 Run it up, they run it back, yeah. Run it up, they run it back, run it back, run it back. Oh, happy Monday morning, and we are actually back in Los Angeles. Again, this is a run it back. I believe Chandler is somewhere in the desert, enjoying Coachella at this point. So luckily, Evan Turner is here to help us out. Eddie on the end, Sean's over here, and we have a lot. This is the greatest time of the year. We will start with the games that happened yesterday because they're very fresh in our minds, and some of them were more upsetting than others. And Eddie knows what I'm talking about. But we'll start with Clippers' sons. Eduardo was at that one, so we're going to get full scoop on that. But the Clippers, with a big win, 1-15, 1-10, Westbrook made the defensive play of the game in the final second season. It's not all about shooting. Kawhi, 38, 5, and 5. Russell Westbrook for the year and the season, even the last two seasons he's had, as far as all the chirping that he's had to hear, how would you describe his performance? Unbelievable. I think he said it himself. It's all heart, super tenacious. I think he had the best three-for-19 game history, but he came down, hit two big free throws, and stopped one of the best scorers in the league with some big plays and big defensive stops and offense and rebound. And his energy was there, his focus was there. And he made it all about the team, especially considering Paul George is down. Yeah, I mean, I know he shot 3-19. I thought he had an incredible game. I thought he was great defensively. He's exactly what the Clippers needed when they were looking for a point guard at the trade deadline. They needed a guy who could make sure Kawhi got the ball in his spots, who could get everybody involved otherwise, and he could kind of set the tone with things. He did that all night. I know he shot 3-19. I know he shot especially terrible in the first half, but he made two big plays in the game, huge offensive rebound, gets the two big free throws, and then obviously the big stop. Like, he was great. Like, he was the difference in the game. Yesterday is crazy as it sounds for somebody who missed 16 jumpers, but is that bad? That's Russ. Is it bad to miss 16 jumpers? So he missed those shots, but to me, his aggressiveness, and it's so, I mean, everyone around the team kind of exudes it. It's so tenacious the way he plays. And when you compare it to the way the Suns, I think, the energy that they brought, like that last call on Devon Booker, I thought that was a foul, to be honest. I thought he got ready to cross on him. We might have to play it back. But the fact that, like the Clippers might have gotten that call just because of the aggressiveness that they played with, and you saw Chris Paul late in the game, he was frustrated. It looked like he was exchanging words with Tori Craig, because Tori Craig on the other one was going, you know, underneath screens on Kauai Leonard. Clearly Kauai Leonard was not having problems with anyone, including Tori Craig. So I think just the aggressiveness was not there for the Suns last night. I want to get to Kauai really quickly though, because Eddie, you had said, we were talking before the show that you hadn't seen him live in quite some time. What did you think? I mean, he's such a physical force, and they tried everybody on him. They played 11 guys last night, in part because they played three centers, and in part because they needed to see who could guard Kauai. The answer was nobody. Even Kevin did a good, he did a decent job, and he picked up four fouls all on Kauai, trying to sort that out. He almost had 40 points, and it felt like he could have way more. It felt like he started slow. But he's just such a physical specimen, his arms are gigantic, his hips are crazy wide, everybody bounces off of him. That's such a weird description. It's while watching him in person that he was so physically dominant, and he's not the center. He's not even a particularly gigantic forward as far as height, but nobody could do anything with him, and it controlled the game. Him and Russ and their tenacity on that end of the court, it controlled the game, and like Sam said, the Suns just didn't have that energy or that physical, they didn't have that to them, and it made a difference. Three offensive rebounds to finish the game, that's how you lose the game. And no PG, which I think all the talking heads were like, well, I don't know if they have a shot. I mean, the fact that they didn't have him and they get the win, this is a problem. No, definitely a problem. Obviously you're missing on the top, 20 players in the league, and you're going up against a team that's down, it should be on their wits end, and they step up and really come through and win a tough game on the road. And in a playoff situation, you always talk about trying to steal one on the road, and they definitely got those. And you know, with that type of confidence, with Tyron Luke. Oh, would you say about confidence? I'm sorry, Evan, I was blinded by the extreme confidence that we're seeing right now. Right, and it started there, that was the foundation, basically. Goodness gracious. He looks good, he looks great. He played amazing, so he deserved it. Shout out Eric Gordon though, like they go and get Eric Gordon at the trade deadline, and I think it went under the radar by a lot of people. But last night, I think with 19 points, you can depend on him to shoot the ball at a high level, he can score, he can play make. And this is a guy that's starting now, because Paul George is out, he's gonna be out the rest of the series most likely. So going out and making that trade, moving Luke Canard, who clearly has been in and out of Tyron Luke's dog house at different points as far as playing, but Eric Gordon is a guy that everyone around Luke can trust, including Tylu. All right, we gotta talk about it. Phoenix, a lot of people thought they were the favorites to come out of the West. This is obviously, it's just one game and the playoffs are awesome, but what can they change? What do they have to change moving forward? I mean, Kevin needs to shoot more. Devin Booker needs to shoot more. Write that down. You're going down with, I understand the theory of the CP3 and DeAndre Aitin pick and roll with those guys on the wings creating space. I get it, but when you watch CP misfuse those shots, yo, maybe get back to your guys, maybe get back to your 55, 40, 90 guy, maybe get back to Devin Booker, one of the best buckets in the league. I was confused. And I think the same thing with the rotation, the fact that they had to play three centers to figure out what they could do on that end of the court with that. There was a lot of strange decision-making. You go down the stretch with Josh Akogi, you feel like he played really well. Even if he has him up and down games, then you start with Tori Craig because you feel like he's the option on Kawhi. Kawhi lights him up anyway. Doesn't really matter. It's, you know, I watched the team and the Clippers who kept it simple and knew exactly what they wanted to do. They only played nine guys and that was Bones needed some minutes in the first half, and they went down with Russ in the second half. And then I watched what the Suns do. They just look spastic. They look like they're making it too complicated. Playoff basketball is simple. You've been there. Sometimes it turns into like, you can't guard this guy and we can't guard that guy and we're just gonna see. And this looks like one of those series. The Clippers are there already. You guys can't guard Kawhi, whatever you're gonna do, whatever. The Suns are still waiting to get there and it's time. Simplify it. You're down 1-0, you had home court and you lost it already. It's as simple as, it's not about the X's and O's, it's about the Jimmy's and Joe's. What? Hold on. I was just saying, in this situation, your Jimmy is Katie and your Joe is Devin Booker. You know, they're about to earn that money to be honest and that's what they're doing over there with the Clippers. They're going straight heavy Kawhi Leonard. He's earning his money. You know, I don't want to talk about how he's in and out of the lineups and he's preserving himself load management. I know. But then these are the moments. Michelle, he's turned it on. Second half of the season, you know, they eased him into the year. Big time. Brilliant. Second half of the year, he's been a beast. Now he needs playoffs. I mean, he was the best player on the floor last night. For sure. Well, he was always the one guy, I think, whether you like load management or not, and I think most of us don't, but Kawhi Leonard is a hired mercenary of basketball. Like we've seen him do this. They literally did this in 2018-19 with Toronto. They win the championship. I remember, midway through the year, there was a lot of complaining even around people around Toronto about, you know, one day we don't, you know, we don't know if he's in the lineup. Because you also change playing styles when he's not in line. Right. Depending on other guys stepping up. And then you look at it, you get close to the playoffs and that Toronto team wins the NBA championship. I know, I'll never forget that. On that last day, they're like, oh, it was a good idea. Yeah, so, you know, you can always look back on it, high sign 2020, but you're right. Whatever, what is it? Hired mercenary. He's a mercenary. I love that word. 74% win percentage in elite. Come on. I mean, He's the only one allowed to do it. One-of-one. He's a one-of-one. Yeah, one-of-one. Air or two, so bank on that. Can I say this? In the fourth quarter, Kevin and Kawhi guarded each other. I love it. We need that. We need that, we need that. I love when they just do that. And they switched it up, they mixed it up late in the quarter, but they started at fourth quarter, following each other, scoring on each other. This is why we come to watch the game. Yeah, because the shots of them, first of all, the crappiest part about all of this is that one of them doesn't go past the first round. Like I do hate that the scheduling lined up in such a way. We should be getting them further down the road. And I will complain about it. This next one I thought was a combination of my airplane candy and the four glasses of wine that I'd had, but it wasn't, you guys. Lakers beat the Grizzlies very easily actually. 128-112, Hachimura with 29, Austin Reeves. Who even are you with the 23 AD, 22, I'm done questioning Austin Reeves, except for this next one. Is he him as he wanted to tell us all? No, I think so. I definitely think he is. I mean, what do you have? He had 12 or 13 points in the fourth corner. He scored nine straight, he had some pretty big shots, when he had seven points on the stretch. Seven on the run, first one. I mean, that's huge. On the road, you know, especially, we always talk about playing with LeBron, but imagine going back into that locker room and taking shots you weren't supposed to do. Day on the stretch and then looking at Brian. Like, he's gonna throw the gun in your lap. LeBron was literally watching Austin Reeves. I can't remember though, maybe Kyrie Irving. Anthony Davis at different points. But not on the wing, you know, as a wing player. That was the dover. Yeah. My God, flashback, thank you. Literally standing and you're just watching a guy go ISO or pick and roll and Austin Reeves, I mean, he clearly did that. And LeBron gave him the ball, multiple plays down and Austin Reeves made plays. Evan, you played against, this is who Austin Reeves reminded me of. He's not as big, but Gordon Hayward, the way he plays, how shifty is, his jump shot reminds me just like his. He's able to get, you know, into the pain and despots. You might not be able to, that's just who he reminds me. He's like the six foot four or five Gordon Hayward. I think Austin Reeves got some more. More dog, right? More dog and more umph to him than Gordon. Feels like it. It seems like he was on the west side of Arkansas. West side of Fayette kicking it. I think Gordon, I think that butler background definitely fair as well, but Gordon definitely a crazy talent. But to step up in this situation on a road, doing all the flex and everything. We need that ET. Buddy's raised up man. Shout out to Austin. He's gonna be so rich. He's gonna be so, so rich when this is all said and done. So the I'm him moment. He did talk about that a little bit after the game. Here he is. You know, it's a lot of emotions. You know, you dream about being, you know, on a stage like this, you know, this, you know, the best basketball players in the world is the playoffs. And you know, I got hot late and, you know, have fun. All right, Sean, tell me, tell everybody what you just told me. He's him, but when I spoke to Austin Reeves a couple weeks ago, you know what he told me? He's like, I'll go places and they won't even know that I'm an NBA player. They might think I'm a baseball player. They might think I'm a golfer. They might think I'm a regular civilian who just happens to be, you know, whatever he has six foot three, six foot four. So shout out Austin Reeves. This is, this is a come up that we talked about. He was getting body wash for his teammates in training camp two years ago, a year and a half ago really. And now he's starting an NBA playoff games, winning games for the Lakers. Oh, it's, it's over AR. They're going to know who you are when you go into RBs or wherever. But think about it. If he's at a bar hitting on a girl and he's like, I play in the league. She's like, no way. There's no way I'm playing the league. I went to two Lakers games last year, last week at crypto and that staple. I'd love when you do that. He's the absolute most popular player on that team. And that's a team with LeBron James. When they announced him, they went crazy. When he got the inbound, they went crazy. He got an and one that, that's his city right now. And, and he's earned it. At the end of the day, he's earned it. That was an incredible performance yesterday. And yeah, you, you feel like you're him when you do all that. Him. I'm him. And once he gets paid, the new age was at Beverly Hill, Billy. Yeah. Where's he going to go? Like, he won't be a Laker to get paid that much, right? He's going to have to leave. You think so? Man, that's going to be tough. Which sucks for him. That's going to be tough. Okay, this is a crazy question, perhaps maybe a little while ago, but I'm going to ask it, Evan, because nowadays LeBron, a dear Reeves in this moment in time. Oh man. That's more. I'm trying to. Right now. Come on. I mean, just, you're only scheduled your last game. I'm going with Reeves. Yeah. Right now, even LeBron said, LeBron said he knew it from day one, and you know how LeBron is with his predictions. Yeah, yeah. Never wrong. And then, and I'm always honest. Always. And then also, too, he said, give him the ball right back. So I see that occurring. I see that working a lot. And I'm with it, I'm with it, man. I'm with it, I'm with it, I'm with it. So this is my own personal worst nightmare. I thought, oh man, if the Lakers make it into the playoffs, and if the Lakers figure out how to beat the Grizzlies, like this, anything could happen. And we're, we're getting there. Osrins did it to you, Miss. I know. Osrins, I hate you. But Eddie, are they, are they contenders? Is this a possibility? Well, you mentioned earlier, one of the sons and clippers is going to knock each other off. One of the kings and warriors is going to knock each other off. That is their matchup if they win this series. And then Denver will talk about it look great yesterday, and they have a favorable matchup obviously. But I mean, it's kind of lining up for them. I hate the Warriors matchup for them, but if they're getting going, LeBron played bad yesterday in my eyes. Like he couldn't hit a shot. He definitely was really passive. He had a ton of just ugly passes. I'm shocking on their five turnovers, felt like he had way more. Anthony Davis was okay. He was pretty good defensive. Obviously had the injury and dealt with that. They had Rui score 29 points. They had Austin Reeves take them home down the stretch. Also that little final 90 seconds where they had like four leakouts in a row and just kept dunking it. Usually a team might turn the corner and kill some clock. They're like, no, we don't like the Grizzlies. We're going to keep dunking. We don't care. There's something to this Lakers team. There is. They just have a good energy about them and they defend. And that's what you need in the playoffs. You got to defend. And you get guys like this contributing late when it matters most. So are they consenders? Yes. Do I think they make it? Do they run the whole way? I don't think so, but there have been crazier things. I was going to say, the league office is in on this. I mean, I think we all agree that there's something going on. I'm just kidding. I'm the only one who thinks that. But John Morant, the big story as well, got injured. Any news on that? So Masha, I'm told he will be re-evaluated today. They're going to see just how bad that hand injury is. He did say it's not a wrist injury. It's a hand injury. But he said his game two stars is very much in jeopardy. He's not sure if he's going to play. And that looked nasty. I mean, his fingers literally all went back. And just imagine doing that just normally. Now just imagine doing it when you're full speed, going down. All your body pressure landing. So it doesn't look good for John Morant right now. And I don't know if this team survives without him. I don't know if they survive with him against these Lakers. It's funny because during the regular season, they had a lot, obviously, they had a lot of games without him. And they did OK. But this just feels like a different animal, right? Evan, when I do that, you know, when the ball hits you and it pops your finger, I'm out for like two weeks. Oh, well, you can't. You guys are different. I don't know how he's going to make it back for this. I don't know what they're about to do for him or anything, but I just hope a speedy recovery. You hate when a team loses, they go through the whole offseason blaming injuries. I don't think if the Lakers beat the Memphis, this is an injury argument more so than it is. They're inevitable. So, you know, I kind of want to see both teams full stream. Yeah. You know, go about it. I agree. It was that moment, too. For the last two seasons, we talked about Jaumarant's style of play. That play is what everyone was always afraid of, like, so athletic. And then we see that happen. There's another upset yesterday. OK, goes in for layups like this, and I have no comment. I mean, he's been going reckless abandon his whole career. He's had injury after injury. It's unfortunate. But that's what makes him so great. But there's also a curse to that as well. That is, that's the fear. Lot of combo yesterday saying, should we get rid of block charge? And, you know, it's plays like that. It's plays like the honest play. I don't know. I don't know what you do. If you can't, as a defender, like actually get in people's way, you're just giving up dunks at that point. And they already put in defensive three and a key. And we're already scoring 187 points per game. But can we get 200, Evan? We want 200. I mean, that's what the fans want, right? Vivek Manadeva believes we'll be scoring 200 points soon, so. Yeah, the customer is always right. Custom is always right. Speaking of Yanis, heat and bucks, that was a big upset as well. Miami winning that one. But we lose Tyler Hero with the hand. We lose Yanis. Jimmy Butler had a great day. Middleton as well. But Shoms, the biggest story, of course, is Yanis. Yeah, so I'm told there is optimism about his availability for game two. It's believed to be a pain tolerance issue that he's gotten his lower back. And the team wanted to play it safe. He came out. He landed real hard on his back. Then he tried to come back into the game. And he just felt discomfort. He didn't look like himself. Couldn't even really walk like himself. So they took him to the back. X-rays were negative. I expected him to be reevaluated again today. But this is something that even if he plays in game two, I'm told this is going to be something he's going to be battling, along with he's got a ligament issue in his wrist as well, from what I'm told. So he's got a couple of these little nagging injuries that are going to play a part potentially. But right now, Yanis, there is hope and optimism. He'll be good. That he is fine moving forward. OK, so here it's the one in the eight. Miami should be exhausted, right? So you'd like to think that the Bucks could lose Yanis, at least for part of a game, and still win this one. How worrisome is this for Milwaukee? I think it's pretty worrisome, considering the fact that what level Jimmy Butler's playing at right now. We talked about Kawhi Leonard and what he did yesterday, and how he controlled the game. Besides, it seemed like the heat scored literally every time I think Jimmy's pace, his poise, and everything really controlled the narrative of the game. And it really hit the Bucks in the mouth, even though Chris Middleton had some big moments. But anytime you see a dominant Jimmy Butler in attack mode in the Miami Heat and Coach Spoltzer, they've been there before. They know how to win big games and come from behind. So it's a culture over there. And I'm definitely concerned. But I think if Drew Howdy gets going, they'll be fine. There were a couple of upsets, I think, during the playoffs, at least this weekend, Eddie. Do you think this was the biggest one? Did this one shock you the most? Yeah, I mean, it's the one versus the eight. It's a series that we all pretty much assume was academic at this point. Like a sweep. And even with the injuries, it was a tight game. You just kind of figured the Bucks talent went out. Then Tyler Hero goes down. But like Evan said, Jimmy Butler just, you know, he's a man on a mission. It matters now, I guess. And he's playing like it matters. And you know, another game where the physicality that they played with mattered and just changed things. And you don't expect that from the Bucks. And the way Yanis rolled on the ground, he's not typically the guy who does that. He usually absorbs his contact. And you know, he complains to the refs. But he's not doing all that. You could tell that was something that's going to hurt. And that's going to linger. Like, we've all been there. Woke up on the wrong side of the bed, back is tight. We don't have to go score 35 points and get 15 rebounds against a defense like that. So it's going to be interesting going forward. They got the split. If they can get the 2-0 lead heading home, you know, Miami will believe the hype. Wow. They will believe the hype. Great. I can't wait to hear the word culture in the next scene. Oh, my goodness. It's my favorite thing to hear over and over again. And Tyler Hero, as they mentioned, with the broken hand, I'm assuming we don't see him again. Yeah, he's going to be out, I mean, probably for the duration of this post-season, as what Eric Spolster alluded to last night. But it's crazy. He dives on the floor, breaks his hand, and then he stays in the game. You can tell he's clearly bending over, right? Like, he's down. Like, he was ready to just fall onto the floor, collapse. But he kept playing. They didn't even call a timeout or foul or anything. And then he takes a shot with a broken hand. Shout out, Tyler Hero, for trying to gut it out. Shout out, Eric Spolster, because, you know, I believe he had a timeout left, and he just did not. Played through it, but it's cool. It's cool. We'll get you out the halftime. And it's like, yo, that would have been a perfect time to, like, regroup, get somebody in the game spot. What do you do? And he just let them wing it. And yeah, got a nice, almost air ball for his troubles. I mean, look, Evan, we're going from Milwaukee will probably sweep this series. And this will be one of the more boring series to watch to, all right. I mean, without Tyler Hero, though, Miami, can they still pull off some sort of an upset here? I think this is where you call in Duncan Robinson. See what he can do. But right now, obviously, like I said, you hate the word culture. I think Miami plays at a great pace, and they always try to set a tone. And they thrive in these moments of being underdogs, like Aristotle said. We're like the Navy sails, drop us anywhere, and we'll go compete. And I think right now, if they keep playing on a high level defensively and continue to control the pace, Miami has a good as chance as anybody to win. Lowest scoring team in the league. Didn't even average 110 points a game, which is absurd in today's NBA. Highest scoring team of the game, ones of the playoffs so far. And that's against the Bucks and their vaunted defense. They shot 60% from three. They shot 60% for the floor. Like, I don't know if you can replicate that again, but if they defend, if Jimmy's there, they have a chance, especially if Giannis misses a few games. It's getting dicey over there right now. Playoff, Jimmy, is just funny to me, because we've talked about him in every different way you could talk about a player. He's trying. He's not trying. He told us he's not going to try until it matters. And then we get this sort of old-school version of Jimmy. I mean, Bucks fans, on top of the Giannis injury, have to be just bummed today, Eddie. Like, bummed, because this is the worst-case scenario. Yeah, I mean, look, you play all year to have the best record in the league to get home court, and you give it up in 48 minutes. So, yeah, you've got to be bummed, and your star may be out. And Chris Middleton, he played great, but there's some worries about his knee and how healthy he is. And it could go that quick. And we talked about the East all year and how competitive it is. And we might end up second round with the Bucks, if not the Bucks. But I mean, yeah, but to defend, remember before it all started break when Giannis was down and how crazy drew how they went at the average, close to 30. You know, they were able to go on a run, even when people thought they were going to drop. Don't forget how battle tested they are. And, you know, they're still pretty deep as well. You know, you have a lot of guys that were on the team and won the championship a couple of years ago. And I think of anything, you know, if desperate times cause for desperate measures. And I think Drew will show some grit. He's going to have to. Believe it or not, I just feel like they're disrespected in more ways than one. The Denver Nuggets played last night. It started at like 1 AM. But it did happen, playing the Wolves. And it was a complete and total route. Jokic 13, Murray 24, MPJ had 18. The big three combining for 55 points. If they keep playing like that, Evan. And look, they've been given not a lot of credit, I think. And people don't expect big things, although given how everything turned out this week. And who knows, are they the team to beat now? Now, when's the second round over? Because that's, uh... That's it? That's the stealing? Yeah, I think so. So I think a little bit after Cinco de Mayo, you guys should be, uh... Wow. Can't come to the game. Yesterday was unbelievable. You have to give credit to, you know, to how they defended home court. I think they had a great, you know, team win. I mean, to really show, you know, foreshadow what they're doing to play off. So, I mean, this is a great way to set the tone. They didn't play with their food. You know, they took out, you know, a tire, you know, a Minnesota Timber Wolves team right away. And, like they said, I think Shaq and them talked about it a lot. They abused the Twin Towers, you know, match-up as well. So I think they'll be fine in this situation. I just don't wipe them long-term. That moved at Yoke Cat. Oh. You know, when he was shuntin' the body, he did this weird spin move. Oh, yes. It looked like a child, but it wasn't a travel. Yeah. It was way cleaner than all the Kawaii spin travels. It just looks so awkwardly athletic. I'm so happy you brought that up. My guy on Instagram who does like the crazy travels, this is a travel or not, he needs to tell me that Kawaii traveled on that little step-through move because I'm just- You need to let it go, Eddie. I'm not it. You need to let it go. I'm not three-point game. I'm not letting it go. He did it twice. He did it twice. He knows the rules better than me or something. I don't know. But going to this game, Yoke has only scored 13 points and they obliterated them. He only scored 13 and he still scored more than Carl Anthony Towns. So I'm disappointed in my Timberwolves who I've kind of adopted because I love Anthony Edwards. Hold up. You hate Rudy Gobert. How are you- But I love Anthony Edwards. My love for Anthony Edwards is that strong. That's real strong. Rudy Gobert. Rudy Gobert, look. Eight points last night, got some rebounds. I guess it didn't matter the center line-up. The nuggets came out swinging. And this is what you expect from a 1-8 match-up. Yeah. That's what you're supposed to do, Miami. I don't know what the heck you were thinking. I'm with Evan. They'll be tested in round two. They'll be tested if they make it to round three. Then we'll find out about them. They're supposed to win this series, absolutely. No Nazarene. No Jerry McDaniels. If they have those guys, then I'm talking a little crazy. But they don't. We'll get to the fact that they scored 80 points, which is not great. But Barkley mentioned the fact that this was a 10-30 Eastern start time. Like I said, we're on the West Coast. And even I was like, there's another game? This is weird. Does it matter to the players at all? Like, when these games start, is there an effect? No, I don't think so in regards to playoffs. But in regards to a Christmas game, maybe, or every now and then, no disrespect to them. But like, you get the NBA TV playoff game, you're like, damn. I thought this was the big lead. Right, for the one seed. That's weird. But no, it's kind of crazy. But you got to handle business. And I think the number one thing as players is taking care of that first game and saying to Tom. Eddie, 80 points for the Wolves. Is this a sweep? These guys have had a long week playing two-playing games that played an absolute thriller versus the Lakers. And yeah, I mean, I don't know. It's a late-night game. You got to be ready. It's the playoffs. I feel like the morning game. And me, the anti-morning playoff. Oh, I see the opposite. 100 times noon, 11 AM start. Disagree. I've had guys, I've heard guys complain about that. And you just get this random noon game in the middle of the season. It's like, yo, what did they do this to us for? That's the way worse than this. They got to chill. They got to relax all day, get your nappy. See, I'm a morning person. So now I'm tired by the time this game starts. I feel like it just depends. Matt, if you're playing, I remember we came from Portland. We did a Martin Luther King game in DC. We come from Portland. The game's at 12. So that means it's 9 o'clock at the time. We had to wake up at 7 for the minute. It was 4 AM our time. We didn't wake up to the 4th quarter. I think we were down like 100 to like 48. So that matters to players because you're literally prepping and trying to adjust your body to something that's way different, you know what I mean? At least for the morning game. I guess it's like coming out here. We're not used to waking up at 4.30 AM. You are? Yay! How about Kyle Anderson, though? He's picking, you know, he had a little skirmish with Tristan Braun. Is it him? Is he the guy that's like the problem? Did we know this about him? I never heard him talk. I'm not mad because for the middle of the pack players, you got to kind of have this type of energy, especially come kind of at any time. Love that. For leadership and everything, just to get that little extra couple of dollars because besides the kiddies and everything. Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's what I'm saying. Besides Katie and everything, some of these governors don't know the difference between you and the water boy. You know what I mean? How rude. That's what I'm saying. That's so rude. It could be worse. Yeah, I never really heard him speak in San Antonio. I'm shocked at everyone. You're bringing a lot of, you know, a lot of intensity. Jersey guy. He's spicy. And living in Jersey for a few years, I get it. I get it. He could be that guy. It makes sense. Taking a quick break here, there was a lot that went on on Saturday as well, including America's favorite team, sending a message to the defending champs. Like the beam! Yeah! Oh my God, Miriam Webster, what are you doing? That's insane. That's awesome. Oh, we are back. I love this. This is such a good moment. They did it on television. Darren Fox having a heck of a playoff breakout moment. Warriors Kings. That building was, if I could have been anywhere else, other than where I was, I would have chosen to be in Sacramento for this game. They beat the defending champs and they do it with just in an absolute team effort. Here's some point totals. Darren Fox with 38. Malik Monk had 32. Steph, he put in his 30. Clay put in his 21. But Shoms, you were there. Talk to me. Amazing environment to be in. I was sitting right behind the scorers table. Probably the closest I've ever sat for games. Best seats. You can see everything that's going on on both benches. You can see what guys are saying to each other on the scorers table. Like it's just the best place to watch a game and really take everything in. And I mean, for Sacramento to win that game, I thought there was a moment in the third quarter where the Warriors had control of it. I thought they were gonna, like, all right, the Warriors have arrived. You know, Sacramento got off to a good start, then the Warriors take the lead, they start to establish themselves and I thought it was gonna go the Warriors way. And then the way Sacramento came back, I thought spoke a lot about them and their character and their feistiness. And Darren Fox, I mean, every time they needed a bucket, he would just go off. But one thing I will say, you know, being around the Warriors in the post game, I think they felt pretty good. I think they feel good about their champs going into game two. It was an interestingly optimistic, positive group to be a part of after a playoff loss. So we'll see how that bodes. But I don't know if the Warriors gonna let Malik Monk, you know, do what he did in game one. You know, cause if he does, yeah, Sacramento is gonna win this series. Yeah, I agree with you. Right now, in regards to the Warriors mindset and disposition, this is a battle-tester group, so much experience. They've been through this so many times. I think, you know, we forget, you know, how crazy the atmosphere is, but you know, how numb they are to these big moments. These are like, you know, modern-day Beatles. So I think they're gonna bounce back, stay locked in. I think some of the great players are gonna step up. Steph Curry's gonna come back, get away in clay times, knows what to do. Draymond Green, and I think one thing about keeping, you know, Malik Monk under control is being able to deliver the first blow and set the tone. I think that's one thing they're definitely gonna do. I mean, they've been given, you know, I mean, the Warriors have basically been told you're going to win the series, right? So they have to sound positive. Yeah, I mean, and I think they are confident in themselves. You know, I've watched both fan bases argue over who played worse over the course of the game, and I think they both put each other in issues. They both created problems for each other. I think the modest opponents just could not get his offensive game off. He was a struggle defensively as well. And I think the Warriors struggle to get into the paint. The Warriors struggle to find good shots. The Warriors struggle to just keep up with his pace, which actually surprised me. The Kings played fast from the moment the game started. They fed off the energy of that crowd, and I thought like, yo, this will play into the Warriors. And then the third quarter, like Sam's mentioned, it looked like it might, they were up 10. It looked like they had a game in hand. Steph comes out, quick little run by the Kings, and then next thing you know, it's a three point game. So I think both teams could improve, but they can be better. They're both gonna be confident, obviously. But look, the Warriors get the split. They go home to Chase Center, and they feel good. And they've been here before. They've been down in the finals in one. They were down in the finals last year in one. They're not gonna be bothered by the Sacramento Kings. Now, should they? Right. Maybe. If that crowd was insane. If that crowd was insane. That crowd was insane. If that crowd was insane. You thought you were getting at least one in Sacramento. You go down 0-2, going back home. That's a lot of pressure in game three. Not with 30. Yeah. Steph's query has seen a lot. You got my man, Andre with $1. Back there has seen a lot. Shout out. Shout out. Shout out. Andre. I forgot your bias. I forgot. But I've seen it. I was there when they were down 1-2 in Boston. I'm looking at Andre like, yo, these young dudes just outscored the Warriors. I've never seen that. Do you think y'all can come back? And he's like, bro, we're gonna win this series in five. So after doubting them. Breaking news. I know, right? I'm like, okay. Yeah, I would never doubt anything else. And I was sitting there in Boston like, bro, this is over. Like, this is done. What do you say about this series, though? I mean, he's not worried at all. I need more specifics. I mean, he's confident. They've been here before. Like, I literally texted him and said, I'm not going to ask if you're worried because last year I literally harped on how it was over. And you're like, no, we're going to win. Oh, we need a prediction. Six games, five games. Like, what are we thinking here? For the sake of my love for Kevin Herter and the 01 Kings, I will say, this will go, let's just say, Six or seven, six. Let's go six. I mean, that's awesome. I mean, it's off the roll. Let's say seven. It's only an hour and a half. Let's say seven. I like that. I'll take seven. I like that. I like that. One time? At this point, I'm rooting for a game seven in that building. And shout out to my hometown. They showed up the photos and videos from before and afterwards outside. They call it DoCo, the area that they're in. Looked amazing. And, you know, I wondered, yo, this is only an hour and a half away from the bay. Could they be infiltrated a little bit? I've seen a lot of people selling their tickets. I thought maybe. So it was, to me, some fans thought it was more 80-20. To me, it felt like 95-5. Really? I thought it was all set. That makes me happy. And they kicked the 40 out. So now it's like 96. That's the part I get to think about. We didn't care for that. It's 96-4 now. All right, so if it goes game seven, game seven on you, you're going to get us tickets, get us room and board, everything. Wow, who man boards? You're going, yeah. I bought my tickets for game four. I don't ask. That should never have happened. That's crazy. Well, I mean, I got a good price. I could make a call. I could talk to some people. I like that. I'm like the E40 thing, I'm glad. So this is that, right? And if you don't know who E40 is, we'll shame on you. But also, have you ever watched a Warriors game? This is him getting kicked out. Shums, what do we know? So E40 gave me a statement yesterday morning where he basically said that he felt like there was racial bias that was behind him getting thrown out of this game. He cited a female that was sitting. Of course. That was behind him. That was, from what I'm told, basically chirping at him, all game to sit down. He was standing up a lot during the game. And this lady was yelling at him pretty much for most of the game to sit down. And at one point, obviously, security got involved. Wanted him to sit down. And he said no or? Eventually asked, well, there's conflicting things. OK. E40's camp says that they were never warned about sitting down. Otherwise, we'll throw you out of the game. King's security says that we informed him. We warned him that he needs to sit down. He's been standing up too much. And he refused to. And that's why we throw him out of the game. And I think it's very much in question whether E40 will show up to today's game. Wow. That's terrible. That's all. He's at every single game. Every single Warriors. Every single one. Road game. He went to the White House with them. He was courtside at the All-Star game. That's good. He's a pretty big fixture in Bay Area courts. Theoretically, just by an entire section of front row. Or theoretically, it's just a basketball game. If I just went to the White House two months ago, I'm sorry, Bob, that's the head of security. I'm walking through the door, OK? And then I'm using my courtside privilege to stand. Thank you. Because those seats don't fit E40's hips, my guy. And they're a jeep. Where is this thrown at? He'll shout it. And why does it got to be a woman always? Yeah, always. Why? Shout out to Sons for having the E40 contact. That's my favorite thing. I'm thoroughly impressed. Of all the things he has to keep track of and everything. He's like, I also had to go talk to E40. Make sure I get a little scoop on that. I love that. And he's being reported by Sons at big time. That's crazy. I hope he's there today. But I'll be bummed if he's not. We've got to get one of these. All right, there we go. There we go. Oh, I'm doing this. I'm not cool enough. OK, that was one of the great ones. This was also another great one. Nick's calves stealing a game one. I mean, if you think that way. Cleveland, 101.97. The bench for the Knicks was incredible. It was their road playoff win since 2013. Brunson and Hart. That's really all I'm going to say. Brunson and Hart, they're back at full strength. Evan, talk to me. You like them in the series? I love them in the series. I'm a big Jalen Brunson fan. I think he's so talented, such a great skill. A player, one of the best guards in the league. And when you add that up with the momentum that the New York Knicks have been having and what they've been waiting for for the past few, few years, I'm all for the Knicks doing this momentum and killing it. Yeah, I watched this game. And I'm like, oh, it makes way more sense now. The calves don't have the shooters they need to have. And the Knicks do. And it jumped out. When you have Josh Hart coming off the bench and being that good a complimentary wing, and then you watch just the calf spacing just completely be gobbled up by those two bigs. What did you call them earlier, 14 feet of length? I heard somebody say 14 feet of waist or something. But that wasn't me. You lose the rebounding battle. You lose the points in the paint battle. You shouldn't do that when you're playing those two guys. Mitchell Robinson made them both look small. Isaiah Hartstein had his moments. Josh Hart had like five offensive rebounds. This looks like it might just be a bad matchup for the calves. I hate to be game one over reaction guy. They were a great team all season long. But yo, I don't like defensive analytics always bother me. This is the casual far and away the best defensive team analytically throughout the entire season. I watch the Knicks get all the shots they want. All game. I watch Jalen Brunson say, you tried four guys on me so far. None of them can guard me. You bring out your big guy. I'm hitting a three on him. I watch them get those guys in space and create. I watch them get layups over and over. Shout out to defensive analytics. But I don't believe it because of stuff just like this. Yeah, and they set the pace. They set the tone. The guys came out right away, smacked them in the mouth. And you got to give Julius Randall his credit too. He had a great first half as well. He's playing huge. Back from ankle injury. Ankle injury. He hasn't played in, I think, two weeks, three weeks, and comes back. And then big time performance. So good about my Knicks pick here, mind the lie. And only thing that can be better is if Derek Rose got in. Shout out Chicago. Shout out Chicago. By the way, and I know today is not the day. But one day we're just going to talk about the fact that Derek Rose has been on that bench all season. It's just crazy to see him there in uniform. Not in street clothes. In uniform. I know it's killing tips. It can't be. It's killing Derek. It's killing tips. It hurts me. I'm like, how are you going to do pool like that? Kind of crazy to me. But look, game two, is it a must win for Cleveland? Has to be. Absolutely. Otherwise you go back, 0-2. Go back to the garden. I'm curious what Dom Mitchell, big offensive game, of course, him and Deris Garland need to find a flow. Because I think when Deris Garland has the ball in his hands as well, he's able to be dynamic. The other guys involved. Dom Mitchell, amazing score. But you know you're going to get a lot of scoring. Deris Garland, I think, does a good job getting everyone involved and getting everyone points. So again, that's part of the learning process. The first playoff series that Deris Garland's been under. Evan Mobley's been under. And now doing this together, I think it's definitely going to be a learning process, at least initially. The 1-0 shot attempts in the second half for Deris Garland. So yeah. That's crazy. That can't happen. And I. Thanks for that. And he was 7 for 12. He was pretty efficient in the first half as well. And I know Mitch went crazy in the fourth quarter. And he's Donovan Mitchell. He's done this time and time again. But we have to find more for him. And Evan Mobley, everybody loves Evan Mobley. I love Evan Mobley. But this is not Kevin Garnett 2.0. This is not Tim Duncan 2.0. Thank you. He had a dunk to start the game. And then he went 3 of 12 for the rest of the night. And it just looked bad. You don't see big guys just flip and attempt laps like that and miss that badly all that often. It was tough. He's not a rookie anymore. I know he's a young guy, but first playoff series. Not the greatest shot. They need Deris Garland to get going in the game too. Yeah, I think so. I think Deris Garland, he kind of took a step back like he did when Colin Sexton was playing. He played off the ball strictly. And it's like Deris Garland. We need you on the ball. Yeah, we need you on the ball. That's why you all start again. Coach Shoms, we're going to need you on the ball. Absolutely. And you know, for the sake of my second career. And given Dynaven enough space and a little bit of rest off the ball, but different looks. Dynaven's tenacious. He had it going and everything. But you're not going to beat this team just head up one-on-one. This is another series, by the way, that I hate that one of these teams is going home. Because I like both of them, yeah. I feel like only. What? Is it wrong that I love everyone? I just feel like the garden is just lit. Oh, no. Last year they had a parade for a home split. Oh, I can't wait. OK, yeah. I plan on being in the garden for at least a game, if you think people. That's what I'm saying. Because it's, you know, it's fun. We're going to take a quick break, but last week we had a moment between Mr. Spencer Denwoodie and guess what? Kyle Kuzma. Got to run it back. When we come back. Wow, he looks cool right there. Twitter from earlier this year, you and Kyle Kuzma had a little back. Actually, what do you mean a back and forth? He sort of came at you and you said they're not trying to play winning basketball. He responds on Twitter. The funny thing is they don't play winning basketball. But you didn't do anything else on Twitter. Do you have a response now that it's been some time? Man, didn't I just say I was petty? Yeah, I know. Yes, please. So here's the thing, right? And obviously I spent some time in DC with Kuz. What's that thing? Dreymont just said we said insecurity is loud. I wanted to respond. You know, my agent told me to stand down that we had, you know, bigger fish to fry things to do, get to the playoffs, et cetera, et cetera. But you know, now I'm not in that environment. I'm in the playoffs. He's not. And you know, to address the social light, right? Like there's a lot of guys in NBA that really poured their heart and soul into basketball are willing to do whatever it takes to win. There are a lot of guys that have different things that drive them and motivate them. I think if we look at him and the way he approaches life, fame, all that stuff that we can see that, you know, his priorities tend to vary, right? Like that's why he dressed the way he does. He, you know, approached basketball the way he does, the comments he makes. I love the villain beard stroke while he's roasting him. But of course, in perfect, perfect fashion, Kuzma responds with a multi-tweet thread to everything that he saw. And I mean, he had some funny stuff too. Because, and by the way, thanks for the shout out. We actually need a lot of pub because I want people to know we're here. But yeah, he said he's usually unbothered. I don't know about that. He keeps going on and on. I know you saw it, Evan. Your take on what transpired between these two. I thought it was pretty entertaining. I thought it was funny. You know, you see two guys go back and forth and, you know, as clever as it is. I thought it was fun. I thought it was great for the NBA community. You know, only poke I have of it is, you know, I respect, you know, Kuz, you know, NBA champion. You know, he always gets a lot of flock. But he stepped up and developed this game a lot. And, you know, I've been a big Spencer Dinwiddie fan. I just hate when I'm not saying in the middle of the pack guys go back and forth. But I think, you know, sometimes we need to support each other a little bit more as a part. No, stop it. The fox catching you. By the way, Rick Fox gets shrapneling this one. And then he threw in the honorable Rick Fox. The honorable? I got to say, though, the Rick Fox thing, I think what Spencer Dinwiddie was trying to say is that no one, when you think about those Lakers team, no one says, oh, you know, Rick Fox led this team to a champion. I think that's the same way, you know, you look at that 1920 Lakers team, you know, about did Kuz lead that team? Yeah, but still, Rick Fox is the same somewhere. We got caught in this. He's been handsome, and then he's got to deal with this. No, of course. No, of course, when you sit there as well, we've been in league for, you know, multiple years. I think as a player and as a winner and everything, you can't, we're downplaying the championship. And I think, like, when it comes down to it, if anything, Dinwiddie keep a G. Like, it's a championship. Like, I know disrespect to Dinwiddie, but like... You got to have people. It's hard to make it out the first round. Like, he's an NBA champion. Let's leave it at that. He did his thing. Everybody's about to kill it. Let's rock. Hashtag nice to meet you. Nice touch by Rick Fox. I had to sit there and wonder, who do I think is the better player right now between Spence and Kyle Kuzma? And like, look, if Kuz got to run a spread pick and roll with Michael Bridges and Cam Thomas all day, Cam Johnson all day, he might be able to drop 18 and eight as well. Like, I don't, you know, I love that it happened on Run It Back. Heck yeah. Tell your friends. You know, love a good NBA beef. Can't complain. And also, stop with this. Can we all get along? Nobody wants that ever. No, no, nobody. No, we live for these moments. Quick break time. We come back, a very fast preview of the two games we have upon us this evening. Let's go and run it back, Rick Fox. Run it up, run it back, run it up, run it back, run it up, run it back. We got a game tonight, Sixers Nets. Nets were blown out in game one. 21-3's by the Sixers from eight different players. Any shot for Brooklyn? Ah. That's it, that's it. When they play like this, I don't see any real shot. You know, I think right now, James Harnes' life then, you had a lot of great, you know, great help from everybody from all over. These guys are playing at a high level. Brooklyn's still trying to figure it out, but I just think this team is just too dominant. Yeah, eight different players hit threes. I mean, the three-point differential was the game. The Nets are gonna scrap, they're gonna fight. There's only so much you can do when the team's hitting 23's and you can't match that. So, I don't know, it's gonna be tough. I give them a chance at game three at home, but besides that. So don't even bother watching, and I got it, okay? The good thing about the Nets is that the Sixers had, I think, all-time, like, franchise record in three-pointers may. So maybe it's just a hot game. And also, the other thing is, you could tell Brooklyn has a pretty, like, very specific game plan. Double-team Joellen beat every time he has the basketball, whether it's at the three-point line, mid-post. He's getting double-team all-game. So, we'll see how we fare. My favorite assessment from some talking head. Oh, Embiid is large, thank you. Warriors, Kings, that's also happening tonight. Shoms, what do you think about Wiggins in his first game back? Would you give it? I thought he was amazing. I mean, I assume maybe he might start tonight. I don't have any information there. But he played really well. He looks like he's in great shape, which is great news for the Warriors. I thought he was tired late, but they also went to him on Deere and Fox. I'm with you, I think he starts, and I think he starts on Deere and Fox. Like, let's just get these guys out of here before they get too hot at the Warriors tonight, but they made me look crazy the other night, too. Crazy's a good word. Now, I got the Warriors as well. I think Wiggins will be fine. I think he's gonna come back, you know, to defend at a high level, but I think, like I said, Warriors are so experienced and they have a bigger picture in mind. I'm taking the Kings. Am I the only one? You might be, Michelle. You guys are so disrespectful to America's team, and it's starting to really bum me out. I think Sacramento, they're on. Like, you gotta win the games at home. That crowd, I've never, I haven't seen anything like that in such a long time. The pre-game festivities outside with, like, Usher's dancing, and come on. Poor Doris Dirk, Doris Burke, we could not hear her in there. No, it's audio issues. And she's incredible, and I'm sorry, but that crowd was insane. It was so loud. I'm so jealous that you were there. That was the one. So much fun. We will be back tomorrow. That's the exciting news. The more exciting news is that we will have a special guest coming to us live from Australia. That's right, Oklahoma City Thunder star, Josh Giddy. Triple double machine. God, he got home fast, didn't he? He was on a plane the day after the game. All right. First thing, smoking going home. We'll see you guys tomorrow. Enjoy the games.