T-Wolves take 2-0 series lead vs Nuggets, Jamal Murray throws heating pad | NBA | FIRST THINGS FIRST
Summary
TLDRThe video script is a dynamic discussion about the performance of the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA playoffs. The speakers debate whether the series is over for the Nuggets after their loss in game two, despite a bold prediction made earlier. They analyze the impact of key players like Anthony Edwards and Jamal Murray, the latter of whom is criticized for his poor performance and potential suspension for throwing a heating pad onto the court. The conversation also touches on the coaching strategies of Michael Malone and the high expectations placed on star players like Joker. The speakers agree that without Jamal Murray, the Nuggets' chances of winning the series are significantly diminished, despite the individual brilliance that might be expected from a player of Joker's caliber.
Takeaways
- đ The Denver Nuggets are struggling in the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the Timberwolves showing dominance on both ends of the court.
- đ Nikola Jokic, despite being a three-time MVP, is experiencing a career-worst playoff series in terms of efficiency, field goal percentage, and turnovers.
- đ« Jamal Murray's performance has been subpar, with a significant drop in shooting percentage and contributing to the team's woes with his actions on the court.
- đ€ There's a discussion about whether Jokic is getting a 'pass' from criticism due to his MVP status, with some arguing that he should be held to the same high standards as other greats like LeBron James or Michael Jordan.
- đ The impact of Michael Malone's coaching and his interaction with officials is questioned, with suggestions that his frustration may be influencing the team's performance.
- đš Concerns are raised about the potential for Jamal Murray to be suspended for his on-court behavior, which could significantly affect the Nuggets' chances in the series.
- đ€·ââïž There's skepticism about the Nuggets' ability to come back from a 2-0 deficit at home, given historical precedents and the current state of the team.
- đ Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves is highlighted for his exceptional play, showcasing his ability to take over games with his scoring.
- đ€ Frustration is evident in the Nuggets' performance, with the team appearing to unravel after early foul trouble for key players like Karl-Anthony Towns.
- đ The Timberwolves are praised for their aggressive play and for treating the game as a 'must-win' situation, which has given them an edge.
- đ The importance of a team's second-best player is underscored, with the Nuggets missing the contribution of their second option, which is impacting their playoff run.
Q & A
What was the prediction made about the Denver Nuggets a few weeks ago?
-The prediction was that the Denver Nuggets would win game two and go on to win the championship.
Who is referred to as 'Wild' in the transcript?
-Wild refers to a person who made a bold prediction about the Nuggets, which was initially dismissed as silly.
How did the Minnesota Timberwolves perform against the Denver Nuggets in the game discussed?
-The Minnesota Timberwolves performed exceptionally well, dominating the game and leading to a significant loss for the Denver Nuggets.
What was the criticism of Jamal Murray's behavior during the game?
-Jamal Murray was criticized for his poor performance, including low scoring, high turnover rate, and unsportsmanlike conduct such as throwing a towel onto the court.
What was the discussion regarding the potential suspension of a player?
-There was a discussion about the possibility of Jamal Murray being suspended for his conduct during the game, which included throwing a heat pad onto the court, which could be considered dangerous.
What was the commentary on the coaching approach of Michael Malone?
-The commentary suggested that Michael Malone might have been trying to get ejected to light a fire under his team, but this strategy did not appear to work.
How was Nikola Jokic's performance described in the game?
-Nikola Jokic's performance was described as underwhelming, with the commentators noting that he did not play to his usual MVP-caliber standards.
What was the general sentiment towards the Nuggets' playoff performance?
-The general sentiment was that the Nuggets were not meeting expectations, with the team appearing to be outworked and outschemed by the Timberwolves.
What was the reaction to the Nuggets' defensive strategy against Anthony Edwards?
-The reaction was that despite decent defensive efforts, Anthony Edwards was able to make impressive plays and score, showcasing his talent.
What was the comparison made regarding the expectations from star players during crucial games?
-The comparison made was that star players like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Nikola Jokic are held to high standards, and their performance in crucial games is heavily scrutinized.
What was the final verdict on the series after the discussed game?
-The final verdict was that while the Nuggets were in a difficult position, the series was not considered 100% over, with a historical context provided that some teams have come back from similar deficits.
Outlines
đ Playoff Predictions and the Denver Nuggets' Struggles
The speaker discusses the unpredictability of playoff outcomes, particularly focusing on the Denver Nuggets' performance. Initially, the speaker admits to having picked the Nuggets to win game two and the championship, but after their loss, they question their prediction. They mention a specific individual, 'Wild,' who made a bold prediction about the Nuggets, which is now being doubted. The discussion includes the impact of the Timberwolves' strong performance, the Nuggets' seeming lack of coordination, and the importance of key players like Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. The speaker also touches on the psychological aspects of the game, suggesting that the Nuggets may have been intimidated or unprepared for the Timberwolves' aggressive style of play.
đ€ Analyzing the Nuggets' Performance and Jamal Murray's Frustration
This paragraph delves into a tactical analysis of the Nuggets' gameplay, suggesting that they deviated from their normal strategies and appeared to be playing at a different pace compared to the Timberwolves. The speaker also discusses the potential implications of the Nuggets' loss, referencing historical comebacks in the NBA playoffs. They highlight the impressive performance of Minnesota and the underwhelming performance of Jamal Murray, who is dealing with a shooting slump and displaying frustration on the court. The speaker criticizes Murray's actions, which included arguing with referees and throwing a towel, which could be seen as unsportsmanlike conduct and potentially deserving of a suspension.
đĄ Jamal Murray's Behavior and Michael Malone's Coaching
The focus of this paragraph is on Jamal Murray's behavior during the game and the potential consequences it might have on the series. The speaker argues that throwing objects onto the court, as Murray did with a heating pad, is dangerous and has led to suspensions in the past. They express disappointment in Murray's actions and discuss how it could affect the outcome of the series. Additionally, the speaker questions Michael Malone's coaching approach, suggesting that his public criticism of the referees may have influenced the team's attitude and performance.
đ The Pressure of Leadership and Joker's Performance
The speaker reflects on the burden of leadership and the high expectations placed on star players, using the example of Joker, who is considered one of the best in the league. They discuss how Joker's performance in the playoffs has been underwhelming compared to his regular-season stats, which is surprising given his MVP status. The speaker also compares Joker's situation to other superstars like LeBron James and discusses the double standards that exist in how players are critiqued based on their reputations. They acknowledge that while Joker may not be meeting his usual high standards, the series is not over and there's still a chance for him to prove himself.
đ Analyzing Joker's Stats and the Knicks' Offseason Moves
In this final paragraph, the speaker continues to analyze Joker's performance using statistical data, noting that despite his playoff struggles, his numbers are still impressive. They argue that Joker is not receiving the same level of criticism as other superstars might in his position. The speaker also briefly touches on the New York Knicks and their potential offseason move to acquire Jaylen Brunson, indicating a shift in topic towards the end of the script.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄDenver Nuggets
đĄMinnesota Timberwolves
đĄPlayoffs
đĄAnthony Edwards
đĄJamal Murray
đĄMichael Malone
đĄJokic
đĄFront Runners
đĄPick and Roll
đĄSuspend
đĄEfficiency
Highlights
The Denver Nuggets were predicted to win game two and the championship, but faced a surprising challenge from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Timberwolves' performance was so dominant it was described as if they were playing against suburban kids for the first time.
Anthony Edwards showcased a high-scoring game, solidifying his position as a top scoring option for the Timberwolves.
Jamal Murray's performance for the Nuggets was criticized, with a stat line of eight points and four turnovers.
Murray's frustration led to unsportsmanlike conduct, including throwing a heat pad onto the court, which could have resulted in injury.
The Nuggets' coach, Michael Malone, appeared to be trying to get ejected to motivate his team, but the tactic did not work.
Jokic, despite being a three-time MVP, has underperformed in the series so far with career-worst statistics.
The Nuggets' strategy seemed to be disrupted after a quick foul on Karl-Anthony Towns, affecting their game plan.
The expectation is that without Jamal Murray, the Nuggets would struggle to win the Western Conference, regardless of Jokic's performance.
The Timberwolves' defense was praised for its effectiveness against the Nuggets' star players.
The Nuggets' performance was described as a 'master class' for Minnesota, highlighting their strong game strategy.
The discussion touched on the double standards in how superstars like Jokic are treated compared to other great players in the league.
Jokic's lack of athleticism was noted as a hindrance during the game, marking a new observation for the usually dominant player.
The narrative of Jokic being 'Mr. Consistency' was questioned due to his recent struggles.
The impact of the altitude in Denver on the Nuggets' performance was suggested as a factor in their gameplay.
The historical context of teams making comebacks from a 0-2 series deficit was discussed, with examples of Dirk Nowitzki and Hakeem Olajuwon.
The potential suspension of Jamal Murray due to his on-court actions was a point of debate, with arguments for and against it.
Transcripts
win and all of a sudden you're trying to
celebrate
called hey can you introduce the show I
told you he's going to be ont all week I
mean does honesty matter or do we do we
not care we just make stuff up every day
what show is this I don't even know
exactly live from New York it's the show
that's completely on tilt it's first
things first today if you're just tuning
in the guy picked the Denver Nuggets to
win game two and to win the championship
a few weeks ago a s that doesn't matter
exactly who did I pick to win the
series excuse me your wolves thank you
is the series over she whiz Does this
answer your question well not really to
be 100% honest I hate to do this to you
w and Nick I have implored you for maybe
a year now to let the tiger out what
tiger is there and finally cuz usually
when we make predictions you just say
something silly like like the the
Rockets the Rockets and the magic in the
fight it's wild look at Wild treas cute
and all that right and this year after
me saying let the tiger out Wilds let
the tiger out you made a real
prediction nuggets no one has beating
them in seven right you to you got on
the rooftop and you screamed it at the
top of your lungs you had space in your
voice you put 10 toes down chest was out
yeah yeah and here we are
so I do have to do it I I hate to but I
do what is it what did bruise wolves do
to Wild's
nuggets they went into your house oh no
they threw up their feet on your coffee
table Yeah ate a sandwich they told you
get me a Rob in fact give me a robe In
t-wolves Colors oh yeah and of course
yep that's right you guessed it oh wait
give me a sandwich I can't believe this
is a and some chips and a soda pop okay
that's what they did that is that's
exactly what they did to your boys they
did that is it is absolutely over okay M
you might get a game maybe two maybe I
doubt that hold on a second maybe too
but this series is over Nick quickly a
little real analysis okay oh well then
you might have to take your shoes down
and sunglasses off the t-wolves
I maybe I'll leave the defense to you
yeah but they have two number one
scoring options two number one draft
picks two number one overall picks we
know Anthony Edwards is a number one
scoring option yeah Cat Nick career
231 on 52% shooting 40% from three cat
has the game of a number one option but
not the demeanor you know the the intang
the dog kind of like Anthony Davis Davis
has the game Davis better defensively
cat better offensively so they got two
number one options and that's all I'll
say about the defense because I'm sure
you want to get to it no the the the
Nuggets Wilds looked last night like the
bunch of suburban kids playing against a
team from the hood for the first time it
was like what the I mean they were
swarming them they looked like what in
the world is going on looked like the
game was being played at two speeds yes
and that was it so Wilds I'm sorry I'm
glad you let the tiger out but I'm going
to eat s you eat your sandwich and Wilds
is do you think the series is over no I
mean it's certain shook my confidence a
bit because no one's listening to me
oh I'm not saying I'm a basketball
Savant but Josh and I have been grinding
the all 10 yeah and it doesn't take red
Arbok of the film room to figure out
don't go down double digits every single
playoff game they're like oh we should
start playing yeah I said that yesterday
and what happened down six to the end of
first quarter then they opened up hey
should we should we switch anything
we're getting out hustled we're getting
outworked we're getting out schemed Nas
Reed is out here looking like Wilt
Chamberlain and Joker can't do anything
what hold on here's the nuggets in the
first half wake up wake up and play
basketball what are we doing in the
playoffs last year oh surprise surprise
up five and shoting almost 50% regular
season up three little dip but sure why
not shooting almost 50% in the playoffs
down almost nine points at half this
game was over there's and there's an
element of it's got it it's not it's not
every the periphery it's Joker just run
the normal stuff run a high pick and
roll and if you're not getting doubled
pull the old Cris rard back down back
down back down uhoh help kick it out hit
a three that's what won you the
championship we're doing all sorts of
crazy stuff so there's I mean listen
there there's also this possibility
they're not as good as you thought they
were they're Gass from what the
altitude they have to live there get the
just I mean so the I for the record I
don't think the series is 100% over no I
think the wolves are in I'm sorry the
nuggets are in Dire Straits but I don't
think it is 100% over I know Wilds
brought up the fact that five only five
teams have come back from losing first
two at home but it's only happened 29
times so that means about one and six
come back from it and a lot of the guys
that we talk about Joker just picked two
of the greatest foreign born players
ever Dirk and dream they both did it
were down 02 at lost best two at home
and came back so I don't think it's
impossible but I think that was a master
class for Minnesota last night and to do
that without Rudy goar on the road when
it is the biggest game Denver has
played must in years like because they
never were you could say game three of
the finals last year but I think they
were pretty convinced we're going to we
we're more I guess maybe game five
against the Suns last year round two but
it's it's on the level of maybe the
biggest game and I have to tell you they
looked like some Front
Runners their coach acted like a front
runner their second best player
certainly acted like a front runner and
Joker wasn't Joker no was in my opinion
and we'll get to Joker later third
straight game that he has not looked
like himself and a lot of the reasons
that I thought this team was beatable
now obviously I was wrong about the
Lakers but I did not think they were
this unass salable Juggernaut I thought
they were the favorites I thought they
were the best team is showed up they
don't have a bench they do miss Bruce
Brown the idea that Michael Porter Jr is
going to shoot 55% from three every game
is not going to happen the idea that
that every postseason Jamal Murray is
going to transform into Kobe Bryant is
not going to happen and Minnesota on the
other hand Brew had eight points I I
don't need Prime Kobe no that's I get 10
no that's fair I'm going to say one
other thing that I think actually did
happen and it's so funny how Sports work
cuz I listen they lost by felt like 30
so but they were down 30 way but I feel
like it could have all gone differently
if Carl Anthony towns did didn't get
called for that first foul I know so
just follow me here they they knew that
without goar the Nuggets I'm sorry the
timber roles had to keep Carl towns on
the court the refs called that first
foul on Carl towns a minute into the
game and it felt to me like the next 15
nuggets possessions were not running
their stuff not doing what they had
planned for and was instead trying to
get the second foul on Big Cat and then
the ref stopped calling anything they
were letting him play it led to
frustration and all of a sudden
snowballs rolling downhill and so I
think that's one of the reasons that
they didn't do the high pick and roll
they didn't do the regular nugget stuff
is they were instead like hey you only
have we want to you you're already
missing Rudy now we're trying to make
you miss Carl and it threw him off and
then they unraveled they totally
unraveled can I give you one more
highlight before we move on to Jamal
Murray yeah this is uh the Nuggets
defense on Anthony Edwards this
turnaround shot I mean this dude is
playing out of his mind
like just buckets bro yeah I mean well
like I said they got they have a guy
that when all else fails he can just
beat you with his spectacular play I
mean that's good defense yes that's
double team right there too and he just
hits a great shot expression all right
meanwhile Jamal Murray statline eight
points four
turnovers okay suspension worthy it's a
tough week for sensitive Canadians man
oh man it's one of the worst of all time
uh I listen I think throwing two things
makes it a suspension because you lose
now I don't know that they'll do it I
know if this were the regular season
they would do it and I'm typically okay
with kind of different rules for regular
season and playoffs but this is so this
was not Heat of the Moment man this was
a
building meltdown yeah he it started I
it started from from him whining to
Reggie then literally whining to his dad
then doing the money sign to the refs
which cost goar 100 Grand when he did it
then going to the bench and throwing a
towel and not then realizing oh I'm
pretty lucky that that didn't actually
make it to the court instead being like
uh didn't have enough weight to it to
make it to the court give me something
heftier and when people say it's
dangerous I want to be clear here it's
not dangerous because they think you're
going to hurt someone with the heating
pad hitting them like that would just be
annoying it's dangerous because it lands
at guy's feet they don't see it and they
can step on it and so I have seen guys
suspended from playoff games for what I
consider to be less egregious and less
dangerous and so I if he doesn't get
suspended as a basketball fan I'll kind
of be happy cuz you like to see how it
goes but he deserves it he deserves a
suspension for that I hate to have games
or
series decided because of players not
available whether it's injury which you
usually we see or something like this
suspension so I I'm with you Nick
there's a large part of me that's like
man I kind of just want him to be able
to play sure but he must be suspended oh
wow wow must this is agre just I don't
even care that it was two things
throwing out a heat pad as you said it
two guys almost did step on it you could
step on that thing and turn an ankle and
or mess up your knee or pull a groin or
something it might have even been wet
like there you know those things are
often times wet and so somebody could
slide on it like it imagine if a cat
stepped on it and now he's out for the
rest of the series because of an ankle
injur something like that is that is no
less
ridiculous than if a player were to just
run on to the court he's sitting on the
bench run on to the court and start
playing as the six guy on the I mean
seriously like how they don't have a
rule for this is how this is the penalty
for if you throw something onto the
court because it's just common sense you
don't do it yeah it's like he lost his
mind and I love Jamal Murray it's like
he lost his mind and he is frustrated
he's shooting 28% in the series 20% from
three they got him locked up and he
doesn't know what to do so that's
exactly how I feel I felt like I got
catfished with the real Jamal Murray and
whoever's been here for the last two
games Jamal Murray's whole reputation is
get better in the big moments y he just
hit two gamewinners not buzzer beaters
but two gamewinners for the in the last
series now you come out he's complaining
to the refs like it's a high school game
yelling at the refs now you're throwing
stuff you can't your your calf must be
bothering you so much career low on 15
plus attempts regular season or playoffs
you 177% yesterday so how much do you
put on Michael
Malone like the because Michael to me
when Michael Malone loses his mind the
way he did it it instead of the moment
of guys stop complaining about the refs
everybody didp did so you think it it
gives you players I just feel like it
gives you yeah I do I I feel like that I
mean I I don't know what the comparison
is but if you're at a baseball game with
your kids and you're the parent and you
start heckling and cursing at a player
the kids are more likely than be like oh
that's okay I know that's not a great
analogy but I just I feel like Michael
Malone made it clear he thought the refs
were screwing them and then instead of
the players because here's the part of
it I didn't think it was an unfairly
officiated game I thought they were
allowing a lot of contact and that does
benefit in Minnesota but it's not like
they were calling it tight on one end
and loose on the other the rest were
just like hey man prison rules today I
think Michael Malone I don't put it on
him but I think he was trying to get
ejected I really do I think he because
he had said before the series these
starts are ridiculous we we talked about
it yesterday I believe like we got to
get out to better starts so I think it
was like here go again let me try to
light a fire under these guys we've
heard we've seen coaches do it before
the way he you rarely see a coach in
basketball this baseball okay and they
usually get ejected too but run up and
get in the guy's face almost nose to
nose and start yelling at him I think he
was like all right I'm gonna get out of
here and see if that ignites something
in our guys uh it didn't no no yes of
course I'm surprised Joker struggling
and I just I want to know I what I want
across the board Wilds what do they call
me Mr consistency and I wish more people
were oh I well then that would hurt your
brand yeah but you know what but the
world would be a more just Place does
the three-time MVP get held to the same
standard as the three old guys in the
league because I know when when when
when Draymond loses his mind there's a
conversation fair or not how much of
that's on Steph would anyone would
anyone today be like how much of the
team meltdown is on Joker of course not
that's unfair when the when the Suns get
beat by this team what is this Kevin
Durant what where's he going what's
going to happen is is that going to
happen for the guy who right now is at
the apex of the mountain when LeBron
James loses the previous round and
misses a couple box outs we say okay I
know they fired the coach but was it
really because LeBron wasn't hustling
enough when Joker hasn't played five
minutes of defense this playoff
Anthony Davis didn't have his career
best offensive output on nobody and
yesterday yes Anthony Edwards had an
amazing turnaround he also had a few
just free free run layups cuz Joker just
swiping the ball and backing up he is a
great player he is arguably the greatest
player in the game today but heavy is
the head that wears the crown for
everyone who's ever worn it and if you
are the prohibitive favorite in a
must-win game in your building with the
other team's guy who guards you
out and you know show and your team
melts down is there any other Superstar
in league history that that wouldn't
have been the league Le history well
it's in modern media league history I'm
talking about best player in the league
you know what I I I don't know you like
I just it's bizarre to me he's gotten he
gets all the flowers of the best and
none of the fair or
not shrapnel that comes with it and it
just feels like it's a double standard
well I'll say this and I'll address the
things you said first I I am surprised
like this is the biggest surprise to me
thus far in this series is that how
Under Wraps joic has been now his this
graphic will show you career he's still
giving you 24 12 and8 all right but as
far as the efficiency career worst he's
played 14 playoff series worst field
goal worst threo most turnovers ever in
a series per game this is the first
first time I've ever seen joic play
these two games where it looked like oh
his lack of athleticism is a hindrance
like his lack of lift as far as jumping
his lack of speed is a hindrance yeah
I've never seen joic look like he's been
outplayed and be you know put 40 on him
or last year and all but this is the
first time it looked like oh wow like
they're really making he's not a the
Conference Finals in the bubble when the
Lakers had three bigs and he you know
that was another time and Dwight Howard
you know little resurgent like that was
a time where and now he wasn't quite the
player is now but he was MVP caliber guy
still finishing top three MVP that was a
moment where it seemed like oh his ath
his lack but go go his lack of
athleticism hurts him now as far as what
you were saying Nick look I don't I I
think one I don't
think he's getting a pass it's only two
games I I think he will be treated like
Giannis when Giannis won the
championship and then you know the next
few years they haven't won it I think
that's how he'll be viewed we've seen
great players have this type of thing
happened to them we saw LeBron against
Dallas you know we saw magic in 1984
tragic got killed but do you think well
first of all they're not done with the
series and he's still average like what
are looking at is and I said this before
the series and I think you guys agree
with me without Jamal Murray I don't
care how good yic is they're not winning
the west and Jamal Murray's doing
nothing I know so so I I get it joic is
not dominating by any stretch but when
you look at the second guy playing so
badly yeah and I I just think and I also
think this and you mentioned several
guys LeBron is held to a high not he
shouldn't be a 39 but LeBron is was in
the freaking goat discussion in high
school in terms of we expect him to
challenge Michael Jordan this joic as
good as he is we NE we're never looking
at him like that he's gonna be treated I
watched
Luca's defense when they were making the
Conference Finals be a huge subject of
conversation had I mean he this
postseason is even no I mean but he's
not but he if you look at the analytics
numbers they're not as bad I mean
Anthony he's not a great like natural
athletic Defender he's a smart Defender
he can use his size a little bit but
nobody expects him to like block a bunch
of shots or be a shut down def Defender
I I get that all right we're going to
talk about the Knicks will Brew be ready
to give Jaylen Brunson thanks for
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