WOLVES STUN THE NUGGETS! | GAME 7 REACTION w/ JJ REDICK AND RICHARD JEFFERSON
Summary
TLDRIn this special 'Islands Live' episode presented by DraftKings Sportsbook, hosts discuss the surprising outcomes of the Minnesota Timberwolves' defeat of the Denver Nuggets and the Indiana Pacers' victory over the New York Knicks in their respective game sevens. They analyze the key factors, including the Timberwolves' mental toughness and the Pacers' fast-paced strategy, that led to these upsets. The conversation also highlights the importance of supporting cast members like Nas Reed and TJ McConnell, whose contributions were pivotal in their teams' successes. The hosts emphasize the need for teams to maximize their potential and the significance of fan support in the playoffs.
Takeaways
- 🏀 The Minnesota Timberwolves' unexpected series win against the Denver Nuggets in game seven was a significant upset, with the Nuggets' home-court advantage and dominance in previous postseasons adding to the shock.
- 📊 Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic's high scoring performances in game seven were not enough to secure a win for Denver, highlighting the importance of team dynamics over individual talent.
- 🤔 The lack of movement and flow in Denver's offense during the second half of game seven contributed to their loss, as they relied too heavily on two-man games and isolation plays.
- 👥 The role players' performances, such as Nasir Little's contributions to the Pacers' win, are crucial in shifting the momentum of a series and should not be overlooked.
- 🏆 The Pacers' victory in the Eastern Conference game seven was well-deserved, with the team showing resilience and playing better over the last five games of the series.
- 🔄 Tyrese Haliburton's readiness for the playoffs was questioned by media members, but his strong start to the game demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.
- 🚨 TJ McConnell's exceptional play throughout the series was a standout factor, with his energy and full-court playstyle making a significant impact.
- 💪 The importance of physicality and size in the playoffs was evident, especially in the Timberwolves' game seven win, where they utilized their big men and wings effectively.
- 🎯 The Pacers' strategy of playing fast and making every possession a track meet was a key factor in their success against a short-handed Knicks team.
- 🌟 The Knicks' performance, despite injuries and setbacks, was commendable, with players like Julius Randle and RJ Barrett stepping up in crucial moments.
- 🤝 The mutual respect and camaraderie between the commentators and players, such as the bond between the commentator and TJ McConnell, adds a personal touch to the analysis and highlights the human side of the game.
Q & A
What was the primary focus of the live reaction video?
-The primary focus of the live reaction video was to discuss and analyze the two game sevens, specifically the Minnesota Timberwolves defeating the Denver Nuggets and the Indiana Pacers beating the New York Knicks.
What surprising outcome did the hosts discuss regarding the Minnesota Timberwolves?
-The hosts discussed the surprising outcome of the Minnesota Timberwolves defeating the Denver Nuggets in game seven, particularly noting Minnesota's dominant performance and ability to win two consecutive games.
How did Jamal Murray's performance impact the Denver Nuggets' series against the Timberwolves?
-Jamal Murray's performance was highlighted as inconsistent, particularly in game six where he lost his cool and in the second half of game seven where Denver's offense became stagnant and overly reliant on him and Nikola Jokic.
What critical plays by Minnesota were emphasized during the Timberwolves' comeback in game seven?
-Critical plays by Minnesota included defensive stops, steals by Anthony Edwards, and significant contributions from role players like Nas Reed, who made crucial rebounds, blocks, and scored key points.
What strategy did the Indiana Pacers employ to defeat the New York Knicks in their game seven?
-The Indiana Pacers employed a fast-paced offensive strategy, emphasizing quick transitions and ball movement, which kept the Knicks' defense working hard on every possession and capitalized on the Knicks' injuries and short-handed roster.
Who were some standout players for the Indiana Pacers during their series against the Knicks?
-Standout players for the Indiana Pacers included Tyrese Haliburton, who started the game strong and talked trash, Pascal Siakam, who performed well despite injuries, and TJ McConnell, whose defensive and playmaking abilities were critical.
What was the significance of Nas Reed's performance in game seven for the Timberwolves?
-Nas Reed's performance was significant as he provided crucial defensive stops and scored important points during a critical stretch, helping the Timberwolves maintain their lead and ultimately win the game.
How did the hosts describe the Knicks' performance and their fans' reaction after their series loss?
-The hosts described the Knicks' performance as maximizing their potential given the injuries and challenges they faced. They encouraged Knicks fans to celebrate and remember this group fondly for their effort and achievements.
What was the hosts' critique of the Oklahoma City Thunder's playoff performance and roster decisions?
-The hosts critiqued the Oklahoma City Thunder for not adding a big to their roster, which they believed limited their chances against other top teams. They argued that the Thunder's lack of size was a significant factor in their playoff performance.
What was the overall tone and conclusion of the live reaction video?
-The overall tone of the live reaction video was analytical and reflective, with the hosts providing insights and critiques on the game sevens. The conclusion emphasized the importance of role players, the strategic decisions of teams, and the appreciation of the efforts of all the teams involved.
Outlines
🏀 Post-Game Analysis: Minnesota's Stunning Series Win
The discussion begins with a reflection on the Minnesota Timberwolves' unexpected series win against the Denver Nuggets. The hosts express surprise at the outcome and the manner in which the series unfolded, highlighting the Timberwolves' dominant performances and the Nuggets' inability to maintain their usual offensive flow. They delve into the impact of Jamal Murray's loss of composure and the significance of the MVP award as a regular-season accolade. The conversation emphasizes the unpredictability and excitement of the series, suggesting it will be remembered and referenced for a long time.
📊 Breakdown of Denver's Offense and Minnesota's Resilience
This paragraph focuses on the breakdown of Denver's offensive strategy and Minnesota's mental toughness. The hosts analyze the Nuggets' stagnant offense in the second half of game seven and the Timberwolves' impressive comeback. They discuss the individual performances of players like Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and the importance of role players stepping up in key moments. The summary also touches on the unique challenges presented by the Minnesota team's physicality and size.
🏆 Indiana Pacers' Deserved Victory and Key Players' Impact
The summary of this paragraph celebrates the Indiana Pacers' series win and their performance over the last five games. It highlights Tyrese Haliburton's readiness for the playoffs, the importance of establishing an early tone in high-pressure games, and TJ McConnell's incredible postseason performance. The hosts express admiration for McConnell's impact on the game and discuss his potential contract situation, emphasizing the value of securing a steady player like him for the long term.
🔄 Pacers' Strategy and Knicks' Injuries Impact on the Series
The discussion moves to the Pacers' strategic emphasis on playing fast and the challenges faced by the New York Knicks due to injuries. The hosts acknowledge the Knicks' efforts despite being short-handed and praise their ability to maximize the potential of their team. They also discuss the importance of supporting cast members in winning crucial games and the Knicks' lack of depth in comparison to the Pacers.
🚨 TJ McConnell's Journey and Impact on the Court
This paragraph delves into TJ McConnell's journey from college to the NBA and his significant impact on the game. The hosts share personal anecdotes about McConnell's college days and his emotional final game, reflecting on their initial doubts about his NBA potential. They celebrate his current success and his role as a full-court pest, highlighting his contrasting gentle and kind off-court personality.
🌟 Recognition of Supporting Cast and Underrated Players
The hosts emphasize the importance of the supporting cast in a team's success, mentioning players like Nerlens Noel, Miles Turner, and Aaron Neith for their contributions. They discuss the role of toughness in the playoffs and the need for backup point guards who can manage the game effectively. The conversation also touches on the Knicks' performance and the potential strategies they could have employed.
🎉 Appreciation for the Knicks' Efforts and Future Outlook
The final paragraph is a tribute to the New York Knicks' efforts throughout the series. The hosts express hope that Knicks fans will celebrate the team's performance and remember the group fondly. They discuss the mindset of the players, who despite maximizing their potential, felt they underachieved. The conversation concludes with a call for fans to show love and support for the team, acknowledging the intensity and passion of Knicks fans.
🤔 Post-Game Reflections and Future Considerations for OKC Thunder
In the closing paragraph, the hosts share their thoughts on the OKC Thunder's lack of a big addition to their roster and its potential impact on their performance against the final four teams. They discuss the importance of having players who can handle size and physicality in the playoffs, suggesting that the Thunder missed opportunities to strengthen their roster. The conversation ends with a reflection on the importance of seizing opportunities and the challenges of maintaining a competitive window in the NBA.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Game Seven
💡Minnesota Timberwolves
💡Denver Nuggets
💡Jamal Murray
💡Nicola Jokic
💡Anthony Edwards
💡Role Players
💡Home-Court Advantage
💡Mental Toughness
💡Indiana Pacers
Highlights
RJ Richard Jefferson reacts live to Minnesota Timberwolves defeating Denver Nuggets in Game 7.
Surprise expressed over Minnesota's dominant performance and series victory.
Discussion on Jamal Murray's struggles and Denver's stagnant offense in the second half of Game 7.
Minnesota's mental toughness and ability to respond with a massive run after being down by 20 points.
Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr.'s limited contributions highlighted as a factor in Denver's loss.
Nas Reed's crucial plays in the fourth quarter mentioned as a turning point in the game.
The unique matchup problems Minnesota posed for Denver analyzed.
Comparison of different series dynamics and how they prepare teams for subsequent rounds.
Tyrese Haliburton's standout performance for the Indiana Pacers in their Game 7 victory over the New York Knicks.
TJ McConnell's significant contributions and his story highlighted as inspirational.
Impact of Aaron Nesmith's on-ball defense and his offensive contributions in the Pacers' win.
Discussion on the importance of role players in playoff series and how they can shift outcomes.
Reflection on Oklahoma City Thunder's need for additional size to compete in the playoffs.
Comparison of different players' roles and their contributions to their teams' success.
Announcement of upcoming content, including a full preview of the Western and Eastern Conference Finals.
Transcripts
[Music]
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
zero welcome to another special Islands
live presented by draftking sports book
we've got our friend friend of 32 sorry
what associate associate you use a
different word every day I'm going to
continue to use the word friend we've
got our friend RJ Richard Jefferson
joining us once again for a live
reaction to the two game sevens today I
called the Indie uh Knicks game but I
want to start with what I would call an
upset the Minnesota Timberwolves just
defeated the Denver Nuggets in game
seven in Denver
uh arza you called uh a bunch of games
throughout the playoffs you I feel like
we are we are in this right now we are
like locked and loaded with just
basketball are you at all surprised that
Minnesota was able to win this
series I'm surprised by the whole series
I'm surprised by the whole series like
the whole start to finish I'm surprised
I'm surprised that that min inota went
in and won two games in a row in
dominant fashion and and Jamal Murray
the coolest of cool lost his cool in all
the chaos I was surprised when when
Denver went into Minnesota and won both
games right and then it goes you know
obviously they go back so it's like to
say that I'm surprised that they won the
series
um I'm not surprised that they won the
series I'm just surprised by how the
whole series transpired that that to me
is what made it great that's what made
it my mindblowing like we're going to
talk about this series we're gonna
reference this series for a very very
long time you and I we we we didn't
discuss anything we're going to talk
about beforehand I was going the same
place that's why I asked the question
the way I did no I'm being serious
because stop copk hold on if you
if I would never copy your homework
that's not true you were a c minus
student my effort not intelligence those
are two things
no but I if you had said to me before
the series Minnesota's going to win this
in game seven in Denver I would say oh
yeah I I could see that happening but
the way this series played out
particularly
after everyone wrote off Denver after
two games there were all these calls uh
for uh the yic third MVP being
fraudulence um I feel like that guy's
going to probably win a couple more and
and he'll get called you know the MVP
will get called for all just again but
again it's a regular season award
um I was
surprised at the ab absolute ass
whooping that Minnesota gave Denver in
game six and I think what was most
shocking to me what was most shocking to
me was Denver being up
5838 having complete control of this
game in the second half and then
Minnesota just responds with a massive
run it felt to me like
Denver's offense uh par in particular
got really stagnant in that second half
Murray of course missed some shots
during that run but felt like it was
just post yic double team repost yic
double team late shot clock hoist it
just felt like that we didn't see
especially I would say for most of the
second half if not all the second half
any of the movement stuff for Denver it
was all two-man game or a yic postup it
never got to just a flowing offense and
and I think that surprised me the fact
that Minnesota had the you know mental
toughness to to make that run and I'm
going to get to some of the plays down
the stretch that I thought were huge but
that was the part to me that was
surprising that they they it's not even
that they lost their composure to me
they lost playing the
way that they've played all
season they lost who they were and the
numbers back it up though Jay numbers
back it up Jamal Murray and Nicola yage
have 34 and 35 they you you know they
had so then you look at Aaron Gordon
four Michael Porter Jr seven col will
Pope five and then Brawn was the only
person that scored Off the Bench the
brown brown I apologize sry I called I
called I called Andrew nard Aaron nard
not once but twice in the series Once in
game three and once in a game seven I
caught myself in the game seven I didn't
realize I did in game three it happen
Utah give me two no it's just every time
I see it I say Braun but when I talk
about him I say brown whatever I'm
looking at the box score everybody cut
me some slack so Five Points Off the
Bench so to your point they lost who
they were they lost that movement
offense of you don't know who's going to
beat you then in key moments we go to
our two-man game and it's Unstoppable
because everyone has a rhythm the lob to
Aaron Gordon is there to kick out the
kcp you know the scramble to mpj so like
that's what you were saying they lost
who they were and the numbers support
that that's what I'm saying what like I
can't remember many series like this in
that I could like in my lifetime where
it's like the home team and especially
it's there there's context behind the
losses it's not that Denver lost two
games in a row at home it was that they
hadn't lost in in two postseasons at
home and they were dominant and like the
elevation so this is a dominant home
team and they come and get smoked and I
think that's what rattled everyone that
that's what rattled everyone and then I
look at the totality of the series and
it's just it's hard to put a finger on
it what was the thing what was the
deciding factor I'll stand by this the
worst thing that could have happened to
the Los uh to the Denver Nuggets is was
playing the Lakers in the first round I
think that lulled them in because they
had their number and they could do what
they wanted they could be down and start
slow and they it would and then all of a
sudden you get team that's punching you
in your mouth in game one and they were
like whoa and so I I would go to say
that that first round series didn't
prepare them for that and a lot of times
postseason series can prepare you for
the next yeah I think we both lived that
we both lived that where we maybe were
on really good teams and and got away
with the series or we played a team that
played a bad team and we get to the next
round and we're like H they they they
they're not in the playoffs yet we
already in the playoffs Minnesota uh is
just to me a unique matchup for nearly
every team but certainly for the Denver
Nuggets and you know if if there I I
would describe game seven this whole
playoffs on in every single Series has
been very physical but that game seven
was very physical and when you have
physicality and size and multiple bodies
um bigs and wings I thought Anthony
Edwards uh in the second half just
taking the Murray matchup right just
look person i' I've got Jamal Murray
I've got Jamal Murray and making it
tough on him so that's that's what makes
it unique with uh with the Minnesota T
wolves you know we we talk all the time
and I was writing this down in the first
half we talk all the time about
finishing quarters right creating
margins by the way you finish quarters
creating margins by the way you start
quarters and you think about the way
Denver finished that first half eerily
similar
uh to the to the previous game when when
Jamal Murray hit that halfcourt shot
they finished the first half it's a
10-point game Minnesota has the ball
with like a minute to go and it ends up
being a 15-point Denver lead well let's
flip that now at the end of the third
quarter right it's uh
66- 62 ant gets the steel goes down and
dunks the ball then ant hits the three
all of a sudden it's a what what was a
four-point game for Denver with the ball
turns into we're down one and they score
first time coming out coar gets a bucket
so
Minnesota I thought execution wise like
the mental toughness again to to
withstand some really big plays to
withstand a a massive run there from
Denver to end the second and start the
third uh just a phenomenal basketball
team uh I want to give a shout out to
one guy and I'm going to give the same
shout out to another guy when we talk
Indie Nicks um I don't know if you know
this or not but uh on this channel we
did our uh first annual all Alfred team
which is the Derek white All-Star I know
you hate this I know you hate it it's
fine it's fine you know better than
anyone else because you actually won a
championship but Championship level
teams have role players who Step Up in
big moments role players who can shift
an entire series and I just thought Nas
Reed tonight like he's been all season
was spectacular there was a stretch
there Murray gets a bucket to cut it to
8582 nzri gets an offensive rebound gets
fouled makes two free throws next time
down the floor jic has good position on
him goes up first a shot Nas Reed gets
the block next time down the floor comes
out of the corner catches a Miss off the
rim
dunks it Conley gets a
steal another Alfred by the way hits
Edwards in the corner for three all of a
sudden it's a 10-point game and those
were that you know Edwards hit the three
but those were role players guys in big
moments who are
creating what was a onep possession game
all a turning into double digit game and
and and Denver really after that I I
didn't feel like had a
chance but but this okay I I'm gonna
push back on the terminology being used
the six man of the year is not a role
player right I'm like he's a i We're Not
Gonna even get techn because you're
calling him an Alfred and he's saying
that he is literally the best man off
the bench in the league that means he's
better than probably I don't know 70% of
the starters you know on on a half of
these shitty teams out there so I would
say he's above an Alfred that that's
just me right I get your all Alfred team
I didn't watch it I don't subscribe to
your Channel so my point is this Nas
Reed was that dude Nas Reed was 100%
that dude but he's been consistently and
the thing that I love about Nas Reed and
I remember interviewing him uh we had
him on road tripping you know before all
the Fanfare and just you know being able
to spot like future great talent um you
know some people just do like the stars
like we like to do the Grassroots and
like tell the stories early on um but
the thing that I like about Nas Reed is
that he is a security blanket for
the Bon head mistakes that our guy makes
it just it's just a little frustrating
when Carl Anthony towns does some of the
things that he does and it's the foul
trouble or it's the or it's the you know
I'm just gonna put my head down and go
right and just see what happens so Nas
Reed defensively when he has to go out
the game or when when um when town has
to go out the game it just not it's like
Nas Reed time it's seamless the it it
even when even when Rudy gobear was out
and Nas re was playing those extra
minutes he just fills in in so many
spots and to your point when you watch
that stretch of them coming back it ant
had a couple of Steal but it wasn't like
ant going on a flurry it wasn't just
like no it was like defensive plays big
plays and I was trying to explain to a
friend is that you gotta keep scoring
against Denver and they're like yeah you
gotta keep scoring to win the game it's
like no no no when you have them against
the ropes and you score five six points
and you've got a five seven-point lead
you can't have two three empty
possessions because once they get the
momentum it could be gone forever you
have to keep that pressure on them and
that's where the defense that's where
the steel the dunk all of these things
it was big play after big play for Nas
Reed Anthony Edwards even connley like
the steel and just the extra effort from
them yeah so I just I don't I actually
don't like arguing with you but just to
establish once again because you have a
hard time listening and I know you don't
consume any of our content but um what's
up
no I was I was agreeing with you I was
agree uh so the so in NBA sort of
terminology right we talk about Batman's
and robins and that's generally
considered you know the two stars so an
Alfred is any sort of supporting
character the Alfred also is a star in
his own way just like Michael Kane who
played Alfred in all of the Batman
movies is a star this guy's one of Best
Supporting Actor right he's one of the
greatest actors but he's not he's not a
main character and that's that's okay
but you remember him in every single
movie he's in just like you remember Nas
Reed that's what that's what an Alfred
is it's not just a role player you're
like diminishing you're diminishing the
entire premise so he's kind of like
Chris Farley in an Adam Sandler
movie right I just I'm trying to get a
better reference sure that works are
this your your your either messing with
me or you really are a c minus
student or ultimately you
never St the fact that I'm a c minus
student because I don't know all of your
Batman references like what no I I gave
three I had dat Robin and Alfred it
wasn't I wasn't kneed deep in in comic
books my
bad what what uh all right with FYI uh
we're gonna do we're gonna do a full
preview uh of the Western Conference
finals and the Eastern Conference Finals
tomorrow morning on the old man of the
three things this is simply a reaction
video uh so let's get to the Eastern
Conference game seven um in a
way in a way you you certainly celebrate
what the Indiana Pacers were able to do
because I want to be clear on this they
absolutely deserve to win that series
and right now today and I would say over
the last five games they have been the
better team the Indiana Pacers have been
the better team we could put some
context on that of course with some of
the injuries and some of the guys being
banged up Indiana deserved to win this
game a few things that I thought were
important number one uh halberton just
coming
out I'm gonna be honest with you I had
people coming up to me media members at
the Garden yeah I don't I don't think
Tyrese is ready for this I don't think
he's ready for this what were their
names what were their names I'm not
gonna name names I'm not gonna name
names okay I was just wondering I I'll
wait I'll wait because at the end of the
season we do our worst takes of the
season so checking I was just checking
and I just I was like you know could
trust you you know I I think maybe he's
gonna be all right and then he comes out
and starts the game on fire talking sh
talking trash sorry DraftKings talking
trash I think it's okay as long it's not
in the first 10 seconds of the video you
know
it's fine so that was great and then and
then for for SE
yakum um since the OG injury last five
games of the series uh shot uh
efficiently averaged over 21 a game had
a big first half like if you're on the
road in a game seven with some guys that
maybe haven't played a game seven or
haven't played in in in in a in a big
moment like that in the playoffs where
you have a chance to go to the the
Conference Finals your two stars
establishing the tone early was super
important and then my third thing that I
thought was great just throughout this
series and in the closeout game against
Milwaukee uh TJ McConnell's he's he's
incredible he's incredible he really is
he just he he's