct I was
about to say that where you where you
you fire your coach who you won a
championships quits right no but no I'm
saying you fire hter you fire bud before
the year even gets going Terry stots who
was kind of the experienced voice that
you were going to have along with a
rookie head coach he doesn't make it to
game one because of a conflict with
Adrien Griffin you then give Adrien
Griffin the David blat treatment which
is don't care that you're in line to
coach the All-Star game we don't think
you're the right coach you bring in Doc
your disaster since then the weird stuff
you've talked about dating back to the
Pacers game ball and all of it Dame's
sadness and now right before the playoff
start you the dreaded non- contct ah
what just happen happened and so I can I
add one other thing before we move on
and this is just the way my brain works
where I always like I play a lot of what
if games with sports but this is why you
missed
opportunities you don't always realize
in the moment how significant they are
but the 2022 postseason when the Bucks
are the defending champs and the Bucks
are up 3-2 on Boston and the Bucks we
now know on the western side of that
bracket the warriors were going to get
through and I to this day I do not I
will go to my grave believing the
Warriors would not have been able to
deal with Giannis in that series ever
and Jason Tatum has the game of his life
in game six and Grant Williams and
Company hit a million threes in game
seven and the title defense is over and
it's like oh man well you know what it's
hard to win back to back then the next
year Giannis Herz is back and you're out
in round one then the next year all this
weird stuff happens and you make a trade
you fire your coach and it's like wait
what could have been giannis's run is
I'm not saying see I don't view it as a
missed opportunity I blew it as they
weren't good enough I mean Boston beat
them like it wasn't oh the Bucks g you
know they didn't play well they gave it
up to the Boston beat him and we've seen
this Milwaukee team struggle in the
postseason and lose series to Miami that
you figured and they would Miami next
round right and so I just I I hear you
no I agree with you but in this one I'm
not saying they got thought they would
have been maybe I'm not saying they got
unlucky you're right Boston was better
Boston was down 3-2 their best player
had the game of his life up to that
point that's what sports is about but in
the moment if we have said hey Milwaukee
is not even going to be back in round
two for another 3 years we just said
You' just said impossible but now it
feels very possible pending his injury
steps next thing you know he's playing
at Madison Square Garden well who knows
meanwhile in La the Warriors or the bay
shot the lights out and rolled an ad Le
Lakers Squad LeBron had 33 three but it
wasn't enough traffic jam in the par in
the playin Phoenix Sacramento LA and
Golden State all within two games of
each other and I tried to figure out the
tiebreakers and I read an article and I
was going to explain it here and my
brain short circuited uh Nick perhaps
you can do a better job how devastating
was this for the Lakers it's the biggest
game of the
year and now they had they won last
night they would essentially control
their own destiny to the 78 line because
of the loss last night they now have to
hope against hope they don't end up the
10 seat you know what I mean cuz they
don't don't even control their own
destiny as far as not being the 10 right
uh and here's the thing this loss though
the the ramifications were going to be
super significant but it should be
theoretically easy to understand well
Anthony Davis wasn't there and the
Warriors had literally the best shooting
night in the history of the NBA yeah the
no team has ever shot 40 or more threes
at a better percentage it's never
happened Draymond Stephen Clay all hit 5
threes in a game that hasn't happened
since the 73- win season you should be
able to chalk it up to that but the
reason I can't and the reason I was
angry tweeting which I promised America
I was going to try to do less of the
reason is because despite all of it the
Lakers had a chance in this game and
then Darvin ham rolled out for the first
time brw I knew you hold on this is
going to make me mad well well hold on
wait I here's the thing on this let me
show you the lineup and then let me ask
you whose fault it is because let me
show you the lineup that he rolled out
there these five guys who had played
going into the end of the third quarter
last night let me check watch zero
minutes together and you know why
because that's an absurd it's it's it's
it's DLo a worst version of DLo and den
witty a worst version of den den witty
and Gabe Vincent and then torian Prince
and Jackson Hayes that that lineup and
they let go with the rope and the game's
over the game was over in three minutes
and I know you think I'm too hard on
Darin ham but here's my question to you
brew ad's been excellent and healthy
LeBron's been excellent and healthy you
like the roster I don't but you do okay
so why aren't they better other than the
coach playing as well as his numbers
suggest he doesn't impact the game he
was great last night yeah he couldn't
impact the game we saw it against Denver
great couldn't impact the game M so you
do so you agree with wilds then that no
I'm not saying he's the problem I mean
wild says he's the problem I'm I'm just
saying the numbers are giving you the
impression cuz if you got a guy put up
the the numbers say he's as good as ever
no I know he's not that nobody's saying
that but do you think and he doesn't
dominate games anymore not not regularly
I get that which is why they're not a
champion Contender but that's not the
problem here my question is this the
Lakers have is Anthony I'm just saying
with LeBron and you know how much I love
LeBron but I'm tired of every time his
team doesn't win a championship or get
close it's somebody else's fault but
hold on a second it's always the coach's
fault or the teammates fault it's not
but right so I he's not to blame but I'm
just saying they're not as good as as
people think hold on but wait but so
this is wa this is the the the
discrepancy here I agree with you that
LeBron is not able to carry a team
obviously to Championship contention by
himself nobody he ain't even being asked
to do it by himself he's got Anthony
Davis okay so but here's my question
if we will just go as conservative as
possible Anthony Davis is one of the 15
best players in the league and LeBron's
one of the 20 best players in the league
okay be as conservative as possible
meaning cons very conservative right so
why e so if I just say LeBron's the 18th
best player in the league I think he's
probably closer to eth call him 18th why
is the team not better if you have it's
on the players man I'm I mean again and
I'm not trying to defend Darin ham I'm
just saying if it's not inam it's Luke
Walton it's Frank vogle who has a
championship by the way play the game
all right just go out there and I mean
we can look at any coach Steve Kerr was
it his fault was he all of a sudden a
bad coach when the warriors were
struggling some people were throwing out
Steve CT like oh he ain't doing a good
job no it's I'm just saying no but Steve
CT is a resume of a good job what I
guess here's my thing what evidence do
we have dervingham well last year they
got to the Western Conference Finals
above and nobody expected him to you
thought how about that so you think so
I'm not saying he was working magic but
I think he did a fine job okay so I so
if the the the the issue I have is if we
all think Anthony Davis is playing great
which I think he's playing great playing
excellent and it's a after playing 98 of
100 games it's B it's unfortunate he
gets elow in the face and misses the
game LeBron is I I had Josh the same
thing you did Wilds cuz I I'm on to all
your Wilds dirty tricks Wilds tried the
other day to have I we had Josh do the
same exp uh research but for different
ends which was is there any number we
can point to that says actually LeBron's
hurting the Lakers and the answer the
answer is no nobody is somebody saying
he's hurting the Lakers are you saying
he's hurting the Lakers I'm not saying
he's hurting the Lakers but trying to
find the culprit on why this team which
is excellent and has two Allstars into
two top 20 guys
conservatively top 13 guys guys you know
optimistically is sitting at the 10 and
fighting for their lives right here's
what I'll say LeBron is skilled enough
especially with adding a three-point
shot and smart enough in an NBA where
it's darn near impossible to really
defend with the floor so spread he knows
how to get his numbers he's smart enough
to do that but he's not impacting the
game even close to the way he used to
because part in part because he used to
be a terrific Defender and now he
doesn't do much at all on that end of
the floor occasionally here or there but
that's that's a I'm saying that it looks
like LeBron like I saying he's not as
playing as well as his numbers suggest
that two 25 Point scores and one of them
is a great defender you think they'd be
better no so I agree with you that if
you can't just pull up LeBron's stats
this year and compare him to LeBron
stats in 2012 and be like look same guy
I to even though he's a better
three-point shooter now than I totally
agree with that but that but the drop
shouldn't in th those years of LeBron
the team's the one or the two we're now
talking about them being the but they
also were in the weaker Eastern sure but
the number of wins it's a massive drop
Anthony Davis has been excellent Y and
there and I know you think that I'm
being too hard on Darin ham I know this
that everyone was shocked that torian
Prince and not ruy was in the starting
line of start the year I know that the
people who cover the team the the
whether the local media the local
bloggers were beside themselves about it
there was even an article written about
how Darin took from his time in
Milwaukee like the blueprint and looks
at Toran as his Chris Middleton and this
team started tan Prince for 49 games
with 24 and 25 they then finally went to
the lineup that took them to the Western
Conference finals and they're 21- 10
since then I know that last night you
have a lineup in the biggest game of the
year in the second half in a seven-point
game
why would you ever say hey a lineup that
literally has never played together
let's try it out now that's coaching
that's fair that's coaching and so but
it's still a seven-point game and Golden
State still shot the lights out right
but they had already done so we can't
say they would have won that game had he
not put that line no what I what I am
saying is is that you had got despite
Draymond had hit five threes in the
first half that you had gotten through
the real mck mck's the wrong word the
assault you weathered the storm and you
were there in the biggest moment of the
season and it is just to me objectively
true that in that moment is not the time
do you agree with this not the time to
try a lineup that's never I agree with
that my my point is just that every time
they lose it's the coach's fault but
when they're rolling you've been
spouting about how they've been one of
the best teams in the league for the
last three months all right well was dar
terrible then well no I think overall
for this season I think Darin ham has
caused more harm than good I think the
obsession with Toran prince who I like
as a person but at this point is one of
the by any advanced metric one of the
most minutes had dropped took 50 games
it took it took most people five like
what torian prin like in 2018 it wasn't
a great idea and so I it's just
frustrating just frustrating it's a
devastating move on to the Warriors I
knew it they're going to draw you back
in
a little I knew it like there's Denver
and we've said it then there's a group
after that right% right they're in that
group I'm putting them in that group
Minnesota the Lakers are still in that
group they're in that group because and
this is I didn't get to say this when we
talking about the Lakers this is one
reason why it's so devastating if they
play The Warriors in the n910 it's going
to be in Golden State most likely right
and in a one and done I'm not saying the
Lakers wouldn't beat him in a series but
in a one and done and if they get hot
like that again so there's that um but I
think they're now in that group right
below Denver where they got a shot I'm
going to raise their ceiling assuming a
healthy Denver from the second round to
the Conference Finals not saying I'm
picking them for that but I'm raising
their I think their ceiling now is
Denver in the Conference Finals and
here's the thing Nick since January 28th
I I mentioned it yesterday but here's
the graphic they have the fourth best
record the league not just the west 25
and 11 that's a good 2 and 1 half month
stretch that is a 57 win Pace right so
over 82 games so they are playing and
the great thing is and you brought it up
that Steph is not like he's been
carrying him he's averaging like 23
points over the last and not shooting
well over the last month and a half I
love what the other guy Kay is starting
to find he's found himself he's kind of
back I want to say back to the old clay
but he's playing well and role the young
role players are playing well and Trace
Jackson Davis has given them a little
size you guys know that I I've always
wanted him to get bigger but they are
the second believe it or not the second
best rebounding team in the league
that's hard and the third best offensive
rebounding so when you shoot it the as
well as they do you're going to get
extra possessions they're dangerous I'm
not they're not certainly not picking
them to win the west but they're
dangerous I know I'm not allowed to
blame darham or Rob pinka for anything
because Rob pinka won a championship a
few years ago but that Trace Jackson
Davis pick that would have been one of
those nice things you know a guy the
Lakers could use in the rotation but of
course I think their guys in the g-
league from the draft picked out Spencer
the who is terrible well sper dwit he is
you
keep I mean that's the thing Angel Russ
is not terrible Aus re not terrible
Jackson haes is terrible R not terrible
Austin Reeves ruy Hur and who's the F
DLo have all played really well and I
like that fiveman unit you're at this
that side of the table's love for league
minimum Jackson Hayes who his team gave
up what he is he's an athletic bouncy
guy
off Warriors that's fine I didn't say
anything about Jackson AES I said
something about the guy that Lakers
drafted at 17 when they could have this
guy who's been in the G League all year
that's what I said then he brought up
Spencer DWI you watch with the Nets a
few years ago and when he a moment he's
not as good as he thinks he is the
Warriors all right you agree with me
right on the absolutely not you guys
can't quit this Warriors narcotic the
fact of the matter is this you know what
they proved last night the nights they
look like the 2016 Warriors they look
awesome cuz that team was awesome yeah
and they had the best shooting night not
as a team in league history but Steph
Claymont and D Claymont Steph clay and
Draymond all hitting five threes has not
happened in a game since 2016 the this
war the so before this game my ceiling
for the Warriors was bounced in round
one after this game I'm going to check
yeah bounced in round no I'm not going
to I wild what do they call me Mr
consist am I going to would it make
sense to drastically change my opinion
on a team based on one game one game you
didn't know that graphic I didn't know
you showed me yesterday yeah but
yesterday you were
be I know the graphic I go Ahad 2 and
half months thanks for watching
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