Nightcap - Hour 1: Clippers beat Nuggets, Pistons beat Knicks on the road + NBA Award finalists announced!

Summary

Club Shay Shay: Nightcap - Hour 1 Summary

Episode Information:

• Title: Nightcap - Hour 1: Clippers beat Nuggets, Pistons beat Knicks on the road + NBA Award finalists announced!
• Release Date: April 22, 2025
• Hosts: iHeartPodcasts, The Volume, and Shay Shay Media featuring Shannon Sharpe with co-hosts Chad Ocho (Cinco Johnson) and contributor Joe Johnson (ISO Joe)

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Clippers vs. Nuggets: A Thrilling Playoff Clash

Game Overview: The Los Angeles Clippers edged out the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 105-102, primarily powered by Kawhi Leonard's stellar performance. Despite Nikola Jokic securing a triple-double, the Nuggets' seven turnovers and four missed free throws proved costly.

Key Performances:

• Kawhi Leonard: Leonard dominated the game, scoring 39 points, including 47 from three-pointers and maintaining an impressive shooting percentage. Shannon Sharpe praised his playoff prowess, stating, "Kawhi Leonard was as good as I've ever seen him in the playoffs" (15:19).

• Nikola Jokic: Despite his triple-double (16 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists), Jokic struggled with decision-making, contributing to the Nuggets' turnovers. Shannon highlighted, "Those seven turnovers hurt him though, Joe" (18:22).

• Norman Powell: Powell was instrumental off the bench, hitting crucial three-pointers when the Clippers needed them most. His decisive shot, described as the "shot heard around the world", was pivotal in securing the win.

Strategic Insights:

• Clippers' Defense: Ty Lue's strategic adjustments, particularly keeping Kawhi Leonard on the court for the entire game, ensured sustained pressure on Jokic. Shannon noted, "I need him to close it out. I need him for the entirety" (07:42).

• Nuggets' Turnovers: With 20 turnovers, the Nuggets struggled to maintain possession, a critical factor in their narrow loss. The hosts emphasized the importance of minimizing errors in high-stakes playoff scenarios.

Notable Quotes:

• Chad Ocho: "Kawhi Ojo. That boy out there doing the playoffs, he make it happen, man." (06:37)
• Joe Johnson (ISO Joe): "They had Jokic huffing and puffing out there, man. They doing great." (17:16)
• Shannon Sharpe: "Give him his due. Give him his credit." (15:19)

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Pistons vs. Knicks: Ending a Historic Losing Streak

Game Overview: The Detroit Pistons snapped their 15-game playoff losing streak—the longest in NBA history—by defeating the New York Knicks on the road. Cade Cunningham was the standout performer, contributing 33 points and 12 rebounds, marking Pistons' first playoff win since 2008.

Key Performances:

• Cade Cunningham: Cunningham's resurgence was pivotal. Shannon highlighted, "Cade Cunningham had 33 points, 12 rebounds. He was the difference tonight." (22:41)

• Dennis Schroeder: Schroeder delivered 20 points off the bench, showcasing his clutch capabilities. His ability to perform under pressure was a game-changer for the Pistons.

• Tobias Harris: Harris added 15 points and 13 rebounds, providing the necessary support alongside Cunningham and Schroeder.

Strategic Insights:

• Dominance on the Glass: The Pistons controlled the boards, out-rebounding the Knicks 48-34. This advantage was crucial in limiting the Knicks' second-chance opportunities.

• Turnover Management: Unlike the Nuggets, the Pistons maintained a disciplined game with fewer turnovers, allowing for more efficient scoring opportunities.

Notable Quotes:

• Chad Ocho: "Cade Cunningham, he got it. He total package. He showed that night." (29:07)
• Shannon Sharpe: "They dominated the glass. And I think that was one of the reasons why they won the ball game even though they had more turnovers." (22:41)
• Joe Johnson: "They gotta keep working, get back to the drawing board and look forward to Game 3." (11:28)

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Player Highlights and Team Strategies

Kawhi Leonard's Impact: Leonard's ability to maintain consistency and efficiency was a key discussion point. Joe emphasized Kawhi's elite condition, stating, "He don't look like he out of shape. He looks like a guy who's in elite shape and he's ready to go." (06:37)

Nikola Jokic's Challenges: Despite his triple-double, Jokic's inefficiency and turnovers were critical. Shannon observed, "He missed some shots late in the game down the stretch from the free throw line, which also contributed to them losing tonight." (10:38)

Cade Cunningham's Leadership: Cunningham's performance was lauded as the backbone of the Pistons' victory. Shannon remarked, "He didn't need the assistant to be special night, but it was Kawhi and I thought he was the main reason." (15:19)

Defensive Strategies: The hosts discussed defensive matchups, particularly how the Clippers effectively limited the Nuggets' key players. Shannon noted, "When you look at Kawhi, Zubak makes Jokic work on the other end. You can live with that." (07:42)

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NBA Awards Finalists Announced

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts announced the 2025 NBA Awards finalists:

• MVP:

  • Nikola Jokic
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Sga)
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo

• Defensive Player of the Year:

  • Dyson Daniels
  • Draymond Green
  • Evan Mobley

• Rookie of the Year:

  • Stefan Castle
  • Zachary Richer
  • Jalen Wales

• Sixth Man of the Year:

  • Malik Beasley
  • Ty Jerome
  • Peyton Pritchard

Host Insights:

• Chad Ocho supported Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP, highlighting his consistent performance.
• Joe Johnson advocated for Dyson Daniels as Defensive Player of the Year, emphasizing his defensive prowess.
• Shannon Sharpe expressed strong support for Cade Cunningham, praising him as the "total package" and a pivotal force for the Pistons.

Notable Quotes:

• Shannon Sharpe: "It's your job to pull the young guys along and let them know what's at stake. The intensity." (63:09)
• Joe Johnson: "He scared me down the streets when they playing Detroit or just any game." (67:11)

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Conclusion and Future Playoff Predictions

The hosts concluded with optimistic yet cautious predictions for the ongoing playoffs. They highlighted the Clippers' potential to dominate further due to their depth and strategic execution, while the Pistons are poised as formidable contenders following their historic win.

Final Thoughts:

• Shannon emphasized the importance of key players stepping up in the playoffs, stating, "When your big guns aren't firing, it's the small artillery that gets it done." (51:30)
• Chad and Joe discussed the necessity for teams like the Nuggets to refine their strategies to reclaim home-court advantage, warning of extended series battles.

Notable Quotes:

• Chad Ocho: "Pistons basketball at his finest, baby." (34:09)
• Joe Johnson: "This is what the playoffs are about, like I tell you, we know your plays, we know what you're running." (69:23)

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Closing Remarks: Shannon Sharpe thanked the listeners for their support and encouraged them to subscribe and engage with the Nightcap podcast. He also promoted upcoming events and merchandise, ensuring fans remain connected and informed.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "Kawhi Leonard was as good as I've ever seen him in the playoffs." (15:19)
• "Cade Cunningham had 33 points, 12 rebounds. He was the difference tonight." (22:41)
• "They dominated the glass. And I think that was one of the reasons why they won the ball game even though they had more turnovers." (22:41)
• "This is what the playoffs are about, like I tell you, we know your plays, we know what you're running." (69:23)

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Final Note: For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights shared by Shannon Sharpe, Chad Ocho, and Joe Johnson, providing a comprehensive overview of the Clippers' and Pistons' playoff performances and the anticipated NBA awards.

Transcript

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[Sports Analyst 1]

Well, you knew, you knew team blue was going to have those guys ready. They was going to regroup. I didn't think they played bad, you know, the game one I thought they, you're right, you know, probably down to the to the end. But man, they can say what they want to say about Kawhi Ojo. That boy out there doing the playoffs, he make it happen, man. Hey, the mid Range Assassin analytics trying to take the media out the game. Hey man, they may get to his spot every time. Raising up shooting and it's cash. He look, he look good tonight for me. I like how his body look. He don't look like he out of shape. He looks like a guy who's in elite shape and he's ready to go. He gave him everything they was looking for tonight, man. You didn't need James to Be special tonight. He was solid throughout the whole game. I like Zubak competing against Big Yolk. That's a matchup, man. That's a great matchup. But all in all, the Clippers did what they wanted. Hey, they came down there to get one, got one and they was able to do that in game two. Man, they look good. Yeah.

[Today Show Host]

When you look at Kawhi, I think the thing is is that Zubots makes Jokic works on the other end. He had another double double 16 and 12. You can live with that. As you said, James Harden didn't need to be spectacular night, but it was Kawhi and I thought it was very interesting. Joe Kawhi had it going, but Tylou gave him a six minute break in the third quarter. Knowing this game going to be close. I need him to close it out. I need him for the entirety. I'm not bringing him off the court. And you saw him at the end of the game slumped over. He was dog tired because he played 39 minutes and they needed all 39 minutes from him. But I thought t stole some time and when the Nuggets couldn't get any separation with Kawhi off the floor, you knew, okay, this game's going to come down to the end. Michael Porter Jr. Played extremely well. He had six offensive rebounds. They needed a call to action and he answered that call. But that turnover after he got got that rebound where he threw it away and led to a Norman pile three. That was really the difference in the ball game. Ocho, what'd you like about what you saw tonight?

[Sports Analyst 2]

Listen, Tyloo had them boys ready to play Unc. He had them ready to play Kawhi. I'm not sure what Kawhi. I'm not sure what Kawhi did, what his routine was before this game. I'm not sure what he ate. I don't know how he stretched. But whatever he did before this game today, he need to repeat it every game from this point on. The Kawhi I saw tonight, Unki was special. We've talked about his injuries, we talked about him not playing games and missing games, but I don't know who that was tonight. We've seen it before, but I've never seen it to this magnitude. I've never seen him this, this efficient like this Tonight obviously we had Norman Powell who, who contributed coming off the bench. James Harden did what James Harden does. Obviously he didn't need to be special. Like you guys mentioned earlier, I think one of the main factors and why the Clippers were able to win this game is I think about not what the Clippers did, but what the Nuggets did in turning the ball over 20 times. 20 damn times. As opposed to the Clippers only turn it over 11. Obviously Joker having a triple double, he didn't play well. He missed some. Some shots late in the game down the stretch from the free throw line, which also contributed to them losing tonight. But the Clippers did well. Ty Lue did what he needed to do from a coaching standpoint and making sure they were prepared to come out and get and steal a win.

[Today Show Host]

Because when you look at it, Joe, As Ocho mentioned, 20 turnovers, it was just the opposite. What did the Clippers do that cost them the game? Turn the ball over on Saturday. Yep. Now, the Nuggets repaid the favor. Kind of like in the championship game, we saw Houston force Duke to turn it over and then what did they do? They turn around against Florida in the national championship game, they turned it over. The Nuggets crushed them. Plus 18 in rebound margin, plus eight offensive rebound margin. But when you plus nine in the turnover and you plus you minus six, you shot 10 more free throws, but you missed eight of them.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yeah, yeah, they struggle.

[Today Show Host]

You turn over missed free throws. There's your ball game right there. Joe, how do if you're the Nuggets? What if you're Dave Adelman? What are you telling your team, man.

[Sports Analyst 1]

We got to continue to fight. We gotta go. We gotta go to LA and try to get us one. You know, we gotta dig down deep and find something within us, man. They got guys. I don't think the guys played terrible night. I thought they played pretty good considering the big, the big guns, the Joker, Gordon, Porter, you know, I thought they played solid and I thought Murray played good enough for them to win, honestly. Yeah, just gotta. They gotta keep working, you know, get back to the drawing board and look forward to Game 3. But what I will say is when you look at the Clippers, I think when they get home, they'll be a lot better than them other guys around them will play a lot better.

[Today Show Host]

Role players normally play better at home.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Normally play better at home. So this going to be a long series for the Nuggets, man. They already lost home court advantage.

[Today Show Host]

You got to steal one too.

[Sports Analyst 1]

So now it's on LA to take care of home court. Go ahead.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Oh, I would get ready to say, obviously, you know, in games like this, obviously playoffs atmospheres are completely different. You know, much more about playoff experience than I do, but I know that Feeling and what it's like to be there. Because on video games, sometimes, you know, everything gets tight and it gets very difficult when it comes to being in the playoffs. So I think about when it comes to this time, not only for the Nuggets, for the Clippers as well. You got to minimize mistakes, you got to minimize errors, and you got to be efficient and you got to be consistent the best way you can. People coming off the bench, the role players, they have to be on point. They got to be firing on all cylinders for each team to have the chance to win and advance to the next round. And that's really it. I ain't really got no business talk about anything. Playoffs being that I ain't really been in them, as opposed to YouTube, but I know what it feel like because.

[Sports Analyst 1]

I just explained why you didn't play in your career.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Hey, man, don't.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Don't do that. Come on now.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Don't act like, hey, don't do me. Like that's true. Hey, see, that's why I live with. I don't know what it's like to be in the playoffs, but I've done it on video games and even I get nervous and I get tight, you know, so that's the only experience I got when it comes to playoffs. You and Unc done Bennett, y'all done done that.

[Today Show Host]

Aaron Gordon missed a wide open dunk.

[Sports Analyst 2]

They hit the back. He hit the back of the rim, huh?

[Today Show Host]

Oh, Joe, you can't miss that. Yeah, you can't miss that.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Hey, I got a question. Hey, hey, Joe, I got a question for something like that. That happens when you miss a dunk. Obviously you think it's going in. Hey, Unc, do you think it's the same as. Is a ball hitting you right in the hands and you dropping it? Cause you take your eyes off the ball, you think you take his eye off the rim.

[Today Show Host]

He tried to dunk it so hard and it hit the back of the rim. Yeah.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Okay. Okay, okay, okay. So it had nothing to do with. Can I.

[Today Show Host]

No.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Okay, okay, okay, okay.

[Today Show Host]

I just. Cause you see what he did? I mean, he was on my. Yeah, I thought he was two handed, Joe. Cause that's normally how he dunks the ball, especially in close like that. He normally makes sure he finishes. But I was surprised that he went up with one hand and you could see things like that happening. Misses a dump. Michael Porter Jr. Gets the defensive rebound and throws it away. Which leads into a walk in three by Norman Powell because Christian Brown was caught in between. Do I go over here or do I stay? Powell fakes it and then he pulls up. Boom. In situations like that, that's normally what happens. You pay an ultimate price with turnovers. You turn the ball over in football, you pay double in the playoffs, you turn it on the basketball, the same thing. You commit an error in baseball. In the playoffs, it normally you extend the ending. You extend it. You extend things. So that's a tough way to lose for the Nuggets, but you got to give the Clippers credit after a very difficult loss on Saturday to come in and play as well as they did tonight and to steal home court. Now somehow the Nuggets gonna have to find a way to steal home court back. Because I don't believe if, if, if, if Clippers win, you know, the Clippers win them two games. I don't see how they, I don't see how they win, you know, three in a row. I don't, I don't see that. You see that, Joe?

[Sports Analyst 1]

You don't see that? You don't think the Clippers can win three in a row?

[Today Show Host]

No, I don't. This is a different team than the bubble. Yes, I know they did in the bubble, but this is a different team.

[Sports Analyst 1]

On this and this.

[Today Show Host]

They didn't have a James Harden. Kawhi. And Kawhi has some quiet. Kawhi has some quiet times in the fourth quarter with some sixes and some twos. And that, that guy that I see now, he ain't gonna have no games like that.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yeah, yeah, man, listen, I like, I like what I seen from the Clippers. Scrappy got a bunch of life size guys, play multiple positions and cause a lot of havoc and penetrating. Kick it out for three and just scrambling, you know, it's just back. It's backyard basketball, man. It's playoff basketball at its finest. Look, the Clippers know what Denver gonna run. Denver know what the Clippers gonna run. Y'all can't show us nothing new under the sun. We know what y'all. Now it's your will versus my will. And that's, that's what's so special about the playoffs, man. It's like who wants it the most? And right now, man, the Clippers got.

[Today Show Host]

A hold of it.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Yeah. Hey, um.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Hey, did you just say you don't think Kawhi can have another game like this?

[Today Show Host]

He can't. No, no, no, I, I've said I don't think if the Nuggets go down three, one, I don't think they can come back like they did in the bubble. Because I don't believe Kawhi will play as poorly as he the fourth quarter in the bubble. He's playing extremely well right now. As Joe said earlier, he's locked in now. You let him get that mid range going early. Now you're at his mercy. Because if he backs out past that three point line and he sees a couple of those go in, what you do, you hug up on him. He can go by you or you think he's gonna go by you. And then he stops on the D and he just raises up over you. He had it going tonight because he made some very difficult shots over two defenders. Give him his due. Give him his credit. He played well tonight. He was one of the main reasons why they Zubots is doing what Zubots does. Zoo just give us 16 and 12. Give us your average. Make it work on the offense on the defensive end. I was surprised. I don't think Jokic was aggressive enough. You got Ben Simmons on you and you out there bull driving around the three point line. Nah, that ain't where you need to be, bro. Take his ass down to the paint, get up on eight and they go to the pick and roll or Murray, they may come. Hey, clear out of side. Go. Hey, get. Get away. And let me go to work on Ben. Ain't no way you supposed to be out of the top of the key with Ben Simmons on you. If you Nicola Jokic.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Joe, they had Jokic huffing and puffing out there, man. They doing. They work early. They catching him at the three point line, body banging him all the way to the paint. So by the time he get to the paint, he a little tired and exhausted tired. It's hard for him to kind of get into his mojo like he normally would because it's a different setting. We're in the playoffs now. Nothing's easy. They not just gonna let him walk down to that post and think he just gonna turn around and shoot jump hooks all night. Now we ain't going for that. You gonna have to work today, big fella.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. They doing a great job. They take. They let Murray handle the ball. They let Brown handle the ball, Russ handle the ball some, so. But he's not handling the ball. But you could tell, you know they're weighing on him. Zubox is banging on him. But like I said, you get a reprieve once they take Zoobs out of the game. Big Zoobs. Hey, you got to wear Ben Simmons light ass out because I understand he's 16 but he ain't a big body like Zubox.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yeah, now he's not a big body like Zubox. But look, Jokic played a great game. He still had a nice Beastie triple double.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah, those seven turnovers don't hurt him though, Joe.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Those seven turnovers hurt him. But he was four for eight from the three. I like that. It's like whenever he wants to shoot the three balls, like he's very efficient when he shoots it. But he was, he was pretty good, man. He just need other guys to step up. Maybe I'll probably say Gordon or Porter.

[Today Show Host]

They gotta play a little bigger than.

[Sports Analyst 1]

What they playing right now. Especially points wise. Cause he smelled.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah, Porter played good. He just had. He had three turnovers. Gordon has got to be a little bit more aggressive, a little bit more efficient. He was 5 or 13, one of 3, 3, but he was 3 or 3 from the 3 point line. Throw up. Excuse me, from the free throw line. But I think this was more had to do with what the Clippers did do as opposed to what the Nuggets didn't do. I think we need to tip our hats off especially to Kawhi Leonard because he was sensational tonight along with Zubots. But Norman Powell hit the shot heard around the world. I didn't get a chance to read. Please make sure you hit that subscribe button. Please make sure you hit that like button and go subscribe to the Nightcap podcast feed wherever you get your podcast from. Thank you guys for your support. Thank you for your continued support. You showed up here tonight supporting us. We greatly, greatly appreciate that. Please make sure you check out Shave by La Portier. We do have it in stock now. If you cannot find Shave by Laportier in a city or a state near you, order it online. We will ship it directly to your door. Please drink responsibly and please stay safe. Check out my clothing company, 84. With 84 being spelled out, everything has restocked. The link is pinned in the chat. Supplies are limited and once they're gone, they're gone. Tickets for our Not Safe for Work Tour are on sale eight stops. Baltimore, Philly, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Miami, NYC, Chicago and Detroit. Tickets can be found at shayshaymedia.comTour that's shayshaymedia.com Tour link is pinned in the chat. Guests are shaping up real nice. Guys, you don't want to miss this tour. This is the one that if we come to a city near you, make sure you check out your favorite unc and your nephew. Go get your Tickets now the pistons snap their 15 game playoff losing streak. It was the longest streak in NFL in NFL NBA history. It's their first playoff win since 2008. Cade Cunningham, we said that he needed to bounce back and play better. He absolutely bounced back and he played sensational. 33 points, 12 rebounds. He's the first Piston since Chauncey Billups in 2004 with a 3010 playoff game. 30 points, 10 rebounds. Cade Cunningham had 33 points, 12 rebounds. He was the difference tonight. And Dennis Schroeder, the one thing about Schuter, hey, he's been in the moments. The moments he is not afraid of the moments he's not afraid to take the big shots. I've seen him take so many big shots when he was playing for the Lakers. They trust him and I don't see any reason why they shouldn't trust him. Tobias Harris was great again he played 43 minutes at 15 points, 13 big rebounds. Cade 33, 33, 12. But it was Schroeder off the bench that gave you 20 big points was the difference in the ball game. And they were able to overcome a sensational game by Jalen Brunson who had 37 points. But they didn't get nearly enough from Carl Anthony Towns. He only had 10 points on 5 of the level. Shooting foul trouble was the big reason why. But Mikhail Bridges had 19, OG had 10, Cat had 10, Josh Hart had 10, but it wasn't enough. Jalen Brunson at 37, but it was the 33 points from Cade Cunningham. 12 points, 13 rebounds from Duran and 15 points from and 13 rebounds from Tobias Harris. And they beat the knicks on the glass 48, 34. I was surprised at how they dominated the glass, you know, considering you got cat, considering you got Mitchell Robinson, considering you got OG Anunoby. And they dominated the glass. And I think that was one of the reasons why they won the ball game even though they had more turnovers. But they've took the ball to the crank. 34 free throw attempts, Joe 34 to 19.

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[Sports Analyst 1]

No.

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[Today Show Host]

For details Every morning brings a fresh new energy. This is today, and no matter what the day holds, we come to the Today show for all of it. When things are tough, we talk about it. When there's something to figure out, we dig into it. And when there's joy, we celebrate it. Because today is where it's all happening. We get the best start to every morning because we start it together. Watch the Today show with Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin, weekdays at 7:00am on NBC.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Hey, yeah, I mean listen, I think the difference is night game. Jalen Bronson had 34 last game. Tonight he had 37. But nobody else, nobody else for the next contributed or didn't contribute enough to kind of the balance and Madden the encounter. What the Pistons were able to do if Kate had The K had what, 33 and 12, 11, 21 from shooting. You know, he had 12 rebounds. But then you also have Shooter contributing. Then you had Tobias Harris contributing as well. Then you look at the knicks, you got 37 from Jalen Brunson, Karl Anthony Towns, I mean he doesn't show up like the Carl Anthony Towns that we're used to seeing. Josh hard. There was nobody else. So it was just, it was a one man show as opposed three on the other end. Therefore that's why the results were what they were and why they were able to bounce back. That guy. Damn. Cade Cunningham. Boy, he's special, boy.

[Today Show Host]

He is.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Boy, he's special, boy, he's something nice now. You remind me of myself in high school.

[Sports Analyst 1]

All right, all right, Go ahead.

[Today Show Host]

No joke.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Go ahead.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Hey, Joe, don't do that. Don't do that, don't do that. Because before. Before it was ISO Joe, you know, they. You know, they called me high school.

[Today Show Host]

They call you what?

[Sports Analyst 1]

They call you high school, bro. ISO Ocho.

[Sports Analyst 2]

I actually ISO. I wasn't Osho yet. I was ISO Pepe back then.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on. We're gonna get back to this game. But I did some digging and I found some footage on you and that TMAC game. You and tmac. You and TMAC play. I seen that footage of you and TMac.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Garbage. That was garbage, Ocho. Garbage.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Wait a minute.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Walking two bubblegum, man. I said, man, what aren't you out here doing? You can't make a layup, none of that.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Oh, hold on. Time out. This is after I had already dropped 20. I already dropped 20 on TMAC head. That's why you pushed me out of bounds. I had him frustrated. I told you NBA players only know how to play in a structured environment. You know, you're running plays and all that when it comes to getting it off the muscle. And you got somebody that's athletic and skilled with lateral movement and quickness like me. You don't know what to do. That's why I say you can't beat me, bruh. What you talk about I don't care about? I don't care about nobody calling you ISO nothing. Cause ain't gonna be nothing with one on one. It's just me and you, right?

[Sports Analyst 1]

You.

[Sports Analyst 2]

You ain't built like this. You ain't built like this.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Say it with your chest.

[Today Show Host]

Got him.

[Sports Analyst 2]

You got my voice cracking. That's how you know I'm serious, man. I'm a competitor, man.

[Sports Analyst 1]

I don't care what it is I'm saying, boy. Gig, I'm telling you.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Hey, when I face you up like this, I hit you with that jab, left, right, and then I come back and I hesitate.

[Sports Analyst 1]

I ain't going. I ain't going.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Hey, man, stop playing, man. Let's get back to the playoffs, because I apologize. I ain't mean to get off. Like, he kind of triggered me real quick, like, hey. Like, I'm not him. You feel me? Stop playing, boy. Hey, I'm from. I'm boy, I'm from Liberty City, boy. We do everything. You hear me? It don't matter. Swimming, swimming, track, basketball, football, it don't matter.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Ping pong, shooting, pool.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Yeah, yeah, whatever. We. It's who and whatever against whoever, man, what you got? I apologize.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Let's get back to the playoffs. All right, Back to the playoffs. I'm gonna give y'all my assessment on this. For some reason. Carl Anthony Towns, he look. He look a little slow out the break, man. Like, he don't got no energy. It's like, you know, he ain't giving them what they need. You know, they bench ain't gonna give him nothing because Thibodeau ain't gonna play him enough.

[Today Show Host]

No, you need Cat.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Cat gotta have. He gotta be anywhere from about 20, 25 a night, man. 11 shot attempts. That ain't gonna get it for the Knicks to be.

[Today Show Host]

Nope.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Fans not. Not playing against these dogs in Detroit. Unc, I told you, you on Ocho. You said who I like in the playoffs this year. And I told y'all. Cade Cunningham, he got it. He total package. He showed that night. He's very poised and patient on offense, creating for himself. He didn't have a lot of assistant night. They made him score. He scored the ball. He had 13. He had 12 rebounds. He was huge for them. They had that look. They would have won Game 1 as well as Game 2, but they had that low in Game 1, that 21 overall, the Knicks made.

[Today Show Host]

Yep.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Off the Pistons game. Now they had another load of night, about four, four and a half minutes where they couldn't score. And then they end up, you know, end up closing out the game. But Detroit, for real, they letting y'all know they for real. Now, what I don't expect, I don't expect Tim Hardaway to go 0 for 8 no more. I think he's gonna play great at home. And Beasley, they gonna shoot the ball well and they gonna be the others who's gonna help them, you know, probably advance in this series, especially at home, anyway.

[Today Show Host]

Well, I don't. I don't get Tibs campaign gave you 14 big points. He gave you 11 in the fourth and nine in that 9.0run, and you play in four minutes. What's that about? It needs to be reversed. Mikhail Bridges need 11 shots. Cat needs 18. Well, that's on Cat. Cat needs to demand the ball and become more aggressive once he gets the ball. But you know, Cat has that propensity to sometimes drift through the game. Bro. Did you forget you seven foot tall? Did you forget that you were the number one overall pick in the draft? Did you forget that you are an all star? Many times. Sometimes I think Cat forget just how good he can be. Cat, do you. Do you realize that you once scored 60 in a game? Cat you special. But sometimes I think he forgets. Man, I'm Cat. I'm him bad. Look here, all I know is if I was a basketball player with my mentality, I'm seven foot tall. I'm putting. Hey, I'm Shaq. I'm putting. Shaq never forgot he was big. Shaq always played big. Shaq never played small. That's what I like about Shaq. He like, man, I'm Sam 13:25, damn it. I'm gonna play Sam 1:325, but I'm a bowl of china shop.

[Sports Analyst 2]

That's an it factor that come from within a lot of people. Hey, you talk about a young bull from the Lakers, right? How tall you say he is?

[Today Show Host]

Oh, you talking about Jackson Hayes?

[Sports Analyst 2]

No, not the other one. You.

[Today Show Host]

You don't like Alex Lynn?

[Sports Analyst 2]

Yeah, man. Man, see that, that's you. That, that, that, in fact, that mentality, I don't want to say mama mentality, but just that that mean spirit when it comes to being out there and understanding. I'm seven feet tall. I'm finna dog. Whoever you finna get, you finna get this work. Does Cat have that it factor? Think about the mentality in the way John Moran plays or the way Anthony Edwards plays. Imagine if cat had that mentality or that kind of dog in him. What you think he would be?

[Today Show Host]

But you know what Cat problem is, Jordan? I'll let you go. Cat problem. Cat want to be the best shooting big man. Yeah, Cat don't like the bang.

[Sports Analyst 1]

He's already said it.

[Today Show Host]

And that's what got him in trouble last year in the Western Conference finals. He was selling too much. He was selling for the three. He was selling for the jumper. And they ain't got nobody that can deal with Katt. When Cat want to play and becomes aggressive and put his back to the basket. I get it, you can shoot, but at some point, at some times, the game doesn't. Doesn't call for that. You need to dictate, say, hey, I'm gonna go down the block. Give it to me. Give it to my ant, man. Let me have that. Go ahead, Joe.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Hey, but you gotta give the big fella for Detroit some credit. Duran too. Cause he playing, man. Hey, he's a monster. Down there. Ocho, you know, he. So Cat definitely ain't muscling him. So it's almost like he kind of taking him out the game to some degree. But yeah, I'm like, ugh, man, I don't want him selling for jumpers. I want him down there in the paint causing havoc, making them dudes double team so we can create these kicks and then we'll constantly get wide open shots. I do think he's just kind of floating around three point line too much. And yeah, the Knicks, they gotta have at least two guys explode, you know, in that. And they're starting five in order for them to win because like I say, they barely play any guy coming off the bench.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Hey, Joe. Hey, Joe. I mean, listen, I'm gonna ask this real quick. Do you think because Cat knows he can't do nothing with young Bull down there in the paint that he gonna settle for mid range and being out there by the three instead of going down and banging? Because, you know, you ain't finna post him up and, you know you're not gonna back him down.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Nah, I think, you know, he's probably gonna look at this footage. You know, he can look at the tape. He gonna look at the tape is what I'm saying. Oh, Joe, he gonna be like, okay, cool. You know, hopefully somebody on their coaching staff tell me, look, big fella, we gotta have you down there on that paint.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah.

[Sports Analyst 1]

No matter what, being big, being a huge presence to. Remember, when we throw you the ball, it is a bucket foul or you kick it out, spray out the three, and somebody got a wide open shot. But right now, what he's giving. Yeah, this is gonna be a long series for them, man. This is a young, scary Detroit team who, you know, had to learn, learn by experience, you know, throughout the playoffs. Like Duran and Cade Cunningham, they had never been in the post season, so they learned from game one, came back in game two, duplicated pretty much the same performance, but closed the deal at the end. And hey, man, Detroit basketball at his finest, baby.

[Today Show Host]

I look at it like this, Joe. I'm a veteran player, I'm a Pro Bowler. I'm an all probability. Ain't no young man doing nothing with me. I know too much. I understand the moment, right? He ain't gonna see me. Not. They better double. Yeah, they better come double.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Right?

[Today Show Host]

Cause if you don't, I'm gonna punish him and Cat has to have. But look, Cat is who he at this point in time, Joe, Cat is who he is. I like Cat. A lot. But Katt needs to be more aggressive. Yeah, we know Cat can shoot the three. We know that he wanted. I said I'm putting. Winning a three point contest. He did it. Yeah.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yeah, I think. Hey, look, he just gotta be. He just gotta assert himself a little more. Especially in the start, you know? Look, I love big body Brunson. It just seemed like when he get into the paint, he turned into a straight five, man. He go to pivoting.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah. I'm like, bro, bro, you six foot tall. How the hell you talking about you? How you gonna put your shoulder in somebody's chest to get separation and shoot a turnaround?

[Sports Analyst 1]

They making it work. Look, give shoulder credit. He didn't just play great offensively. I thought defensively he was a pass. He was a pass on Brunson. He made him work, Picked him up full court. Made him go into that Magic Johnson bag down. It's just Schroeder just ain't got enough bricks in his back pocket to stop him once he get in that.

[Today Show Host]

No, no, no, no. Well, and Sewer Thompson, when he got in foul trouble. He got in foul trouble. Yeah. And so that was there because he's a long rangy guy back then. You know, he could. You know, he could play out. He can contest. If he shoots the step back, I can contest it. I'm long and rangy enough. I don't have to worry about you beating me around the edge. None of these other guys possess that. Because he gonna, like you said, he'll bully Shooter. And Shooter is not a bad defender. But he's just light in the back pocket.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yeah.

[Today Show Host]

And you know, Tim Hardaway Jr. The same thing. And so Wes. And so Thompson. Wes Thompson got in trouble. You saw. You saw Brunson get super aggressive. Yeah, yeah, he did super aggressive.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Turned it up. He turned it up. Thompson is a bad. He's a tough matchup for Brunson. Cause he's so much. He's so long and athletic. All he gotta do is stay disciplined. He's playing great defense. Look, the one thing I love about Thompson is he knows his role, man. He ain't out there to do nothing. He ain't gonna be out there just jacking up no wild shots. I'm out here to hustle, play defense. Cause havoc get steals. Be on the break like he's playing his job.

[Today Show Host]

To the tee.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Keep your head up, young fella. He going hard out there.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah. And that's what. And that's what. Look, but the thing is, you gotta play smart because Brunson is cagey now. He'll pump fake you and when you jump, he'll jump into you.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yeah.

[Today Show Host]

So you gotta be on your best behavior when you guarding a guy like Brunson. I don't know what it is, Joe. What is it about them left handed guys that's always crafty? You see Amandu was like that. Yeah. You see Marcelos was like that. All these left handed guys, they be clappy as ish.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Hey, hey, it seemed like they got an advantage from the jump. You know, being a lefty, you know, you're just not really used to playing against lefties.

[Today Show Host]

So you gotta know your whole game.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Plan when you play against a lefty. You know what I mean? And yeah, it just seemed like they always got an advantage. I don't know. But it's been some crafty lefties, obviously. James Harden and big body Brunson, man. Hey, listen, Ocho. Hey, you guarding that, man? It's a long game, bro.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Like it's gonna be a long night.

[Sports Analyst 1]

I know you in boxing, you like to box and all that, right?

[Sports Analyst 2]

Yeah, you know I got a nice little foot.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Footwork being in a fight with him, boy. Hey, when the game over, you gonna be hurting. You hear me?

[Sports Analyst 2]

Yeah, yeah. Most definitely. Most definitely.

[Today Show Host]

Oh, Lord have mercy, man.

[Sports Analyst 2]

What happened?

[Today Show Host]

Nico Harrison held another press conference today and said he did it.

[Sports Analyst 2]

He did it again.

[Today Show Host]

I didn't know Luca was important to the fan base. I didn't quite know to what level. Joe, what do you think would have happened if the Lakers would have traded Kobe and Kobe didn't ask to be traded. Cleveland trades LeBron and LeBron doesn't ask to be traded, do you? What do you mean you didn't know, did you? When you go today and you see all those 77s, who do you think that? Who do you think that's from that one for? Tyron Smith? That was for Noka. What the hell are you talking about? You talking about that guy? That was a five time first team all NBA selection. An all star rookie of the year. He was an MVP candidate every year. What do you mean you didn't know what he meant to that base? He was homegrown. Like a Kobe. Like a LeBron. So what if Preston were to trade? Say, you know what we gonna trade Shay? What do you think OKC going to do?

[Sports Analyst 2]

Act a fool?

[Today Show Host]

Exactly, bro. Come on, Nico.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Hold on. You don't think Nego doing this on purpose or somebody's having him do this on purpose? The fact that all this is back to back I mean, are they trying to distract us for something else?

[Today Show Host]

No.

[Sports Analyst 2]

You know good and goddamn well what he meant to the team. It's your job to actually know the importance of certain players, especially players of that goddamn caliber. So coming out and saying something this asinine and saying something as what you said last week, and you're probably gonna do the same thing. It's a constant pattern of it going on over and over and over. Obviously, we know you got. We know you're being nailed to the cross for the decision of the owners. That's your job. You gotta take that bullet. Okay, we get it. But coming out, saying things like this, now, come on, now. But see, like, come on, come on.

[Today Show Host]

Now, check this out. Patrick Dumont is reportedly frustrated with Nico Hanson for not warning him how the fan base would react to Luca trademark. LUCA is the biggest thing in Dallas. What do you mean? You own it. So you see what happens when you buy something and you don't know what you have. You see, he bought a team. His mom, my mother in law, purchased the team, and they have no idea what they have. Ocho. It's like, I buy a store, but I don't know what in the store. So what am I selling? And I say, you know what? I'm gonna discontinue. My number one selling item is why don't you tell me that was my number one selling item. You bought the damn store. You should have known. However, those team sources consistently expressed belief that Dumont no longer sees Harrison as a figure with irreproachable basketball expertise. Most notably, team and league sources say Dumont has had frustration with Harrison not warning him, or perhaps even more damningly, being unaware of the fandom outrage following the trade. Those same sources say it's the same influence over Dumont's decision to make Harrison appear last week. Closed media event, which Harrison did not want to do. You see what I'm saying? The owner. You see what I'm saying?

[Sports Analyst 2]

Ocho?

[Today Show Host]

Owner makes the decision. Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you tell me the fans were going to be upset about me trading the most popular player? Why didn't you tell me that I got rid of the best player in Dallas Maverick history? I know Dirk Nowitzki won a championship, but Mark Cuban said Dirk can't see. Luca, you traded it. You're supposed to know that. Normally when you buy a business, you're supposed to know how to run it. Right, Ocho? Right, Joe?

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Today Show Host]

Joe, what do you think about this? What's going on, Luka?

[Sports Analyst 1]

Is a global icon. Hey, Nico's a good guy, bro, but I know he gotta. You know, he gotta take the fall on this one. You know, he made that decision. Look, the owners, they ain't gonna take the fall. They gonna blame it on Nico.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah, that's why I got somebody do that. Take the fall.

[Sports Analyst 1]

But he's got up there publicly and took the fall himself, you know, saying that, you know, he's the one. He didn't discuss it with the coaches and things of that sort. But, man, you gotta know how much Luca means to Dallas, man. Everybody knows. I mean, come on, man. This is a global icon. This ain't just. You know what I mean?

[Today Show Host]

Yes, yes. You let Kraft. So you know what? I think we gonna trade Michael Jordan. Well, I didn't know Chicago.

[Sports Analyst 1]

I didn't know.

[Today Show Host]

I didn't know Chicago was that rabid of. I didn't know they loved the man that much.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Yeah.

[Today Show Host]

Really? Luka Doncic, he just led you. So you go to trade the guy that just led you to the NBA Finals last year?

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yeah.

[Today Show Host]

A guy that was 25 at the time. You traded him and you had no idea that the fans would be upset. Ocho, what do you think would happen if the Ravens traded Lamar Jackson or Kansas City's traded Patrick Mahomes? And the GM said, well, hey. And ownership said gm like, well, I didn't know. I didn't know Kansas City cared about.

[Sports Analyst 1]

This man this much.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Well, it's kind of common sense too, right? Huh? They should have known. If you're the owners, most of the time, let's say you're not paying attention to the team. Let's say you don't understand the importance of said player and Luka Doncic. But I know you understand the importance of money now. You understand the importance of your bottom line and what matters at the end of the day. And I know you Understand that number 77 is the driving force of revenue coming through. I bet you understand that. So why would you. How would you not know? Let's say if you didn't understand basketball, just say you was only about business and making money. At the end of the day, you don't have to get rid of him. Now you got Nico Collins looking like a fool on the goddamn sword. Matter of fact, to the point. I think they forcing him to do it because he's saying such ridiculous stuff about them not knowing that they're using this as the ploy to be able to fire him on the back end. Yeah, look, and he take the whole brunt of the issue, man.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Listen, I feel bad for Nico in this situation because you got to know better than that, man. You know, I understand. You know, maybe. Maybe they know something that we don't know. Uncle Ocho, they around him every day. You know, they come to work every day. Maybe they ain't like some of his habits that he had. And they ain't thinking. No, seriously, they were thinking long term. Like right this summer coming up, man, we gotta come off about three something.

[Today Show Host]

3:45 to be exact.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Three, four.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Joe. Talk to me, Joe. What's that bad? What's that bad, Joe? That Luffy can be doing what? We don't want to invest 345 million in something like that where you understand the product you getting long term on the court. What's that bad, Joe? Come on now. We ain't talking about no not going to jail, you know, not having to worry about anything concerning the nightlife of Luca Hookah. Really, Bear.

[Today Show Host]

It's also being reported that the Nuggets are going to offer Nikola Jokic three years, 217 million.

[Sports Analyst 1]

So he's not going to take the. He's not going to take the man.

[Today Show Host]

You know, Jokic is going to take that. Three years, 217 million for the Nugget.

[Sports Analyst 1]

And that's the max he can get.

[Today Show Host]

Yes.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Today Show Host]

70 million a year. So they was like, we give Luca this money, it was going to be five years, 345. So when his contract up, Lucas is going to be 31. He going to be in line to get four. Going to get another five year, 450, maybe even 500 at that point in time. Because this new contract, this new Amazon, ESPN and I think, who else NBC played 77 billion. But here's the thing. If I'm Nico Harrison, I tell my owner I'll trade him. But we're going to get a tremendous backlash because Luka is our best player. He's our most important player. He's our most beloved player. I said I'll do whatever you ask me to do. I'll do whatever you tell me to do. But I just want you to know what comes along with trading it now. Hey, you might. The habits that people keep saying about he likes hookah or he's drinking, whatever the case may be. Trading at your bequest, at your request. But I just want you to understand this is going to be met with huge opposition by the fan base. So I want you to think about it for a day or two before I make any calls. Because this Is not going to go over well. He comes back, trade Luca. I'm not giving him 345, blah, blah, blah. We're not making enough money to. Are you sure? Once he said, hey, at the certain point in time when a. When the commander give you that kill switch, you got to go follow through with it. Ocho Joe, you know that.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yeah.

[Today Show Host]

Once they say, hey, once. Hey have the target in sight, right?

[Sports Analyst 2]

And then ain't gonna turn it back.

[Sports Analyst 1]

And that's why. Hey, listen, that's why I say the Mavericks got cheated, man. Because they weren't thinking Kyrie was going to be hurt at this point. They weren't no about being no play in team, you know, be a top five, six seed. Like they was going. They was going to get some teams, some problems. And without Kyrie, who was probably not probably, but it was a major piece to what we're trying to do because we lacked what, rent protection or that inside presence, bro.

[Today Show Host]

You got Lively, you got Gafford, you got Powell, you. Those guys. Think about it. You got all the way to the NBA Finals last year, and you didn't have Anthony Davis, right? You just ran into a better team. They were deeper than what you were. You had Tatum, you had Brown, you had White, you had Porzingis for a couple of games. Al Horford played well. You had Holiday, you had guys coming in and contributing. Peyton Pritchard, Sam Houser. You got that. That's where Celtics beat you. They're a deep team. Look at yesterday, that game. Tatum, North Brown played well. Derrick White was sensational. Peyton Pitchers is going to probably be sixth man of the year. That's how you win a championship. Because when your big guns aren't firing, it's the small artillery that gets it done.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yeah.

[Today Show Host]

I'm going to go to my boss. I'm going to say, I will do what you ask me to do. But I just want you to know I don't think you understand. Sports is a way of life in Texas. We're not the Cowboys now. We're not. But just know there's going to be huge resentment if we follow through with this. Are you okay with this, sir? Okay. Hey. Yeah, what's going on? Hey, what's up? The GM for the Lakers. Rob Lincoln. Hey, Rob, what you doing, man? I ain't doing nothing, man. Hey, just chilling. Hey, what you think about. Would you be really trading me AD for Luca? I gotta play it off. Yeah. Oh, no, I don't know about that one. Now, come on now. Cause we don't want a championship with A.D. i mean, he's the guy that gives you 24 and 10. 24 and 11 gonna block shots. He should have been defensive player of the year. All the while I was like, he gone. Oh, no. Are you sure, Nico? Are you sure? Hey, I want you to think about this. I want you to think about. I'm on the other end of the phone. I'm gonna have to run this up the flagpole. I'm gonna need to talk to Jeannie about this. Hey, Joe, we about to get there. We about to get there. Let me call you. Hey, let me call you back. Jeannie. I got me a fish. What you mean? What you mean? Rob? Did you know Nico Harrison just called me and asked me would we trade AD for Luka plus a player that's not named LeBron. Austin Reaves. Are you kidding me? In that first round draft pick in 20, 28. I hope you told him. Yeah, I was like, no, I'm just. I'm pretending like I'm not interested, you know? Hey. Hey, Nico. So what's. What up? What's up? Are you serious? I already got. I already got a drink. I already got the trade drawing up. AD hey, AD Max Crispy. Max Crispy. First round draft.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Listen, listen, Nico. Now I'm thinking about getting that post presence so they can create that mismatch with Kyrie and AD in that pick and roll. That had to be what they was thinking about because the. My turn? Your turn? With him and Luka. Yeah, it got him to the finals. But Boston's just too tough for him, man. They had too much.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah, hell, Boston's gonna be too tough for Kyrie and AD because they got Porzingas to throw at him. They got Al Horford to throw at him. They got another big body now. What you gonna do with J.T. what you gonna do with JB? Jaylen, what you gonna do with Derrick White? What you gonna do with Holiday? What you gonna do with Pritchard Hauser? They got so many ways to attack you. You only got so much. It's not like. It's not like the. The mavericks are breath. Breadth of talent. They're not right. They got good role players. I mean, Gafford is an okay. Okay. Is a great role player.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Live.

[Today Show Host]

They do their job, but they don't have what the Celtics have. That's what makes the Celtics so tough. They got JB and JT can give you 30, 40 in a given game. Okay, they're off. Now. You get Porzingis or Derrick White. Or you get Pritchard or you get Big Al Horford.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yes.

[Today Show Host]

So this doesn't make sense to me because it's still a two man team with not a whole lot of depth, right? Yeah.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yeah. They. They. They gotta figure it out, man.

[Today Show Host]

Well, they got a choice now.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yeah. They gotta figure out what they gonna do this summer.

[Today Show Host]

Charles Barkley sends a message to Nico, says, I consider you my. I see you. I consider you a friend of mine. Don't do no more press conferences. I don't even know what you're doing. I got sympathy and love for you, but I have zero idea what you're trying to do. That's his owner sending him out there to fall on the sword in front of everybody. Everybody knows that Nico Harrison didn't initiate this trade. Everybody knows that a trade of this magnitude, that going to the owner. Yeah, that ain't no trade. A. That ain't no. Hey. For some draft picks and some cash. That's your franchise cornerstone, and you're trading them away before he turns 26. That's ownership. Because the owners are saying, nico, you ain't the one that got a shell out. 345 million guaranteed in the state of Texas with no state income tax.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Hold on. They think they slick, though, huh? You don't think ownership think they slick? Not only are they sending Nico out there to fall on the sword, they sending them out there saying ridiculous things. Well, you see, so I really think it's a ploy. I think it's a ploy, honestly, to fire him on the back end and to get the fans of Dallas off their head and really put the whole thing and onus on him by firing Nico later on down the line.

[Today Show Host]

Because here's the thing, the source, the league, most notably team and league sources, say Dumont has had frustration with Harrison not warning him, or perhaps even more damningly, being unaware of the fandom's outrage following the trade. You see, all Nico Harrison is doing is echoing what ownership said Nico knew. Yeah, he's been in this position too long, Oto. He's been. He's been around it. He's been at Nike.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Yeah.

[Today Show Host]

He's been around it too long for him not to know. So I've got to go out there and parrot what ownership is saying behind closed doors. That's why he keeps having. Remember, he had a press conference with no cameras, and he said, defense win championships. I ain't trading no Luca. I don't. Hey, the defensive player I get better be Bill Russell, rest his soul. He better be Bill Russell in his pride or Akeem Olajuwon or somebody like that. I'm not getting.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Come on, man.

[Today Show Host]

A 26 year old averaging 28. 8 a game. Yeah. Averaging 31 in the postseason. No, I'm not giving that up. And like I said, he had to send him out there on that mission. Basically a suicide mission to take all that. Because anytime, what they say in the military, Ocho, they have what they call a BR blast radius.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Oh, yeah.

[Today Show Host]

Okay, if we drop this here, what's the collateral damage? What's the blast radius? What is our time that we need to get up.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yeah.

[Today Show Host]

Get up out of there, Nico. You knew this. This fallout is going to be like Chernobyl. And when that Raptor went off in Russia and it destroyed everything for a long, long period of time. Yeah, that's what this is. They ain't getting over this anytime soon. They get over there. I mean, it took Boston 80 years to get over. What? 80 years to get over that when they traded Babe Ruth.

[Sports Analyst 1]

We'll see.

[Today Show Host]

They ain't getting over this anytime soon.

[Sports Analyst 2]

It ain't another Luka walking through that door.

[Today Show Host]

No.

[Sports Analyst 2]

And I think he. He got about another 10, maybe 12 years to play. So they gonna feel the wrath of this trade for a very long time. As long as he is a Laker.

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[Sports Analyst 1]

No.

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[Today Show Host]

Yes.

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[Today Show Host]

For details Every morning brings a fresh new energy. This is today. And no matter what the day, we come to the Today show for all of it. When things are tough, we talk about it. When there's something to figure out, we dig into it. And when there's joy, we celebrate it. Because today is where it's all happening. We get the best start to every morning because we start it together. Watch the Today show with Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin, weekdays at 7am on NBC. Hey, look, J.J. ray said today was the best practice we've had in months as LA prepared for Game two. He admitted that the that had the Lakers approach the off days leading up to the playoffs with the same vigor, then maybe we wouldn't have appeared as flat as we did in Saturday's 22 point loss. We probably could have done a few more things, a few more scrimmages. Joe. Do the Lakers rebound and tie it up at 1 1? Go to Minnesota? Or does Minnesota take a commanding 2o lead?

[Sports Analyst 1]

Oh, sorry to tell you, brother, but, oh, it's over. I ain't saying it's over, man. I don't know, Ocho, but my gut feeling, yeah, hey, hey, hey, take a probiotic.

[Today Show Host]

That gutter, you, you feel better.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Hey, hey, I got the Timberwolves trying to beat greedy game too. Knowing what's at stake, knowing that they can, you know, come out and just put, put their will to the test and try and get this dub and go back to Minnesota, man. Hopefully they don't come back to la. Now I know, you know, Uncle LA to come out and you know they gonna need that third score. We need Austin Reaves to, you know, give them a spark, man. They need something. I think Antman is playing pretty good defense on him, fighting over picks like I think Ant man is doing on both ends. I know he didn't, he didn't explode offensively, but defensively he's been great. And obviously the guys around him, the others, like we always say, if those guys chip in McDaniels and Reed and they play the way they playing now, I don't know if they gonna shoot like that in game one, but I don't know if Ant man gonna do.

[Today Show Host]

That's the thing. Do you believe they gonna make 19? You believe they gonna make 20 plus threes?

[Sports Analyst 1]

They may not, but I don't think Ant man gonna handle no 17 points neither.

[Today Show Host]

That's okay. I'll give Ant 40. As long as they don't make 23 threes. Cause he can't beat us with 40. It's the 23 threes that's gonna crush it.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Hey, look, Lakers gonna have to step up, man, and protect. Protect home. You know, you're gonna need Braun to come out and be aggressive. So what if Lucas catch hot, you need to catch high with him.

[Today Show Host]

But you know the thing. Oh, Joe. You know the thing is, player get hot. What you do, you feeding the ball. You get out of this way until he miss a couple. And then you try to get in a rhythm. Yeah, but until the meantime. Cause when Luca catch fire, he catch fire.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yeah, yeah.

[Today Show Host]

I mean, he liable to go for 20 and a quarter like that. And you don't want to. You don't want to get in his way. Go ahead, Joe.

[Sports Analyst 1]

I say, yeah, it's fun to watch when he gets. When he get it going. But you know, Brian has a tendency to do that. You know, if. Even if AR gets off to a great start, he'll make sure AR get his touches in that first quarter. And he got to find a way to get others going and get himself going in order for them to be effective in this series. Look, the temple wars are young, man. They gonna be flying around the McDave.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah, the.

[Sports Analyst 1]

The Reeds and man, like those guys gonna fly around, play hard, cause havoc. The divincenzos. I like the makeup of their team, man. They're ready for the postseason. Like I say, Ant man, hey, he done took some guys out, man. He didn't. Took a few.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah, he really good about himself. And you know, he won't. He. He want that Luca and LeBron pill on his wall. Like he got that KD pill.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yes.

[Today Show Host]

Like he got that Nikola Jokic's pill.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yes.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah, that. That'll be big. But I think the thing is we get this game. The Lakers get this game here. What is the next game?

[Sports Analyst 2]

You say you think?

[Today Show Host]

No, I'm saying the Lakers get this game here. They're going to have two, three days off because you got to travel. When's the next game? Thursday or Friday.

[Sports Analyst 1]

They got to win in game Two.

[Today Show Host]

We got two. Hey, you got to win.

[Sports Analyst 2]

You got to win game two.

[Today Show Host]

Think about that, Joe. We had two days off. Win that one. Got two more days off. Oh, people troll.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Hold on.

[Today Show Host]

We win.

[Sports Analyst 2]

You, you skipping. You got to win game two first.

[Today Show Host]

Got it.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Oh, you got to win game two first. You sure?

[Today Show Host]

What?

[Sports Analyst 2]

You sure?

[Today Show Host]

Is that echo in here?

[Sports Analyst 2]

I'm just asking because. Hold on, listen. In order for you to win game two now, I'm not, listen, I ain't the bookie, I don't bet. Now I'm gamble. But LeBron gonna have to come out and be, oh, you know what? I need to get right first. I need to get right first. My approach to this game, my approach to game two can't be like the last one. I can't sit around and facilitate. I got to have that killer mentality. He has that a little bit, but he has to come out this game and have it early. I, I expect he gotta set the tone, he gotta set the intensity.

[Today Show Host]

I expect him to have it.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Okay, okay, I'm just making sure now. Cause I would love, I would, I would love, I would love to see Lakers in five. But what I saw, game one, it.

[Today Show Host]

Ain'T looking good, but jj, we probably could have done a few more scrimmages. That's on you. You the coach, you set the itinerary, you set the practice schedule.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Rhythm and timing. Exactly, Exactly.

[Today Show Host]

And it's the playoffs. I mean, even if I don't tell you, Joe, you know what it is, you know the intensity turns up. Everybody's, everybody on this roster, with the exception of Connect, has been in the playoffs. Okay? The young guys, they don't owe. But LeBron, Luka ar, Finnie Smith, Vanderbilt, Jackson, Hayes, all those guys have been in the playoffs. They know Gabe Vincent, they know what's at stake. So it's your job to pull the young guys along and let them know what's at stake. The intensity. You're not going to get those ticky tack foul calls like you would in the regular season. They're going to let you play. So be prepared. The 2025 NBA Awards finalists were announced. MVP Nikola Jokic. Shai Gilgis. Alexander. Giannis Antetokounmpo. Defensive player of the year, Dyson Daniels. Draymond Green. Evan Mobley. Rookie of the year, Stefan Castle. Zachary Richer. Jalen Wales. The sixth man of the year, Malik Beasley. Beasley. Ty Jerome and Peyton Pritchard. All right, Joe, who you got? Mvp.

[Sports Analyst 1]

I got Shay. I got Shay as. Go ahead.

[Today Show Host]

Defensive player of the year and run them off again. Defensive players, Dyson Daniels, Hawks. Draymond Green, Warriors. Evan Mobley, Cavaliers.

[Sports Analyst 1]

I got Dyson Daniels.

[Today Show Host]

Okay. Rookie of the year. Castle. San Antonio. Richear, Atlanta. Jalen Wales. I think he plays at Memphis.

[Sports Analyst 1]

I got Castle. Castle. Ben. He's pretty consistent this year, love.

[Today Show Host]

I agree.

[Sports Analyst 1]

He can play.

[Today Show Host]

Sixth man of the year, Malik Beasley, Detroit. Ty Jerome, Cavaliers. Peyton Pritchard, Celtics.

[Sports Analyst 1]

I'm going Peyton Pritchard. I'm going Peyton. Going Peyton Pritchard. I can see that he's been consistent, and, you know, when it's his time to shine or when his moment, you know, comes, he always shows up. So I'm going with Peyton Pritchard.

[Today Show Host]

Who you like? Ocho?

[Sports Analyst 2]

Give me, give me, give me. Give me my categories and my name.

[Today Show Host]

Mvp. Nicola Jokic. Oh.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Oh. Sga. Okay, you can stop there. Sga. Sga. That's my mvp. It's been my MVP for a long time, but go ahead.

[Today Show Host]

Defensive player of the year. You got Daniels, Draymond Green, or Evan Mobley.

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[Sports Analyst 2]

Daniel.

[Today Show Host]

Rookie of the year. Castle Richear. Jalen Wells.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Castle Young, Beasley.

[Today Show Host]

Ty Jerome. Peyton Pritchard.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Oh, Pritchett.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Pritchett.

[Today Show Host]

Most improved player, Joe. Cade, Cunningham, Evitz, Zubots. Dyson Daniels.

[Sports Analyst 2]

That's tough.

[Sports Analyst 1]

I'm going Cade. I think they won. How many games they won? 16 last year.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah. First of all, you're the number one overall pick. You should be ineligible for this reward. It should go to. It should go to Zubot. Did he coach it?

[Sports Analyst 1]

No. He had the high score average.

[Today Show Host]

No, I think. I think. I think Zubox averaged a double double career high in points and rebounds.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Okay.

[Today Show Host]

Coach of the year. You got Kenny Atkinson, J.B. bickerstaff. I made Udoka.

[Sports Analyst 1]

I'm gonna go.

[Today Show Host]

They gonna go Atkinson. But I think Udoka to be the sixth seed after winning the winning, like, 15, 16 games last year. Yeah. Clutch player. Nicola Jokic. Jalen Brunson. Ant man.

[Sports Analyst 1]

You said clutch player?

[Today Show Host]

Yep.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Jalen Brunson. Who else?

[Today Show Host]

Jokic.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Ant man.

[Today Show Host]

Ant man.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Damn, that's a good one.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Big body Brunson, boy. Big body Brunson, man. Hey, listen, I'm not gonna lie to y'all. He scared me down the streets when they playing Detroit or just any game, you know what I mean? Because he gonna make a play, he gonna either get fouled or he gonna score. I'm going big body Brunson, man.

[Today Show Host]

I like that. They call that timeout. And then you ran him down the baseline. He went and got that three Pointer. That was a good call. T out of a timeout.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yeah, great. A great.

[Today Show Host]

Are there any surprises? Are there anybody that you think should have been on that got left off?

[Sports Analyst 1]

Nah, nah, I don't think so.

[Today Show Host]

Who you got? Oo clutch player? Jokic, Brunson and Edwards.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Yeah, I'm going with Jalen every time, and I think Jalen's been in more clutch situations to show why he's clutch. I'm not saying Ant man isn't. I'm not saying Joker isn't. I'm just saying he's been in more situations to be able to display that clutch gene.

[Today Show Host]

Coach of the year got Kenny Atkinson, J.B. bickerstaff. I made Udoka.

[Sports Analyst 2]

I made it. What you talking about? Them boy was sorry last year. It wasn't nothing to watch. No disrespect. Hey, that boy, Jalen Green. Nice, though, huh?

[Today Show Host]

I couldn't tell. He been. He hadn't played well the last couple of games, Ocho.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Last five games, he had been.

[Today Show Host]

He'd been banned.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Hey, right, right.

[Sports Analyst 1]

They lost game one, too, Ocho. It's gonna be hard, man, playing against. They got that championship pedigree over there. Hey, them boy balling, man.

[Sports Analyst 2]

And that's he and what.

[Today Show Host]

And that's what really concerned me about the Rockets, Joe, is that they don't have a ball, a guy they can give the ball to. Yeah, they got a. They got a collective group of guys, right? But if you think about it, everybody, for the most part, got a guy you can hand the ball to, and he go get your bucket. Yeah. They're the only team don't. Even if you look at the. You look at the Thunder, they got Shay. If you look at Memphis, they got Job. The Lakers got two or three guys. Yeah. You look at everybody that's in the west, they got a guy. Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, everybody. Every team has a guy. You can handle the ball, and he can go get your bucket. And Rockets don't have that. Nope.

[Sports Analyst 1]

This is what the playoff's about, too. Like I tell you, we know your plays, we know what you're running. We switching everything, and now you gotta get a bucket. And you're right. The Rockets hadn't had anybody who can efficiently, you know, be reliable to where down the stretch, we like, okay, we can get a bucket on fire. We give him the ball and you know. You know what the warriors got Steph.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Butler, you got Amazing. Raymond is starring in his role. Them other guys, the Moodys, those other guys are playing well, too. They. They Guarding. They're defending and they're playing. They're playing like, you know, this is it, man. They know game one is always like the best game to get easy, to win the steal. Made a statement early. Made a statement early.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Yeah.

[Today Show Host]

Joe, many think Trey was ice. Trey was snubbed, the clutch player. He buried three game winning shots, the most by any player in the NBA this season. The final 10 seconds, fourth quarter overtime, he owned it. Plus 34 in clutch games this season. You're right.

[Sports Analyst 1]

I forgot about ice. Trey seemed that special.

[Today Show Host]

But here's the thing. Everybody else team in the playoffs, I.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Know that's the only thing outside of that. Look, hold up. Oh, we were fighting the Hawks. We were fighting earlier in the year. We get Jalen, Jalen, Jalen Johnson go down in January. And it just kind of took our hopes away. He was there. He was Mr. Do it. Mr. Everything.

[Today Show Host]

Yep.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Walking double double. And at the time, I think we were in the playoffs before he got hurt and we was playing good basketball. So I'm looking for my Hawks, man, to get healthy. You know, we got a lot of young guys who gain a lot, who gained some great experience, you know, playing in that play in game and understanding the magnitude of what playoff basketball is like. Man, we just got to stay healthy, come back next year and have a memorable season. But hopefully we can keep Trey around. Man, I've been hearing a lot of rumors, but I want to be you out, Trey around.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Hey, Joe. I got a question for you. Joe. Speaking of that playing game.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yeah.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Y'all played again, and some of those players getting some playoff experience. Who y'all lost to again?

[Sports Analyst 1]

Man, we lost to the Heat, Ocho.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Okay, okay. Well, I just wanted to say. I just want to make sure you understood and remembered, that's all.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Yeah, we. Ocho, we got two. We got two of our starters out big. What's my big center name? We got Jay.

[Today Show Host]

Oh, Clint. Clint Capella was out.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Clint Capella been out. He been out. Clint been out for a minute. So y'all had. Y'all had. Y'all. Wait, man. Y'all had. Y'all fun, you know. Congrats.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Wait, wait, hold on now, man. You Jimmy Butler were gone, right?

[Today Show Host]

Yeah.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Jimmy Bing, doll.

[Sports Analyst 2]

So. So collectively as a team, I'm not. We don't have a guy you can actually go to. We have Bam. We got Tyler hero. I'm talking about that guy. I'm talking about that guy. So you putting Tyler hero in the same conversations with your Aunt Mans and your. And your. And your Steph Curry's okay, we got to go to him.

[Today Show Host]

Yeah, because that's your guy now.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Oh, you.

[Sports Analyst 1]

Oh, oh, oh.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Okay. Okay. Oh, that's what we doing. Is that what we doing?

[Today Show Host]

Yeah, but that. But that's your guy. No, I'm not saying he's equivalent to those guys, but he's that guy.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Okay, that's. That's why I understand that. But Jimmy Butler was that guy before you get. You know what I'm saying? So you lose the guy, and then someone else didn't just become the guy. Because if you that guy, you that guy. Regardless of who's around you the volume.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. Spring is in full swing, which means it's time for spring cleaning. Don't worry, we've got everything you need to stock up on spring cleaning essentials because a clean home is a happy home. Shop in store or online for spring cleaning favorites like Method All Purpose Cleaner, Swiffer Heavy Duty Mopping Cloths, Lysol Bathroom Cleaner, Scotch Brite Sponges, and Clorox Disinfecting Wipes and Save. Offer ends April 22. Promotions may vary. Restrictions apply. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

[Uber Eats Advertiser]

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[Sports Analyst 1]

No.

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A box to fine wines?

[Today Show Host]

Yes.

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[Today Show Host]

Did you know that parents rank financial.

[Sports Analyst 2]

Literacy as the number one most difficult.

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And keep an eye on what your kids are spending.

[Today Show Host]

With real time notifications, kids learn to earn, save, and spend wisely. And parents can rest easy knowing their kids are learning about money. With guardrails in place, try Greenlight Risk free [e-mail] iHeart. The rural way of life is about making everyone feel at home. Tractor Supply chose advanced 5G solutions from T Mobile for Business to transform intelligent customer search. Together, we put the power of AI to work across 2200 stores, keeping things.

[Uber Eats Advertiser]

Running seamlessly inside curbside and countryside. This is elevated customer experience.

[Today Show Host]

This is Tractor Supply with T Mobile for business. Take your business further@t mobile.com now.