Stephen A. WAS SHOCKED to hear this Kevin Durant & Luka Doncic HOT TAKE 🔥 | First Take
Summary
TLDRThe transcript discusses the pressure on Western Conference NBA players to win a championship. Kevin Durant and Luka Dončić are highlighted as having significant pressure due to their individual performances and team expectations. The conversation also touches on the expectations from James Harden and the potential impact of his performance on the Los Angeles Clippers' playoff success.
Takeaways
- 🏆 The Western Conference is experiencing an exceptionally deep and competitive season with 10 teams finishing 10 games above .500.
- 🤔 There's significant pressure on Kevin Durant and Luka Dončić to win a championship, with expectations varying on their individual performances.
- 🏀 Kevin Durant's legacy is discussed, with opinions suggesting that not every ring carries the same weight and his move to the Suns presents an opportunity to solidify his status.
- 🏆 Luka Dončić is considered to be having the best individual season of any NBA player currently, and this could be his best chance to lead his team deep into the playoffs.
- 🤷♂️ Debate on whether the pressure on Durant and Dončić is higher than on other star players like those on the Clippers.
- 👏 James Harden's performance and his impact on the Clippers' success are highlighted, with his lack of a championship being a significant talking point.
- 🏆 The importance of playoff performances and meeting expectations are discussed, with past performances creating pressure or easing it for players like Harden.
- 🤔 The role of team dynamics and health in playoff success is considered, with the Suns' performance and coaching being a topic of concern.
- 🏀 The conversation emphasizes the high stakes for star players in the NBA, where playoff success or failure can define their legacies and public perception.
- 🤷♂️ The debate concludes with varying opinions on who faces the most pressure, considering the different contexts and expectations surrounding each player's situation.
Q & A
Which two players from the Western Conference are discussed as having the most pressure to win a title?
-Kevin Durant and Luka Doncic are the two players from the Western Conference discussed as having the most pressure to win a title.
What is the significance of the NBA Conference having 10 teams finish 10 games above 500?
-The significance is that it represents one of the deepest conferences in league history, making the competition extremely tough and challenging for any team trying to emerge as the West champion.
Why is Kevin Durant's legacy potentially affected by his performance with the Phoenix Suns?
-Kevin Durant's legacy could be significantly affected because if he can lead the Suns on a successful Western Conference run, it would cement his status and prove his ability to carry a team to victory even after changing teams.
What is the argument about James Harden's pressure to win a title compared to Kevin Durant's?
-The argument is that James Harden, despite not having won a title, faces less pressure than Kevin Durant because expectations for Harden have been lowered due to his past playoff performances, and he is not required to be the leading player on his team as he once was in Houston.
How does the discussion suggest that Luka Doncic's performance this season impacts his pressure to win a title?
-The discussion suggests that Luka Doncic is having the best individual season of any NBA player currently, and the team's composition around him provides the best chance for a Western Conference run, thus increasing the pressure on him to capitalize on this opportunity.
What is the significance of the Clippers' teammates' combined All-Star selections and scoring titles?
-The significance is that it highlights the high expectations and talent on the team, which in turn increases the pressure on James Harden to perform well in the playoffs and contribute to the team's success.
Why is there a retraction regarding the prediction about the Wolves beating the Suns?
-The retraction occurs because the Suns have consistently outperformed the Wolves, with a 3-0 record against them and significant leads in the second half of each game, indicating a stronger performance than previously assessed.
What is the argument about the expectations from James Harden in the playoffs?
-The argument is that the expectations for James Harden in the playoffs have decreased due to his past performances, and the focus is now on other players like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, reducing the pressure on Harden.
What potential outcome is discussed that could create significant backlash for Kevin Durant?
-The potential outcome discussed is if Kevin Durant's team, the Suns, lose in the first round of the playoffs, especially considering the talent on the team and the expectations for success, which could lead to significant criticism and backlash.
How does the script discuss the impact of past performances on current pressure for players like James Harden and Kevin Durant?
-The script discusses that past performances, particularly in the playoffs, can set expectations and thus pressure on players. For James Harden, past underwhelming playoff performances have lowered expectations, while for Kevin Durant, his past success and changes in teams have increased the pressure to prove his ability to lead a team to a championship.
What is the significance of the discussion about the pressure on Kyrie Irving compared to James Harden?
-The significance lies in the comparison of the pressure faced by different players based on their roles and past performances. While James Harden may have lower expectations due to his past, Kyrie Irving, who is also a key player on the Suns, could face high pressure due to the team's high expectations and his role in contributing to the team's success.
Outlines
🏆 Pressure on Western Conference Stars to Win a Title
The paragraph discusses the immense pressure on two key Western Conference players, Kevin Durant and Luka Dončić, to win a championship. It argues that Durant, despite having two rings, needs to prove his legacy by leading the Suns on a successful Western Conference run. The conversation also highlights Dončić's potential to elevate his status among NBA stars through a strong playoff performance with the Mavericks, given the team's current momentum and his outstanding individual season. The discussion further emphasizes the expectations from these players and the potential impact on their legacies and team dynamics.
🤔 Comparing Pressure on Durant, Harden, and the Clippers
This paragraph delves into a debate about the relative pressure on Kevin Durant, James Harden, and the Los Angeles Clippers to win a championship. It contrasts Durant's situation with his previous achievements and the expectations due to his move to Phoenix. The discussion then pivots to James Harden's position in the Clippers, considering his past successes and the lack of a championship win. The conversation also touches on the Clippers' performance and the expectations from their star players, including Russell Westbrook and Paul George, and how these factors contribute to the overall pressure to succeed in the playoffs.
🌟 Kyrie Irving's Pressure in the Eastern Conference
The final paragraph shifts focus to the Eastern Conference, highlighting the pressure on Kyrie Irving. It suggests that Irving faces significant expectations, potentially more than James Harden, due to his role in the Brooklyn Nets' success. The discussion acknowledges the team's performance and Irving's individual contribution, leading to a debate about the impact of the team's results on his reputation and the narrative surrounding his play in the league.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡West champ
💡NBA Conference
💡Kevin Durant
💡Luka Dončić
💡Pressure to win
💡James Harden
💡Conference Finals
💡Championship legacy
💡Playoff performance
💡Team dynamics
💡Expectations
Highlights
The West Conference in the NBA is noted for having 10 teams finish 10 games above 500, marking one of the deepest conferences in league history.
The Denver Nuggets are favored to get out of the West for a second year in a row, according to ESPN.
Kevin Durant and Luka Doncic are considered to have the most pressure to win a title in the Western Conference.
Kevin Durant's legacy is discussed, with the argument that not every ring carries the same weight and his move to the Suns could cement his status.
The importance of the MVP voting and individual seasons is highlighted in the context of Luka Doncic's performance.
James Harden's career achievements and lack of a championship are discussed, emphasizing the pressure on him to win a title.
The expectations and reactions to players' performances in the playoffs are considered as a source of pressure.
The role of Russell Westbrook, Paul George, and other Clippers' teammates in the context of James Harden's performance and pressure.
The discussion about the impact of injuries on Kevin Durant's performance and the expectations set for him.
The potential reactions and discussions if the Suns were to lose in the first round, particularly focusing on Kevin Durant.
The argument that James Harden's past playoff performances have set a lower expectation bar for him.
The Clippers' performance and James Harden's contribution to elevating the team's championship expectations.
The comparison of the pressure on different players, specifically Kevin Durant and James Harden.
The discussion on the impact of the team's construction and the role of each player in terms of pressure and expectations.
The potential implications if the Clippers were to lose in the first round, focusing on the reactions towards James Harden.
The importance of playoff experience and the collective performance of the team in the context of the Suns' performance.
The discussion on the expectations and pressure on Kyrie Irving compared to James Harden.
Transcripts
and whoever ends up as the West champ is
going to have to go through one of the
deepest conferences in league history
for the first time ever a single NBA
Conference had 10 teams finished 10
games above 500 the nuggets are
currently favored to get out of the West
for a second year in a row that
according to ESPN
bet all right uh Tim we'll start with
you all right which player in the west
has the most pressure to win a title I
think there's two
I and it's hard to differentiate between
the two Kevin Durant Luca donic I think
those two players have more pressure on
them and I and I'll tell you why I'll
tell you why for Kevin Durant I'm one of
those people that thinks that not every
ring carries the same weight I just
don't believe that it does interesting
and this is the one thing right Kevin
Durant hasn't checked that box he went
to a team that was already a champion a
team that was already great and joined
them yes he's got two rings two Finals
MVP so at the end of the day will he
sleep like a baby either way probably I
think he's solid with with what his
Legacy is but the way he's viewed
externally if he were able to carry the
Suns on a western conference run okay I
think that's going to do more to cement
in people's minds what he is and who he
is if they lose in the first round when
he's been paired up with Devin Booker
and Bradley Beal they're coming for
Kevin Durant he's going to hear a lot
about that and it might cost Frank vogle
his job if that were to happen the other
guy's Luca and here's why I think Luca
donic is on a level he's either going to
be second or third in MVP voting I think
he's had the best indiv idual season of
any player in the NBA and I think this
team represents his best chance to make
a run at the Western Conference to this
point in his career because of the way
Kyrie's playing the pieces they've added
around him they are on a roll heading
into the postseason I think everything
is lined up for Luca now to C and put a
stamp and pound that gavel who he is
relative to other star players in this
league so I think one of those two guys
have more pressure on than anybody else
and I know you guys are probably going
to say
the dudes on the Clippers and I strongly
disagree if that's where you're going to
go and I'll tell you why but go ahead
well first of all it's Blasphemous what
you're saying I'm going to come to the
defense of KD Trey AKA Kevin Durant the
man is a two-time NBA champion he is a
two-time NBA Finals MVP I'm not trying
to act like he's devoid of pressure to
depart from Golden State to go to
Brooklyn and then from go from Brooklyn
to Phoenix of course there's pressure
but not the most pressure let me throw
something by you Tim legler let me throw
something by you Shannon shot let's
bring up the name James
Harden 10 time NBA Allstar six time all
NBA first team a league MVP member of
the NBA 75th Anniversary team three
scoring titles two assist
titles but hasn't been no Conference
Finals since
2018 hasn't been an NBA Finals since
2012 and has never ever won a title are
you kidding me are you kidding me of
course James Harden's name has to come
into the equation because when we look
at the Los Angeles Clippers if kawh
Leonard is on the basketball courton
he's played more games than he's played
in years this season okay if Paul George
is on the basketball court then really
what you're asking with the Personnel
that the Clippers have what's James
Harden going to do what's he going to
bring to the table for you I'm not
questioning Russell Westbrook here I'm
not questioning a healthy Kawai and Paul
George here I know what they going to do
okay the question is what is James
Harden going to do if James Harden is
the James Harden that we know he can be
oh the Clippers could beat anybody no
don't don't tell me that he's got less
pressure on him oh yeah than somebody
who's already W two rings he does for
the simple fact he's not that same
player that when you talk about 2018
he's not that player anymore he's not
asked to be that player anymore and I
agree I agree with legs on this LeBron's
championship in Cleveland means more to
than the two that he won in Miami 100%
so are you trying to tell me if Kevin
Durant wins a ring with the Suns it
wouldn't mean more than the two he has
in Phoenix it would be I excuse me with
golden state it would mean more but
here's the thing finally normally Kevin
dur Durant has a a Ticky Tac injury he's
lipping in or some of his teammates he
didn't get it done whatever the case may
be Kyrie went down where you had Co year
or whatever the case may be and if you
look at it he's his numbers are better
after the Achilles injuries than they
were before if you look at his scoring
numbers his rebounding yes him and book
averaging over 27 so now you got two
guys averaging over 27 Bradley Bill
everybody is healthy you mean to tell me
there ain't no pressure for him to win a
title after that horrible remember the
last time with Brooklyn he got swept out
of the playoff Boston by Boston he got
swept and you trying to tell me ain't no
pressure I'm not I'm not trying to say
there's no pressure I'm saying guys you
can't tell me that there's more pressure
on him than Harden with what I just
broke down to you let me also say this
yesterday I was on TV and I picked the I
picked the Wolves to beat the Suns I'm
sorry I got to retract that I think the
suns are going to beat the Wolves I
don't like what they how the how the how
the te- wolves have looked against the
Suns the Suns have beaten 3 and 0 they
have they have not they have not trailed
in the second half and they've been up
by double digits in the second half of
each game they've had their way with
Minnesota and with Rudy go on the floor
it's even worse and for some reason
Anthony Edwards He's on ant-man's only
averaging like 14 a game against them I
don't understand it and so I I want to
retract that but I will say this this is
the number I wanted to throw out at you
Clipper's teammates Harden Russell
Westbrook Paul George have 28 combined
Allstar selections five scoring titles
zero NBA ranks so I'm saying at some
point in time I mean what doesn't it
matter what somebody has actually done
Kevin dur has won two chips I'm GNA
explain to you go ahead go ahead Shannon
no I was going to say this and Paul
George because Paul George more times
than not especially in the West
Conference has come up small remember
they keep called himself playoff P but
people can't forget pandemic P yes we
saw that remember when he was
an go off for 45 I two things create
pressure
expectations and then reaction and James
Harden is not going to elicit that kind
of expectation anymore I think the bar
has been set so low for him with past
playoff performances I don't think
anybody is expecting James Harden to be
that guy in the postseason so as a
result the ball the expectations aren't
there for him and expectations create
pressure it's not about him being that
guy it's about looking at the Clippers
as constructed if kawai's heard or Paul
George is heard and they're out I get
y'all I'm saying if those two brothers
are on the court you know what you can
get from them you're looking at him and
saying all right you ain't being asked
to be that dude that you were in Houston
anymore you ain't even being asked to be
what you were in Philly with EMB you in
an ideal situation there is no excuse
what I'm tell no excuse hey there is no
comparison to the v in the vitri all
that is going to go in their direction
if both of those guys lose in the first
round Kevin Durant coming for Kevin
Durant they're not coming for if if
Luca's averaging over 30 he ain't gonna
get vitri all if Dallas lose no no well
LC I don't think that's gonna happen
with him no I'm talking I'm talking
about James Harden and Durant saying if
the Clippers lose in the first round no
matter what James Harden does people
gonna forget about that in 48 hours if
Kevin Durant loses in the first round to
the Minnesota Timberwolves a team with
no Collective playoff experience as
winners and he's got that much talent
next to him and they lose that Series in
the first round that we're going to be
talking about Kevin Durant probably all
summer if he we're not talk about James
Harden the first round Stephen A M
that'll be twice yeah they won they' won
10 of their last 14 games but prior to
that we were lamenting the fact that
what the hell is going on in Phoenix
because they can't seem to hold fourth
quarter leads they got what's going on
with Frank Vogal and Phoenix what the
hell's going on here we've looked at
them like that did they lose in the
first round last year they Phoenix they
lost second round second round because
because Kawai got hurt after dropping 38
and then the Clippers won the rest of
that series because Kawai went down wait
so he got he got he got swept by Boston
his last his uh last full season in
Brooklyn he lost in the second round
last year to the Nuggets right if he
goes out with you got two guys averaging
27 stepen a and and everybody is
healthy listen again I'm not trying to
imply there's not my there's not
pressure on Kevin rant I'm not saying
that I'm just making the argument that
if James and remember with James Harden
we ain't talking about ability we're
talking about I mean this man has been
accused of quitting quitting you no
we'll be talking about that for more
than two days if that happens this go
round now I don't believe it will I
believe in James Harden but I don't I
but there's still pressure but this is
why I agree with legs is because we
don't have the same level of expectation
he's the third option we had
expectations last year when he was with
uh Joel embiid because he was the second
option as you move down the ranking as
far as options the less culpability is
normally Heap on you yeah but how about
how the Clippers were looking before he
arrived and then how they were looking
after they had a they they started off
rough the first five or six games and
then they went on this damn tier and
James Harden was the one that was in the
headlines because his elevated level of
play elevated the Clippers to
Championship expectations just
forgetting that as long they'll be just
fine won't they I no you ain't said
anything about that a l all last year he
was over there buing his gum talk about
they run LA because they were doing it
they were running they don't run nothing
but
M La not well listen or you can say that
don't y have to get past Denver assuming
y'all face him I think there's more
pressure I think there's more pressure
on Kyrie Irving than James Harden I
agree
p
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