What's Wright - Game 1 Reactions: Knicks ROLLING, Wolves STUN Spurs, will Lakers do UNTHINKABLE? | Nick Wright NBA

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "What's Wright" with Nick Wright

Episode: Game 1 Reactions: Knicks ROLLING, Wolves STUN Spurs, will Lakers do UNTHINKABLE?
Date: May 6, 2026
Host: Nick Wright with Damanze

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Overview

This episode features Nick Wright and Damanze recapping a slate of intriguing NBA Playoffs Game 1s, focusing on the Timberwolves’ upset over the Spurs, the Knicks dominating the Sixers, and whether LeBron and the Lakers can pull off a miracle against OKC. The hosts dissect injuries, coaching strategies, big-picture team futures, and memorable moments from a weekend packed with drama and unexpected outcomes.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Timberwolves vs. Spurs: Are Minnesota Contenders? [05:47–23:05]

• Ant (Anthony Edwards) Returns – Limited But Impactful

  • Wolves’ Title Odds: Timberwolves’ championship odds were 200:1 on Saturday morning, due largely to injury doubts, but Edwards’ quicker-than-expected return changed the math ([06:02–09:49]).
  • Nick on Ant: “Listen, if Ant's healthy, they can win the title... he's clearly not fully healthy.” [06:02]
  • Comparison: Nick recalls Giannis’ quick return from a similar knee hyperextension and championship run (2021) as a blueprint for Edwards ([07:23–08:17]).

• Wimby’s Historic Game: 12 Blocks but Offensive Struggles

  • Record Night: Victor Wembanyama nearly posts a quadruple-double, sets playoff record for blocks (12), but Spurs still lose ([05:47–11:32]).
  • Nick on Wimby: “On nights when his three isn't falling, he is not yet a consistently great scorer. And you saw that play out in real time yesterday.” [13:01]
  • Wolves' Game Plan: Finch’s approach–balancing Gobert’s defense on Wemby (limiting Spurs’ offense but letting Wemby patrol and swat on D) vs. stretch lineups to pull Wemby out of the paint ([11:32–16:30]).

• Minnesota's Depth, Confidence & Finch’s Coaching

  • Bench Contributions: “Terence Shannon Jr. is out there fearlessly getting buckets… Mike Conley really turning back the clock. And this team is fearless.” [09:26]
  • On Timberwolves’ Grit: “They will never lose off of not trying. It will never be an effort problem.” – Damanze [09:49]
  • Finch’s Stock Rising: “Right now, it's hard to say he's not the best coach. I mean, Spo and Kerr have all the accolades, but right now he feels like he might just be the best coach.” [23:10]

• Spurs’ Dilemma: Offensive Variance & Wemby’s Workload

  • Late-Game Analysis: San Antonio misses opportunity to tie/win; “Wimby was like never in the play” on the final possession ([21:42]).
  • Series Outlook: Nick leans Minnesota if Ant remains available, credits their supreme confidence ([16:55]).

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2. Knicks Destroy Sixers – Changing the East? [29:03–35:58]

• Historic Run: Knicks win three straight playoff games by 25+, a first in NBA history, outdoing even superteams ([29:16–30:30]).

  • Nick on the Knicks: “That means like, peak Shaq-Kobe never had… or KD-Steph Warriors… three straight just laugher wins…” [29:16]

• Brunson’s Brilliance vs. Sixers’ Fatigue

  • Mismatch: “Maybe I should have spent more time wondering who on the Sixers can deal with Brunson.” [30:34]
  • Sixers’ Depth Issue: Philly's tight top-four (Maxey, Embiid, Paul George, Edgecombe) vs. Knicks’ relentless pressure; fatigue looms after Sixers’ 3-1 emotional comeback vs. Boston ([33:20–33:39]).

• Outlook: Nick sees Game 1 blowout as a potential fatigue/letdown spot for Philly, but is not ready to jump off the Sixers’ pick yet: “I lean one off. Not that I think the Knicks can't win the series, but I still think Philly when fully healthy...” [32:12]

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3. Lakers vs. OKC Thunder – Could the Impossible Happen? [35:58–49:40]

• Lakers' Extreme Underdog Status

  • “The Lakers are 15.5 point dogs tonight. It's the biggest underdog LeBron's ever been, not just in playoff history, in his entire career.” [36:17]
  • Luca’s Absence: With Luca out, Nick says it “would be one of the most stunning upsets in NBA history” if Lakers won the series ([36:17–36:36]).

• Reflecting on LeBron’s Greatness (Rockets Series Recap)

  • On the GOAT Discourse: “You are watching the last moments of all-time greatness from the greatest athlete to ever live… It's not an argument about who the greatest NBA player is… but go ahead and argue it.” [40:45]
  • Memorable Playoff Moments: Nick cherishes seeing ‘Alpha LeBron’ one more playoff time: “At 41 years old in year 23... I found myself so grateful that for one more playoff series, we got to see alpha LeBron… Because if it wasn't for the Austin and certainly the Luca injuries, what we would have seen this playoff run...” [43:59]
  • Calls out shifting narratives by LeBron haters: “…while he was doing it, then being like, actually change of heart, not that impressive. The Rockets are just a travesty…” [47:01]

• What Would It Take for the Lakers to Upset OKC?

  • “It's probably OKC in five, that's probably what it is… but I'm excited to see how LeBron attacks tonight…” [49:40]
  • Greater than 3–1 Comeback? “It would be in line with anything he's ever done in his career… Not just any non-championship, any championship as far as the impressiveness of it.” [49:40]

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4. What’s Next for the Celtics After the Collapse? [52:26–65:34]

• Who’s to Blame?

  • Missoula Takes Heat: “Most angry with… Missoula, I imagine, because… we’ve got to change up the game plan.” – Damanze [52:39]
  • Nick on Missoula: Criticizes lineup decisions (Game 7 starting lineup had “zero minutes together all year”), and playoff over-reliance on variance (threes over twos): “Are we doing our team a disservice by adding this much variance to how we play in the playoffs?” [59:51]

• Jalen Brown’s Odd Exit/Attitude

  • “Jalen Brown… such an interesting NBA character… incredibly bright… but I think he says some of the goofiest stuff I've ever heard. Like… the NBA has an agenda out to get him personally with the push offs…” [54:44]
  • “It seems like he wants out. Like, he might want some change himself.” [57:39]
  • Brown’s Rank: “I don't think he is quite as good as he thinks he is… somewhere from 11th to 17th [best player in the league]…” [58:55]
  • Considers Jalen Brown-for-Giannis or Brown-to-Atlanta trade scenarios ([54:09–54:44]).

• Tatum's Injury Management

  • Nick's Regret: “If you know, his [Tatum’s] leg has not regained its full size, the fact that since April 1, he's fifth in the NBA in minutes per game… That was probably a mistake as well.” [65:34]
  • Suggests Boston’s playoff exit might end up saving Tatum from more severe injury.

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5. Should Teams Blow it Up or Run it Back? [66:39–70:19]

• Orlando Magic: Run it back with new head coach; hope for offensive progression and health.
• Boston Celtics: Very likely to make major changes; Jalen Brown trade “is very on the board.” [67:02]
• Houston Rockets: Can’t run it back; unsure who would take on the “Kevin Durant roller coaster.” KD’s trade value is complicated by persona and fit issues.
• Denver Nuggets: Trickiest spot; only Jokic is untouchable per reports. Nick expects Jamal Murray–Jalen Brown trade talk, but “don’t think the Celtics take that.” [70:19]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Ant & Minnesota’s Path:

"Ant was not at 100% in the playoffs before he hyperextended his knee… it was the other knee that was bothering him. And the hyperextension bone bruise, they say is really purely a pain threshold thing… is it possible the other knee… got a lot better?"
– Nick [17:37–18:00]

On Wemby's Historic Stat Line:

“He just had a playoff game where his team lost a close one. He set the all-time record in blocks and really struggled on offense... That game felt a little more impactful than this one… the 63 piece with zero blocks still feels like it has a little more impact than the 12 blocks with 11 points.”
– Nick [13:30]

On Brunson vs. Sixers:

“Maybe I should have spent more time wondering who on the Sixers can deal with Brunson.”
– Nick [30:34]

On LeBron’s Enduring Legacy:

“You are watching the last moments of all-time greatness from the greatest athlete to ever live… It's not an argument about who the greatest NBA player is. In 30 years, people will think it was laughable that this was such a hot button issue…”
– Nick [40:45]

On Jalen Brown’s Odd Year:

“He is an incredibly bright guy… thoughtful… I also think he says some of the goofiest stuff I've ever heard… decision to do that Twitch stream with those dudes just standing silently behind...”
– Nick [54:44]

On Celtics’ Coaching Strategy:

"Are we doing our team a disservice by adding this much variance to how we play in the playoffs?”
– Nick [59:51]

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Topic | |------------|------------------------------------------------| | 05:47–23:05| Timberwolves stun Spurs; Wemby’s block party; Ant’s health; Minnesota’s legit title odds | | 29:03–35:58| Knicks rout Sixers; historic point margin; Brunson/Maxey matchup | | 35:58–49:40| Lakers' odds vs. OKC; LeBron’s playoff greatness; changing legacy narratives | | 52:26–65:34| Celtics post-mortem; Missoula critique; Jalen Brown’s future/trade scenarios | | 66:39–70:19| Which teams should blow it up? Denver/Jokic’s uncertain window; KD's impact in Houston|

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Final Thoughts

This episode is a tour-de-force of NBA playoff takes and team-building philosophy, with Nick Wright’s trademark mix of stats, strong opinions, and humor. He navigates the current postseason’s chaos—Minnesota’s “nothing-to-lose” energy, New York’s sudden dominance, LeBron’s last roar, and the fallout in Boston and Denver—with candor and insight. Whether you want to catch up on last night's games or understand big-picture consequences for the league’s best teams, this episode delivers.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Damanze]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed human

[Nick]

welcome in what driving the great episode 454. After a historic night on a couple of fronts in the NBA, after an awesome weekend in the NBA playoffs. Awesome weekend, by the way, in sports. Overall, Kentucky Derby was sick. I went to just an unbelievable boxing match. David Benavidez. It was spectacular. You guys don't care as much about that, but it was pretty remarkable. I found out at the. How about this little bonus? Good morning, demons. A. So at the. You know, good seats at a boxing match. It is an eclectic crowd, particularly depending on who the fighters are. Like, you know, boxing brings out different characters, a wide spectrum of, you know, the rich, you know, cultures around the world. And I am at the match happened in. Up in line next to the guy in the drink line next to the guy who was sitting right behind me. So he also had six seats. And he and I are chatting, and he's like, hey, man. He's like, you know where your show is huge. I'm like, tell me. He's like, prison, bro. I'm like, yeah. I'm like, yeah. And he's like, yeah. He was. He's like, I did. I did five years in federal prison in Texas back when you were on in the mornings, and he was like, every day, man. It was you guys in first take. And. And then we argued about it. He was like. It was like the real. It was honestly, like, touching. I'm not gonna lie. He was like. He was like. He said one of the few things. Yeah, one of the few things we could look forward to. So, you know, shout out to that fella. Wish him all the best. Seems like he's doing well. He's in real estate now, so you know what his second chances. Go kill him.

[Damanze]

Turn around.

[Nick]

And so that was fun. Last night was great. So we'll get into all of that. Also, maybe most notably, one of our best staff members on the blue duck team, Victor, back from paternity leave. Just had a beautiful baby girl. And in one of the most unique coincidences ever, Damanze in November had a baby baby girl named Mila. And Victor, a few months later, had a baby girl named. I want to say it right. Mila.

[Damanze]

Mila.

[Nick]

Mila. Not spelled the exact same, but Mila and Mila, who are damn near the same age. The watch right family continuing to expand. So congrats to everyone involved. All right? A ton to do, because here's the other thing. And again, I'm a weirdo. I get that. But I. 10 days ago, I'm watching game three, Lakers, Rockets, LeBron get the steel and shot to tie the game, force overtime, basically win the series. And as thrilled as I was about it, there was a little part of me that's like, God dog it, this is happening on a Friday night. So by the time Monday sports TV is on, they will have played again, things will have changed. It won't be like the lead story.

[Damanze]

Yep.

[Nick]

Then three days ago, four days ago, after, you know, I'm watching the Lakers dismantle the Rockets when everyone said I'll be, are you nervous? How scared are you? What if they blow? What if they get reverse swept and LeBron just masterpiece 28, 7 and 8, controlling every aspect of the game. And again, I'm like, God dog it, it's a Friday. By the time Monday rolls around, they'll have been game sevens. We'll be on to the next thing. So I say all that to say this. At some point in today's show, I might do a little Game 6 recap, because somebody's got to do it. But before we get to any of that, let me remind you guys, this episode of what's Right with Nick R is presented to you by Boost Mobile. And let me also remind you guys, we are doing a mailbag this week. So get those questions in. You can put them in the chat now. You can put them on our post page on YouTube. You can send them on Twitter or IG or wherever to the show page. We'll see them there. Straight to voicemail. Brought to you by Boost Mobile. Golden Tempo comes from last place to win the Kentucky Derby at 23 to 1. It was 23 to 1 winner, 5 to 1 place and 70 to 1 show. Which means the trifecta for the Derby, a $1 trifecta ticket paid $11,000. I was in Vegas. I was betting the derby. I. I did not have that trifecta. The Mavericks hire Messiah Giri and Patrick Mahomes is on track for OTAs. As I've told you guys all along, Patrick Mahomes is going to be dancing at Travis Kelsey's wedding and starting week one for the Kansas City Chiefs. Reminder to everybody, like rate subscribe review to the show. Damon, let's get to one of the games of the playoffs last night. Timberwolf, Spurs.

[Damanze]

Yeah, so the Timberwolves just keep doing it with less. Ant came off the bench and they still got it. Wimby could have possibly gotten a quadruple double last night. He had 12 blocks. Do you think that it's time to Take Minnesota seriously as a contender moving forward.

[Nick]

Listen, if Ant's healthy, they can win the title and he's clearly not fully healthy. But Saturday morning, the Minnesota Timberwolves. Let me just get a little context. Saturday morning, the championship odds, the Thunder were minus money favorites. The spurs were the second, you know, biggest favorites at that point. I think the Celtics and Knicks were right around the same. The Celtics weren't out yet and we hadn't had the game sevens. The Timberwolves Saturday morning were 200 to 1 to win the championship. Context on that Orlando Saturday morning, which had a game seven pending and we were 10 hours removed from the single worst half of basketball that's ever been televised. I'm not talking about in the NBA. I'm saying that was the worst half of basketball that's been on TV ever. They're 4:37 in the second half. In a closeout game, Orlando was 400 to 1. And I looked at it and I said, how are you telling me Minnesota that was already in round two and that I believed Ant could come back? You're telling me they're only twice as likely to win the championship as Orlando, which was as dead as any team I've ever seen going into a game seven. So I thought for Minnesota the path would be and come back game three or four and see what the hell happens. And let me a little added context. I watched five years ago Giannis suffer the exact knee hyper extension Anthony Edwards did during the Eastern Conference finals. And it looked like, oh my God, did he blow out his knee? Then it's reported it's just a hyper extension, but he's going to be out weeks and he missed eight days. Started the finals and in those finals averaged 35, 13 and 6 on crazy efficiency, culminating in a 50 piece for the championship. And I just stared at that Minnesota 200. I'm like ants going to come back at some point. The spurs are a really good team, but they're not unbeatable. The Timberwolves, we feel like they're so banged up because a IO has the calf strain and has the knee hyper extension Dante towards Achilles. But there's a real chance that by Thursday it's just Dante who's out. And as it turns out, ants back even faster. Ant was, listen, he's still laboring, he's still dealing with some of it. He also yesterday was huge for Minnesota in the second half of that game. And they just have, I mean, Terence Shannon Jr. Is out there fearlessly getting buckets. They give a few minutes to Jalen Clark, he gets a steal. I'm not a huge bones island guy and I'd really like IO to get back so he can take those minutes. Mike Conley throw, you know, really turning back the clock. And this team is fearless.

[Damanze]

Yeah. Hard. They will never lose off of not trying. It will never be an effort problem. I like that.

[Nick]

And they. I think that. So I think the spurs should wake up this morning very nervous because last night ant only played 25 minutes. Jaden was instantly in foul trouble and in foul trouble throughout. At some point you would imagine those bones minutes are going to go to I.O. and all of a sudden Minnesota, despite the injuries, will be back to being eight deep. And I think Chris Finch has some really interesting ideas on what to do with the Wimy problem because. So here is the interesting part going into the series. I talked about this on the show and then you saw Damanze play out yesterday. Rudy can absolutely give Wimby real trouble when the spurs have the ball. He is stronger than Wimby. He is. You know of anybody who has the length to bother Wemby. I don't know if anybody does, but if anybody does, it's him. He also, you know, has known him since he was a kid. The. It's pretty crazy that it might.

[Damanze]

I didn't know that.

[Nick]

Well, they're both. Yeah. I mean they're both French. They're both like great French basketball players. It's really wild that you might have, you know, a combined 10 Defensive Player of the Year awards come from France four via Rudy and however many Wimby wins. So Rudy is a tough matchup for Wimby when the spurs have the ball. However, because Rudy is a non existent shooter when Rudy's on the court, Wimby is able to do exactly what he did yesterday, which is Guard no. 1, just patrol the paint and basically cut off the paint entirely. And so it's a give and a take throughout the game. Do we want to hurt the spurs offense by having Rudy out there? But also get Wimby's shot blocking on steroids to the tune of breaking Andrew Bynum and Akeem's record for playoff shot blocks in a game? Again, the real record is Wilt was 16, but the. The written record was 10. And I understand, listen, I think about four of those were goaltens and I think that they'll. The NBA refs will be more on alert for the goaltens in the next game. But still Wimy was altering everything early on, but he also could get nothing going. I mean he almost missed out on a triple double because he didn't have the points. Yeah, it was a dunk with less than a minute left that got him the points. And the other thing that though happened to MZ in the fourth quarter was they benched Rudy. They went with a lineup where everyone on the court can shoot because Julius Randle can shoot, Nas Reed can shoot. And it forced Wimby to actually have to. If they go five out out on the perimeter and now the lane's open and so it'll be very interesting to see which and what Chris Finch leans into. But this Minnesota team's not messing around. And Julius, Julius Randle, if he gets matched up with Wimby in the post, is going to make Wimby feel it. He just is. And Nas Reed is going to make him feel it. And Rudy Gobert has, has sharp elbows and is going to make him feel it and they're going to push him around. And what you saw yesterday was, and this is, this is my where I pumped the, where I pumped the brakes on some of the Wimy best player in the world stuff. What I have said time and again nights when his three isn't falling, he is not yet a consistently great scorer. And you saw that play out in real time yesterday. Again, he's all of these things. That's great for his size obviously, but I'm talking about compared to the other best players in the world. He's not yet a consistently great scorer and he had trouble on that end of the court yesterday and then. And again, not to relitigate old debates, but when people were arguing with me, no, Wimby's right, defense is half the game. He just had, he just had a playoff game where his team lost a close one. He set the all time record in blocks and really struggled on offense. I watched Michael Jordan once, I didn't watch. I was too young. Michael Jordan once in a playoff game set the all time record for points, had zero blocks and his team lost. That game felt a little more impactful than this one. The 63 piece with zero blocks still feels like it has a little more impact than the 12 blocks with 11 points. So. And here's the other thing about that I think Minnesota recognized about not being afraid to have their shot blocked. The block shot doesn't always end the possession. Like a couple times yesterday it led to Minnesota threes. It got blocked off the back border. It got blocked. They kept the possession going. You then add to it, demand say Fox really struggled and he's going to have to be way better. Way better in order for them to win this series. Which right now, right now, this moment, if Ant is available the whole. The whole series, I think Minnesota is going to win. And I just don't think anybody. There's no team in the league playing with more confidence than them.

[Damanze]

Yep.

[Nick]

Then the fact. Go ahead.

[Damanze]

Okay. What percentage of Ant do you think they need in order to beat the spurs and make. Make a run?

[Nick]

Well, I think they can beat the spurs with Ant at this level.

[Damanze]

Go.

[Nick]

I think that they suck. That they need. Ant's going to have to be 100% for them to beat the Thunder.

[Damanze]

Okay.

[Nick]

Like the.

[Damanze]

And what percent do you think he's at right now? It looks like 60. 60.

[Nick]

Yeah, I mean, I just. But he is. So here's the other interesting thing about it. I. Ant was not at 100% in the playoffs before he hyperextended his knee.

[Damanze]

Yeah.

[Nick]

But it was the other knee that was bothering him. And the hyperextension bone bruise, they say is really purely a pain threshold thing. Okay, so is it possible that in the time he missed with the hyperextension of one knee, the other knee that was bothering him because he couldn't play got a lot better. You understand what I'm saying? Because like, he. He looked more active last night than he did in the playoffs before this injury when the other was in the runner's knee. Whatever the hell it was was really giving him trouble. I just think I'm really, really interested in how they deploy Gobert in this series because having Gobert on the court really unleashes the spurs maximum defensive potential, but also stymies Wimby's offense in a way that that Nas Reed and Julius Randle can't and in a way that, you know, those guys can get in foul trouble, all of that. But taking him off the court can neutralize a lot of Wimy's rim protection, which I think super interesting to watch. I might use a lot of Go Bear in the non Wimy minutes, like in the cornet minutes and then kind of split the Wimby minutes between Gobert and the five out lineup. And speaking of minutes, like, Wimby played 40 last night and the spurs to, to their credit were. They won those minutes. They were plus five in those minutes. And man, the Timberwolves almost blew it at the end badly. They're up 7 late. It's hard for me. I was stunned Minnesota didn't call timeout. I'm sorry. San Antonio didn't call timeout after The Julius Randle miss. But it's hard to criticize because they got a great shot. They got the. Their leader in threes, got a wide open three to win the game.

[Damanze]

I also try to go and go and take the mid range shot higher percentage. Hey man, go and take the, take the two tied up to me.

[Nick]

So here's the thing on that, that's the argument for the three is if you make the three in that spot the game's over.

[Damanze]

Yeah.

[Nick]

If you make the two, you have to in order to. If you're down two and you're taking a buzzer beater you can win by making the three or you can win by making a two and then also winning a mini five minute game in overtime. So most of the time your better chance of winning is the three. Particularly in this case where it was a wide open three by a good shooter.

[Damanze]

Yeah.

[Nick]

With that said yesterday's game specifically now Castle had fouled out so that you know that changes it a bit. But man it felt like that if the Timberwolves had blown that seven point lead and it had gone to overtime in San Antonio that the spurs were going to win that game.

[Damanze]

Yeah.

[Nick]

That the overtime would have heavily been

[Damanze]

through a lot, you know and got. Got the injuries and probably couldn't have played in overtime I imagine.

[Nick]

Oh that's it. You know what, I didn't even think about that. Yeah ants minutes restriction piece of it. But they listen, they just, they just went and it was also interesting to me that Wimy was like never in the play. Yeah, he got the rebound kicked it out and then by the time you see him next the shots going up. But this is now and this will be a real good test because Wimy talked about his energy levels and those things. We are now every other day until games through game five play the six, the eighth, the 10th, the 12th. They then have two days off before game six on the 15th and then game seven on the 17th. And if Wimby's going to be playing 40 plus minutes I it is, this is going to be an awesome series. But right now Eileen, Minnesota, if they had lost last night I think it would have been far too devastating. But right now I lean Minnesota and I am crazy way well, way more experience. And I just think and this is nothing against Mitch Johnson. I just think the. I think Chris Finch might just be a flat unbelievable coach.

[Damanze]

Where would you rank him in like the coaches in the NBA hierarchy?

[Nick]

I mean I'll be prisoner of the moment but right now it's hard to say he's not the best coach. I mean, SPO and Kerr have all the, you know, accolades, but right now he feels like he might just be the best coach. And listen, I think that team really believes and Chris Finch said a few weeks ago, yeah, my guys told me they just didn't care about the regular season, they'd be ready to go for the playoffs, and that he didn't know whether or not he could believe them. But he believes them and what they did in round one. And Tim Connolly, who built this team, being down that many guys and beaten up Denver, Sorry Daniel. And now this. It's a pretty impressive stretch they're on. They've won five of their last six games, all against Denver, San Antonio, and they have not been at full strength for any of them. Pretty good. Today's show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, Hard Rock bet, Florida's Sportsbook the second round of the NBA Playoffs is here where the lights are brighter, the pressure's higher, and every possession can change a series. On Hard Rock Bet. Every night is your shot to score a major bucket with win or go home energy on the hardwood. I love building same game parlays. You might like the hot hand to drop 30, the big man to control the glass with a double double the the point guard to dish out five assists. However you draw it up, Hard Rock Bet gives you tons of ways to stack your picks into a same game parlay built for the playoffs. If you're ever late to tip off, don't worry, Hard Rock Bet lets you live bet all game long from the first bucket to the final buzzer. Try your first bet on Hard Rock Bet today and you can score $150 in bonus bets. If you win, just place a $5 bet and if it hits, you get not only your winnings but also an extra $150 in bonus bets. But the welcome offer is just the beginning. Hard Rock Bet has new promos daily, so open the app up right now to see what promo you've got today. And sure, Hard Rock Bet is Florida's only legal sports book, but you don't have to be in Florida. Join the party. Hard Rock Bet is also live in Arizona, Ohio, New Jersey, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, Illinois, Colorado and Michigan, with more states on the way. Download the Hard Rock Bet app today and get the party started. Payable and Bonus Bets Not a cash offer offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in Florida Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital LLC in all other states. Must be 21 plus and physically present in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee or Virginia to play terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling in Florida, call 1833 play wise in Indiana. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem wants help, call 1-800-9 with it gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia. If the world were like a sleep number mattress, everything would adapt for your comfort. Because as your life changes and your body changes, sleep number mattresses adapt and shift to give you personalized comfort night after night. And now everything's on sale during our Memorial Day event. Save up to $1,200 on mattresses for a limited time. To experience a whole new world of comfort, visit a sleep number store or go to sleepnumber.com sleep number to a good life sleep. When you listen to podcasts about AI and tech and the future of humanity, the hosts always act like they know what they're talking about. And they are every experts at everything here at the Nick Dick and Pole show, we're not afraid to make mistakes. What Coogler did that I think was so unique. Who's he? He's the writer, director.

[Damanze]

Who do you think he is?

[Nick]

I don't know. You meet the like the president. You think the president. You think Canada has a president? You think China has a president?

[Damanze]

Leslie Cruzette.

[Nick]

God, I love that thing. I use it all the time. What color? I wrap it in a blanket and sing to it like it's like the old Polish saying. Not my monkeys, not my circus. Yep, it was a good one. I like that. It's an actual Polish saying. It is an actual Polish.

[Damanze]

Better version of play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

[Nick]

Yes. Which.

[Damanze]

Which, by the way, wasn't Taylor Swift. Who said that for the first time? I actually, I thought it was. I got that wrong.

[Nick]

Listen to the Nick Dick and Poll show on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. American soccer is about to explode. The World cup is coming. Ramos sending on to Ernie Stewart the Chip Score usa. I'm Tab Ramos. I'm Tom Bog. On our podcast Inside American Soccer, you'll get the real storylines. I'm not worried about Pulisic. I'm not worried about Baligan. I'm not worried about McKinney. My only concern is what happens in the back. The biggest decisions. You're going to look at stats and numbers. He has no shot at making this World cup team. And the truth about the U.S. national team. It wouldn't be a huge surprise if Our team ends up in the quarterfinals or potentially a great run into the semifinals. The World cup is almost here. Experience it all with us. Listen Inside American Soccer with Tom Bogart and Tab ramos on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcast. All right, Damanze, let's go to Knicks

[Damanze]

Sixers the Knicks dominance continues they spanked the Sixers last night you announced the Sixers as your new pick in the East. If Embiid is healthy, do you still stand there?

[Nick]

Listen, so here's the deal. I picked the Sixers and said I thought they'd lose game one. Yeah I just thought the the Knicks chilling while the Sixers have a 31 comeback wildly emotional game seven. That was a to me a pretty obvious loss spot. I didn't think they were going to lose by 100. And the Knicks just keep annihilating people. I could not believe this stat. The Knicks just became demase the first team in playoff history to win three straight games by 25 plus think about what that means but that that means like peak Shaq Kobe never had in round one or Jordan's Bulls or the Heels or Katie Steph warriors. None of those teams even in round one sweeps had three straight just laugher wins 25 plus the Knicks just did

[Damanze]

it and what have they figured out?

[Nick]

I I mean well the last two of the last three games Brunson's been out of his mind and the one in the middle everyone was out of their mind and Atlanta was as bad as can be and down 50 in the first half but I do think there is something to I and this is what I'm going to watch and one of the one of the reasons I picked the Sixers was I was wondering who on New York can guard Maxi like the the Knicks built their team to deal with Boston's wings. They don't have anyone that can deal with Maxi speed But maybe I should have spent more time wondering who on the Sixers can deal with Brunson. And I mean the thought process was it would be Edgecomb. He obviously had more than his hands full last night. It's a lot to ask a 20 year old rookie but I mean the Knicks just beat him up from the opening jump. That was not

[Damanze]

competitive game at any

[Nick]

point you actually figure it out. And then so here's the thing I am I'm not panicked because for a couple reasons. One is the Sixers did just come back from three one down on Boston. I understand that Boston nav Tatum in game seven and we'll talk more about that in a bit. And so they, they have, you know, I don't think that they will take this loss, as embarrassing as it is to lose by 39, as more than just a loss. And you deal with it. The question is, did it reveal a real flaw or was it what a lot of us thought going in, which was one team exhausted coming off this massive emotional, you know, catharsis, and the other team resting, chilling, getting ready for it. So game three, Game two, tomorrow night in New York will give us a real gauge on. Are the Knicks just all of a sudden a terrible matchup for Philly or was it a one off? I. I lean one off. Not that I like the Knicks can't win the series. That would be ridiculous. But I still think Philly win fully healthy demons, a. Which they are right now.

[Damanze]

Yeah, dudes.

[Nick]

Yes.

[Damanze]

They really do got some dudes on the squad now.

[Nick]

They. They don't have depth, but they have

[Damanze]

to buy. His hair is cooking. It's.

[Nick]

It's a problem. The. No, that the. I mean, formerly Tobias Harris was cooking with the Pistons.

[Damanze]

Oh, I'm the Pistons. I'm sorry.

[Nick]

Yeah, he used to be cooking with the Sixers back in the day. No, but they've got, I mean, their big maxi Embiid, Paul George, Edgecomb is a strong top four. And then U. Grimes, Drummond, I mean, that's the end. But the problem thing is this. I think I said eight. It's seven. That's the end of their rotation. They are going to play seven guys and one of them's Andre Drummond. And so, you know, he has a, you know, limited utility. So they are those guys. The only bright side for Philly is this was such a laugher. They didn't have to put real minutes on their guys and they, you know, they can just get ready for game two. But that top four for Philly can go toe to toe with anyone's top four if they're healthy. Paul George is playing the best basketball he's played in a couple years. Maxi is a legit superstar. Embiid was unreal in the Celtics series. And Edgecomb talk, by the way, talk about a top four of a draft. Cooper, Dylan Harper, Edgecomb con knipple. Like all those guys look like future, if not already stars. So I'm not, I am not going to overreact to game one. But if you're a Knicks fan, I do think that right now you are feeling as good as you have felt about your team. Well, you. You know what? Let me I don't want to you. Probably the best Knicks fans have felt about their team in the last 20 years was after they beat Boston in round two last year. But this is because you thought you were going to beat the Pacers and go to the finals. This is creeping up on that. And listen, and you should. All right, Damanze, let's go to the Lakers and OKC and other Lakers stuff.

[Damanze]

Chances are if you had Houston over Lakers, you probably have OKC over Lakers. JJ Redick called them one of the greatest teams ever. To make things worse, it sounds like they're going to be without Luca, at least in the early part of the series. What chance are you giving LeBron and the Lakers to go up against the Thunder?

[Nick]

Listen, if Luka doesn't come back in short order, they can't. They, they. It would be one of the most stunning upsets in the history of the NBA if they were to do this. They looked like. It looked like it'd be a stunning upset if they had Luca. I mean, they got annihilated by the Thunder every time they played them this year. I mean, LeBron is. The Lakers are 15 and a half point dogs tonight. It's the biggest underdog LeBron's ever been in the history of not just playoff history in his whole career. So I'll talk more about this series in a moment, but I do want to spend a few minutes here. And a reminder, everybody, by the way, like Rate subscribe review. I guess we have a poll in the chat, couple of them. Who will win the West? Thunder 46%, Timberwolves 34%, Lakers 10%, Spurs 10%. That feels, listen, that feels a little low on the Spurs. I'll be totally honest with you, even though I like the Timberl chances in this round. And who will win the East? The Knicks with a resounding 71%, Sixers 14%. And then Pistons, Cavs, the forgotten series 10 and 5% respectively. But yeah, it helps out. You like Rate subscribe review, so please do that. So I want to talk a little Lakers, Rockets and I want to tell you guys something that I haven't, I haven't told anybody. I haven't. Well, I haven't said it on this and I haven't said it on the air. So last week when I kept saying there is simply no chance that LeBron allows what could be the final. Any playoff series LeBron plays could be the final playoff series of his career. And I said there is simply no chance that LeBron allows what might be his Final time in the playoffs to end with the first ever blown 3o lead. And I really made it as simple as that. I gave no equivocation. I gave no. But if it happens, keep in mind they were huge dogs. Or, you know, had they just not stolen game three and they were only up two one, no one would have killed him for it. I really put all the chips in that part of the table. It's not happening. LeBron won't allow it. And I had folks reach out to me. Not folks, not like folks close to LeBron, not like LeBron's people, but just athletes that are LeBron fans and colleagues saying, Nick, I can't believe you are butchering this strategically. I can't believe you are setting yourself and by proxy LeBron up that if they were to do. You are saying it's impossible. You are basically saying it would be a huge blemish on the resume. You are giving real ammo to the folks that if the Lakers blow this, will use that to try to disqualify him from any goat discussions. They'll bring this up, you know, first and foremost or in short order. And my response across the board was I don't care that I am, because it's impossible that it happens. And that is the part that made game six so fun to watch was it was a little reminder that Even at age 41 in year 23, unless he is up against a truly great team, LeBron is still one of the only athletes in the world who can say not today, maybe tomorrow, but not fucking today. And for him to put up 28, 7 and 8 while controlling every aspect of the game, being the defensive coordinator essentially. And The Rockets score 78 points. And LeBron is in such control and such a flow state of the series that he led both teams in points. Both teams and assists. And he is right now by a mile leading all playoff players in memeable on court moments. Whether it's telling Shin Goon, everyone's allowed to complain about flopping, but you, not you. Whether it's the moment with the kid or what, all of it. He just. Whether the clip of right before he got these series flipping steal and then three to tie it in game three, telling his teammates, lock the fuck in. I'm locked in. You are. I know it sounds corny. I don't care. You are watching the last moments of all time greatness from the greatest athlete to ever live. You want to argue about who the greatest NBA player is? It's a dumb argument. People won't believe it was an argument. In 30 years, people will think it's laughable that we this was such a hot button issue, but go ahead and argue it. It's not argue about who the greatest athlete is. This guy's still as fast as anybody on the court, as strong as anybody on the court, and has more athletic stamina than just about anybody on the court. Oh, but Nick, he's wearing down. Oh, the games every other day now. Who looked more tired, him or Shingoon? Tell me who looked more locked in him or with respect? And I like the player Jabari Smith Jr. Who couldn't stop talking about how much better his team was, always looks tired. Well, he's not supposed to. And I'm going to say one other thing here to Monze about that series. I'm really bummed Lucas hurt and I do think the Lakers at full strength could have been interesting. But I always say I owe the audience honesty and so I will give them honesty. Watching that Lakers Rocket series, I did find myself a little grateful that we got to see at least one more time because I don't know where LeBron's playing next year. I don't know what the circumstances will be. And at 41 years old in year 23, anything can happen injury wise where you don't play again. And I found myself so grateful that for one more playoff series, we got to see Alpha LeBron. It's my team, it's my show. I will dictate every possession and it's win or lose, it's going to flow through me. Because if it wasn't for the Austin and certainly the Luca injuries, what we would have seen this playoff run and maybe it would have been a longer run and maybe it would have been cooler in a different way to see him take on, you know, really embrace that Swiss army knife role. It would have been that way over qualified third option like LeBron, which was cool to watch and I give him credit for accepting it. But seeing one more series where it was all, all run everything on offense. Guys, follow me. Something we've been watching in the playoffs for nearly a quarter century now. Just as a sports fan was absolutely sick and I loved it. And I, you know, there are little moments where. The. What does Wendy always say? Gosh darn it. Brian Windhorst has a great line. It's not action speak louder than words, but it's a, it's a better line. It's one that I heard from him, but it means the same thing. It means actions speak louder than words. Um, and there are little actions over words is what he says. Like teams can say, players can say things, but then see what they actually do. And just like folks can, you know, try to convince themselves, oh, Jordan's not worried about LeBron. Jordan's not worried about this. That we all know that Jordan agreed to the them making the last dance the day of the Cavs championship parade in 2016. It's like, yeah, there's a little something there. I also get a little warm and fuzzy. I'm not gonna lie over the fact that this playoff run and LeBron throwing alley oops to his son and hitting series ending essentially threes, has been the thing where Skip just couldn't take it anymore. He's like, fuck that, I'm back on TV Friday. Me and Steve like me. Like, you know what, you know what, what's that after game two, game two of Thunder Lakers, LeBron's going to be down two zero. Somebody get me to Bristol. I gotta do it. It's so funny. It's so good. I mean, and watching, watching these folks when they thought the Lakers had no chat shot in round one, you know, saying, oh yeah, if LeBron does that, then finally maybe I'll consider him the goat. And then while he was doing it then being like, actually change of heart, not that impressive. The Rockets are just a travesty. And then another change of heart when they thought he might lose the series. Like, you know What? New lean LeBron must win. And if he doesn't, disqualified. And then when he does win it. All right, how about this? That was more about Kevin Durant and the Rockets and whatever. Go beat the Thunder. Let's see, let's see you go beat the Thunder, big fella. It's just so, and, and then, and then as an added bonus, when asked for some. Okay, well, let's just say somehow they do beat the Thunder. The response is no. Even then, still not the goat. It's, I, I, it's inconceivable.

[Damanze]

This one would be impeachable. You can't.

[Nick]

Unimpeachable. But yeah. Oh, okay, you know what? Could you say, no, this is impossible. I don't want to call it impossible, but it would be, this would be in line with anything he's ever done in his career. Not just any non championship, any championship as far as the impressiveness of it.

[Damanze]

But yeah, this would be, would this be greater than the 31 comeback to the Warriors?

[Nick]

It was, it would be in line with. Would be. I mean, just because the Thunder are such a Great team. And Luke is not there. Now, listen, this is the. The Lakers path, if they have one, is winning tonight. Winning tonight, and then Luca being back by Game 4. To me, those are both prerequisites to anything that there is a bit of. The Lakers are rested, but not, you know, but they. They played Friday. The Thunder haven't played in a week. That, you know, they may be. It's. That would be the. The path. But Luca doesn't look like he's anywhere close to being back. If I were the minister of Spanish medicine, I'd be considering suing Luca for how. How much he's hurt our country's reputation. Everybody thought he was going over there to just, you know, be quick back. Instead, Austin Reeves stayed local. He's playing Anthony Edwards. We watched his knee go backwards. He just hung out. He's playing bad. Look. And so I'm just. I think that this is probably. It's probably okay seeing five. That's probably what it is. But I'm excited to see how LeBron attacks tonight, and I'm excited to see how JJ. This is a great JJ Redick moment as well. Like, hey, you are outmanned and outgunned, bro. Let's see how it goes. All right. You ever notice how everything keeps going up? Rents going up, streaming services going up? Your favorite burrito spot suddenly thinks salsa should cost extra. Not with Boost Mobile. With Boost Mobile, you and your phone bill don't have to play the Will this go up soon? Game. Why? Because Boost Mobile has unlimited talk, text, and data plan at a price that'll never go up. In fact, to the same price you'll pay for life. So switch now for unlimited wireless at a price that'll never go up. Only at boost mobile, after 30 gigs, customers may experience slower speeds. And customers will pay $25 per month as long as they remain active on the Boost Unlimited plan. All right, Damanze, I'm going to toss to you here your actual team, my adopted team for the year, the Boston Celtics.

[Damanze]

Yep.

[Nick]

They blew a 31 lead.

[Damanze]

Yeah.

[Nick]

Your thoughts on how it happened, why it happened, and who, if anyone, you're most angry with?

[Damanze]

I guess it would just. Most angry with. It would have to be Missoula, I imagine, because it's like, we got to change up the game plan. Maybe not the lineup. Just change up what it is that we're doing. The players. It's a little frustrating, too. Cause, I mean, you could have just go to the bucket. 3:1 to Philly is bad, but with the full team that they have the 76ers. I think it's. It's. I'm not sick about it. It's going to force them to change something. They got to make some changes. I think the system will change up. We'll come back next year. But Jaylen Brown, I'm just going to go ahead and get to like that. Hey, man, I don't know about that guy and I don't know if I want him to be on the Celtics moving forward. It just like, no offense, dude, but you just say too much stuff and it's like, what are you talking about? How was this year possibly your favorite year? You guys won the finals a couple years ago and your running mate was recovering from his torn Achilles. How could this possibly be your favorite year? But yeah, I think that something needs to change and I think that we get some stuff for Jalen Brown. I don't know how the contracts and all that stuff works. Like I said before.

[Nick]

Well, I'll tell you. I'll tell you one. A trade that. Let me just tell you a very, very simple one that I said on TV yesterday. No picks, no extra players, one for one. Tell me if you'd be interested. Jalen Brown for Giannis. Oh, what? What?

[Damanze]

Yes, straight up.

[Nick]

That's what I think. That'd be awesome. Okay.

[Damanze]

Okay.

[Nick]

All right. I mean, that's the. So here's another. Another trade that for the Celtics effectively works the exact same because there's a possibility that the Bucks are like, yeah, we don't. We're actually not trying to, you know, be mediocre. We need to bottom out and rebuild.

[Damanze]

Yep.

[Nick]

Jalen Brown to Atlanta, who I think would. He would be a perfect fit there and they'd be really good.

[Damanze]

Yeah.

[Nick]

Atlanta sins Dyson, Daniels, Reshay, a bunch of picks to Milwaukee, including Atlanta, controls Milwaukee's pick next year. So Milwaukee gets their own pick back, which is valuable. And then Giannis to Boston. That to me is a really interesting setup. And I. So I want to talk about all of this for a minute. We'll do Brown, then we'll do Missoula, then we'll do Tatum. I. Jalen Brown is like such an interesting NBA character because he is an incredibly bright guy. He is an incredibly thoughtful guy. The off court causes that he cares about I think are hugely important. And I think he does really, like impactful, smart things. I think all of that's true. I also think he says some of the goofiest stuff I've ever heard. Like in that stream, he talked about how it's just very clear to him the NBA has an agenda out to get him personally with the push offs because he's criticized the refs in the past like that obviously there's not a big conspiracy against Jaylen Brown. Um, so I thought that was weird. I thought the decision to do that Twitch stream with those dudes just standing silently behind you for a lot of it all wearing collection characters like, like, I mean, just who are they? One of them's like a Celtics Twitter guy. That was. That was odd. And your point about him saying it was his favorite year ever, all year long, he really leaned into how much fun he was having. It felt like maybe he was leaning into it a touch too much, given the circumstances.

[Damanze]

Yeah, it's like, dude, the guy tore his a key. Like, what's going on, man?

[Nick]

So, like, even if deep down you did feel like, you know what? I knew I could be the number one option. Even if deep down he's like, man, I'm better than Tatum. I was here first. I've sacrificed for such a smart guy. You've got to know, don't say that. Don't do that. Like the.

[Damanze]

It kind of seems like. It seems like he wants out. Like he. He might want some change himself.

[Nick]

Want his own team. Yeah, I think it's absolutely on the board. I think it is absolutely on the board. He wants his own team. And by the way, that I wouldn't. I wouldn't blame him for that. Like, some days, like, I'm, you know, I've made all the money. I'm going to keep making the money. I've won a championship. I've won a finals mvp. Like, I'd like to go try to, but it's just. I think the way he's handled it is odd. I also don't. I don't think he is quite as good as he thinks he is. Does that make sense? Like, I think he is. Again, don't put this. Don't do one of like our list things on Twitter here. Cause I'm really doing this top of my head. But if I were like ranking players in the league, you have your big five foreign guys in Shay, Jokic, Luka, Wimby, Giannis that are the five best guys. And then again, not the order, but Ant, Tatum, I think Cade, Brunson, Maxi, you know, are in that next group mix. And then after that is when I would start to consider Jalen Brown in the staff embiid, LeBron.

[Damanze]

Yeah. I was about to say, is he better than Stephen Curry right Now just I.

[Nick]

And it's tough like, but in that Kawhi, in that mix of guys, so, you know, somewhere from 11th to 17th or something, again, a great player. I'm saying you might be able to trade him straight up for Giannis. But I, you know, he said he's the best two way player in the league other than Wimby, and I think that's too much. I think that's too much. I just don't think that's true.

[Damanze]

That on the stream. Yeah, I didn't hear that part.

[Nick]

No, he said that back in January.

[Damanze]

Oh, okay.

[Nick]

Yeah, I think he said I'm the best two way human being, which was because he was calling Wimby an alien. And so I, So there's that. Now I want to do Missoula because there's two pieces. First one's this. There is simply no, no explanation whatsoever for starting Ron Harper Jr. And I'm not picking on him, but starting him in game seven of a series, he started a lineup that had played zero minutes together all year. That's bizarre, especially to Monza. One could argue there might not have been a team in NBA history that should have been more prepared for a game seven without their best player than this year's Celtics, who played the whole damn year without their best player. They had plenty of reps of not having the best guy. And then the stylistic three is worth more than two stuff. I, I just. If you are running the Celtics, you do have to ask yourself, are we doing our team a disservice by adding this much variance to how we play in the playoffs? Because this team had been living in the conference finals. 2017 conference finals, 2018 conference finals, 2020 conference finals, 2021 or 2022, pardon me, NBA finals, 2023 conference finals, 2024 conference finals. And last year they lose in round two. This year they lose in round one. Under Missoula, they have a championship where they kicked everyone's ass and they deserve huge, huge credit for it. They also have hit the first year under Missoula, struggle in round one with Atlanta, are down 32 in round two to Philly and then lose the conference finals to an eight seed where they're down 3 0. Last year shockingly upset by the Knicks after leading games one and two by 20 points each and never stopping shooting threes. And now this year blowing a 31 lead. That's on the resume. And so that part has to be, I think, looked at. And then I want to say the Tatum piece. So, so I'm very fond of Jason Tatum. And I have found myself particularly with how he has handled this injury and the vulnerability he has shown in being totally transparent about the process and all of that to be incredibly endearing and very unique. And I have found myself really, really rooting for him. It's probably one of the reasons I picked Cells win the title was I thought it would be an unbelievable story, and I obviously thought they could during that game seven Demons A. I realized while I was watching it, even though I had bet Boston to win the championship, I had picked them. I was kind of rooting for Philly because I didn't. Once I heard Tatum's other calf was sore, I got very nervous on his behalf. Yeah, that something truly catastrophic was going to happen if the Celtics advanced that he would, you know, be back in the playoffs. It's the other leg. And then it. That to me was confirmed somewhat when he said afterwards, he's like, yeah, one leg is only 80% as big as the other and all of that. And so I do think there is, if you're a Celtics fan, a, you know, again, that Cormac McCarthy quote that I bring up all the time. Never underestimate the awful luck that your bad luck saved you from. It feels like bad luck that, oh, my God, Tatum misses game seven, Pritchard misses that open corner three, we blow it, and our season's over. Maybe it's not. Maybe now getting your best player and your franchise player five months to get to true full strength and get all the way back to where he is

[Damanze]

is seeing what that play style gets you like, I don't know. Yeah, they're bound to do something different, I imagine.

[Nick]

I. I would. I think that's right. And I also. And here's one other critique of Missoula. I didn't, you know, I didn't visually clock the difference in the look on Tatum's, you know, size of his legs, but obviously the Celtics knew every step of the way where he was rehab wise and he was playing great. But if, you know, he's his, like, he's literally not far enough along to where his, you know, his leg has regained its full size. The fact that since April 1, he's fifth in the NBA in minutes per game, it's pretty wild. And that he was playing 40 minute games, you know, that they didn't ease him in more. To me, it was stunning how good he was and how close to 100% he looked, but that was probably a mistake as well. All right, Damanze, let's talk about some of the teams that lost and what their paths are.

[Damanze]

Yeah. So these teams got some big decisions to make after their first round exits. So my Celtics have the problems that we just discussed with keeping the Jalen Brown, Jason Tatum together. Shams has reported that Jokic is the only untouchable player in Denver. Houston has a Kevin Durant decision to make and Orlando obviously just fired their head coach. Who do you think should blow it up and who should run it back?

[Nick]

All right, Orlando. They played the single worst half of basketball I've ever seen. The 4 for 37 in a closeout game. I also think that they are just, you know, they're going to run it back with a new head coach and hope guys evolve offensively, that Franz gets healthy, that Paolo, who's good, gets a little better. So Orlando is just going to run it back with a new head coach. I think Boston's going to make major changes and I. To your point, what we were just discussing, I think a Jalen Brown trade is very on the board. Houston cannot run it back and I don't know what they do because here is the tricky thing. Who is like, you know, what sounds fun, you know what I want to do? Take my ride on the Kevin Durant roller coaster.

[Damanze]

Yeah.

[Nick]

Still a great player and a player I like, but the fact that he is just so unhappy everywhere and it does create a bit of a toxic work environment. I don't know who's going to convince themselves we can change him. And so if he doesn't have huge trade value, then do you just punt on the young guys and flip Shingoon and go do that? I don't know. I'm sure they will consider trading for Giannis, but I just, I. And maybe Giannis is such a good leader that would, you know, that would be enough. And KD can take on maybe his ultimate role, which is the most overqualified number two of all time. And that's where he's been his best. But I think they're in a tricky spot and Denver might be in the trickiest because they had a seven year championship window and they only came close the one time they won it. 2020, they're in the conference finals. They are not, but they're the windows open with the Lakers, you know, kill him in that series. 21, playoffs, Jamal Murray blows his ACL, so that playoffs is dead and 22 is dead. 23, you win the title. 24, you. You probably should have defended your title. And the Timberwolves absolutely stun you. At a home game seven, 2025, you're not as good as the Thunder in 2026. You go out sad and so they need to retool it. They'll also I bet de Monze call I, I bet there is a Jamal Murray Jalen Brown discussion, but I don't think the Celtics take that. Yeah, I don't think this the I,

[Damanze]

I don't, I don't want that necessarily. I honestly but I, I wouldn't hate it just off the fact that I don't think Jaylen Brown wants to play on the team. So it's like whoever we get over

[Nick]

there, it's like I'll take it as long as right. As long there's a but I just don't think Jalen Brown I do think is he's certainly more available and he's more, you know, as far as injury wise. But I think the Sorry, Daniel. I think the Nuggets are in a very precarious spot. They have the best player in the world, but they're in a very precarious spot. All right, the oh, they're reminding me so. Oh, the Hard Rock has got the Laker odds Lakers Thunder and a Gentleman Sweep is plus 210. I will not be betting against the Lakers guys. I, I, I can tell you what I think is going to happen and I will be rooting like hell every single night to be wrong. And so I appreciate that. I mean that is again, if I was a soulless better that was just try like that's probably the direction I would take on it. But no. All right, so tonight we've got Cavs Pistons very interested in if both of these teams look more like their regular season selves than their playoff selves because neither of these teams has looked inspiring this postseason. And then Lakers Thunder where you see if LeBron can pull off a miracle. Austin did look a little more spry in that game six, which is something to watch for. All right, great job, Dean. Great. Thank you so much to Hard Rock Bet and to boost. Thank you so much to Blue Duck and Volume. I got to go do Coward show. Also, by the way, not to promote other podcasts on this podcast, but I'm on Simmons tonight and so that'll be all that'll be on tomorrow morning. And I am again, I don't know if Bill's listening or watching right now. It's early out west, but I am going to demand that he reconvenes the the Ringer 100 and makes them keep voting until they have Lebron ahead of all the old guys who are not still playing in the playoffs. Seeing LeBron behind Durant, Kawhi, and Steph all year long. Enough is enough. I'm going to demand Bill fix that so you guys can check that out tomorrow morning. All right, talk to you guys later. What's right?

[Damanze]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.