SAY IT CHEST HIGH! πŸ—£οΈ Shannon Sharpe & Stephen A. call out Michael Malone | First Take

ESPN
20 May 202407:41

Summary

TLDRIn a dramatic NBA playoff game, the Denver Nuggets suffered a historic collapse against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite leading by 20 points in the third quarter, the Nuggets were outscored by 54 to 24 in the second half, marking the largest comeback in a Game 7 in NBA history. The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Town's 23 points and 12 rebounds, advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 20 years. Post-game, coach Mike Malone's reaction to a reporter's question about the loss was criticized as disrespectful, highlighting the emotional intensity of the high-stakes game.

Takeaways

  • πŸ€ Jamal Murray had an outstanding first half, contributing significantly to the Nuggets' lead.
  • πŸ“Š The Nuggets were ahead by their largest margin of the night, showing their potential when the coaches believed in them.
  • πŸš€ Minnesota made a remarkable comeback from being down by 20 points, led by Anthony Edwards' performance.
  • 🎯 Edwards scored a crucial three-pointer that brought the Timberwolves back into the lead.
  • πŸ† The Timberwolves' victory knocked out the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, advancing to the Western Conference finals for the first time in 20 years.
  • πŸ”’ Despite a 6-for-24 shooting night, Anthony Edwards played a pivotal role in the Timberwolves' comeback.
  • 🌟 Karl-Anthony Towns, a four-time All-Star, had a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds, providing a strong defensive effort against Nikola Jokic.
  • πŸ“š The Timberwolves' comeback from a 15-point deficit at halftime is the largest in a Game 7 in NBA history.
  • πŸ“‰ The Nuggets' loss after leading by 20 points is a significant disappointment, especially as they were the reigning champions.
  • πŸ—£οΈ Post-game reactions included a mix of frustration and humor from the Timberwolves' players, reflecting on their past losses and current victory.
  • πŸ€” Coach Mike Malone's reaction to a reporter's question about the loss was seen as disrespectful by some, highlighting the emotional aftermath of such a significant game.

Q & A

  • What was the significance of Jamal Murray's performance in the first half?

    -Jamal Murray's performance in the first half was significant as it contributed to the Nuggets having their biggest lead at that point in the game.

  • What was the coach's strategy during the third quarter when the team was down by 20 points?

    -The coach's strategy was to encourage the team to keep making runs, which eventually helped them to show their true potential and come back in the game.

  • How did the Minnesota Timberwolves manage to come back from a 20-point deficit?

    -The Timberwolves managed to come back by storming back in the third quarter, led by Anthony Edwards and other key players, and ultimately took the lead.

  • What was the historical significance of the Timberwolves' comeback win in game seven?

    -The Timberwolves' comeback win after trailing by 15 at halftime was the largest in a game seven in NBA history, marking a historic moment.

  • How did Anthony Edwards contribute to the Timberwolves' victory despite his struggling performance?

    -Despite struggling through a 6 for 24 shooting performance, Anthony Edwards played a crucial role in the Timberwolves' victory, particularly with key plays in the third quarter.

  • What was the role of Karl-Anthony Towns in the Timberwolves' comeback?

    -Karl-Anthony Towns, a four-time Allstar, scored 23 points and had 12 rebounds, providing an effective one-on-one defensive effort against Denver's Nikola Jokic.

  • What was the reaction of the Denver Nuggets' coach, Mike Malone, to the post-game question from the reporter?

    -Mike Malone reacted negatively to the post-game question, dismissing it as a 'dumb ass question' and showing frustration over the loss.

  • What was the general consensus on Mike Malone's reaction to the reporter's question?

    -The general consensus was that Malone's reaction was out of line and disrespectful, and it was suggested that he should apologize to the reporter.

  • How did the commentators view the reporter's question about the Nuggets' loss?

    -The commentators viewed the reporter's question as respectful and appropriate, given the circumstances of the game and the Nuggets' position.

  • What was the commentators' opinion on how a coach should handle both victory and defeat?

    -The commentators believed that a coach should handle both victory and defeat with grace and dignity, maintaining composure regardless of the outcome.

  • What was the commentators' view on the Nuggets' performance in the second half of the game?

    -The commentators criticized the Nuggets' performance in the second half, noting that they were outscored 54 to 24 and that the coaching and role players failed to provide answers to the Timberwolves' surge.

Outlines

00:00

πŸ€ Historic Comeback and Disappointment

The script describes a dramatic game seven between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves, where the Timberwolves make a historic comeback. Despite being down by 20 points, they manage to take the lead and eventually win the game, advancing to the Western Conference finals for the first time in 20 years. The script highlights the struggles of Jamal Murray and the Nuggets, who were the defending champions, and the outstanding performance by Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns from the Timberwolves. The loss is particularly hard for the Nuggets as they were up by 20 points and playing at home. The script also touches on the emotional reactions post-game, with a focus on the coach's response to a reporter's question about the team's feelings after such a significant loss.

05:01

πŸ—£οΈ Post-Game Reactions and Accountability

This paragraph delves into the post-game reactions, particularly focusing on the coach of the Denver Nuggets, Mike Malone. It discusses the expectations placed on him and his team to continue their championship legacy. The script mentions Malone's frustration and his reaction to a reporter's question about the team's emotions after losing a significant lead. The commentators suggest that Malone's response was out of line and that he should apologize to the reporter. They also speculate that Malone's anger stems from his desire for the team to achieve a historic run of titles, not just a single win. The commentators believe that Malone will likely reflect on his reaction and come to terms with the situation, acknowledging the need to handle both victory and defeat with grace.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘Jamal Murray

Jamal Murray is a professional basketball player who plays for the Denver Nuggets. In the context of the video, he is mentioned for his performance in the first half of the game, which was pivotal to the Nuggets' early lead. His name is a key term because it highlights the individual contributions to the team's performance.

πŸ’‘Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets are a professional basketball team in the NBA. They are referred to as having their biggest lead in the game, indicating their strong start. The term is central to the video's theme as it discusses the team's journey and the dramatic turn of events in the game.

πŸ’‘Coaches

The term 'coaches' refers to the leadership of the basketball teams, who provide guidance and strategy during games. In the script, the coaches' belief in the team is mentioned as a motivational factor, showing their influence on the players' mindset and performance.

πŸ’‘Comeback

A 'comeback' in sports refers to a team recovering from a significant deficit to either win or take the lead in a game. The video discusses a remarkable comeback by Minnesota, who were down by 20 points but managed to take the lead, illustrating the theme of resilience and determination.

πŸ’‘Minnesota

Minnesota refers to the Minnesota Timberwolves, another professional basketball team in the NBA. They are highlighted in the script for their historic comeback and advancement to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 20 years, making them a central focus of the video's narrative.

πŸ’‘Anthony Edwards

Anthony Edwards is a key player for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite struggling with a poor shooting performance, he is mentioned for his crucial role in the team's comeback. His name is significant as it personifies the team's effort and the individual contributions to the game's outcome.

πŸ’‘Carl Anthony Town

Karl-Anthony Towns is a four-time All-Star player for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The script mentions his scoring and effective one-on-one defense, emphasizing his impact on the game and the team's success. His performance is a key aspect of the video's discussion on the game's dynamics.

πŸ’‘Nicola Jokic

Nikola Jokic is a three-time MVP player for the Denver Nuggets. The script refers to the defensive effort against him, indicating his importance to the opposing team's strategy. His presence in the game is a significant factor in the video's analysis of the match.

πŸ’‘Western Conference Finals

The Western Conference Finals is a stage in the NBA playoffs where the top teams from the Western Conference compete. The script discusses the Timberwolves' advancement to this stage for the first time in 20 years, marking a significant achievement and a key point in the video's storyline.

πŸ’‘Historic

The term 'historic' is used in the script to describe the Timberwolves' comeback win, which was the largest in a Game 7 in NBA history. It underscores the magnitude of their achievement and its rarity, adding to the video's emphasis on the exceptional nature of the game.

πŸ’‘Mike Malone

Mike Malone is the head coach of the Denver Nuggets. The script includes a discussion about his reaction to the loss and the emotions surrounding the game. His name is a key term as it brings up the topic of leadership, responsibility, and the emotional aspects of coaching in high-stakes situations.

Highlights

Jamal Murray and the Nuggets had their biggest lead in the first half.

Coaches believed in the team's ability to make comeback runs.

Anthony Edwards led a remarkable comeback for Minnesota.

Minnesota took the lead in the fourth quarter after being down by 20.

The Timberwolves knocked out the defending champion Denver Nuggets.

Minnesota is advancing to the Western Conference finals for the first time in 20 years.

The Timberwolves' comeback from a 20-point deficit is the largest in NBA game seven history.

Anthony Edwards struggled with a 6 for 24 shooting performance.

Karl-Anthony Towns scored 23 points and 12 rebounds, providing effective defense against Nikola Jokic.

The Nuggets' loss after being up by 20 points is a historic event in the NBA.

The discussion on the importance of handling both wins and losses with grace.

Mike Malone's reaction to the reporter's question was seen as disrespectful.

The expectation for Mike Malone to apologize for his post-game behavior.

The Nuggets' failure to maintain their lead and the impact on their season.

The role of the coach and players in the Nuggets' loss and the need for reflection.

The emotional difficulty of losing a game seven at home with a significant lead.

The Timberwolves' historic comeback and its significance for the team and the NBA.

Transcripts

00:00

[Applause]

00:00

what a first half for Jamal Murray and

00:02

the nuggets have their biggest lead

00:05

tonight the coaches believed in us even

00:07

in the third was down 20 they like just

00:09

keep making runs keep making runs and it

00:11

showed us who we are know

00:15

I'm two Ste by Edwards here he comes and

00:19

there he goes Edwards it's up

00:23

three what a comeback by Minnesota led

00:27

by 20 and Minnesota's come back to take

00:29

the lead here in the four

00:31

Corner Edwards

00:35

shoots and stunned silence in ball Arena

00:40

the timber have knocked out the

00:42

defending Champion Denver nugets they

00:44

are advancing to the Western Conference

00:46

finals for the first time in 20

00:50

years for the first time in two decades

00:53

the Timberwolves are back in the

00:54

Conference Finals Minnesota trailed by

00:56

as many as 20 points in the third before

00:58

storming back have thrown the defending

01:00

Champion nuggets in game seven despite

01:02

Anthony Edwards struggling through a 6

01:04

for 24 shooting performance four time

01:06

Allstar Carl Anthony Town scored 23

01:09

points 12 rebounds gave about as an

01:11

effective a one-on-one defensive effort

01:14

against Denver's three-time MVP Nicola

01:17

yic so the Timberwolves comeback win

01:19

after trailing by 15 at halftime was the

01:20

largest in a game seven in NBA history

01:24

it's never happened and their comeback

01:26

from down 20 in the third was the

01:28

largest in a game seven win in in the

01:30

last 25 postseasons historic let's hear

01:34

from bull squads up first ant and

01:37

Cat and usually in NBA history it says

01:39

you have to lose and lose big before you

01:42

win what is it about this team that says

01:44

we lost last year yeah but that that

01:46

that's different you have to lose at a

01:47

bigger stage usually teams it's the

01:50

playoffs we lost last year we lost the

01:53

last two years damn how much more we got

01:55

to lose how much you want us to lose

01:57

losing for 20 years

02:00

I mean that's just the truth dog

02:03

damn how hard is it just to absorb a

02:06

loss like this after after going ahead

02:08

by

02:10

20 next question man the season's over

02:14

that's what's hard up 20 the season's

02:18

over you don't understand that the

02:20

season's over it's

02:22

hard stupid

02:26

questions all right that was unnecessary

02:28

but yeah let's let's re to the sound

02:30

let's get to the sound before I get into

02:32

the

02:33

debate um what do you mean get to the

02:36

sound meaning like your reaction to the

02:38

post game both ant and Cat and then an

02:41

and Cat were funny and factual funny and

02:44

factual in other words we've been losing

02:46

been L 20 years you know they were funny

02:48

and factual it's just that simple and so

02:51

major major props to them were an

02:53

incredible comeback in terms of Mike

02:55

Malone a great coach a champion highly

02:57

respected throughout NBA circles respect

03:00

sir that was not a dumbass question that

03:03

was a actually it was a very respectful

03:05

question you walk up by 20 you did end

03:08

up blowing that lead it was a game seven

03:10

you're the reigning defending NBA

03:12

champions you're on your home court you

03:15

won three straight to take a 3-2 lead

03:18

you got annihilated by 45 points in game

03:21

six you come back for game seven you're

03:23

up 20 and y'all lose to a younger team

03:27

and what have you the reporter was very

03:30

very respectful just saying you know

03:33

could you express what you're feeling

03:36

right now because of how you lost it's

03:37

one thing if you there is a difference I

03:39

know a loss is a loss Shannon and legs

03:41

y'all can speak to that better than me a

03:43

loss is a loss but on your home court in

03:47

a game seven trying to defend your crown

03:50

with a birthe to the Conference Finals

03:52

on the line up 20 and losing the game it

03:56

is not Beyond The Pale for a reporter to

03:59

ask you

04:00

what are your emotions like because that

04:02

is a little bit different than losing a

04:04

nailbiter it is a little bit different

04:06

than getting annihilated by 50 you know

04:09

even though they got out score like 54

04:11

to 24 over the stretch in the second

04:13

half yeah I'm just saying I thought the

04:15

reporter was very respectful in the

04:16

question that he asked and I thought

04:18

that was a complete overreaction and a

04:20

disrespectful reaction by coach Malone

04:22

Shay yeah Mike Malone's going to have to

04:24

learn you have to handle disappointment

04:26

and prosperity the same exact same way

04:28

now the reporter asked

04:30

what can you express your emotions being

04:32

up 20 on your home court and losing and

04:36

now the season's over the season's over

04:38

dumb ass question oh no no no no no I

04:41

want you to have I want you with your

04:43

chest out like you was poking fun last

04:46

year when everybody talking about the

04:48

Lakers oh they still talking about that

04:50

we're the Champs you see you have to

04:54

handle disappointment and prosperity the

04:57

same way nobody likes to lose especially

05:01

legs when you get to this level but it's

05:03

a part of it when you when you accept

05:06

Victory when you accept the things that

05:07

come along with that you must handle

05:10

with Grace and dignity disappointment

05:13

and I thought he handled it totally

05:15

wrong he was wrong and he should

05:18

apologize to the reporter I understand

05:21

when emotions are high logic is low but

05:23

Mike Malone you was out of line on this

05:25

one you're lost you had the three time

05:27

MVP you're up 20 on your home court and

05:30

the Nuggets outscored you 60- 37 in the

05:34

second half and they held you to 14

05:36

points in the third no no you can't

05:38

handle like this Mike Malone I'm totally

05:40

disappointed with how he handled the

05:42

post game I completely agree it first of

05:45

all it was not an inappropriate question

05:47

in any way shape or form it was actually

05:49

pretty good question in the moment uh he

05:51

didn't handle that well and I by the way

05:53

I'll be shocked knowing Michael Malone

05:56

if he does not apologize he's the Class

05:58

Act he absolutely absolutely carries

06:01

himself that way I think when he's had

06:02

time to reflect on it when he sees how

06:04

much that sound is played today I think

06:06

he's going to feel pretty badly about

06:08

the fact that he embarrassed that

06:09

reporter I think he will come out with

06:11

an answer here's the bottom line he's

06:14

angry because he challenged his team

06:16

when they were down 20 in this series

06:18

before game three and I had a chance to

06:20

talk to him before that game he was so

06:22

angry with the position that they were

06:24

in because he didn't want to just win a

06:25

title he did that last year he wanted to

06:28

go on a run of titles and he was

06:30

challenging his team to be historic not

06:33

just win a title and get to the Finish

06:35

Line how many do you want to win do you

06:38

want to be rare and unique and and

06:40

separate yourself in terms of teams that

06:42

win one and teams that win multiple

06:44

championships that's why I think he was

06:46

so frustrated in the moment and that

06:48

game was within grasp he could taste

06:51

moving on to the Conference Finals it

06:53

was right there and they were not able

06:55

to stem the tide once Minnesota had a

06:59

couple of balls go in in the third

07:00

quarter cuz their offense was terrible

07:02

in the first half once they started

07:04

making some shots and they thought to

07:05

themselves you know what we're actually

07:06

in this game they didn't bury us yet now

07:10

they could turn the defense loose and

07:11

you saw this Avalanche that Denver got

07:13

hit with and there were no answers from

07:15

Michael Malone from the Denver Nuggets

07:17

role players who I blame a lot for this

07:19

loss yesterday yeah and so Michael

07:20

Malone was so frustrated in a moment he

07:22

didn't handle that well he'll be the

07:24

first one to own it I believe once he's

07:26

had a little bit more time away from

07:27

this and time to reflect

07:33

[Music]