JOKIC IS COMING! ๐ฃ๏ธ - Stephen A. WARNS Anthony Edwards ahead of Game 7 ๐ | First Take
Summary
TLDRIn a thrilling turn of events, the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards' stellar performance, force a game seven against the Denver Nuggets, preventing their elimination and keeping their Western Conference finals hopes alive. Edwards scores 27 points, securing a dominant 115-70 victory. The discussion highlights the importance of game seven, emphasizing the potential for either team to emerge victorious. The spotlight is on Edwards to continue his outstanding playoff performance and on Jamal Murray's health, which could decide Denver's fate. The game is set to be a showdown of epic proportions, with implications not only for the series but also for the players' legacies and the potential championship paths.
Takeaways
- ๐ The Minnesota Timberwolves are facing elimination but managed to force a game seven with a 45-point blowout win over the Denver Nuggets.
- ๐ Anthony Edwards had a standout performance, scoring 27 points and leading the Timberwolves to a dominant victory.
- ๐ฃ๏ธ Mike Conley's return to the game was a significant factor in the Timberwolves' bounce back win.
- ๐ฅ There was a strong sense of determination from the Timberwolves, as indicated by Anthony Edwards' pre-game comments to his teammates.
- ๐ The script highlights a particular moment where Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA MVP, appeared to be intensely focused on the Timberwolves from the bench, suggesting a strong motivation for game seven.
- ๐ The discussion points out that the previous record for a defeat by a defending NBA champion was by 36 points, making the Timberwolves' win historically significant.
- ๐ค The analysts debate the implications of the Timberwolves' win and what it means for the upcoming game seven, with differing opinions on what to expect.
- ๐ The conversation suggests that the winner of the series could potentially have an inside track to winning the NBA championship, emphasizing the high stakes of the game seven.
- ๐คทโโ๏ธ There is a recognition that while Jokic is a proven MVP, the performance of Jamal Murray could be a deciding factor in the outcome of game seven.
- ๐ The script emphasizes the importance of Anthony Edwards stepping up in game seven, as it would be a defining moment in his career and a chance to showcase his greatness against a top-tier opponent.
- ๐ฏ The final takeaway is the acknowledgment of the monumental opportunity at hand for both teams, with the potential to make history and the pressure that comes with performing in a game seven scenario.
Q & A
What was the outcome of the Minnesota Timberwolves' game against the Denver Nuggets?
-The Minnesota Timberwolves won with a 45-point blowout, forcing a game seven in the series.
What was Anthony Edwards' contribution to the Timberwolves' victory?
-Anthony Edwards scored 27 points, which played a significant role in pulling the Timberwolves out of their slump and securing the victory.
How did the return of Mike Conley impact the Timberwolves' performance?
-Mike Conley's return was a morale boost for the team, and it contributed to their dominant win.
What was the previous high for a defeat by a reigning NBA champion?
-The previous high for a defeat by a reigning NBA champion was by 36 points.
How did Stephen A describe the look on Nikola Jokic's face during the game?
-Stephen A described Nikola Jokic's look as determined and vengeful, with an expression that seemed to say 'I'm going to get you guys'.
What historical comparison did Stephen A make regarding Nikola Jokic's reaction?
-Stephen A compared Jokic's reaction to Michael Jordan's reaction during a regular-season game against the Knicks in the 90s, where Jordan was determined to come back strong.
What does Stephen A believe the game seven will come down to?
-Stephen A believes that game seven will come down to Jamal Murray's performance and whether he can play well in the big game.
What was the significance of the game for both teams according to the discussion?
-The game is significant as the winner could potentially have an inside track to winning an NBA championship, and it's a chance for the teams to make history.
How did the commentators view Anthony Edwards' role in the upcoming game seven?
-The commentators believe that Anthony Edwards needs to show up and perform at his best, as it's a moment of truth and an opportunity to prove his greatness.
What was the general sentiment among the commentators regarding the unpredictability of game seven?
-The commentators agreed that game seven is a complete toss-up and could go either way, emphasizing the importance of each player's performance.
Outlines
๐ Timberwolves' Dominant Comeback and Edwards' Stellar Performance
The Minnesota Timberwolves, facing elimination, delivered a decisive blow to the Denver Nuggets in a bid to reach the Western Conference finals. Anthony Edwards emerged as a dominant force, scoring 27 points and leading the Timberwolves to a 115-70 victory, forcing a game seven. The team's morale was boosted by the return of Mike Conley, who announced his readiness for the crucial game. Stephen A. Smith and the panel discuss the implications of the Timberwolves' performance and the intensity displayed by the Nuggets' Nikola Jokic, hinting at a potential 'legacy moment' for Edwards and a challenging game seven ahead.
๐ฅ The Intensity of Game Seven and the Role of Jamal Murray
The discussion shifts to the anticipation of game seven, with Stephen A. Smith and the panel dissecting the potential outcomes. They note the importance of Jamal Murray's performance for the Nuggets, as his ability to play effectively could be the difference-maker. The panel also emphasizes the significance of Anthony Edwards' supporting cast stepping up, as he is expected to deliver another strong performance. The conversation touches on the pressure of game seven and the historical context of such games, with references to past performances by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, drawing parallels to the current situation.
๐ Edwards' Opportunity to Shine and the Stakes for Both Teams
In the final paragraph, the focus is on Anthony Edwards' opportunity to prove his greatness in the high-stakes game seven. The panelists agree that Edwards has shown up in crucial moments throughout the playoffs, averaging over 30 points. They discuss the importance of the game for both teams, with the potential for the winner to have an inside track to an NBA championship. The discussion highlights the significance of the game for both Denver's chance at repeating as champions and Minnesota's rapid rise with Edwards at the forefront. The panel expresses excitement and anticipation for the monumental game ahead.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กTimberwolves
๐กNuggets
๐กElimination
๐กWestern Conference finals
๐กAnthony Edwards
๐กGame seven
๐กBlowout
๐กNBA champion
๐กMVP
๐กLegacy moment
๐กSupporting Cast
Highlights
Timberwolves are facing elimination, and the Nuggets are looking to advance to the Western Conference finals.
Anthony Edwards' performance is pivotal as the Timberwolves force a game seven with a 45-point blowout of the Nuggets.
Edwards scored 27 points, leading the Timberwolves to a dominant win and showcasing his star potential.
The return of Mike Conley to the Timberwolves' lineup was a significant factor in their victory.
Stephen A. Smith discusses the psychological impact of the reigning NBA champion's loss and the response it may provoke.
The intensity of the series is highlighted by the players' reactions on the bench.
Stephen A. draws a parallel between the current series and the Chicago Bulls' performance in the 90s against the Knicks.
The importance of Anthony Edwards' performance in game seven is emphasized as a potential legacy-defining moment.
Jamal Murray's health and performance could be a deciding factor for the Nuggets in the upcoming game seven.
The discussion suggests that the outcome of game seven is unpredictable and could go either way.
The potential for Anthony Edwards to rise to the occasion against a three-time MVP is a key storyline heading into game seven.
The supporting cast's performance will be crucial for the Timberwolves, in addition to Anthony Edwards' expected contribution.
The pressure on Anthony Edwards to deliver in game seven is compared to the pressure on past NBA greats like Jordan and Kobe.
The winner of the game could potentially have a direct path to an NBA championship, adding to the stakes of game seven.
The game is set up to be a monumental moment for both teams, with implications for their respective legacies.
The anticipation for game seven is high, with both teams having the opportunity to make history.
Transcripts
Timberwolves facing elimination the
Nuggets looking to punch their ticket to
the Western Conference finals and now a
steel this could be fun Edwards to the r
this is the Minnesota timber wolves from
Game one and two Edwards all want to
move to
the a dominant
authoritative bounce back win from the
Minnesota Timberwolves
they know y'all was in there yeah I told
them I said I see y'all mother for game
seven Anthony Edwards is the truth the
Timberwolves force a game seven with the
45-point blowout of the Nuggets what is
going on with the series Edwards scored
27 points to pull the D- wolves out of
their midies slum deliver a Flawless
11570 victory over the nuggets in this
roller coaster series
you guys are facing elimination coming
in here like how what do you think led
to just the response that you guys had
tonight we got Mike Conley
back that was it did you really tell the
locker room Stafford in Denver you were
going to be back for hell yeah they know
y' was in there yeah I told them I said
I see y'all for game seven
yeah I love that energy and I need that
energy this morning good morning team um
Stephen Al say hi to you again because
obviously I didn't really give you a
good hello this morning Monica mcnut Tim
legler how's everybody doing we all good
we all Gooding great Friday all right
let's talk some playoffs here um tell me
this Stephen A what's statement did you
feel like the wolves
made well that was a beat down of Epic
Proportions we never saw a reigning
defending NBA champion lose in that
fashion I think the previous High the
previous length of a defeat by a
champion was by 36 points were down by
50 slew a dunks and and and step back
three-pointers uh he showed obviously
the Star the young star that he is he
responded to the challenge what I walked
away from y'all though was this as
Minnesota was winning and running away
with it and I mean really really running
away with it I saw yic on the bench he
was s he was not Ste sitting down he was
standing up and he was just staring at
them and had that look on his face like
I'm going to get you bastards I'm going
to get y'all I'm going to get y'all it
was it was one of those looks you know
what I'm saying I mean I obviously I
have Minnesota winning this series but
y'all y'all know this Monica because
because obviously you played Tim legler
because obviously we know what you've
done in in your NBA career and you've
been covering the league exceptionally
well for decades you know what that look
is about it's certain things that you
just see and it's one thing to just be
sitting on the bench it was a bad night
and you know you know damn we getting it
we getting it given to us and all right
that's fine but it's another thing
entirely when the Superstar who is the
best player in the world who is a
three-time league MVP and happens to be
the reigning defending NBA champions is
just standing there staring at them and
just looking not at his own teammates
looking at Minnesota like I'm G get
y'all I'mma get y'all for I'm not going
away and the only thing that I will say
is that Tim and Tim will remember this
Eminem I don't know cuz you might have
been too little little bit too young you
might have missed this the Chicago Bulls
the Chicago Bulls in the 90s obviously
With Champions and I remember in a
regular season wasn't a playoff game it
was a regular season game and the Knicks
were finally ready they were finally
ready Legs you know where I'm going here
you know where I'm going here and the
Knicks were finally ready supposedly and
the garden was packed Eminem and it was
shaking Chicago came into town and the
and the Chicago Bulls were getting blown
out of the building
they were down by 30 plus Jordan got
hurt in that game had to be taken to the
locker room remember this legs had to be
taken to the locker room it's a regular
season game Eminem but everybody knew
that the Knicks and the Bulls were on a
collision course Jordan has to go needs
help go into the locker room
Eminem and then comes back out and look
doesn't even look at Phil goes right
back in the game and is diving for loose
balls and everything and looking at the
New York Knicks y' y'all got to tell I'm
coming for y'all I'm coming for y'all
and it was that message and all of us as
Nick fans we were like oh
damn you know it's a blowout win but we
we we we don't know how advantageous
this is for us we got our little night
here but that man coming back and sure
enough he did and ultimately bounce the
Knicks out of the playoffs when the
playoffs arrived all I'm saying is I saw
a little something like similar to that
looking at yic last night when they were
down by by 50 he was looking at the
timber wolv was
like I'm GNA get y'all for this and
that's all I'm going to say about that I
that that gave me cause to
pause so Stephen A I did as well notice
that right and postgame yic was asked
about standing and I was kind of hoping
it was going to be
something mindful like I couldn't get
comfortable with that loss he said he
was trying to stay warm so that he could
go and lift which is his postgame
routine and allows him to stay in such
phenomenal shape which basically is not
getting comfortable same concept right
without saying it I feel where you
coming from but I I legitimately and I
know this is First Take You Got pick
aside all that I legitimately can see
this going either way I can see joic
being angry and leading the way um and
showing us and reminding us that he is a
three-time MVP and a reigning Champion I
can see this being the Legacy moment for
Anthony Edwards and his teammates
galvanizing around him I think as you
look at it the statement that the wolves
made is that they are in fact here but I
don't know if that is a new statement
that we didn't have from the first two
games if I'm honest about it right and
so I just think you saw them take the
level of competition and toughness up
another degree uh Anthony Edwards so
often in this series has talked about
finchy as he calls him which I think is
so adorable uh saying that A team's
gonna punch and so we need to punch back
the he the way that he was able to
Galvanize his team on both sides of the
floor the way Jaden McDaniels plays
obviously Mike connley is better in this
league we've talked so much about Carl
Anthony towns and Rudy Gober and them
needing to step up and for them to
answer in such an emphatic way I'm
willing to say that it's not about this
team arriving early like this this is
the year in their minds and it's very
very clear and I think that's the
statement that they made and I legit
game seven in my mind is an absolute
toss
up well here's the thing and I think
Michel Michael Malone Nika yic they're
going to remind their team of this right
this isn't about Point differential this
isn't the inseason tournament this is
the NBA playoffs and that's one game and
that's all it counts for is one game
just like game two when they were
completely dominated and suffocated
offensively counted as one game you
played a game late in the regular season
against this team to get home court
advantage they won that game that's why
this game seven is going to be in their
building that's what you played the
regular season for that's what you
played that game for so here we are now
having said all of that I'm gonna break
it down real simply this comes down to
Jamal Murray because when the
Minnesota have sensed that Jamal Murray
was not right which let's go back to
games one and two in those two games he
was clearly bothered by that calf to a
much greater that he was in game three
four and five they feasted on that they
pressured him they got up in people they
didn't have the ability Denver to run
their offense normally because they
literally could not get these dudes off
of them primarily because their point
guard was limited in the way he was able
to go about this he gets banged up again
yesterday they sense it he's not right
the entire game they Feast on it and
then it just piles up cuz Minnesota has
that kind of defense that they can get
this cumulative effect where you
literally become completely feudal once
they realize that you can't operate your
offense so this to me Sunday comes down
to Jamal Murray if Jamal Murray shows up
and Jamal Murray plays well and Jamal
Murray looks like Jamal Murray in big
games Denver Nuggets are going to be
just fine but we got to wait and see
what that's going to look like Monica I
agree with you right now as I'm sitting
here how can we possibly predict what
that's going to look like here's where
I'm going with this Tim you can say that
about Jamal Murray because obviously you
could also say that about jic because
obviously he's the most trustworthy and
I get that but if there was
ever an
opportunity for Anthony Edwards to subit
what greatness is it's this one because
the true measure of greatness as you
well know is what you do a in big
moments and B up against great
and so it's one thing for you to be in a
moment it's another thing when you're
going against a three-time league nvp
who is clearly the best in the world who
has proven he shows up in moments like
this time and time and time again and
doesn't Wilt beneath the pressure are
you going to follow this 27-point
performance where you exploded in the
first half are you going to follow
scoring over 40 in three of the previous
five games with a dud in game seven if
Anthony Edwards matches the greatness of
joic tit forat you're probably right
that it'll come down to a Murray or a
Gordon against a Carl Anthony towns or
someone else but the first order of
business for Minnesota is for Anthony
Edwards to be ready to be for
Minnesota what he has been primarily
throughout these playoffs where he's
averaged more than 30 recognizing the
fact that joic is coming he will be
ready I think that if any of us wanted a
Sure Fire Bonafide guarantee that mess
with our wallets we GNA bet on Jin
showing up for game seven the question
is are you going to be able to match to
a point where we're able to look at a
Carl Anthony towns or Rudy goell Mike
connley Jr a Nas Reed or somebody else
and say who's going to be that
supplementary piece that joined Anthony
Edward
because he's going to need it because
joic is going to show up and do his part
that is what we got to find out and it
starts usually I'm bringing up the other
pieces game seven that starts with
Anthony Edwards he got to show up and be
that dude for Minnesota on
Sunday I mean I think we all have and
there's Equity with yish that we all
acknowledge but it's not as if an has
not shown up in this series the question
has been to your point Stephen A his
Supporting Cast and so I just he as as
we've watched ant come into his own this
year in particular he
relishes uh sort of this I don't even
want to say villain but like he's his
level of competition is just so high and
so I'm pretty confident in Anthony
Edward showing up it's the rest of the
Timberwolves uh cast I listen I
appreciate your confidence I'm confident
too what I'm trying to say say is throw
games one to six out one to six out I
got throw the first round out throw the
regular season in the MVP consideration
out this is game seven this is game
seven and and and more importantly we
got to remind our audience of
this when you don't show up in a game
seven because you just don't have it
nobody's holding that against you
because the expectation wasn't there but
when you've had it for the most part
everywhere else but suddenly game seven
arrives that becomes your Epitaph We
Know listen Anthony Edwards is A1 he's
the you know he's the Jordan of the
Minnesota timber wolves he's the Kobe of
the Minnesota Timberwolves we understand
that Scotti Pippen wasn't Jordan but we
got to remember that damn migraine had
that come in a game five had that come
in a game three it would not have been
as memorable but because it was in a
game
seven you religious ly hold that against
them like like of all the games game
seven game seven is a different onus
it's a different obligation and Anthony
Edwards when we're talking about you as
a star my brother and you are make no
mistakes legs I give you the last word
all I'm saying to Anthony Edwards is oh
you got to be the dude that we saw in
the game seven you got to do
that Tim final word here yeah the last
thing I'm going to add to this the very
last thing I want to say real quick
here's what could be at stake on Sunday
this is how big and Monumental this is
you've laid it all out well like Legacy
game and all that for Anthony Edwards in
a moment that he absolutely has to show
up and be big the winner of this game
quite possibly has an inside track to
winning a championship which could mean
Denver Denver possibly repeating which
is a very difficult thing to do
historically and something Michael
Malone has challenged his team to do do
you just want to be a champion or do you
want to be historic and then you got
Minnesota this team that has risen so
quickly with the emergence of Anthony
Edwards and adding some veteran guys
with a unique size presence against a
team like Boston potentially look you
got to get past either Oklahoma City or
Dallas I'm not going to skip over that
but that could be what is that stake on
Sunday an inside track to potentially
winning an NBA championship man I cannot
wait for this game to get here
[Music]
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