T-Wolves beat Nuggets in Game 1 & Brouβs Clippers eliminated by Mavs | NBA | FIRST THINGS FIRST
Summary
TLDRThe transcript captures a dynamic discussion on a sports show, focusing on the NBA playoffs. The conversation revolves around the unexpected victory of the Minnesota Timberwolves over the Denver Nuggets in game one, with the panelists expressing surprise and analyzing the game's key moments. They discuss the performance of players like Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokic, the impact of coaching strategies, and the challenges of repeating as champions in the NBA. The hosts also touch on the Clippers' situation, the potential of a Denver dynasty, and the importance of contract extensions for players like Paul George. The summary underscores the unpredictability of playoff games and the strategic depth of the sport, while also highlighting the business side of basketball with contract negotiations and team rebuilding.
Takeaways
- π The discussion revolves around the surprising victory of the Minnesota Timberwolves in game one against the Denver Nuggets, with a focus on the Timberwolves' potential to upset the Nuggets in the series.
- ποΈ The speaker confidently had predicted a Minnesota win in the series, despite others doubting their chances, highlighting the importance of being bold in sports analysis.
- π€ The speaker expresses surprise at the Nuggets' performance, noting that they had only lost twice at home with their starting five, indicating the Timberwolves' win was a significant upset.
- π The analysis points out the Nuggets' strengths, including size, superstar ability, shooting, and coaching, as factors that should make them tough to beat, despite the game one loss.
- π Credit is given to the Nuggets' coaching staff, particularly Chris Finch, for their strategic adjustments during the game, which contributed to their strong performance.
- π Anthony Edwards is highlighted as a standout player, with discussions about whether he's the best two-way guard in the league and comparisons to Michael Jordan's early career.
- π« The speaker argues against comparing Edwards to Jordan too closely, noting that Jordan had not achieved the same level of postseason success at the same age and that context matters.
- π€ Concern is expressed over Jamal Murray's calf injury and its impact on his performance, with the speaker acknowledging the injury's effect without using it as an excuse for Murray's play.
- π₯ The Timberwolves' shooting performance is praised, with the team shooting 71% in the second half, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
- π Statistically, the script mentions the difficulty of repeating as NBA champions, with few teams managing to do so in recent history, adding to the weight of the Nuggets' challenge.
- π° The Clippers' situation is discussed, with the speaker questioning whether it's wise for Paul George to sign an extension with the team, given their lack of draft picks and injury concerns.
Q & A
What was the main topic of discussion in the transcript?
-The main topic of discussion was the performance of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets in the NBA playoffs, with a focus on the Timberwolves winning game one of their series against expectations.
Who did the speaker claim to have predicted the Timberwolves to win the series?
-The speaker claimed to be one of the few national pundits that had the guts to predict the Minnesota Timberwolves would win the series.
What was the speaker's opinion on Jamal Murray's calf injury?
-The speaker expressed concern about Jamal Murray's calf injury and believed it was affecting his performance, although Murray himself did not use it as an excuse.
Why did the speaker believe the Nuggets had an advantage in their game against the Timberwolves?
-The speaker believed the Nuggets had an advantage due to their size, superstar ability to take over games, excellent three-point shooting, good coaching, and tenacious defense.
What was the significance of the trade involving Rudy Gobert mentioned in the transcript?
-The Rudy Gobert trade was significant because it was initially seen as a massive overpay, involving four first-round picks, but it ultimately contributed to the Minnesota Timberwolves building a strong team.
How did Chris Finch's coaching adjustments impact the game discussed in the transcript?
-Chris Finch's coaching adjustments, such as making Anthony Edwards defend the pick and roll to wear him down, were credited with having a significant impact on the game's outcome.
What comparison was made between Anthony Edwards and Michael Jordan in the transcript?
-The comparison made was that while there are many Michael Jordan comparisons to Anthony Edwards, it's unfair to both players as Jordan had not achieved the same level of postseason success at the age of 22, and Edwards is still in the early stages of his career.
What was the speaker's view on the Los Angeles Lakers' performance in the playoffs?
-The speaker felt that the Lakers' performance was not up to par, particularly noting that they were able to come back from a significant deficit in one game, which indicated some looseness or slow adjustments.
What was the discussion about the difficulty of repeating as NBA champions?
-The discussion highlighted that it's challenging to repeat as NBA champions, with the last repeat champion being the Golden State Warriors in 2018. The speaker also mentioned that often, the reigning champions face higher expectations and disappointments the following season.
What was the speaker's stance on the Los Angeles Clippers' situation with their roster and future?
-The speaker believed that the Clippers are in a difficult position, having signed key players to large contracts and lacking control over their draft picks for several years, making it hard for them to rebuild or significantly improve their roster.
Why did the speaker suggest that Paul George might not be in a good position with the Clippers?
-The speaker suggested that Paul George might not be in a good position because the Clippers would likely offer him a contract that may not be as lucrative or beneficial as he could get elsewhere, given the team's current state and lack of draft picks.
Outlines
π NBA Playoffs Discussion and Minnesota's Surprise Win
The first paragraph revolves around a discussion on NBA playoffs, focusing on the Minnesota Timberwolves' unexpected victory in game one against the Denver Nuggets. The speaker expresses his foresight in predicting Minnesota's potential to win the series and criticizes others for jumping on the bandwagon post-victory. The summary touches on key players like Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves' defensive strategies, as well as the Nuggets' performance and coaching adjustments.
π Analyzing Denver's Performance and Jamal Murray's Health
This paragraph delves into Denver's performance, highlighting their usual struggle to maintain a lead and the need for a 'wakeup call.' It discusses Jamal Murray's calf injury and its impact on his game, with the speaker giving credit to Murray for not using it as an excuse. The summary also mentions the importance of efficient play from key players and the potential for unusual game events, emphasizing the need for Denver to step up their game.
π The Challenge of Repeating as NBA Champions
The speaker in this paragraph talks about the difficulty of repeating as NBA champions, mentioning past teams and their challenges post-championship. It discusses the rarity of back-to-back championships and the common obstacles faced by teams, such as injuries. The summary also addresses the current state of the Denver team and the expectations surrounding them, with a prediction that no one can beat Denver in a seven-game series.
π€ Clippers' Future and Contract Decisions
The fourth paragraph focuses on the Los Angeles Clippers' situation, discussing the implications of their contract with Kawhi Leonard and the lack of draft picks. It debates whether it's smarter for Paul George to accept a potentially unfavorable contract extension and the challenges the Clippers face in rebuilding without assets. The summary touches on the team's injury concerns and the pressure to remain competitive despite the odds.
π° Contract Extensions and the Clippers' Dilemma
The final paragraph discusses the potential contract extension for Tyronn Lue and the challenges the Clippers face in their roster and future planning. It examines the team's reliance on Paul George's contract decision and the difficulty of starting over due to a lack of draft picks. The summary also considers the possibility of other teams expressing interest in Lue and the overall strategy for the Clippers moving forward.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Minnesota Timberwolves
π‘Denver Nuggets
π‘Anthony Edwards
π‘Jamal Murray
π‘Chris Finch
π‘Defensive Strategies
π‘Playoff Series
π‘Three-Point Shooting
π‘NBA Championship Repeat
π‘Injury Concerns
π‘Contract Extensions
Highlights
Discussion on the unexpected victory of Minnesota in game one of the playoffs, with a focus on the performance of the Timberwolves and the Nuggets.
Analyst's confession of having predicted Minnesota's series win, despite others doubting their chances.
Debate on whether the Nuggets' loss in game one was a surprise, given their strong performance record.
Commentary on the Nuggets' defensive strategies against the Timberwolves, particularly focusing on how they dealt with Anthony Edwards.
Praise for Chris Finch's coaching and the Nuggets' readiness to adapt during the game.
Argument about the unfairness of comparing Anthony Edwards to Michael Jordan, given their different stages in their careers.
Statistical insight on the Nuggets' performance when their starting five is intact, highlighting their rare losses.
Personal anecdote relating to the Nuggets' need for a 'wakeup call' after falling behind early in the game.
Analysis of Jamal Murray's calf injury and its impact on his performance during the playoffs.
Anthony Edwards' defensive skills are discussed, with some arguing he is the best two-way guard in the league.
Prediction that no team can beat Denver in a seven-game series, reflecting confidence in the Nuggets.
Discussion on the difficulty of repeating as NBA champions and the challenges faced by previous title holders.
Concern expressed over the Clippers' roster situation and the potential for Paul George to accept a less favorable contract.
Debate on whether the Clippers should rebuild or continue with their current strategy, given their lack of draft picks.
Speculation on the future of Ty Lue's contract with the Clippers and the potential offers he may receive.
Final thoughts on the Clippers' situation, emphasizing the challenges of rebuilding without control over draft picks.
Transcripts
[Music]
live from New York look at brw C Monday
get this coffee
delivered it's teaing okay still I need
it for my voice Butler Service voice
what's wrong with your voice I can get
horse if I don't have my tea okay all
right live from New York it's a show
with a horse voice it's first things
first today no I like the two-man
interviews uh ants last three playoff
games rout 4340 and 36 are you surprised
because I don't think you had them in
game one
you had them in the series so you
probably are surprised Minnesota stole
game one you didn't have him in game one
hey don't try to steal Bruce right this
is unbelievable how dare you even ask me
this question exactly bro tell him I
mean I sat up I'm one of the few yes
National pundits that had the guts
that's right to say that Minnesota would
win this series and a week and a half
ago I was saying I'm leaning I'm leaning
toward the timber wolf true
and now you got a lot of people coming
out oh Minnesota's going to win this
series and I don't want to hear it after
game agreed bro Minnesota is who I
picked I don't think we picked game one
that is correct you know what surprised
me though the fact that when you asked
the question it wasn't bruis
Timberwolves cuz hold on I picked the
Clippers in one series six years ago and
now they're they bruised clippers for
life they are I don't get now these
should be my timber wolves for the the
duration of Anthony Edward's career how
about that how about that I mean that's
only fair but here's why look Nick and
you notice I'm not surprised because
they have all they need to beat Denver
and I'm not right look the the nuggets
are Champs they're gonna fight but
they've got the size yeah to make it
tough on yic and we saw it all night
that surprised me Nick like joic
obviously played well 329 and eight but
man he had to work hard in another half
dozen plus turnover game seven turnovers
the every moment he was on the court I
felt like he controlled the game against
the Lakers especially in the second half
when he was like winning time I didn't
think he controlled this game at all no
because their size made it tough on him
they got the superstar that can take it
take it over whenever he wants rise to
the occasion they've got shooting they
were the third best three-point shooting
team in the league they've got good
coaching two of their coaches the two
head coaches if you want to count Mike
and Nory now were on the Nuggets staff
when joic was a younger player so they
know him a little bit so they look their
defense too and that was the thing that
made me put me over the top with them
their defense is tenacious and they can
take away Gordon at the dunker spot
which was so effective Ry I mean Rudy so
they did they did a there were a lot of
things in this game and Shout out first
and foremost I'm going to give a couple
non-player shout outs Tim Conley cuz
Conley built the nuggets and then didn't
get to celebrate the championship with
him because before last season he the
Minnesota hired him away his first big
moves the Rudy goar trade panned almost
universally by myself as well by myself
included as I thought it was a massive
overpay I'm sorry you were the ring
leader of the I don't know if I was the
ring leader of it but I was certainly
you know among the cor it was a lot of
picks like it was it was four first
round picks goar history right his go
history in the playoffs how last year
went for them all of it looked like it
was a disaster but he was clearly trying
to build a team to beat the team he had
just built who he thought could be the
team to beat and then they won the title
shout out to him also I am not going to
watch a series where the Lakers play the
nuggets and talk about mistakes or
miscues that I thought Darvin ham made
and not give credit to Chris Finch for
instantly having ready for it you know
what and uh this was pointed out on
Wendy's pod today so credit to those by
bonds I want to give credit that the
most devastating play in basketball this
year one of the very most has been
whenever yic Springs the ball up the
court they score like you know a point
and a half almost per possession it was
unbelievable um they pressured it they
just the simple adjustment of make him
work more it slows him down and so they
did a lot of things I think are coaching
things make yic defending the pick and
roll not because he can't defend but
because it wears him down make him work
if he's going to to bring the ball
that's coaching and I thought Chris
Finch and his staff did a great job and
so and then of course there's ant and
what ant is trying to do here and I
understand there are a lot of these
Michael Jordan comps and that in my
opinion and I know Aunt said today to
stop them I think it's actually unfair
to both of them I think it's unfair to
Aunt it's unfair to Jordan because
Jordan is Jordan and Aunt is just
getting started but it's also unfair to
Aunt because In fairness Jordan was not
doing this in the postseason at 22
Jordan didn't win his second playoff
game till he was 25 there are not guys
that do LeBron did it and Durant did it
in the last 20 years it's an insult to
to say because Edwards came and I'm not
I'm not trying to just defend Jordan but
I'm saying context he didn't have an
Allstar like Carl Anthony towns and even
Rudy go bear you know four time def soon
to be four I'm also not you're not
trying to defend Jordan I'm not trying
to shots I'm just trying to
contextualize that that doing even
amongst the greatest players ever only a
very very short list of the greatest
players ever have been the best player
on a team that goes on a deep playoff
run at this age Durant did it LeBron did
it at there Derrik Rose did it they're
the only guys in the last really 30
years to do it Kobe was the second best
guy and so what he's doing is
spectacular and yeah I mean I was I
surprised they stole game one I was
because or Denver Wilds with this
starting five in games that nobody
leaves with injury had lost two times to
a Western Conference team at home ever
two two times ever ever to a Western
Conference team at home oh with this
with this starting five out in fact
right with this starting five when
they're whole the one was overtime to
Phoenix and one was the shenon game
that's it and that's playoffs or regular
season that's not just this year so that
is yeah it's surprising anytime they
lose so yeah I was
surprised look I think it was a needed
wakeup call and I had hubs pull this
graphic and I told a little story about
um when my son is 10 and he's quite fast
and we have races and he's never going
to beat me at least for a good decade or
at least a few years but boy does he
Scamper out there really quick and
Denver consistently finds themselves in
these holes and have to fight and Claw
back and with the Lakers it comes down
to the final buzzer and Jamal can put it
in but the fact that you fell down deep
in the first quarter and had to come
back I just it shows that they're just a
little bit loose or maybe the
adjustments aren't as quick as they were
last year 2023 they played 20 games they
were down 12 or more five times in these
playoffs they played six games they've
been not down 12 or more one time they
were down 14 in the first quarter were
there some weird weird things happening
yes naasri played out of his mind the
whole team shot 71% in the second half
but Joker needs to just play more
efficiently and some things I'm not
going to say luck I want to say good
pressure defense but when we looked at
those turnovers when you go through them
two of them are like weird traveling
calls one was uh uh uh a 3 second
violation strange stuff that I don't
think is going to be happen over and
over again but it's a needed wakeup call
and they deserve it it's also this nice
nice
Tryin well we'll get to the Denver side
in just a moment but it should be noted
when these two teams played last year in
the playoffs which was a close gentleman
sweep I suppose you know not that not
necessarily every game was close but it
felt like no nzed no Jaden McDaniels so
those are two of the most important guys
for so Denver loses Bruce Brown these
guys get back they already had them on
the team but obvious Jen broke his hand
punch a wall and was hurt that that's
and Anthony Edwards being whatever the
hell he is now they like they figured
out the defense even more lot going on
which brings us to what started the show
with well that was supp all these
excuses not excuses am I allowed to
analyze the game or am I I don't know
man Pat Beverly for 20
minutes am I worried about Jamal
Murray's calf yes is he not necessarily
take a listen I said uhhuh it's not an
excuse his calf is to his credit I don't
think his calf is as healthy as everyone
else's in the league I didn't do a full
analysis of everybody's calf but I think
there's some is hurt In fairness this
was part of why I liked Minnesota in
that I don't think Murray's 100% And I'm
going to credit him and I said this last
week for not making this an excuse I
mean you could hear a few things it
sucks you know is part of it and people
might say oh he threw that they kept
grilling they must have asked him five
times about the calf all right and
initially he was like look I'm fine I'm
out there playing I played 34 minutes
I'm good so he's not making an excuse
but clearly he's not what he was last
year and he's that's been the only
deterrent in his career really is injury
problems and so when you talk about
Anthony Edwards I had Anthony Edwards my
second Team all defense on my official
uh thing he's a great Defender some
people calling him the best two-way
guard in the league now when he's
guarding you it's going to be tough not
to be 100% he's bigger he's stronger as
fast as you just challenge he's by the
way he's definitely the best two-way
guard in the league I'm just trying to
think in my head who's even in the
competition he's definitely the best
two-way guard in the league but Brew SGA
is a very good yeah I think I think an I
think Anthony Edwards is better
defensively than SGA and I think that
offensively you can call it to push but
regardless ask Wilds the question it's
on the bottom line yeah or of course
what it's 100% of must win so if they
lose tonight you're out you're
you're no I I will I will I will be
very
very very nervous well hold on but I
will go down with the ship if needed is
is anyone beating Denver in a seven game
series no if they lose tonight will you
feel that way
no okay see here's the thing and this is
where Wild's Brew is going to run I
think the full gamut of emotion we're
not losing I'm going to I whether you
lose tonight or not because I'm I'm
going to make a prediction oh Wilds at
some point probably not even during a
nugget segment this week is going to
yell at me on the air well and it's
because Brew you would it's because he
is now after having a classic one
Victory lap that didn't quite feel quite
as good as you thought it would did it
buddy that's why you were so mad is now
dealing with the aftershocks of going
going out on a limb and then realizing
uh-oh it's a little shakier than I
thought I could be wrong uhoh something
that I have grilled into the audience 23
times our buddy KW has tweeted no one is
beating Denver in a seven game series
of BR when you missed them you also
missed he made funny at home social
media Sizzle reals we can play it for
you if we could huh this is good I
didn't license this how I remain so
confident I'm always reminding myself B
no one's beating Denver in a seven game
series I'm going to say it a 100 times
I'm always reminding myself my drawer
it's my laundry it's a microwave I ended
it with a he ended it with a Mac Jones
joke that I took out to kind wild let me
throw this at you
wild it is difficult to repeat in the
NBA that is the last yeah the last
repeat Champion was 2018 on an almost
unfairly stacked Golden State team with
Kevin Durant Steph Curry and those guys
before that you got to go back to what
the Miami Heat stack stack team with a
glutton Glutton amount of Hall of Famers
and then before that that to be fair
that's the only one without a stack team
right right but that was before this
huge kind of big three era but it's just
tough man I'm not moving off of the
prediction until after tonight I'm not
saying they they're going to lose if you
would move off it after tonight then I
think you I'm not moving off of it after
call a got it's a must- win because
historically it's a mustn the Clippers
came back from losing the first they
were the last ones to do it it's
happened 29 times the uh no it's only
come back five five five teams have won
the series 24 have
lost statistically and mcgr so it you
know some good players I'm saying I'm
saying but tonight is a must-win but
game would I still be believing in
Denver yes teic but I still believe so
here's to your point bro about it being
hard to repeat I want to expand on that
because it's not only that it's hard to
repeat it's that in the moment after a
champ Championship it almost always
Kawai with the Raptors doesn't really
count cuz he left it almost always feels
like well how can any why is this team
ever not going to win win the next
championship the Lakers win the title
the next year they have the best record
in basketball they are the Vegas
favorites to win the title until LeBron
gets hurt the next year Milwaukee wins
the title they're rolling everything's
great Middleton gets dinged Tatum has
the game of his life they and by the way
neither Lakers or the Bucks have you
know been that close since then the L
made a Conference Finals the next year
Golden State wins the title they open
The Following Season as the co-
favorites to win it doesn't never get
off the ground because Draymond no I'm
talking about two years ago no I'm
talking about two years ago they I'm
just going Lakers won it looked like
they were going to but no everything the
common denominator everything you said
an injury EI and Jamal even though he's
playing and right and so but the other
piece of it is this those four teams
seem miles away from Championship
contention right now miles away and so I
know there's been a lot of man I I heard
it it happened you know the other day
that yic is already the greatest
International player ever that he is and
I I don't think he's greater than AEM it
was really a yok and Durk discussion set
the side him there's talking right
there's talks about a a Denver Dynasty
I'm saying there are if they were to
lose this round it's going to feel a lot
like Milwaukee where it's like okay
they'll be fine they'll be right back
the next year and then we look back and
it's like wait Milwaukee just won record
last year they left Denver tied at one
going to Miami and then they won but
they were that that was they're going to
Miami team wasn't as good as this well
they were in the finals what do you want
me to
do you you were you felt like the Miami
team was as formidable as this one know
I don't compare arrows they're not as
I'm just I'm just telling you last year
11 months ago you brought it up you
literally brought up Miami not us you
thought they were as formidable as this
well I don't know they were in the
finals and you I have to sit here and
tell you how great he culture is they're
in the finals all this time they're in
the finals in the bubble in the finals
last year they're always in the toal
even if you're down you got to make
something up to make it look like you
still they're going to leave and go to
Minnesota at 1 they be like guess where
we were we did this last year steal one
in Minnesota and come back and it's
going to
be deal with last year was ever trailing
in a series never once I think they're
fine Championship pedigree it's a nice
wakeup call watch they're going to storm
out Joker's going to hit a bunch of
Threes we'll be fine what's next for
your clippers well with Harden I think
he's right I don't know who's going to
want him other than the Clippers I mean
because you know as good a player as he
is in the regular season I mean these
last two games these are the ones that
matter and he did what he's done time
and time again in the playoffs now look
I can't
overate how bad of a decision it was for
the Clippers shout out to kawhai and
Uncle Dennis for being smart and getting
it done but giving Kawai that threeyear
$150 million contract that because if
they didn't give him that Nick you know
this they're actually in position to
rebuild cuz Harden's a free agent Paul
George is a free agent Kawai would be a
free agent you could go in a whole
different direction if you wanted now
that you signed Kawai and you don't have
any draft picks for the most part it's
like honestly I and I don't think
they're going to win anything
significant but I I think you gotta you
if you can get Paul George and James
Harden which I think you can get I'm not
maxing him out and that's the problem
with George I'm running it back I mean
what else what are you doing hold on
hold on hold on let me finish I'm agre
better to be better to be relevant make
the playoffs because of the names
there's a little hope you know then then
just fall off the
map I don't know there's no running it
back doesn't seem to the answer they're
not going to win anything but they're
key the key is they don't get their own
draft pick for six years six years yeah
so if you're bad the key is right the
key is you can't I I in general I would
agree the responsible decision is admit
this is not anything close to a
championship
roster rip it down and start over the
problem is there's no building blocks
with which to start over you if they do
rip it down they don't get anything from
that the Thunder are going to get their
the Thunder have one of their picks the
Sixers have one of their picks and then
the Thunder swaps with them so it might
be five years not six years but regard
like they they just don't control it and
so I it is they're just trying to saave
off the total
Wilderness and all they can hope for is
n you know like
this it maybe one year these guys will
all be healthy but they're not
contenders tyu will be interesting at
first I thought he should not sign an
extension with them all right because in
a year he he will be you know
Milwaukee uh could if they don't if
things don't go well for them next year
I mean
seriously well they already pay with
three if things don't go well this year
right Boston if things don't go well for
them so he could be you know want it and
so but balber is going to throw a ton of
money at him it'll be hard to turn down
so he he may just accept it but this is
not a good situation I know Tai is
frustrated and who wouldn't be cuz your
guys are always hurt yeah and so I don't
really think he can sign it should sign
it but cuz bomber the money bomber will
offer him he'll probably offer him a
year from now too maybe I the I listen I
think Ty will get his extension I think
that Tylo and Jason kid have done a good
job of oh they want to give it I'm just
saying do you think it's smart of him to
take well yeah I mean I I'm a big
contract extension guy like on big job
on big time jobs that right but there's
the you're also then hoping that a team
that's actually really good that comes
open you know what I mean so I don't I
don't know I just know that the cl the
fact that the Clippers are now like have
to hope against hope that Paul George
will accept what will be a bad contract
from the team's perspective is not a
good place to be in thanks for watching
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