Nightcap - Hour 1: Warriors beat Rockets on the road In G7, Pacers shock Cavs on the road in Game 1!

Summary

Club Shay Shay Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Nightcap - Hour 1: Warriors Beat Rockets on the Road In G7, Pacers Shock Cavs on the Road in Game 1!
Host: Shannon Sharpe
Guests: Chad Ochocinco Johnson (AKA Pepe), Joe Johnson
Release Date: May 5, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Club Shay Shay, NFL legend Shannon Sharpe teams up with basketball enthusiasts Chad Ochocinco Johnson and Joe Johnson to delve into the latest NBA playoff action. The focus is on the Golden State Warriors' impressive victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 7 and the Indiana Pacers' surprising win against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1.

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Warriors’ Game 7 Victory Over the Rockets

Game Recap and Key Performances

Shannon Sharpe opens the discussion by highlighting the Warriors' strategic road win against the Rockets, citing the final score of 103-89. He states:

“The warriors go on the road to Houston and win a game seven thanks to Buddy Hill's 33 points.” ([04:00])

Chad Ochocinco Johnson praises the Warriors' championship mentality, emphasizing their ability to perform under pressure:

“Golden State showed their championship pedigree. Playing in a hostile environment, understanding what’s at stake.” ([05:43])

Buddy Hill’s Outstanding Performance

Buddy Hill emerges as the standout player, scoring 33 points with an impressive 12-of-15 shooting from three-point range. Chad notes:

“Buddy Hill changed the whole game. He didn’t even score last game, but he stepped up in a must-win situation.” ([06:12])

Joe Johnson adds that Hill’s performance was pivotal:

“Buddy Hill is the reason they won Game 7. The Rockets didn’t help themselves with how they played and their body language.” ([08:20])

Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler’s Contributions

Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler also had significant impacts. Shannon remarks on their fourth-quarter surge:

“Steph caught fire in the fourth quarter and they win going away 103 to 89.” ([04:00])

Chad complements Curry’s versatility:

“Draymond set picks for Buddy Hill, allowing Steph to make plays. Any points from Steph are like a bonus.” ([05:43])

Joe emphasizes the Warriors' collective effort:

“The Warriors Big Three combined for 58 points, 24 rebounds, 20 assists. They did a little bit of everything.” ([08:20])

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Houston Rockets’ Struggles

Offensive Inefficiency and Body Language

The Rockets' inability to perform under pressure is a central point of discussion. Shannon criticizes their body language and offensive misfires:

“Shangoon’s body language was slumping his shoulders. Missing makeable shots at point-blank range.” ([06:28])

Chad agrees, pointing out the lack of a reliable scorer:

“Jalen Green is too talented to have games like this. They need someone to step up consistently.” ([17:04])

James Harden’s Performance Issues

James Harden’s struggles in crucial moments are scrutinized:

“Harden didn’t get into the rim enough. He looked out of gas and couldn’t put his stamp on the game.” ([23:29])

Chad and Joe debate Harden’s mental blocks and physical fatigue:

“He didn’t have that burst. He doesn’t want to score, just manage the game.” ([24:20])
“He needs to assert himself more by getting in the paint and creating havoc.” ([37:45])

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Indiana Pacers’ Upset in Game 1 Against the Cavs

Team Effort and Key Contributors

Shannon highlights the Pacers' balanced team performance:

“Pacers had six guys in double figures, showcasing depth and teamwork.” ([31:19])

Chad praises players like Nemhardt and Neesmith for their efficiency and grit:

“Nemhardt and Neesmith played big, super efficient, gritty players who got the job done.” ([32:20])

Joe underscores the Pacers' strategic execution:

“Indiana shot impressive, especially from behind the arc at 53%.” ([32:20])

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Defensive Challenges

The Cavaliers struggled without key guard Garland, affecting their offensive flow:

“Donovan took 30 shots and was inefficient, hitting only one from eleven threes.” ([31:39])

Chad emphasizes the Cavs' dependency on star players:

“Without Garland, they need more from Mitchell and Mobley, but their efforts weren’t enough.” ([35:37])

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Player Comparisons and Mentality

Comparing James Harden to Legends

The hosts discuss James Harden’s performance in high-stakes games compared to legends like Dwyane Wade:

“Dwyane Wade’s performances are legendary, while Harden falls short in game-sevens.” ([25:09])

Donovan Mitchell’s Achievements

Donovan Mitchell’s unprecedented record is a highlight, surpassing Michael Jordan:

“Donovan Mitchell now holds the record for most consecutive Game 1s with 30 points or more in NBA history, surpassing Michael Jordan with eight.” ([56:18])

Chad and Joe laud Mitchell's consistency and ability to deliver in crucial moments:

“He’s been Mr. Consistent throughout his whole career and is ranked number nine in playoff points history.” ([52:20])

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Future Matchups and Predictions

Warriors vs. Timberwolves Series Outlook

The discussion shifts to upcoming matchups, particularly the Warriors against the Timberwolves:

“The Wolves have big bodies that can score and play mate, giving them an edge.” ([60:20])

Chad predicts a competitive series, favoring the Timberwolves for their defensive capabilities against Steph Curry:

“Timberwolves got the defenders to wear Steph down throughout the series.” ([63:27])

Joe counters with the Warriors’ experience in high-pressure games:

“They know what it’s like to be in that moment and will stretch it to seven games.” ([62:18])

Both hosts acknowledge the unpredictability and intensity of the series, emphasizing player matchups and defensive strategies.

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Closing Remarks

Shannon concludes the episode by recapping Donovan Mitchell’s historic performance and setting the stage for future episodes:

“Donovan Mitchell’s record-breaking performance is something that will go down in the books.” ([56:22])

The hosts express excitement for the upcoming series, highlighting the blend of strategy, player performance, and mental toughness that makes the NBA playoffs captivating.

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Notable Quotes

• Shannon Sharpe ([05:43]): “Golden State showed their championship pedigree. Playing in a hostile environment, understanding what’s at stake.”
• Chad Ochocinco Johnson ([06:12]): “Buddy Hill changed the whole game. He didn’t even score last game, but he stepped up in a must-win situation.”
• Joe Johnson ([08:20]): “The Warriors Big Three combined for 58 points, 24 rebounds, 20 assists. They did a little bit of everything.”
• Shannon Sharpe ([23:29]): “Harden didn’t get into the rim enough. He looked out of gas and couldn’t put his stamp on the game.”
• Chad Ochocinco Johnson ([32:20]): “Nemhardt and Neesmith played big, super efficient, gritty players who got the job done.”
• Shannon Sharpe ([56:18]): “Donovan Mitchell now holds the record for most consecutive Game 1s with 30 points or more in NBA history, surpassing Michael Jordan with eight.”

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Conclusion

This episode of Club Shay Shay offers an in-depth analysis of pivotal NBA playoff games, player performances, and strategic insights. Shannon Sharpe, along with Chad Ochocinco Johnson and Joe Johnson, provide thoughtful commentary and spirited debate, making it a must-listen for basketball enthusiasts seeking comprehensive coverage of the current NBA season.

Transcript

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[Shannon Sharpe]

The Volume hello ladies and gentlemen and welcome to another episode of Nightcap. Thank you guys for joining us as the Golden State warriors, the number seven seed take down the number two seed Houston Rockets by a score of 103 to 89. They go on the road Just like they did last time. They went and won a championship. They went on the road, beat Sacramento. In Sacramento, Steph Curry had 53. It wasn't Steph this time, it was Buddy Hill, but he got great contribution from Draymond. Jimmy Butler and Steph caught fire in the fourth quarter and they win going away 103 to 89. Y'all know me, I am your favorite uncle. Shannon Sharpe, my partner and co host, the Liberty City legend, the Bingo Ring of Fame honoree, a Pro Bowler, an All Pro, that's Chad Ochocinko Johnson, AKA Pepe. And also join us to talk about all things basketball from University of Arkansas, Atlanta's own number seven ISO, Joe Johnson. Joe, thanks for joining us again. Please make sure you hit that subscribe button. Please make sure you hit the like button and go subscribe to the Nightcap podcast feed wherever you get your podcast from. We thank you from the bottom of our heart for the support that you've given us. Hopefully you'll continue to give us that support because you've been very good with that. Ocho and I and everything. Nightcap greatly appreciate your support. Make sure you check out Shay by La Portier. We do have it in stock and if you cannot find it in a city or state near you, order it online. We will ship it directly to your door. Just won the gold medal for Taste Premium Cognac. Yes, we're that good. So make sure you support Shay by La Portier. Please drink responsibly and stay safe. Go follow my media company page on all of his platforms at Shay, Shay Media and my clothing company. 84 with 84 being spelled out, the link is pinned in the chat. Supplies are limited and once they're gone, they are gone. Tickets for our Not Safe for Work tour are on sale now. Eight stops. Baltimore, Philly, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Miami, NYC, Chicago and Detroit. Tickets can be found at shayshaymedia.comTour that's shayshaymedia.com Tour that link is pinned in the chat. Guest lineup is shaping up nicely. Go get your tickets now. Ocho and I are coming to a city near you. Make sure you check us out. The warriors go on the road to Houston and win a game seven thanks to Buddy Hill's 33 points. 12 of 15 shooting. 9 of 11 from three got 20 points from Jimmy Butler. He got 28 and eight from Jimmy. He got 16, six. Well, 16 six and five from Draymond and he got 22, 10 and seven from Steph. But Buddy Hill was what put him over the top and you know, when you go on the road, Joe, and you get another that chips in and he does more than what you expect, you're probably going to win that game. Unless the star, you know, one of your big guns, just totally misfire. But they got 33. And you see Buddy had it going early. 12 of 15, 9 of 11, 33 big points. He's plus 17. And then Steph caught fire in that second half, mainly in the fourth. He had 22, 10 and 7. Jimmy Butler with Jimmy Butler, 28 and 7. And Draymond was 16, 6 and 5. What did you like about what you saw from Golden State, Joe?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Man, Golden State, they showed their championship pedigree. Uncle Ocho, this was about game seven. On the road, playing in a hostile environment, understanding what's at State. And Steph, pretty much, he struggled pretty much the first half, but yeah, he did. I thought Draymond got him off to a decent start because he had two threes in that first quarter and got him a layup. So they kind of got him going. I feel like any points you get from him, for real, them, like, it's like a bonus.

[Shannon Sharpe]

It's a bonus.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I was thinking like, okay, Draymond might win this game for him tonight if he could score by 22 points. I say he might win this game for him tonight. But as the time goes, Buddy Hill, man, he changed the whole game. The man didn't even score last game, Ocho.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, the man, he got great cardio in.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

The man was at home in Golden State, didn't score. He come on the road, give 22 points in the first half, bro. Man, those are the type of guys that we talk about, the others that gotta win you games. And he stepped up tonight in this game seven in a must win situation and gave him his best performance.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, yeah, he scored. As Joe said, Ocho, he scored zero points the last game. The game before that, he only had four points. So he hadn't been. He hadn't done much. He didn't do much. In games five and six, he tied the record for the most three pointers in a game in NBA history. Buddy Hill, three three point field goals in the first. He had six. The Rockets had two. I thought the Rockets, I didn't like their body language early on in a game seven. They're gonna let you play. They let you play in the playoffs to begin with. They're definitely gonna let you play. And you look at Shingoon's body language when they didn't throw in the ball. He's slumping his shoulders. I didn't like the body language from the jump. Missing shots. And he had some very makeable shots. I mean, he. Point blank, point blank range and he was misfiring. So that's you, bro. You can't get mad because, look, you make it seem like you got Magic Johnson on your team and he gonna see you every time you pop open. It's not like that. Fred. Fred, you know, he got caught fire a little bit in the first, in the second half, mainly the fourth quarter, but he didn't really do a whole lot when they win. He's like 24, 25. You know what I'm saying? Joe, he getting that three point ball going early, but they got eight points from Dylan Brooks. They got eight points from Jalen Green. Jalen Green is too talented to have games like this. And he's, he's been doing this and. Oh, I know I'm let you chime into this. I know you like him because he's, he's immensely talented. But Joe, far too many games and these games and they had seven games. I saw far too many fours and eights from Draylon Green. Go ahead, Ojo.

[Joe Johnson]

Hey, listen, I, I enjoyed the game. I think that, I think the Rockets did a very good job of trapping Steph playing, playing consistent defense on him, which is why I think he struggled a little bit in the first half. Obviously, if, if you look at the points, he finished with 22, but he kind of struggled the first, the first half of the game. You need a game like this from Buddy Hill. I think Buddy Hill actually saved the day. Listen, The Warriors Big Three, they combined for 58 points, 24 rebounds, 20 assists, and they did a little bit of everything. Draymond did what he did. He knew Demi Butler was going to show up. But for Steph to have a game like he did, I thought he was going to come out and go for 40 or 50 tonight. That's what I thought he was going to do based on his performance last time. But Buddy Hill say today, man, like, like you said, he was 9, 11 from behind the arc. He had 33. And I think he's the reason they won. They won Game 7. Obviously, the Rockets, the Rockets didn't help themselves with the way they played and their body language. They had, they had a decent, decent output and performance for most of their players, but it, it, it wasn't enough. I think a game like tonight, you would have. Need Jalen Green to step up and be the player that I think and other people Know he can be. But. But such low output offensively is not going to win many game sevens.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Hey, they would go ahead, go ahead, Joe.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

But to kind of piggyback on what y'all saying about Jalen Green, man, it's like when you watch the games, it's like if it's not a three pointer, it's something that's forced at the basket, right?

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Where's the middies at? Where's the mid range game at? Like we have to have that, man. I know analytics and kind of took it out the game. But in the playoff, the game slows down. There's not as many possessions only that you will have during the regular season. So you have to value those possessions and you want to get great shots every time down the floor. So I think for me it's just like him getting in the lab, man, and really working on his mid post, you know, his mid range game to the point to where you can give him the ball and he can, he can get you a bucket or he can raise up and shoot that midi bro like you, you can't just live and die from the three, right. Then think, okay, my three ball ain't working. Let me force something to the cup. Cause now you're all out of rhythm. I think you gotta have a mid range game and it's just a lost art in today's game.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

If you look at what Golden State was prepared for that trap, if you notice, they hit the, they hit, they hit the mid. They swung the ball wide open, three to Buddy Hill. Or they come to pick and roll and then you got Buddy Hill wide open for the, for the three. You got Jimmy Butler, you got this guy. So they were prepared this time. I thought for me, I thought they went to the big lineup a little bit too soon.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

They went with Shun, Goon and Adams a little bit too soon. And they were ready for it this time around. It didn't surprise them. And that's what you. And that's what happens. It's kind of like go, who that? The Clippers. You remember Clippers went. They inserted Nicholas Batun and it caught the Nuggets off guard. When they tried to go to another switch lineup, Nugget said, we got something for y'all ass this time around. Run it back. Oh, okay. We got something for you. I thought, think about it. They go on the road in a hostile environment and they only turn the ball over seven times.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So they value the ball because you know you have to value every possession matters because as Joe said, you're not going to get as many as you normally. It's not going to be as up and down.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So you would have to get a lot of your points in the half court set because teams are not going to let you run out and get 50, you know, 50 transit, you know, 34 transition points. It's not going to happen. I thought Golden State did a great job of swinging the ball. You look at Draymond has five assists. Jimmy Butler had seven assists. Steph has seven assists. Okay. So everybody's making an extra path. Everybody's doing what they're supposed to do. Okay, I can live with that. Because they didn't get anything from the bench. And it's not like Houston got a whole lot from their bench. Golden State bench gave him three point. Kavon Looney had a field goal and a free throw. But Jabari Smith, Eason and Stephen Adams, they only gave you 11 points. That's not enough, especially when you get the output that you got from Buddy. Buddy Hill. Yeah. Steph Curry and Jimmy, they gave you 72 points. Yeah, I think no. 75 points.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yes.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Well, your starters don't get nowhere near that. So now your bench is going to have to come in and give you production.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I think the only guy that, for me, that I was really impressed with tonight from the Rockets was Amin Thompson. It looked like he came to play until he tweaked that calf. And he kind of wasn't the same guy on that, you know, got had that layup and he got fouled, but he was 24, 9, 3 assists, 3 still on the block. But the rest of the guys, I didn't like their body language from the jump. Joe Ocho, I didn't like their body language. I saw a lot of this, a lot of that, and that's not what you need in a game seven. You need everybody to be upbeat, bro. What you thought you gonna make your first 14 shots, right?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Right. It's tough, man. It's tough. I thought. I love Thompson. I love his game. I love the energy and effort that he played with throughout this whole entire series attacking and the defense that he played on Steph Curry. But for me, man, I think Steph was probably the biggest key tonight. If y'all really watched that first half, watch how he gave himself up and was setting picks for Buddy Hill and Buddy Hill was getting wide open shots. They kind of got rhythm. So that's why I said that. Championship pedigree, it came through in Game 7 for them. It's Unfortunate for the Rockets, they're a young team, but I think this is probably good for them to kind of go through this, Uncle Ocho, you know what I mean?

[Shannon Sharpe]

You know, they got to get a guy.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I know they got.

[Shannon Sharpe]

They got to get a guy, Joe, that they can give the ball to. They don't have anybody that they can give the ball to and say, go get me a bucket.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

That's why I'm telling. That's why I'm saying, Joe, Jalen Green has to develop into that guy. Unk Ojo. That's who gotta be him.

[Joe Johnson]

See, I told you. I told you, Uncle. I said that the other night. I said, jayden Green, based on what I. Based on what I've seen the potential that he has. Young Bull, get in the lab and add some more to the toolbox. He gonna be all right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Well, I know a guy that could do that right now. Kevin Durant.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Go get it. If you got draft. If you got draft capital. Yeah, I'll package. Hey, I. I'll package. To have. To have Shingoon and to have Thompson and to have kd. I'm good. I'll package Jalen Green. I'll let Jalen Green go.

[Joe Johnson]

Damn, uncle, you ain't let the man develop yet.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Joe. What would you do, Joe, now, right.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Now, if you talking about winning. Yeah, I'm doing that, too.

[Joe Johnson]

Okay.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Okay, okay, okay, okay. You know, back in the day, they let. Okay, you got a three. A projection. Here's our pie chart.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

And here.

[Shannon Sharpe]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I'm saying that because if we looking at it from that standpoint, right, I want guys who can affect the game if they not scoring. And you still got Dylan Brooks, who gonna affect the game. He don't have to score a lot, but you know, he's gonna have. He gonna have some decent nights. And then you got Thompson, who, you know, offensively, whatever he. You know, he. He's gonna. He's gonna be a project. And I think the sky's the limit for him as far as potential and what he could be. You know what I mean? And you talking about adding KD to that, man.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, yeah. So add KD with Shingoon. You got. You got a guy that's down on the block that can rebound. He can run your offense. Kd, he plays without the ball, but in a tough situation, you can give him the ball, he can put his back to the basket, and you can give him the ball and he can shoot that turnaround. They don't have a Guy right now, they're by committee and there are a lot of teams like that. There is nothing wrong with that. But when you run up against the team and they have that guy that they can go give him the ball and says, okay, go get me a bucket. I. I just. Like I said, I think they. I think that's what the Rockets need. I mean, this was a two seed. I mean, but I think the warriors were favored. The warriors was favored to win this series. They're the seventh seed. The Rockets are the two seed. And there's why guys that have been in game seven, Draymond, Jimmy Butler, Steph Curry. So they know what it's like to be in that moment. These guys, these guys are young. They don't know what that pressure is like. Yeah. Even though you're at home, you don't understand. It's the finality of this and that moment. You look into how free they were and how well they played and then you look at the guys. I thought they were tight. And it showed in their body language early because when you tight, you get frustrated at least. Thing. Man, throw me the ball. Damn, bro. We just two minutes at the game. We got 46 more minutes to go. I'mma get it to you. And it lets you know how important this game was. Steph Curry played 46 minutes.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Jimmy Butler played 45 minutes. Draymond played 40 minutes. Paszinski played the 40 minutes. Steph don't normally play no 46 minutes.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

They understood the moment. They understood the moment. And they took advantage of a young team, a young, inexperienced team. And they knew it from the jump. They were. And they came out and showed why in game one. And they had their struggles. But I can't understand how the Rockets played so great like that in game.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Six and game five and six and then they. They lose.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I'm like, I just knew they was going to come out with the energy and effort and like, okay, we go.

[Shannon Sharpe]

We.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

We got a chance.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Joe Johnson]

They. They look completely different.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You know what happens sometimes, Joe? I think teams fall in love with this game seven. And we got it on our home court.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

You relax.

[Shannon Sharpe]

O. Okay. But hey, because the long, the longer that visiting team can keep that crowd suppressed.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

The harder it is for you to use momentum to get back into the ball game. Right. We saw that with Indiana, with the Knicks last year.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So you better. You better call. You better a give the fans something to cheer about. Keep em on their feet. You fall, you end up dropping down by 13. You drop down by 1415.

[Evan Turner]

What?

[Shannon Sharpe]

I'm cheering for you. Make a basket. You still 12 hours.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah, right, right. I've been there. I know the feeling. I'm talking about Steph Curry. Yeah, my bad. Go ahead.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Go ahead, Joe.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Go ahead.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I was gonna say Steph Curry and Draymond are the first pair of teammates in NBA history with 10. 5 and 5 and 2 blocks in the same game. 7. Stephanie. The warriors eliminated the Rockets again. Houston has failed to beat Golden State in the playoffs for the fifth time since 2015. The warriors eliminated the Rockets in 2015-2016-2018-2019 and 2025. Yeah, they closed out the last three of those in Houston in Game 7 in 2018. They closed them out in Game 6 in 2019, Game 7 in 2025. A decade straight of owning a franchise and a fan base and, you know, we talk. You weren't on here last night. Some of those game sevens and game sixes. Who's on that team? Moo. We talked about it last night. Remember how he. He didn't show up last night for the Clippers?

[Joe Johnson]

Oh, we talk about the beard.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Oh, oh, yeah, yeah, the beard. Yeah, yeah.

[Joe Johnson]

I mean, listen, listen. He didn't have a good game scoring, but Young Bull was facilitating. He was facilitating that thing like a.

[Shannon Sharpe]

They need more than that. Cause the only guy you're gonna get points from is Kawhi. That you can count on. Yeah, you can't. Hell, what about the other. What about that game? What was that? Game six. Yeah, he facilitated and scored.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

He gave you 11. He gave you 11 assists, and he still gave you 24 points.

[Joe Johnson]

Listen, I. I think, I think especially last night's game for the Clippers, I think James has to come in with a mindset. Instead of getting everybody else acclimated, allowing them to get. Find their rhythm, he got to be aggressive.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

He got to be.

[Joe Johnson]

He got to be aggressive. But being the point guard, obviously, for your first order of business, is to get everybody else going. And then you know what? I can get mine on my own when I need to.

[Shannon Sharpe]

He's not one of those. He's. But see, you're thinking of a prototypical point guard. He's a scoring point guard. That's what a true point guard to get everybody involved. Don't average 37 in a game for a season.

[Joe Johnson]

Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You don't have 35 straight games of 30 plus points if you ain't a prototypical Magic Johnson, John Stockton, Jason Kidd type point guard. That's not what James Harden is. That's not what he's ever been. He's one of. He's one of the greatest ISO players that we've had that we've seen in this game. His game is predicated on scoring, right? Yes. He can get triple doubles. He has a 60 point triple double. Yes. But James Harden can put the ball in the basket as good as anybody.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And that's what they needed from him last night, and they didn't get it.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And so that's what got them to get opportunity to go back to the Nuggets because he and Kawhi gave. You scored and he facilitated. Plus you pitch it put in normal Powell in there that got. He played sensational in Game 6. But I think the thing is. But we've seen far too many games ojo like this from James in a game seven. Yeah. Remember what. What happened in Philly?

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

When the Celtics came in and he had like nine points. You put. Oh, you. Oh. In 2023, as a member of the 76ers Game 7 loss, he had played 40 where he had five. He had nine points, seven assists, six rebounds, five turnovers and 41 minutes on 3 and 11, 2024, the Clippers. He finished with 16.7 rebounds on 5 of 16 shooting, 43 minutes and a loss to Dallas Mavericks in Game 6 in the first round. The Brooklyn Nets 20 21. He was 5 or 17 from the field, 2 or 12 from the 3 in a Game 7 loss. He did have 22 points, but it took him 17 shots to get it. He had 14 points 6. 2015 in that loss. Is that the one? He set the NBA record for turnovers. He had 12 turnovers on 2 of 11 shooting from the floor. 14.6 he had against the Warrior. NBA record. Oo and turnovers.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

2017 Rockets finished with the game seven. That's when they didn't play. No, hold on. Is that when they didn't play? Kawhi. Kawhi didn't play in that game. Remember, Kawhi was hurt and he didn't play. And they got beat by like 30. Hart had 10 points, seven assist, six turnovers on 2 of 11 shooting. And that's the thing. No denying he's an MVP. He's a 75 or the 75 greatest players to ever play in the NBA. But it's moments like this, Ocho, that really separate. You go back and look at the grapes and it's moments like this, right? The Jordans, the Kobes, the Shaqs, the LeBron, the birds, the magics. This. This game seven all the chips. You. Hey, I'm going all in. Ocho, what you got? I'm going all in, too. All right. Yeah. Card. Go money hunting.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Hey, he, he, he, he seemed, it seemed to me that he got worn down. Even when you, even with you running them numbers down on, it's like, you know, in a series, you know, the opposing team, they job is obviously to oppose. They will. And your best player or one of your best players, you want to try to wear him down throughout the series. Are you going to really stop him? Not really. You just trying to hope to contain him. And it seems like James, when he gets to those late game sevens, grueling series. Like, even the other night, he looked out of gas. He looked like he didn't have that pop, he didn't have that burst. Because I was thinking, yeah, man, the Clippers need James to come through with about 25, 30 points a night for them to win. It's just never, it seemed like he never had the energy to really, just to really put a stamp on the game like we know he can. You know what I mean?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, I don't think he was aggressive enough either, because, you know, when James Harden is at his absolute best. James Harden is getting into the rim. He's getting to the rim and he's getting fouled. Yeah, he didn't get there nearly enough.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

That's why I say he didn't look like he had that pop. It's like, you know, they take him out the game when he run pick and roll, feel like he'll give it up, and he just be chilling like, you know, like. And then, and then he tried to get back in, but it's like he can never get involved or get himself engaged enough to really put his stamp on the game. The other night I was watching, I seen him, you know, I seen him multiple times just trying, but it just seemed like it wasn't there.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, I think the thing is, for James is the most important thing for James is to get James going. Get James going first, and then you can, hey. Cause now once you get James going, when they come now, you can give it up and you giving Norman Powell easy shots. Now other guys, Zubots are getting easy shots, but when you try to get everybody else going now, it's hard. Now you're out of rhythm, and you don't have the rhythm that you need in order to get to your float game. Finish at the rim and shoot that step back three. So if, you know, look, who am I to tell James HARDEN he's the MVP. He's the guy that's been the All NBA selection, the 10, 11 time All Star. Yeah. But yesterday, when they need. When what? They needed James Harden. They needed game six James Harden.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

That's what they needed. They needed. Needed somebody to go along with Kawhi, and they didn't have that yesterday. You know, there's been a debate, you know, D. Wade or James Harden. It's hard for me to pick Harden over D. Wade because I've seen D. Wade. And all you got to do is go back and look at that. That first championship. Yeah. Them four games that D. Wade played. It's hard for you to say anybody has played better.

[Joe Johnson]

Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

In a game stretch in NBA Finals history.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Right, right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Go back and look at. Okay. I mean, the average 36 for the series.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

He was special, man. He was really special.

[Shannon Sharpe]

He was.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

He was on one.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Joe Johnson]

I mean, the funny thing, you know, comparison. I always say this comparison is a thief of joy, especially when it comes to comparing players. And the first thing, obviously D. Wade, that stretch he had in that series on. I was able to see that live. I went. I went to a few of those games. I was there myself also. But the first thing, you know, D. Wade got. D. Wade got three rings, too now. D. Wade got three rings. So really doing a comparison, I don't think it takes away. Away from James Harden greatness.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[Shannon Sharpe]

He's still great.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah, absolutely. But just when it. When it matters most for him. For some reason, and on game Sevens, he just hadn't showed up. And it's something that's happened time and time again, and there must be. There must be something to it about. Obviously, like Joe said, maybe he's worn down when it gets late into the series like that, and he's not really the James Harden we used to seeing.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah. I think. Cause in the playoffs, Uncle Ocho, y'all know, man, listen, that's some tough basketball. Y'all see the injuries? You see how physical the game is?

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Off ball, even if you ain't got the ball, they. It's. It's bumping, grinding, like it's taxing on the body. You know, that's every other night in the NBA. So I think after a while, you take enough of them, you know it's going. It's bound to wear you down a little bit.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Evan Turner]

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[Shannon Sharpe]

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[Shannon Sharpe]

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[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, yeah, I agree. I agree with you. I just. I knew this Game seven for the Clippers. I knew it was going to be predicated on James Harden because I know what I'm gonna get from Kawhi. Kawhi's gonna give me somewhere between 22 and 28, probably gonna give us about seven rebounds, probably about five assists. So I already know what I'm gonna get from him.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Now who's gonna be the other guy and the third guy? Cause you normally need, like, two guys for sure, and possibly a third guy. When you go on the road for game seven, you see what you got with the Golden State Warriors. You get Buddy, give you 33, and then you get Jimmy, give you what he gave you, and then you get Stephen. That's how you have to do it. So I was counting on Kawhi and James and then. Okay, where you gonna get other points from? Is it going to be Norman Powell? Who's going to chip? Who's going to chip in? Is it going to be Zubots? Give us one of those games where he give us 20 and 14. Who's going to be the third option? Well, there was no third option yesterday. It was just one option, and that wasn't nearly enough. The Indiana Pacers go on the road and they beat the number one seed, 121 to 112. And again, it's by committee. Because you know why? They had six guys in double figures. Pascal Siakam, 17 points. Aaron Neesmith, 17 points. Miles Turner, 13 and 11. Nemhar, 23, Halliburton, 22 and 13, and Matheran, 11. That's how Indiana see Indiana look. Make a miss. Indiana try to push tempo. Yeah, I don't care. They say we'll take it out of there and run. Or you would get it off the glass and run. But we trying to run. Yeah, right.

[Joe Johnson]

Straight track.

[Shannon Sharpe]

It don't matter, though.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

It's going to be high pace. And Cleveland, man, this Is a tough matchup for Cleveland. Uncle Ocho Garland, the all Star guard, is not playing in the lineup. I know Donovan had what, 33 tonight, but he took 30 shots to get inefficient.

[Shannon Sharpe]

That's not good enough. And one from 11 from three.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah, it's going to be hard for them to win, but I thought they scored enough. I just don't. They can't stop. Indiana. Indiana. When you look at Nemhardt and Naismith, the. The two guys in the starting lineup who are very great complimentary pieces to Hallenberg Turner and Pascal Siakam. They were huge tonight. They played. They both played big. They both were super efficient. And they gritty players, bro. They gritty players to where you know they gonna get the job done on both ends of the floor, Ocho. They gonna make shots, they gonna sit down in that chair, they gonna guard and they gonna cause havoc. And I thought tonight those two alone pretty much won them the game.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah, most definitely. Listen, Andy, Indiana shot impressive, especially from behind O joke. And boy, them. Boy with 53%, you know, from three, they got down them hard, you know, he was five or six. From three.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Joe Johnson]

And the goddamn. The Cavs. The Cavs struggled, you know, from three point range, it won number 24%.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah. Hey, that boy. That boy. Nemhardt was making big.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Oh, yeah, he was letting it fly.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

6.

[Shannon Sharpe]

He was 5 or 6.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

He was making big shots, though. Big shots.

[Shannon Sharpe]

They were.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah, some big shots down the stretch.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And you think about it, they had a big lead and then Cleveland closed it. And Cleveland got the lead, took the lead by like three. They didn't panic. Cause a lot of times, you know, you have a big league like that, you on the road, Joe. And the home team come back, you panic like, oh, we had. We. That one. They said, no, no, no. Nim hard hit a big three. He come back down and hit another big three. Like I said, the Pacers are by committee. They. They might not have a guy that went 40, but they gonna have a bunch of teams. They have a. You know, they have a bunch of teams going on 17. 17, 13. That's. That's how they beat you. They're gonna push pace Halberd looking to get the ball ahead quick. They give it to him and they say, you know, he's got the ball ahead to Seattle. He laying it up or over topping it, because they got guys that can run the floor.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Joe Johnson]

How long?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Pascal's gonna run the floor? Niece Smith is gonna run the floor. Turner, who's a Big will run the floor. Yeah. And so when you got guys that will run the floor, Halliburton is going to find you. Hey. Yeah. 13 assists with one turnover.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Joe Johnson]

How long? How long? How long you think Garland out?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Hell, he been out for a minute.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Joe Johnson]

There's no. No chance of them coming back. I. I still think.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I don't know. I don't know if they can win this season, this series, without Garland.

[Joe Johnson]

Cause they have to get that.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Because where else are you going to get the score? Where are you going to get the score from?

[Joe Johnson]

Exactly what I was saying.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I thought Mobley played well.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah, Mobley was balling, especially on defense.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But I need more than 13 shots. See, even. I need five of those shots that Mitchell took. I need those to go to Evan Mobley. I mean, 13. You got 33. I mean, if you look at the stat light and say, oh, man, he did have 33, right. It took him 30 shots, right?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah. With 30 shots, boy, you both. You need 42, 45.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Jerome Kid coming off the bench. He got up 20 shots off the bench.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Way too.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

But. But, you know, in his defense, without Garland out there, they need somebody else to, you know, apply pressure. He's had some big games throughout the season, huh?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Evan Mobley.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah, he gotta. Well, he gotta be more assertive. He gotta assert himself a little more. But I'm gonna tell you, Indiana, with. With Matherin.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

T.J. mcCollum coming off the bench. I like the energy that they bring when they come into the game. So I do think this is going to be a tough, tough series for Cleveland. I'm saying Indiana, they. They got a great chance of winning this. Hold on.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Before Jerome got up 20 shots in 29 minutes.

[Joe Johnson]

Hey, hold on, hold on. I hear every. Everybody tone is changing. Because when I. When I asked. When I asked y'all before about this series, both of y'all picked the Cavs to win it.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I thought Garland was going to be playing o. Joke.

[Joe Johnson]

Okay. Okay.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I ain't know Garland was out. I ain't know all that.

[Joe Johnson]

So, Unc, who you got?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

You.

[Joe Johnson]

I mean, based on what you saw tonight from the Pacers, you. You still got cash?

[Shannon Sharpe]

I don't know if. I don't know if they can win it, Ocho, without Garland.

[Joe Johnson]

Okay.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I mean, you gonna be down one All Star and beat a team like this.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah, I'm just. I'm just making sure.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Because. Because they're not dependent on any one guy.

[Joe Johnson]

Right?

[Shannon Sharpe]

So you don't know who's gonna be your leading Scorer from night to night. So who do I key on? Do I get Halliburton? Do I get Milhard? Do I get Turner? Turner could easily have 23, 25 points. Nismif Siakam so. It's so hard. Yeah, we want a guy that can close, but in a series like this, one team is down there all star, and we seem to be clicking on all cylinders as we started. It's going to be awful hard to overcome. And, you know, Hunter. I would like to see Hunter get up more shots. Bro, you got eight. He ain't get up with eight shots.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

That's my.

[Shannon Sharpe]

He was in the running for six. He should have been in the running for sixth man of the year.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Hey, hey, I agree with you on that. I need Hunter to be way more aggressive. Like, you know, he's the one guy, I think, who can make a huge difference in a series, you know, just by his mindset alone. He got turned on a little bit. Especially if Garland ain't gonna be around. Donovan. Donovan Mobley, they gonna need that third guy, and he needs to be that guy who can step up and really get him over the top.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Halberton is. Is the snake, though. He's the head if he. And when he's putting pressure on you getting that ball, he's pushing. He's pushing the pace, and those guys are getting out running lanes. They get. They go. They gonna get some. They gonna get some easy buckets. They go get the ball in the paint because he's gonna push tempo. So you out there celebrate you doing this? Hey. Oh, hey, hey, Joe. You doing this right here or you doing. You doing all this right now? They laying the ball up on the other end.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

You're right. You're right. Yeah, he's. He's. He's definitely had a snake. If he's playing well, they always got a great chance of winning. You know, like, I don't like if he, you know, the. The numbers.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Sometimes he get too passive. Sometimes he like, nah, bro, nah, I need you. I need you in score mode.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I think he's kind of learned that over the years playing in these playoffs, too, Unc. I think. I think he understands, like, he has to assert himself more by getting in the paint, creating. Creating havoc. Shooting his floater. You know, diamond is big, but he has to score in order for them to be effective. Now, I ain't saying he got to score big numbers, like 30, 35, but.

[Shannon Sharpe]

No, no, no, no, no.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

When he's playing fishing like this.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

He's always going to manage the game and keep them in a great place. Cause he's not a high turnover guy. He's going to always take care of the Rock. And in the playoffs, that's what you need. You want a guy who's really going to value the Rock, especially in these, you know, these trying, tough situations, especially coming down the stretch.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Keep your eye on your luggage.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yes, sir.

[Joe Johnson]

Hey, in order for the cast, I'm saying if Garland doesn't play. If Garland doesn't play, obviously Mitchell, Mitchell has to do everything he can. Everything has to start with him. Mobley has to contribute. And the third guy, whoever, whoever's going to be, he just got to go. He, whoever, whoever needs to talk to, they got to give him the green light to let him shoot. Him shoot at will so you can get some points. The Cavs are going to have to adjust their perimeter defense. The counter, the pace is three point shooting. And you got to, you got to get back in transition because every, when you watch the places play. Uncle, I've been watching the paces all season long. It's like a four by one team. Yep, they like four by one, but they down and back, down and back, down and back.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But see, the thing is, Ocho, you playing with two bigs though, when you play that now the big, they gonna give you second chance opportunity. Yeah, they can protect the paint. Evan Mobley was defensive player of the year. Yeah, Jared Allen can protect the paint, but the thing is when you miss it, you push. Now them big guys, they tailing on the back, and now you got nobody to protect the front end of the rim on the, on the transition. Yeah, they need more from Strus and Merrill.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Merrill.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I mean, you know, you got seven to six points. That ain't nearly enough enough. That's not nearly enough. I get Ty Jerome, you know, I get him six man with 20 shots and Mobley only got 13.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Nah, now we gotta get Hunter. We gotta get Hunt on the ball.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, Hunter need to be, Hunter needs to be 13.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I wouldn't. You might even have to put him in the lineup. In the starting lineup. I know they bring him off the bench because they want that. You know, they want, they want that.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Pop off the bench. We put him in the starting lineup. Where we gonna get points out the from now, right?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Absolutely. But hey, man, listen, hold on. We gotta, he gotta get more touches. Eight shots ain't enough. We got to find a package for him for sure.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Oh, I agree. I, I, I, I totally, I totally agree with you. A sound bite from Hallie after the game today is going viral. Being a point guard is like being a mom. Your job is to take care of everybody. It is, it is.

[Joe Johnson]

It is.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah. That's the heart.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But hey, hey, but you know what? Hey, but mom's got to eat too now, right? You know what I'm saying? Hey, you know, mom prepared, but don't think mom ain't gonna get a plate.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Right.

[Joe Johnson]

Right after, after, you know, after, after. Mama feed the kids. That's her time need. Yeah, that's basically. Basically, that's. That was basically Harden's approach to the game. The game seven. I'm feeding. I'm gonna feed everybody else, and at some point, I'm gonna see if I can get myself in rhythm.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah. To where today, in today's game, if you at the point guard position, you got to be able to score that thing, distribute it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You got to.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

You like, you got to. There's no room for you. Like, if you can't score the ball and make plays, it's gonna be hard.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Because you're a liability out there because they gonna slump off you.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

There we go.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You can't let them play four on five.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah. Nah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

That's really why it's so hard for Ben. That's why it's so hard for Ben Simmons to ever get back, because everybody knows that he can't do anything but assist and play defense. But it's not nearly enough to offset what. The lack he gives you on the offensive end. Yeah. So that's why you can only play him 7, 8 minutes a game, Ocho. Because on the offensive end, he ain't giving you nothing. He ain't even looking at the basket.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Nah, he's not looking at the basket.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But, I mean, I can remove the basket.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I think he. I could.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I could take the basket. I could take the basket down and put it down there. He'll never know it.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I think he better suited at, like, at like the fourth position, maybe even the five position nowadays, because the guys are so small. And his rebounding ability and pushing the rock and making plays with guys scattered around him who can shoot and score is best suited for him. But. Yeah, man, I think he lost some confidence, bro.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Back. Oh, yeah, it's gone.

[Joe Johnson]

I told him, listen, when I watched.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

The game, I'm talking about. Yes, still. Yes, still. You know, he's had times where he's had point blank layoffs and he's. He won't even shoot. I'm like.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And see, you said something, Joe. You said play him at the Four. Cause he can get offense. He get the rebound. He get the offensive rebound. Instead of putting it back up, he looking to pass back out to somebody. No, you shoot it.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Joe Johnson]

Hey, I, I, they gotta be there. There's a way to instill that confidence back in Young Bull. It is. He gotta get himself around the right uto. He gotta be right. He gotta be around the right people. When you told me, I'm thinking, I'm thinking, Ben, send the 6, 4, 6, 5. You remember how surprised I was when you told me how tall he was?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, he's six'eleven man.

[Joe Johnson]

You're supposed to be out there, man, dummying these dudes, man. 6:11.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Sometimes, Ocho, it gets between your ears. David Duvall had this happen to him. He developed the yips and he had to leave the tour. Rick and Keel, he was a pitcher, but he got to where he couldn't throw across the plate and they had to move him to the outfield. Chuck Knobloch was a second baseman. Yeah, he got to where he couldn't throw it to first base. He had leaves.

[Joe Johnson]

Oh, man.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I mean, sometimes. Who was that? There was another golfer that had, that had that problem. And, and when it goes, it goes, it's gone. No, Joe, once they get in here, I don't care. I don't care. All the physical traits you want, right? If you ain't got it here, you can't play.

[Joe Johnson]

Hey, think about this, right? Hey, Joe, think about this. Think about the mentality and approach to the game. And I'm not going to use Kobe and Jordan. I'm going to use players in today's game. Think if Ben Simmons had Anthony Edwards mentality. Think if Ben Simmons had that mentality like John Moran.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Just, just if Ben Simmons. Hold on. If Ben Simmons had Anthony Edwards mentality.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah, Just think about it. Not personally. I'm just saying his mentality when it comes to playing the game of basketball in general. No, he'd be the face of the.

[Shannon Sharpe]

NBA because he gonna shoot it. There's not, there's not a shot that ant can't, don't think he can make.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Right? Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But the problem with Ben and I said this, it's hard for me to see a scenario, Joe, where he's put time in the lab. Because I watch a guy like Austin Reaves and I watch a guy go undrafted and average 5 points tonight. He's averaging 20 points in 4 years. I watch a guy, Ben Simmons has been rookie of the year and hasn't got any better. So that 10 something, something. Is not trans. It's hard, Ocho, for you to put to do something for a period of time and not get incrementally better. I'm not gonna say that all of a sudden you like start out like this and then all of a sudden you or you an all NBA player or you're an mvp. But I got to see some improvement. Tell me the improvement that you saw from Ben. If you go back and look, his numbers have come down. He came down from his rookie year to when he won a rookie of the year to the other years. So something is a mess and I don't know what it is, but I'm telling you, I can teach you to do anything if you're not afraid of doing said things. You see, I can teach you how to swim if you're not afraid of the water. See, Joe, if you're afraid of the water, I can never teach you how to swim because you're gonna fight it, right? See, Ben Simmons, it's not that he can't shoot. He's afraid to shoot. So now how do I instill, Bro, it's okay because the first time he air balls and lay on the road. What they gonna do, Ocho? What are they gonna do, Joe? He goes to the free throw line. If I file him, he goes to the free throw line and he air balls 1. What are you gonna do? He go now he done.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah, you're so.

[Shannon Sharpe]

See, he's afraid, Ocho. Some people afraid of handling rejection. Some people. Okay, you, boo. So what? Watch this one. Yeah, he can't do that.

[Joe Johnson]

That's all. That's tall mentality right there too. Not. Not really. Not really caring about your surroundings, being able to play in chaotic atmospheres. Like, I enjoy that. Joe, I'm not sure how you feel about being in. Being in chaotic atmospheres. I preferred when I was. I'm just saying when I played football, I. I like going to the black hole. Huh? I like going to the Steelers. I like going to the Ravens. I like the fan talking and chirping and talking trash and calling me oo stinko. I like that.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Joe Johnson]

For some reason that give me like. Yeah, I like. So just. Just the thought of you even explaining how Ben Simmons is reacting because of what fan, what I'm playing into that.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I need.

[Joe Johnson]

I need you talking that trash.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Joe, you remember that game they lost the game seven. They lost to Atlanta.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And they had the trash can going downstream. They had the trash can on fire and they had a picture of Ben Simmons. Ben Simmons face was in it.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

And you know what?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Go ahead, Joe.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Because I've been in the lab with Ben, you know, working out with him. I've worked out with him before, and it's a mental block, man. That, man, he can shoot the mid range, he can shoot the three.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But I watch him in open runs when they have the runs and they be showing him. Yeah, Ocho, he coming down, he's shooting threes, he coming down. He pull up with the midi. He doing all of that, I think.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah. So that's why it's hard for us as fans when we watch him play. Yeah, we see this in the summer. We see you working on, we see you doing that. And it's just rhythm and timing. And then when the NBA starts, it's like, hold on, man, who is this dude?

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

You know what I mean? Like, he was. Do you know how bad I wanted him to be able to help the Clippers? Like, I felt he could have got the Clippers over the top if he just would be aggressive, you know what I mean? Drive to the hole. But it's like, he don't want to get fouled. He don't want to. He don't want to. He don't want to score for some reason. And I think he got the package, Uncle Ocho. I think he can do it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I think it is a mental block, whether he say it or not, but that's kind of what it seems like when you. As. From a fan perspective when we watch it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

We've all been in class with the kid that knows the answer, but sometimes he has a. Like he has a little speech impediment, or he has, you know, he. He might start fumble, getting it out, and he know the kids gonna laugh at him, so he just sit there and won't say anything.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Right, right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

We seen it. That's being, bro, you the number one overall pick. The number one overall pick in the entire NBA draft.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Kareem was number one. Magic was number one. LeBron was number one. Do we know some of the greats that. Ben Shaq was number one overall. Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Elijah Juan.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Gotta be a special talent.

[Joe Johnson]

He's a special talent.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Clearly, you got the ability.

[Joe Johnson]

Oh, yeah, absolutely.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But it doesn't matter.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah, yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

It's all right here.

[Joe Johnson]

Hey, let him come on. Let him come hang out. Let him come hang down here with me for all seasons.

[Shannon Sharpe]

It's hard, Ocho. You probably should have got him his first or second year at 10, 11 years in, ain't nothing going on now.

[Joe Johnson]

Ocho, it's been 10 years already.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, yeah.

[Joe Johnson]

God damn.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Time is only constant. It moves whether you do or not.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Hello? Hello?

[Shannon Sharpe]

It's not waiting on. It's not waiting on anyone, right? So it's. I don't know. In a loss today, Spider made some history. The most consecutive game ones with 30 or more points. Donovan Mitchell eight, 2020 to 2025. Michael Jordan had seven, 97 through 98. He also had seven between 91 and 93. Michael Jordan had six from 89 to 90. Kobe had six, Wilt had six, Alex English. English had five. I mean, spotter could put the ball in the basket now.

[Joe Johnson]

I mean, he can score that anything.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And once he get cooking, cause he can shoot the three, he can get to the rim. He got a midi. I mean, he'll three level score. Finally we go to the free throw line.

[Joe Johnson]

Got the whole package.

[Shannon Sharpe]

We watched him have. Excuse me. Drop 57 in the bubble. Everybody thought then him and Murray go back to back. Murray have 50. He have 50. And everybody said, oh, man, that's just the bubble bubble. We see people doing strange things in the bubble.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Spider said, y'all really think that? Okay, let me show you, man.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Listen.

[Shannon Sharpe]

No, that's really me. I've been there.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Hey, Uncle Ocho, I. I was with him his rookie year in Utah when they drafted him. I was still there playing, and I didn't see this. I'm. I'm not going to tell you no lie. I did not see this. But in talking to our assistant coaches at the time, because they going through summer league with him, he playing summer league, they was like, we got special talent. We got one. I had never seen him play in college, so in the pros, I didn't really know what he could do. And man, he was special, bro. From the moment he got his opportunity, Quinn put him in the starting lineup. He took full advantage of it, and the man has been going ever since. I look for him to really put his stamp on this series, knowing and understanding. If he ain't got Garland in this series against the Pacers, he's gonna have to step up and be special, you know, throughout the rest of these games. Ocho. Yeah, you know, I mean, he gonna, he. He gonna have to, you know, he gonna have to go vintage. We're gonna need some 45, maybe even a 50 ball here and there. Like that's what it's gonna take in order for them to win.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah, he could do. He could do it too, now. He could put the whole team on his Back.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Joe Johnson]

He could put the whole team on his back. I just seen him do it a few times.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah. I think he got more scores now than what he had that than when he was in Utah. Yeah, look, Gobert was the guy that just rebound the ball. Hey, rebound the ball ahead of the Donovan.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I mean, that's kind of what Jared Allen. Jared Allen is basically that you're not running play for Jared Allen. He's going, you know, he's going. He'll lob threat. He'll get it back. He'll get an offensive rebound and stuff it back. But I'm not running no set for it.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah, right, right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Just like you didn't run sets for Rudy Gobert. So I think if I, I think for me, if Evan Mobley and Hunter are a little bit more aggressive, passive and get more. I mean, Hunter eight shots. Mobley. Mobley and Hunter had one fewer shot than Ty Jerome.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah. We can't have it, man. We, we. We gotta get. Ah, we gotta get Hunter. Rock, man. We gotta eat.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes. You got to. So what. What do you think? I mean, Donovan Mitchell, I mean that's, that's pretty impressive because Michael Jordan's on here three times. Kobe's on here. Will. I mean, I mean, we don't even say nothing about Will. Cause Will got record. They gonna ever, ever be broken. Yeah.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Will got like five. Got like 530 point games. Yeah. So he got record. They gonna never be broken.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah. You know, Donovan don't get a lot of credit neither, man.

[Joe Johnson]

He.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

But he's been so. He's been Mr. Consistent throughout his whole career. You know what I mean? In the playoffs, he has. He, he is ranked number nine in playoff point, playoff points history, like, per game. Yeah, man. Come on. That man. Hey, he's. He like I say, we gonna need him to step up, up and put up some big numbers throughout this series if they looking forward to advancing. Because what is it. What is the injury that Garland have? I don't even know the injury.

[Shannon Sharpe]

It's his toe, isn't it?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I see. When it's them lower extremities, you know they gonna linger. O. Joe, I had turf toe before. I know what that's like.

[Joe Johnson]

Hey, I got. Listen, hey, uncle, you know about my remedy, huh? For any, any, any lower extremities, I got the remedy for him. I. Listen, Garland, if you see this I got.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You don't want to hear about it, Joe.

[Joe Johnson]

Hey, I got something I hadn't.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Right.

[Joe Johnson]

I have, I have him back for game two.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

What you got. Let me hear. Let me. Let me hear what you got.

[Joe Johnson]

You sure?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Joe Johnson]

So for. For me, any lower extremity, any injuries I might have had during. During the season, sprain, ankle, high ankle, sprain, low ankle sprain, grade three, grade two, it doesn't matter. Or grade one, for that matter. So I would urine. I would get urine from. If I didn't have enough for me, I get enough from my teammates as well, with great understanding that once you warm the urine up, right, and put enough where you could put your foot in it, and it comes above the ankle, evaporates the toxins. Listen, Listen to me now. Stay with me now. The toxins in the urine takes all the swelling out as if you never even sprained the ankle. Now, there's a study. There's a study been done, and matter of fact, it was just on Twitter like, two days ago.

[Shannon Sharpe]

He's doing the studying, Joe.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Joe Johnson]

I'm telling you, people. People in the chat can att that. Just saw the guy explain it on what the urine can do for the body and helping it heal at a magnificent rate that science really doesn't teach you. And it's a home reading. My grandma taught me when I was younger. That's why I played 13, 14 years with no injury. Joe, listen, I did the NFL. I went to Canada. I did one year in Canada. In Canada, I played in Mexico. I done played all around the world. Still to this day, I've never been hurt.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Hurt.

[Joe Johnson]

I mean, I had my heart broken before. That's about it.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Why'd you pee on that?

[Joe Johnson]

Hey, I know, Mike. Joe, most people look at it and they'll be like, oh, no, I ain't doing that. But it works.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Now. I'm one of them people.

[Joe Johnson]

Oh, no, but it works. It worked for me, and it can work for you.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I mean, you know, you still do.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

It to this day to keep you going.

[Joe Johnson]

But I don't. I don't need to do it now because I'm not really doing anything. I play soccer. I play soccer, you know, every.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Every.

[Joe Johnson]

Every so often with m. My Jamaican team in Fort Lauderdale. But outside of that, I mean, I'm. I'm. I'm good.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I'm. Hey, Joe, I'm like, hey, coach, I'm out. This one might be out two weeks.

[Joe Johnson]

Listen, hey, Joe, I could have saved Unk. I could have saved Unk.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

He.

[Joe Johnson]

Unk had all these injuries. You remember.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Remember.

[Joe Johnson]

Remember the board game operation?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Joe Johnson]

That's. He. Something was always hurt. So. So I could have saved him. If I was, if I was on teammate.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Right. I had that high ankle. Well back then they didn't, they didn't call it high ankle sprain. They just, it was just an ankle sprain.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Right.

[Joe Johnson]

Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So hey, I just shot it up and played. Didn't realize I was doing more damage. Damn.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But you know, coming in at, at a low round draft pick. Oo hey, I got to get it. Oh, you got to me, I got to get it. If I was a first rounder I'd have thought my ass down because I know I'm. Hey, I know I'm gonna be there a seventh round draft pick. Nah bro, I got to get on out there.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Absolutely.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Hey, I got to get up. I got to get it. So Donovan Mitchell Most consecutive Game 1 with 30 points or more in NBA history. He now has surpassed Michael Jordan with eight.

[Joe Johnson]

That's crazy. That's loud.

[Evan Turner]

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[Shannon Sharpe]

Come on. Why is this taking so long? This thing is ancient. Still using yesterday's tech Upgrade to the ThinkPad X Carbon Ultra Light Ultra powerful and built for serious productivity with Intel Core Ultra processors, blazing speed and AI powered performance that keeps up with your business, not the other way around. Whoa, this thing moves. Stop hitting snooze on new tech. Win the tech [e-mail] Lenovo Lenovo unlock AI experiences with the ThinkPad X1 carbon powered by Intel Core Ultra processors so you can work, create and boost productivity all on one device.

[Evan Turner]

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[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

But anyone can get the Same premium.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Wireless for 15amonth Plan that I've been enjoying.

[Evan Turner]

It's not just for celebrities.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So do like I did and have.

[Evan Turner]

One of your assistant's assistants switch you to Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to do.

[Shannon Sharpe]

@Mintmobile.Com Switch upfront payment of $45 for.

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[Shannon Sharpe]

Only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra.

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[Shannon Sharpe]

An interview has surfaced of Ant man said he wants to face the warriors in the play playoffs. And I want to go get the warriors wherever they at, I want to get them the portal. Why the Warriors? And because Draymond talks so much trash and that's pretty much the only reason I like.

[Joe Johnson]

See man, that's what you expected, huh? That's what, that's what I'm talking about, man. We need, we need more of that. That some, everybody, everybody likes to just play the game of basketball. But when you're putting that entertainment value like that, that makes you want and hope that the warriors and the Wolves have a series, it's because of some. Like somebody like that can. That can talk it and they can walk it. It make it just makes. It makes it that much better. That's why I say I would love for him to be the face of the league. No disrespect to Jason Tatum. Great player, NBA champion, you know, NBA champion, all star, you know, Olympic team. He has all these accolades, but it just doesn't add up to that aura and it factor that Ann has. Like, that's, that's. Man, listen. Buddy, Buddy. Raw, man.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Hey, hey. For, for the story. For the story. Uncle Ocho, this one here gonna go down in the books. See, the one team that was at home tonight cheering was the Timberwolves. They were cheering for the warriors for a number of reasons. They play the warriors, they get home court advantage. See the one.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yep.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Come to them. But if the Rockets would have won, they would have had to go to Houston. You see what I'm saying? So Timberwolves got home court advantage. They know and understand, you know, the moment and what it presents. And like I say, Ant man got this hit list. He finna add. He. He trying to. He got a couple more people he finna add to this list.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Even add to it.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

You finna add to it, do you?

[Joe Johnson]

Hey, hey.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

When they Series start, Joe, it don't probably Tuesday. So look, think about this. AK oo that series gonna start Tuesday. You just coming off a seven game, grueling series against the Rockets. Probably done wore you down a little bit. Timberwolves been at home kind of resting. They got their feet up a little bit, but they gonna be ready. They probably gonna look a step or two faster than the warriors on game one.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Now watch Rudy Gobert go out there and forget how to play basketball. Draymond, take him completely out of the game.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Oh, no. This going to be WrestleMania. Talking to Bianca. We were just talking to Bianca. What, about a week, week or two ago? Yeah, man, this going to be Wrestlemania. This must see tv. Rudy Gobert and Draymond Green. Oh, yeah. Y'all already know how this thing gonna go down. Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

In a span of 12 months, the Wolves have sent home Kevin Durant, Nicola Jokic, Luka Doncic and lebron James. Ant man is looking to add Steph Curry to his list. Let me ask you a question. How many games? Who wins and in how many games? Ocho, I'm start with you. Who wins in how many games?

[Joe Johnson]

Oh, man, this is a good one. Listen, with Anthony Evers playing the way he's playing Rudiger, if he can have another game, not. Maybe not 27 again, but he contributed on both ends of the court, giving him second chance points, rebounding defensively. Everyone else contributed as well. I said it's gonna be another seven game series. And I got Ant Man. I got Ant man pulling it off. Add another one to the hit list.

[Shannon Sharpe]

What you got, Joe?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I don't got no seven game series. I got this. I got the T. Wolves winning this in about five, six games.

[Joe Johnson]

Damn. Five, six.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

What's wrong?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, I only.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I only.

[Joe Johnson]

I only said the seven because Steph and Draymond and them boys are used to playing in this type of atmosphere. So I'm saying they gonna stretch it all the way to seven. But if you say five and six, you know better than me.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Me?

[Joe Johnson]

Cause you played. I just be in the ymca.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Hey, this just my opinion, Ocho. I don't want to be true. Now allow me the right to be wrong. All right?

[Joe Johnson]

Right, right, right, right.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

But in my assessment, I'm thinking of. Okay, seven game series. Butler didn't look like. He didn't look like. He don't look like he moving good. Even though he played a decent game night, he played a good game tonight. Him and Steph look like they kind of hobbled and gimbled A little bit. And going into playing against these T Wolves, they gonna be ready, man. They hungry. They ready. They sitting and waiting.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, I think they expect that, but. Because my thing is, who's gonna do who. Who's guarding you? Randall.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Right?

[Shannon Sharpe]

That's what I want to know. Because if you go big and you put Kevon Looney in there to deal with. Cause now you mess up your spacing. Cause if you put Loon in there and you have Draymond bang with Julie, you Randall the load, man.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You gotta be ready to bang with it.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah, it's gonna be a tough one, Uncle. It's gonna be some nose and nose in this series, you know? Cause. Yeah, Julius Randall.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Well, I could definitely see. I could definitely see Randall and Draymond getting into it, you know?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

You know, I think one of the weapons for the warriors, man, they gonna have to try to find a way to get Kaminga back into the fold, because they gonna need him in this series coming up, man. You know, and they kind of. It kind of showed today. They kind of need. They needed him early, but I think they gonna need him throughout this series. You know, he got. He. He got youth on his side.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, he's.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

He's played in big moments. He knows. He knows what the. What he knows what, you know, he's capable of doing. I think they need his productivity, you know, especially coming up in this series. He hadn't played in a while. I know they threw him. They've been throwing him out there, here and there. There. But they got to try to find some consistent minutes for him.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I like. I like the. I like the T Wolves also, because I don't know when they go to the bench, N N Reed, who's going to deal with him, right? Because not only can he shoot this three and stretch the floor, he can D also go down in post. Yeah. So now you. You gotta think about it. That's Moody, That's Kaminga, that's trying to deal with a big. A big. A true big.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah. And that's why. That's why I favor the T Wolves, because of them big bodies that they have that they can throw at them. They big bodies, can score and they can playmate, so. And they guard, sit down, and they play deep. McDaniels.

[Shannon Sharpe]

It was Alexander Walker.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Alexander Walker. Those are some guys, obviously, who gonna win you games throughout a series. So I give the T Wolves the edge, man. I think it's going to be a fun one to watch.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Gary Payton II didn't play tonight. He was Dealing with an elder minutes. He's gonna get a lot of minutes on Ant Man. They're gonna try to wear Ant man down. They'll probably have Commingo deal with him. They have Moody deal with him. They'll have Gary Payton the second deal with him. They'll. They'll. They're going to try to throw difference, because I don't think anybody can stop him. You're gonna try to get the ball out of his hand wherever you can make somebody else beat you. Lakers did that, and McDaniels had a great series. Nas Reed knocked down some big shots. Obviously, Drew Randall gave you what he gave you probably 20. I probably averaged 22 and 8 for the. For that series. This is gonna be a very, very interesting matchup. It's gonna be a chance. I'm gonna see how Finch is, what he gonna do with. With Steph. How you gonna defend Steph? Because Buddy Hill's like, I'm gonna make y'all pay. Cause y'all make it seem like I can't shoot the three. Y'all know I can shoot these threes.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

But, man, listen, if you don't scratch in game six, how we expect for you to come out and give us 30 something? Game seven? Come on, man. Yeah, come on. We Ain't nobody making out like this. Man is dope. He out of other.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Hey, when he hit that shot, was that at the end of the half?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I said, oh, man.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I said, oh, man.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Hey, it's good things getting you living right? Huh? You living? Yeah. I said, oh, man. Hey, for a guy. For a guy who couldn't make a shot at game six, to hit that, like. Yeah, that's. That's a confidence. That's a confidence builder.

[Joe Johnson]

Hey, listen, so you.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Not now, you know? Yeah, I don't feel like he had 23. He had 23 in the first half. He didn't give you none in the third quarter. I don't think he scored any in the third. Did he score in the third quarter? I think he got his 11 in the fourth. Yeah.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

He said, done.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I got y'all. I got y'all this lead. I spotted y'all.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

So.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Okay, Steph and Jimmy, y'all, y'all. Y'all carry on for me.

[Joe Johnson]

Hey, I don't. I don't know how much the NBA is a copycat league. As you watch a series, and knowing you, you playing up the following team coming up next, like the NFL is. You see something, work on another team, and then you just copy that and do the same thing. Well, you know, you know how to slow Steph down, you know, maybe not stop them, but contain them and just do the same thing that Rockets are doing defensively, the Wolves are capable of doing.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Act.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah, they capable of doing the same thing.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I think the Rockets, the, the Wolves might have better defenders, individual defenders. Right. Jay McDaniels is an individual, is a, is a better individual, individual defender. So you're saying than anybody that.

[Joe Johnson]

Wait, individual defender? I don't think there's really nobody off the dribble that can stay with Steph. Regardless, regardless of who it is.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Ain't nobody really dealing with nobody one on one. Ojo. It's the best of the best.

[Joe Johnson]

Okay.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Okay.

[Shannon Sharpe]

You just, you try to make it as tough as possible. So if he gives you 20, if he, if he averages 27, you try to hold him to 22. Or if he gets his 27, you try to make it as inefficient as possible.

[Joe Johnson]

Right.

[Shannon Sharpe]

But you go out there, say, oh, yeah, oh, you average 27. You ain't get with 12 today. Okay, good luck with that.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah. Nah, but I, I think, I think, I think t. Wolves got the defenders to, to, to, you know, wear him down throughout a series, you know, long, rangy guys, you know. Yeah. Who gonna be pesty, pick him up, you know, just don't give him nothing easy. Man, I watch, watch. When I be watching the game, they take Steph out the game, they be playing four on four out there.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

That man be sitting at half court. His man don't even be looking at the ball. But I, I got, I got, I got the T. WS and made, made a young fella legacy continue. I think he, he, he, I think I, I, I think he's gonna be special. I think he's gonna be special in this series.

[Shannon Sharpe]

I don't too. And, and, and is a big game performer. I think the best thing that happened to ant was going to the, the Olympics.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

And being around KD, being around LeBron, being around Steph Curry, like, okay.

[Joe Johnson]

I'm, I'm.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Well, yep, yep. Amongst the greatest.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yes. And so how they, how they approach it, how they get themselves prepared, how they go about their business? Now, look, he's not going to, that's, that's not what he is. He, he, he not going to be as buttoned up as LeBron and Steph, but you got, you just got to accept him for who he is. That's who he is.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Yeah.

[Joe Johnson]

And that was, and you heard what you just said. Yes, he doesn't have to be his button up. And he refused to be that. He's authentic to himself, which is why he's so relatable to everyone else. Why everybody going to be a fan? And you have some people that bring up stuff that has nothing to do with. On the field. And I mean on the field, on the court. Anthony Edwards. But, man, I love and appreciate anybody that remains true to themselves and who they are without conforming to how they think you should be as an NBA player.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, but no, I don't just necessarily think it's an NBA player because every player is not held to the Same standard as LeBron and a Steph Curry. Everybody wasn't held to the standard like Jordan. Everybody wasn't held to the standard like Bird and Magic, like Kobe. There's difference. But when they say, okay, when they talk about the NBA and they have these pictures up there, your face is front and center. When they. When the NBA marketing campaign, they want you front and center. It's just. It's different now. You got to realize, these guys, like those old guys, they got married, you know, they. Now these guys, oh, they playing video games. Jordan ain't playing no video game. Magic Birds, the old guys weren't playing on their video games, man. These guys now, they. They playing cod and they playing Fortnite against somebody or somebody on a whole different team. Hey, man, what's your name? What's your time? All right, come on, check this out. Yeah, it's a different time now. And I think we have to change our way of thinking of what the face of the NBA is, because the old faces, those guys aren't like that anymore.

[Joe Johnson]

No, no.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Hey, look, whether. Whether he likes it or not, you know, when you chosen, you chosen, bro.

[Joe Johnson]

You know, nothing you can do. Ain't nothing. Nothing you can do about it.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

And the route that he's taken, whether he likes it or not, he. He complete this mission right here. Yeah, it's gonna. It's gonna happen whether he. Whether he likes it or not. And that just comes with the game. It's part of it, man. You know what I mean?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah. Look, when you chosen Joe, you can't run for that. You remember Jones? Him God told him, say you, you. No, he's like, nah, nah, let somebody up.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

So he.

[Shannon Sharpe]

What he gonna do? He gonna get the boat and go, now where? I said, come here. Now, when he spit his ass back up on the shore, what he do? He went and did what Jesus asked him to do, didn't he? Yeah, you see when you chosen.

[Joe Johnson]

Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

When you. That's your calling. You can't run from it.

[Joe Johnson]

Hey, listen, you. You might not answer the phone. It's your call. You might not answer the phone.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Don't worry about it.

[Joe Johnson]

He'll take care of the rest.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Yeah, yeah. So you can't. You. You can't run from that. I understand. Because he like, man, look, I want to go. I want to be free. I want to do what I want to do without y'all looking over my shoulder and. And cameras everywhere I go. Cause I might come out a little hole in the wall. And, you know, basically, the NBA ain't supposed to be at the hole in the wall. You know what I'm saying, Joe? You know what I'm saying, Joe?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Hey, hey, I understand. But when the universe pick you, baby, they pick you. Yeah, you gotta spend like.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Is Ant, man, the best big game player in the NBA currently?

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Best big game player in the game currently, man. We've had some guys play some big games. Yeah. I think I probably give him the nod, I think, because he just accepts it, man. He's a little different than some of the other superstars that we have in the league. And I think that's why people gravitate to the rawness of who he is and how he speaks his mind and how he carries himself and how he talks trash throughout the games. Oh, yeah, I'm looking to anybody. Yeah. I'm looking to play the Warriors.

[Joe Johnson]

It don't matter who you are.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Hold on. Y'all seen what Obama said? He said, look at this guy right here. He can play a little bit. He said, you better stand out. I'm the truth. Yeah. You talking about, stop playing with me. So we love that. We gravitate toward it, and we all want to see him do good, man, because he has the talent. Talent. And night in and night out, bro, he gives us something spectacular, you know what I mean?

[Shannon Sharpe]

Because not only can he make the three, he can play above the rim. He put your ass on the poster. Now you go up there if you want to. Yeah. I'm telling you, gonna be on his card, you're gonna be on his card.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I think the underrated thing. I think his underrated attribute is his defense. Okay. Oh, Joe.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Oh, yeah.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

I'm saying on any level, whether it's blocking shots, whether it's locking down, playing his one on one defense, fighting over, picking, like. He showed me some of that Lakers series, and I was like, yeah, young fella taking the next step. And that's what it is. Playing on both ends, being a two way superstar. You know what I mean? Not just a two way player, but he's a two way superstar. Cause he impacts the game on both ends of the floor. Just like in that last closeout game against the Lakers. He didn't play great offensively, but defensively he was disruptive. He made plays offensively and he did enough for them to win. Like it didn't take for him to, to, you know, while you on, on, on the stat sheet.

[Shannon Sharpe]

So yeah, I think that's, I think that's the, the best part where you could tell about a player when you can find other ways to impact the game. Even, even when you're not doing what you're known for, which is scoring. Can I, can I impact the game, Ocho? If I, if, if I don't have 10 catches, right? How is my blocking? How's my decoy? Am I getting out of there? Making everybody think I'm, I'm about to, right? I'm about to get this rock when I know I'm just clear for somebody else to run the, or to run that deep over. But I need to make sure I get that safety up out of there and pull that linebacker. Is that, is that, is that really? So you gotta find way other ways to impact the game. Cause sometimes guys only see their value. If I'm catching passes. Yeah. If I'm scoring points, right? No, you gotta find value in other things also. And that's when you become the greatness. Chad is evenly split on the series. 51% are taking the Warriors, 49% taking the T W.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

Well, somebody gonna be wrong. Yeah.

[Shannon Sharpe]

Either the 51 or the 49.

[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

The volume.

[Shannon Sharpe]

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[Joe Johnson]

Can I get you a refill?

[Shannon Sharpe]

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[Chad Ochocinco Johnson]

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[Shannon Sharpe]

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[Unknown]

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[Shannon Sharpe]

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