BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR! - Stephen A. WARNS Ant-Man for CALLING OUT Kyrie Irving | First Take
Summary
TLDRIn a heated discussion, the panelists analyze the recent playoff game performance of NBA star Kyrie Irving, who responded to a challenge from Anthony Edwards with an aggressive first quarter, scoring 24 points. They highlight Irving's offensive prowess, including his leading three-point shooting percentage in the postseason. The conversation also touches on the defensive strategies employed by both teams, the importance of adjusting game plans, and the significance of player matchups. The panelists debate whether a shift in defensive assignments could benefit Minnesota, considering the energy expenditure and foul trouble. They conclude that while Dallas has gained home court advantage, the series is far from over, emphasizing the need for strategic adjustments and the resilience of star players.
Takeaways
- π Kyrie Irving's performance was exceptional, scoring 24 points in the first quarter and showcasing his offensive capabilities.
- π Kyrie is considered a veteran player who has evolved significantly since his early career, displaying a different mindset, body, and spirit on the court.
- π The game strategy involved Kyrie reading the defensive setup and exploiting open opportunities, particularly focusing on paint attacks and floaters.
- π₯ Kyrie Irving's aggression was a key factor in the game's dynamics, as he had been less aggressive in previous games, which affected the team's performance.
- π The importance of not settling for outside shots was highlighted, as Kyrie's ability to drive to the basket and create opportunities was crucial.
- π« The Dallas Mavericks' defensive strategy was to pack the paint and force the Wolves to take three-point shots, which was a successful tactic.
- π― Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns were urged to exploit mismatches and take more shots inside the paint rather than settling for threes.
- π‘οΈ Minnesota's defensive plan will need adjustments to counteract Dallas's offensive strategies, particularly regarding pick and roll actions and trapping.
- π The commentary emphasized the importance of learning from each game and not overreacting to a single game's outcome, especially in a playoff series.
- π The discussion suggested potential changes in defensive matchups, with the idea of assigning Anthony Edwards to Luka Doncic to conserve energy and avoid foul trouble.
- π‘ Luka Doncic's ability to dictate the game's pace and draw fouls was noted, making him a challenging opponent for any defender, regardless of physical attributes.
Q & A
What was the main concern expressed about Kyrie Irving's performance in the game?
-The main concern was that Kyrie Irving was not being aggressive early in the game, which was unusual as he had been averaging 1.6 points in the first quarter and had shown a strong offensive capability throughout the playoffs.
What was the average points per game in the first quarter for Kyrie Irving before game one?
-Kyrie Irving was averaging 1.6 points per game in the first quarter before game one.
How did Kyrie Irving's performance change in the first quarter of game one?
-Kyrie Irving became more aggressive in the first quarter of game one, scoring 24 points, which was a significant increase from his average.
What was the significance of Kyrie Irving's three-point shooting in the playoffs?
-Among the 22 players averaging 20 or better in the postseason, Kyrie Irving was the leading three-point shooter at 44%, showcasing his offensive prowess.
What was the initial game plan of the Minnesota team according to the transcript?
-Minnesota's initial game plan was to hug the three-point line and not allow the Mavericks to get going on the perimeter, focusing on defense and trying to limit the opponent's scoring opportunities.
Who did the commentators believe should have been more aggressive in the game?
-The commentators believed that Anthony Edwards should have been more aggressive, as his defensive strategy was not as effective as anticipated.
How did the commentators view Anthony Edwards' performance in the game?
-They viewed Anthony Edwards' performance as lacking aggression and not taking advantage of his strengths, particularly in driving to the basket and exploiting mismatches.
What was the strategy of the Dallas Mavericks in terms of defense?
-The Dallas Mavericks packed the paint and dared the Wolves to shoot threes, a strategy that proved effective in limiting the Wolves' scoring opportunities inside the paint.
What was the commentators' view on the importance of adjusting game plans in the playoffs?
-The commentators emphasized the importance of adjusting game plans in the playoffs, as they saw the need for Minnesota to tweak their strategy in response to Dallas' tactics.
What was the commentators' opinion on the potential defensive adjustment for Minnesota?
-They suggested that Minnesota might need to consider switching defenders, with the possibility of having Jaden McDaniels guard Kyrie Irving and Anthony Edwards guard Luka Doncic, to conserve energy and avoid foul trouble.
How did the commentators describe Luka Doncic's impact on the game?
-The commentators described Luka Doncic as a phenomenal player who dictates his own pace and is adept at drawing fouls, making him a significant factor in the game's outcome.
What was the general sentiment about the series after game one?
-The general sentiment was that while Minnesota lost the home court advantage, the commentators did not believe they were in trouble, but acknowledged that adjustments would be necessary moving forward.
Outlines
π Kyrie's Aggressive Start and Playoff Performance
The first paragraph discusses the strategic error of 'Aunt' calling out Kyrie Irving, who responded with an aggressive performance. Kyrie is praised for his offensive skills, including his scoring ability, three-point shooting, and creativity on the court. The commentary highlights Kyrie's growth as a player since his early career, emphasizing his veteran status and improved mental and physical game. The discussion also touches on the importance of not underestimating the intensity of playoff basketball, as seen in the energy levels of both teams and the need for Minnesota to adjust their game plan after losing the first game of the series.
π― Kyrie's Impact and Minnesota's Defensive Strategy
In the second paragraph, the focus is on Kyrie Irving's impact on the game and the defensive adjustments Minnesota needs to make. Kyrie's early aggression is contrasted with his usual playstyle, and his ability to finish at the rim is highlighted. The conversation delves into the importance of not settling for outside shots and the need for Minnesota to exploit mismatches. The defensive strategy of Dallas, which involved packing the paint and daring the Wolves to shoot threes, is analyzed. The paragraph also discusses the individual performances of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, emphasizing the need for them to take advantage of their size and skill to exploit mismatches in the next game.
π€ Defensive Matchups and Series Outlook
The third paragraph explores potential defensive matchups and the outlook for the series. It discusses the possibility of changing the defensive assignments to conserve energy and avoid foul trouble for key players. The paragraph acknowledges Kyrie Irving's scoring prowess against Minnesota and his shooting efficiency when guarded by specific players. The commentary also praises Luka Doncic's ability to dictate the pace of the game and his strength in creating separation for shots. The discussion concludes with the commentator's increased confidence in Dallas's chances of winning the series after their performance in the first game.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Kyrie Irving
π‘Playoffs
π‘Aggression
π‘Three-point shooter
π‘Anthony Edwards
π‘Veteran player
π‘Game plan
π‘Foul trouble
π‘Pace
π‘Home court advantage
Highlights
Aunt's call-out on Kyrie was a bad move, as he is a blossoming superstar with the potential to deliver a championship to Minnesota.
Kyrie Irving's offensive skills, including his scoring ability and creativity, make him a dangerous player to provoke.
Kyrie's leadership and willingness to defer to teammates when necessary, showcased in his game performance.
Anthony Edwards' potential as a future champion, despite his current inexperience.
Kyrie Irving's aggressive play in the first quarter, leading to 24 points and setting the tone for the game.
The importance of not settling for three-pointers and focusing on paint attacks and floaters in the game strategy.
The significance of maintaining focus and not getting complacent, even after significant wins, as emphasized by Kobe Bryant's 'job's not done' mentality.
Stephen A. Smith's and Max Kellerman's surprise at the energy required in the playoffs and the need for adjustments after game one.
The strategic trap set by Dallas to pack the paint and dare the Wolves to shoot threes, which proved successful.
The need for Minnesota to adjust their game plan to account for Dallas' unexpected offensive strategies.
Anthony Edwards' average shot distance and the importance of getting closer to the basket for better scoring opportunities.
The role of Jaden McDaniels in the game and his key turnover that nearly cost the game for Minnesota.
Luca Doncic's ability to dictate the game pace and the difficulty Minnesota faced in trying to counter his style.
The consideration of switching defensive assignments, with Anthony Edwards potentially guarding Luca Doncic to conserve energy.
The importance of exploiting mismatches in the game and the need for Anthony Towns to take advantage of his size.
The potential impact of changing defensive strategies on the outcome of the series and the importance of adapting to the opponent's strengths.
Transcripts
was it a bad move for Aunt to call out
Kyrie of course it was without question
I mean that's s that's something that I
have been alluding to coming into this
series for the last few days Wendy legs
is what I was saying I was like Kyrie
like I we love Ant-Man I think he's the
new face of the NBA I think he's a
superstar blossoming before our very
eyes and I and I think he's going to
deliver a championship to Minnesota one
day if not this year I just think that
highly of him but I was like yo you be
careful what you wish for I on Countdown
the other day be careful what you wish
for I was on first take that be careful
what you wish for I was on my pockets be
careful what you wish for this is not
the dude that you want to do that to
this Magician on the offensive side of
the ball who by the way came into the
game game one last night averaging
1.6 points per game in the first quarter
19 points in 12 playoff games in the
fourth in the first quarter I like this
ain't the dude you want you don't want
to do that not not not him not not Kyrie
this brother that can dance on anybody
the nastiest handle in the game with a
three-point shot I mean you had like 22
players averaging 20 or better in the
postseason and Kyrie is the leading
three-point shooter amongst them at 44%
we know the handle's nasty we know his
ability to finish at the basket we know
his creativity as an offensive magician
by the way if he really really wants to
mess with you we know about his movement
without the basketball whatever needs to
be done on the offensive side of the
ball is something this brother is
capable of doing and I just looked at
Anthony Edwards and I'm like I believe
in you bro you're gonna be a champion
one day I know how great you are but
you're sure this was the right thing to
do and then Kyrie comes out there with
the aggression which is obviously why he
was only averaging 1.6 points in the
first quarter because he hadn't been
aggressive he was willing to defer to
Luca defer to H Derek Jones getting him
involved defer to a PJ Washington
bringing those young fellas along and
letting everybody know when it's time
trust me I'll handle it for you but when
Anthony Edwards did that I said look out
and sure enough within the first few
minutes when you saw him with his
aggression I said ah a damn that's what
happened we saw it coming anybody that
knows basketball knew what was coming
and Kyrie delivered 24 points in the
first qu this is what we love this is
what we love this is what we love about
the playoffs we love this back and forth
we love this interplay among star
players but I think this is it kind of
undersells the fact that Kyrie was going
at an I think it undersells just what he
did in this game last night because
Kyrie is a veteran player now he is a
completely different guy than he was
seven years ago when I last covered him
in the Conference Finals Stephen A this
this guy is different in mind body and
spirit I almost can't believe it I'm
almost you know a little bit is this
really real and I'm watching it up close
here in Minneapolis and I'm saying I
think it might be and what I'm talking
about is when this game started the
Mavericks were a little bit jittery so
were the Wolves okay it's a Conference
Finals game I know that some of their
guys have experience but it's jittery
Everything feels bigger okay and also
Minnesota came out and there a great
defensive team and they and nobody knows
what game plans are going to be to start
series it's always like a guessing game
and so they came out and they were
hugging the three-point line they were
like we are going to not allow the
Mavericks to get going on the perimeter
and so Kyrie read the game yes I do
think he wanted to come out and try to
send a little message to Aunt but he
read the game he read that his teammates
and the strategy was open for him to go
to the basket and get those paint
attacks and get those floaters in his
game and that was so important and one
thing I'll say about
ant it was Kobe Bryant's like fourth
third or fourth title when he made the
famous thing the job's not done okay you
know when they were ahead in the in the
series and he goes the job's not done
Kobe didn't feel that way when he was 22
an is 22 so Ann is learning that when
you win a second round game even if it's
game seven even if it's the biggest win
your franchise has had in decades the
job is not done and I think Stephen A
and legs aunt was stunned at the energy
that it took to play in this game last
night he was exhausted at the end of the
game he admitted it he didn't understand
the the intensity from series to series
a great learning experience for him but
a reminder the job was not
done yeah look Stephen A Wendy I don't
think it's ever a good idea so Stephen A
to your point I thought the same thing
when I heard it I'm sitting there I saw
that live when it happened and I said
wow that's interesting and that's
different to use another player's name
like you say his name it's not even like
hey I'm going to be ready for the next
team you said a specific player's name
and Kyrie Irving I thought the funniest
thing in that exchange with Charles and
those guys was he said I'm just sitting
to hold my family minding my business
and all a sudden I hear my name and his
ears picked up and he has been less
aggressive early in games than he was
last night certainly and I think here's
what it comes down to Kyrie Irving is a
guy that this is one of the greatest
finishers for to guard his size at The
Rim that this league has ever seen and
man was it on full display last night
early cuz he wasn't settling for for
tough step back jumpers over length he
was downhill in the paint with his
creativity shifting hands getting his
body into the shop blocker chest getting
an ones he did so much offensively I
think to settle Dallas down to Wendy's
point if Kyrie Irving is even 10% less
aggressive in the first half they might
go in down 10 down 12 the whole game may
have felt different to the Dallas
Mavericks when they come come out of the
locker room for the second half instead
what was it I think a three-point game
maybe at halftime that was all because
of Kyrie and now you put it in the hands
of the best closer maybe in the league
period but certainly that's left in the
postseason in Luca donic and he was the
guy that settled matters in the fourth
quarter with 15 points so now
Minnesota's lost home court do you feel
like Wendy the wolves are in trouble
after game one
loss no because first off I never ever
ever overreact to game one uh something
you learn over years being around
playoff series um I also think that
Minnesota their game plan is going to
need some tweaks they they were not
ready for what they got from Dallas and
there was a there's a bunch of x's and
those I could go over with big with the
big men pick and roll actions I'm not
going to focus on that what I'm going to
focus on is the Trap that Dallas set and
that was to pack that paint and dare the
Wolves to shoot threes they shot 49
three-pointers they had not shot that
many in any game this year Aunt Edwards
took four shots inside the paint four
this is one of the best finishers and
drivers in the league they totally
baited him in to shooting those threes
his average shot distance was almost 23
feet that is a huge victory for the
Mavericks and it was very basic they
just put all these guys standing elbows
in boxes it's old school legs Stephen A
you guys know this from the 90s you
don't have the guys leave the lane and
if that means you give up some
three-pointers like early in that game
Jaden McDaniels was hitting some threes
and Kyle Anderson was hitting some
threes okay they'll give up some of
those threes to keep that lane tight for
to to to to make Aunt Edwards see two
bodies or three bodies he has to beat so
that's the big adjustment this is a
historic thing that star players have to
deal with they try to keep them out of
the lane keep them away from their
strong suit so now let's see how ant
responds to me it's all about the ant
response and also there'll be some you
know ex's and no adjustments but ant
cannot take for shots inside the paint
he's got to take 13 15 18 shots inside
the paint in game two well I I I'm not
disagreeing with that part Wendy I just
don't think it's limited to that it's
not just about Anthony Edwards how about
call Anthony towns not shooting nine
threes Charles Barkley and sha were
absolutely right last night when they
were talking about how you know what you
let the defense off the hook when you
shoot that many threes because there's a
mismatch at every turn where it comes to
him he's a legit 611 7 feet tall you
know you got mismatches that you can
take advantage of you need to do that
and the fact is Carl Anthony towns who
by the way deserves a lot of props from
the standpoint he walked into the game
with the Malik cely Jersey the late
Malik sely that used to play for the
Timberwolves was a friend of of mine but
a bigger friend of a lot of people uh
that I know personally Malik Cy was one
of those dudes we love him and we miss
him dearly but car Anthony towns
honoring him was a very very touching
thing but I will tell you when you show
up in that game and you launching threes
nah you can shoot threes from now every
now and then because we know you can
make them but in the same breath your
your success doesn't need to be
predicated completely on that when you
got a mismatch that you can exploit I
think that's another thing to bring up
Jaden McDaniels played a good game key
turnover with nearly two minutes left
that I thought cost him the game but for
the most part he really really played
well um I give him credit for that
here's what I would throw in your
direction legs because I think it's
something that needs to be said Luca is
phenomenal as we all know the thing
about Luca and if anybody could alter
his game you would think it would be
Minnesota because of their length nobody
rushes him he plays at his pace and
there is nothing you could do about it
he's going to go as fast as he wants or
as slow as he wants I have never it's
rare in the day that I have seen
somebody in all my years covering the
NBA that dictates their own pace as
successfully as Luca donic does so I'll
give him mad credit for that Minnesota
has to figure that out because they had
no answer for KY in the first half they
had no answer for Luca in the second
half and guess what it wouldn't have
even been that competitive if Dallas had
knocked down more of those open threes
that they had available to them so
you're finching the crew you got to
figure out what to do defensively there
is no question about that and Tim legler
I'mma throw it to you by saying this
Kyrie Irving against Minnesota this year
averaging 35 points just one game 35
points 52% shooting six or eight from
three point Point range with the five
assist shot nine five or seven yet last
night when guarded by Anthony Edwards
but only shot three or seven it's 43%
against Jaden McDaniels your thoughts
about this this this what I want to
throw out because
lucer doesn't move to the degree that a
Kyrie Irvin might move is it possible
that it might be better for McDaniels to
chase around Kyrie and for Anthony
Edwards to be on on Luca although I know
he would be he would be smaller and not
as long as McDaniels I'm wondering how
you feel about that only because lucer
isn't that fast and he isn't running
around that much plus he's hobbled he's
not 100% that might take a little bit of
the exhaustion away from Anthony Edwards
and add and Elevate his level of energy
Tim leg I wondering what you think about
that I love this question Stephen A
because I was thinking about it last
night during the game I absolutely agree
with you from a Personnel standpoint
that makes more sense there's one big
risk with that Luca donic is incredible
at drawing fouls he's got this little
that little up fake he does on the step
back gets you to lean and he draws fouls
obviously Anthony Edwards significantly
more important to keep out of foul
trouble than it is Jaden McDaniels
you're right you're going to expend less
energy chasing and and having to guard
guys with that kind of quickness off the
dribble as Anthony Edwards is expending
guarding Kyrie Irving and maybe that's
why he was so tired late in the game
you'll use less of that type of energy
against Luca it's more of a physical
strength wrestling match with Luca so
it's a different way in which it wears
you down I think the foul trouble is
what Chris Fitz would be concerned about
with Anthony Edwards getting that many
minutes on Luca because he is so Adept
at drawing that type of contact look
Molly asked the question were they in
trouble now I listen I obviously thought
they were in a little bit of trouble
before the series CU I picked Dallas to
win this series now it's gone up a notch
there's no doubt cuz Dallas has home
court now but I'm going to give you the
reason and Stephen hey your question
leads me into this why did I pick him in
the first place LCA donic is not
affected by length and quickness he's
not those guys that are catching those
shoulders in their chest jadeen
McDaniels nikelle Alexander Walker
Anthony Edwards watch last night when
Luca's hitting them with that shoulder
like he loves to do those guys are
giving ground and now Luca can separate
for that little lean back jumper even in
the mid-range when Lou Dort was on him
and Luca was hitting him L Dort was not
moving backwards he's too strong he was
staying up in him as a result Luca was
getting gassed and now Luca shooting
shots fading away with a hand on hand
different level of contest look at the
shots Luca made in the fourth quarter
last night he got separation against
guys that are significantly lighter
[Music]
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)
I'VE SEEN ENOUGH π£οΈ Stephen A. picks Timberwolves over the Nuggets π± | NBA Countdown
WATCH YO MOUTH! ππ€£ Perk gloats his Wolves' G7 prediction + Mavs-Wolves preview | First Take
T-Wolves take 2-0 series lead vs Nuggets, Jamal Murray throws heating pad | NBA | FIRST THINGS FIRST
Timberwolves overcome largest halftime deficit to beat Nuggets in Game 7 | NBA | FIRST THINGS FIRST
Stephen A. WAS SHOCKED & AGAIN ISSUES apology to Nuggets fans π | First Take
Chuck: Anthony Edwards Reminds Me of Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant | Inside the NBA