The volume. No, Oh my god, how could he do that?

The volume. No, Oh my god, how could he do that?

Watch what Charles Darwin?

Watch what Charles Darwin?

The nerves is where it's at. Welcome everybody back into Nerd Sash. As always, I'm Carson brev and alongside me is Logan Camden, and you already know the drill. We have two amazing playoff basketball games to talk about today, because playoff basketball is just amazing, Logan. We have the Indiana Pacers closing out the Calves to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Super fun game that we will talk about, but of course we have to start with one of the best basketball games I've ever seen. And I don't think of that as any hyperbole, any exaggeration, Like I love both the Nuggets and the Thunder. I love watching them both play, so maybe it's a little heightened for me, but good god, that was just peak hoops man, And specifically, it's one of the best clutch battles between two absolute forces that I've ever seen. Sga creates fifteen straight points for the Thunder down the stretch. Jokic scores eleven straight points for the Nuggets, but it ends up being the Thunder who pulled through on the back of that collective clutch performance, led of course by SGA. They have to come back for the second consecutive game, not from a big deficit, but nevertheless from a deficit in the fourth quarter, winning in the clutch where they couldn't in games one and three earlier in this series. What do you have to say about this thunder win, Logan.

The nerves is where it's at. Welcome everybody back into Nerd Sash. As always, I'm Carson brev and alongside me is Logan Camden, and you already know the drill. We have two amazing playoff basketball games to talk about today, because playoff basketball is just amazing, Logan. We have the Indiana Pacers closing out the Calves to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Super fun game that we will talk about, but of course we have to start with one of the best basketball games I've ever seen. And I don't think of that as any hyperbole, any exaggeration, Like I love both the Nuggets and the Thunder. I love watching them both play, so maybe it's a little heightened for me, but good god, that was just peak hoops man, And specifically, it's one of the best clutch battles between two absolute forces that I've ever seen. Sga creates fifteen straight points for the Thunder down the stretch. Jokic scores eleven straight points for the Nuggets, but it ends up being the Thunder who pulled through on the back of that collective clutch performance, led of course by SGA. They have to come back for the second consecutive game, not from a big deficit, but nevertheless from a deficit in the fourth quarter, winning in the clutch where they couldn't in games one and three earlier in this series. What do you have to say about this thunder win, Logan.

I mean, it really is down to the clutch execution. For me, that's where I think this game was decided. I didn't like some of the defense and some of the easy shots that the Nuggets allowed Oklahoma City to get to late Lou Dort walks into some pretty open threes. He also just got hot in Denver. Could not create offense down the stretch. I mean they completely stalled out. Wow, not Yoki.

I mean, it really is down to the clutch execution. For me, that's where I think this game was decided. I didn't like some of the defense and some of the easy shots that the Nuggets allowed Oklahoma City to get to late Lou Dort walks into some pretty open threes. He also just got hot in Denver. Could not create offense down the stretch. I mean they completely stalled out. Wow, not Yoki.

They had one guy who was scoring every time just because he's a god.

They had one guy who was scoring every time just because he's a god.

I'm just saying everybody else like, and they had a really long like streak in this game without a make in the fourth quarter. Like, they just they couldn't generate anything, And so I thought it was their inability to generate offense, and then I thought they just conceded some open looks. Jalen Williams gets a wide open corner three late in this game, and Sga comes through big and hits that mid range and won. So I thought okay See executed better down the stretch, and it was Denver's inability, I think, around Jokic to get any offense out of those guys. Man, this was a horrendous Michael Porter junior game. This was a really bad RUSS game too. I mean, there are just some really ugly, nasty moments in this one. And the two biggest boxes got checked for Denver in this game. Man, you gotta have a great Yolkic game normally, right, And they had been winning without Yokic having these great games, but when he gives you this, you expect to win. And then I thought Jamal had some big shots in the fourth quarter, and I thought he almost did enough. I thought it was a good Jamal game, and normally when you check both of those boxes, you're gonna win. But I thought Oklahoma City just executed better in the fourth quarter and Denver's offense stalled out for a little bit and okay See found open looks. Man. I also thought the Denver's defense, like I said, could have been better in the fourth too. I thought they allowed them to get some easy looks and they're creating advantages. This team just it's they're really hard to defend too, like Hardenstein gets an alley oop, like you're just out of rotation sometimes with this team. But okay, see finally executed better down the stretch, man. I it's so crazy watching Denver lose a game when Yokic plays like this. Man, I mean, the fading shot at the top of the key late in the shot clock, like that is a ridiculous shot to hit when the stakes are that high. And he's doing everything in this game, man, draining threes, hitting floaters, getting everything to go. It's amazing that Oklahoma City wins a game like this when Jokic plays like the best player on the planet. I thought Jokic was the best player in the in the game, but okay, so he executed better down the stretch.

I'm just saying everybody else like, and they had a really long like streak in this game without a make in the fourth quarter. Like, they just they couldn't generate anything, And so I thought it was their inability to generate offense, and then I thought they just conceded some open looks. Jalen Williams gets a wide open corner three late in this game, and Sga comes through big and hits that mid range and won. So I thought okay See executed better down the stretch, and it was Denver's inability, I think, around Jokic to get any offense out of those guys. Man, this was a horrendous Michael Porter junior game. This was a really bad RUSS game too. I mean, there are just some really ugly, nasty moments in this one. And the two biggest boxes got checked for Denver in this game. Man, you gotta have a great Yolkic game normally, right, And they had been winning without Yokic having these great games, but when he gives you this, you expect to win. And then I thought Jamal had some big shots in the fourth quarter, and I thought he almost did enough. I thought it was a good Jamal game, and normally when you check both of those boxes, you're gonna win. But I thought Oklahoma City just executed better in the fourth quarter and Denver's offense stalled out for a little bit and okay See found open looks. Man. I also thought the Denver's defense, like I said, could have been better in the fourth too. I thought they allowed them to get some easy looks and they're creating advantages. This team just it's they're really hard to defend too, like Hardenstein gets an alley oop, like you're just out of rotation sometimes with this team. But okay, see finally executed better down the stretch, man. I it's so crazy watching Denver lose a game when Yokic plays like this. Man, I mean, the fading shot at the top of the key late in the shot clock, like that is a ridiculous shot to hit when the stakes are that high. And he's doing everything in this game, man, draining threes, hitting floaters, getting everything to go. It's amazing that Oklahoma City wins a game like this when Jokic plays like the best player on the planet. I thought Jokic was the best player in the in the game, but okay, so he executed better down the stretch.

Jogics was incredible. It's one of the best games of his career. And that is a crazy high bar. It's one of the best performances you will ever see in a loss. But down the stretch, Sga was every bit as good. Like when it came to clutch time, they were both perfect and the difference was one guy was perfect, and his teammates could also knock down the shots that he created for them, and the other guys passing out to NPJ off double teams who couldn't make a shot all night. But I thought the thunders clutch execution was phenomenal. Like, I feel like you're under selling it when you're talking about Denver's defense, which by the way, I thought was actually quite good again in this game. I've been so impressed with their defense was good throughout this series.

Jogics was incredible. It's one of the best games of his career. And that is a crazy high bar. It's one of the best performances you will ever see in a loss. But down the stretch, Sga was every bit as good. Like when it came to clutch time, they were both perfect and the difference was one guy was perfect, and his teammates could also knock down the shots that he created for them, and the other guys passing out to NPJ off double teams who couldn't make a shot all night. But I thought the thunders clutch execution was phenomenal. Like, I feel like you're under selling it when you're talking about Denver's defense, which by the way, I thought was actually quite good again in this game. I've been so impressed with their defense was good throughout this series.

Game. I was just disappointed with some of the shots they allowed them to get too late, Like I just felt like some of them were too easy.

Game. I was just disappointed with some of the shots they allowed them to get too late, Like I just felt like some of them were too easy.

What I will say is, I don't know why you go away from the zone on some of those clutch possessions. And there comes a point where, like I probably would have just been doubling Sga out right because he was so special as a s But then again, they do double Sga on the possession, or he swings to Dort, who swings to jadup and you get a wide open three. The possession that you're talking about where iHeart gets the lob from Sga, that's because he's collapsing the defense and they're helping aggressively, so like, you can't guard everything at once, man, and if Shay is gonna be as ridiculously great as a one on one score as he was down the stretch of this game where he's going at Christian Brown, he's getting into the paint, but he's also just showing you some incredible tough shot making With the shot that he makes over Jamal Murray, he does really walk into an open pull up three, but Denver's been relatively willing to concede on that because hitting.

What I will say is, I don't know why you go away from the zone on some of those clutch possessions. And there comes a point where, like I probably would have just been doubling Sga out right because he was so special as a s But then again, they do double Sga on the possession, or he swings to Dort, who swings to jadup and you get a wide open three. The possession that you're talking about where iHeart gets the lob from Sga, that's because he's collapsing the defense and they're helping aggressively, so like, you can't guard everything at once, man, and if Shay is gonna be as ridiculously great as a one on one score as he was down the stretch of this game where he's going at Christian Brown, he's getting into the paint, but he's also just showing you some incredible tough shot making With the shot that he makes over Jamal Murray, he does really walk into an open pull up three, but Denver's been relatively willing to concede on that because hitting.

That's a possession that I was mad at too. That's another one where I thought Jokic should have been high up at the level. There's a difference in that shot. It's a completely different shot than me and SGA. Step back three I'm very okay with him taking because he's fading away from the basket and it's just harder to find the touch on that shot. A walk in pull up three that's basically a mid range jumper for SGA. That's the difference. To me. I'm okay with conceding a step back three to SGA, but I'm not okay with conceding a well. Can it don't get me wrong, Maybe maybe Jokic steps up, maybe SGA just kicks it to Hartenstein because they have the smaller defender on him, and they still end up scoring on that possession. But that is a possession that I'm talking about during the end of this game where I thought Yokic should have been at the level and should have contested that. I don't want to concede a shot like that late in this game because it's a different shot that's easier for SGA in my opinion.

That's a possession that I was mad at too. That's another one where I thought Jokic should have been high up at the level. There's a difference in that shot. It's a completely different shot than me and SGA. Step back three I'm very okay with him taking because he's fading away from the basket and it's just harder to find the touch on that shot. A walk in pull up three that's basically a mid range jumper for SGA. That's the difference. To me. I'm okay with conceding a step back three to SGA, but I'm not okay with conceding a well. Can it don't get me wrong, Maybe maybe Jokic steps up, maybe SGA just kicks it to Hartenstein because they have the smaller defender on him, and they still end up scoring on that possession. But that is a possession that I'm talking about during the end of this game where I thought Yokic should have been at the level and should have contested that. I don't want to concede a shot like that late in this game because it's a different shot that's easier for SGA in my opinion.

Oh, it's absolutely different from the step back three. He has been off from deep overall, But you're right, that is a much more comfortable, in rhythm shot for him. So if there's one defensive possession to criticize from Denver, that would be the one. But overall, I just thought it was outstanding shot making an individual scoring from SGA, and then he was making all the right reads late and everybody around him was making the shots, which is just such a huge reversal from how this game started for SGA, where it felt like he was again confounded by the zone and like he's been up and down as a decision maker throughout this series. But in the first quarter he's forcing drives into pack paints, he's seeing multiple bodies, and he's turning the ball over. He's forcing some really difficult finishes. He starts this game one of six with four turnovers, and then he ends it with the performance of his postseason career. I would say down the stretch, just absolutely outstanding stuff from him. But you have to credit the collective because this is an OKAC team that at times has just looked really uncomfortable in these big spots against Denver in this series. You think about not just SGA and some questionable decision making in earlier games forcing the issue, some not being at his best, the supporting cast guys just not looking comfortable making shots off the catch. Lou Dort gives you three massive three pointers in the fourth quarter when he had been horribly off for this entire series and the entire playoffs. Like I talked about how after last game they needed to be closing with Caruso, they needed to be going with Caruso over Dort, and it was just like Lou flipped a switch where in the first half of this game, even into the third quarter, he's missing everything from three. He looks uncomfortable out there, He's got some out of control drives a couple bad turnovers, and then he just locked in and all of a sudden is so confidently, so comfortably stepping into these shots and making them a great clip, which like he should be capable of doing. This is a guy who has shot forty percent from deep in back to back seasons. He's a really good three point shooter, but he was so deep in his own head, and then at the biggest possible moment, like this season defining stretch, when you're down nine, he's the guy who steps up and is making big shots that was so massive. Jadub hits the huge three that is created for him by the SGA double down the stretch. I just can't think of a more significant way for OKC to win a basketball game, like especially within the context of them now doing this in back to back games where Denver has not just been playing them to a draw through three quarters, Denver has taken the lead, and specifically Denver has done it like in the third quarter of these last two games, we're like, oh man, are they starting to pull away? And instead it's okay, see who's sharper down the stretch. It's OKC who really executes in the clutch. We know that they can blow teams out. We know that they're capable of winning these games by twenty five points because they're just that great. The test in this series was going to be can they gut out these clutch games against Denver? And early in the series the returns were no. They fumble Game one away, they really struggle down the stretch in Game three, and in this one it just felt like they were so comfortable, they were so great, and that all starts with SGA, but it really was top to bottom for the Thunder. I just think Denver is the best possible test that they could have faced, because you're going up against the best player in the world, You're going up against the best offensive player in the world. You're going up against the offense that has been so proven in the clutch, that is so battle tested, that is made of grown ass men who have been here before, who have won the title, and you're the kids who are extremely talented, but you haven't been here before, and you have to beat them in the biggest moments to move forward. That's what they did in this one. I just think it's special stuff because as talented as they are, man, it's still not normal to do this so young, like they love the stat they would be the youngest team to win the title since the seventy seven Blazers. Teams this young don't win games this big throughout the scope of NBA history. The Thunder of the exception to that rule, and they showed that tonight.

Oh, it's absolutely different from the step back three. He has been off from deep overall, But you're right, that is a much more comfortable, in rhythm shot for him. So if there's one defensive possession to criticize from Denver, that would be the one. But overall, I just thought it was outstanding shot making an individual scoring from SGA, and then he was making all the right reads late and everybody around him was making the shots, which is just such a huge reversal from how this game started for SGA, where it felt like he was again confounded by the zone and like he's been up and down as a decision maker throughout this series. But in the first quarter he's forcing drives into pack paints, he's seeing multiple bodies, and he's turning the ball over. He's forcing some really difficult finishes. He starts this game one of six with four turnovers, and then he ends it with the performance of his postseason career. I would say down the stretch, just absolutely outstanding stuff from him. But you have to credit the collective because this is an OKAC team that at times has just looked really uncomfortable in these big spots against Denver in this series. You think about not just SGA and some questionable decision making in earlier games forcing the issue, some not being at his best, the supporting cast guys just not looking comfortable making shots off the catch. Lou Dort gives you three massive three pointers in the fourth quarter when he had been horribly off for this entire series and the entire playoffs. Like I talked about how after last game they needed to be closing with Caruso, they needed to be going with Caruso over Dort, and it was just like Lou flipped a switch where in the first half of this game, even into the third quarter, he's missing everything from three. He looks uncomfortable out there, He's got some out of control drives a couple bad turnovers, and then he just locked in and all of a sudden is so confidently, so comfortably stepping into these shots and making them a great clip, which like he should be capable of doing. This is a guy who has shot forty percent from deep in back to back seasons. He's a really good three point shooter, but he was so deep in his own head, and then at the biggest possible moment, like this season defining stretch, when you're down nine, he's the guy who steps up and is making big shots that was so massive. Jadub hits the huge three that is created for him by the SGA double down the stretch. I just can't think of a more significant way for OKC to win a basketball game, like especially within the context of them now doing this in back to back games where Denver has not just been playing them to a draw through three quarters, Denver has taken the lead, and specifically Denver has done it like in the third quarter of these last two games, we're like, oh man, are they starting to pull away? And instead it's okay, see who's sharper down the stretch. It's OKC who really executes in the clutch. We know that they can blow teams out. We know that they're capable of winning these games by twenty five points because they're just that great. The test in this series was going to be can they gut out these clutch games against Denver? And early in the series the returns were no. They fumble Game one away, they really struggle down the stretch in Game three, and in this one it just felt like they were so comfortable, they were so great, and that all starts with SGA, but it really was top to bottom for the Thunder. I just think Denver is the best possible test that they could have faced, because you're going up against the best player in the world, You're going up against the best offensive player in the world. You're going up against the offense that has been so proven in the clutch, that is so battle tested, that is made of grown ass men who have been here before, who have won the title, and you're the kids who are extremely talented, but you haven't been here before, and you have to beat them in the biggest moments to move forward. That's what they did in this one. I just think it's special stuff because as talented as they are, man, it's still not normal to do this so young, like they love the stat they would be the youngest team to win the title since the seventy seven Blazers. Teams this young don't win games this big throughout the scope of NBA history. The Thunder of the exception to that rule, and they showed that tonight.

I want to give Sga a lot of credit for doing what he did down the stretch door too early in the fourth quarter and this collective defense all game. I do think it's important to mention, like how much of this I do put on the inability of Denver supporting cast to like manufacture offense late though Jokic in the fourth quarter goes four of six, players not name Jokic go one of fifteen from the floor. It's like, I mean, literally, no one else can hit a shot. Murray goes cold, he goes one of six. He's the lone one who does end up hitting a shot. MPJ goes zero to three, and like, again, I want to give credit to the Thunder defense as well, but oh my gosh, like this was a they grind it to a halt, like players not name Jokic, like nobody else could get it going. And I think that's as big of a component of this as Okac's stepping up to the challenge. And I think they did a good job defensively too. Like again, I think that's where you also have to give credit to the thunder defense. I don't want to downplay it and just say that they didn't pull up, but Russ is completely off. I mean, oh my god, dude, his shooting my skin watching those two airballs. Man, watching MPJ not even come close, And like, I don't know why Jokic is deferring to him lay either. Dude, It's like you just hit a crazy, ridiculous contested fader. Man, just do it again.

I want to give Sga a lot of credit for doing what he did down the stretch door too early in the fourth quarter and this collective defense all game. I do think it's important to mention, like how much of this I do put on the inability of Denver supporting cast to like manufacture offense late though Jokic in the fourth quarter goes four of six, players not name Jokic go one of fifteen from the floor. It's like, I mean, literally, no one else can hit a shot. Murray goes cold, he goes one of six. He's the lone one who does end up hitting a shot. MPJ goes zero to three, and like, again, I want to give credit to the Thunder defense as well, but oh my gosh, like this was a they grind it to a halt, like players not name Jokic, like nobody else could get it going. And I think that's as big of a component of this as Okac's stepping up to the challenge. And I think they did a good job defensively too. Like again, I think that's where you also have to give credit to the thunder defense. I don't want to downplay it and just say that they didn't pull up, but Russ is completely off. I mean, oh my god, dude, his shooting my skin watching those two airballs. Man, watching MPJ not even come close, And like, I don't know why Jokic is deferring to him lay either. Dude, It's like you just hit a crazy, ridiculous contested fader. Man, just do it again.

If you're getting doubled, man, Like he's gonna make the right basketball.

If you're getting doubled, man, Like he's gonna make the right basketball.

I thought I should have passed it to Brown on that possession. Actually on the weak side, I thought he was probably the better target, just because Brown I think would have been a little bit more open. But I feel for Jokic in this game. Man, this is a legendary performance. And I don't say that lightly. Like this is a the work he was doing on the glass, on top of just the straight up score, the putbacks, the grown man, big body shit he was doing on the inside was huge in this game, and I just feel for the guy. Man. It's weird. It's balanced out a little bit though ironically, right like Jokic. They win a couple of games where Yokic isn't as good, and ironically he goes superhuman in this one and they end up losing it. But I do feel for the guy. I really thought the Denver supporting cast let them down in the fourth quarter in a big way. Man.

I thought I should have passed it to Brown on that possession. Actually on the weak side, I thought he was probably the better target, just because Brown I think would have been a little bit more open. But I feel for Jokic in this game. Man, this is a legendary performance. And I don't say that lightly. Like this is a the work he was doing on the glass, on top of just the straight up score, the putbacks, the grown man, big body shit he was doing on the inside was huge in this game, and I just feel for the guy. Man. It's weird. It's balanced out a little bit though ironically, right like Jokic. They win a couple of games where Yokic isn't as good, and ironically he goes superhuman in this one and they end up losing it. But I do feel for the guy. I really thought the Denver supporting cast let them down in the fourth quarter in a big way. Man.

It's one of the best playoff performances of Jokic's career. I think about Games four and especially Game five against Minnesota last year. That's probably still number one for me. There's some incredible performances in the title run. I mean just ridiculous stuff. He goes thirty twenty ten against the Heat, he drops fifty three on the Suns with crazy efficiency. But this is somewhere in that top five. I think it's better than what he did in Game one because as great as he was in the fourth quarter of Game one and as monstrous as his box score production was, and I want to be clear, he was fantastic in that game through three quarters, the thunder were really making him work. He wasn't super efficient from the field. He had seven turnovers in that game, Like it was more difficult. This was the first game all series where I've looked at Yokic and I've gone, He's comfortable. He's getting whatever he wants out there against the best defense in the world, the defense that has given him far more trouble over these last three playoff games than I've ever seen a defense due to him. Like he is coming off of the worst three game stretch of his playoff career, he comes out and just delivers a masterpiece. You mention the grown man dominance on the glass, I mean that was a big part of it, right, and that was an advantage that Denver had in this game that kept the minute. Despite their poor outside shooting. Jokic was rebounding his own misses. He was just consistently living on the offensive glass and scoring efficiently off putbacks, but also the three point shot, which had been super off for him in this series. He came into this game shooting twenty one percent from deep against OKC. He goes five of seven from deep, and he's doing it in every way.

It's one of the best playoff performances of Jokic's career. I think about Games four and especially Game five against Minnesota last year. That's probably still number one for me. There's some incredible performances in the title run. I mean just ridiculous stuff. He goes thirty twenty ten against the Heat, he drops fifty three on the Suns with crazy efficiency. But this is somewhere in that top five. I think it's better than what he did in Game one because as great as he was in the fourth quarter of Game one and as monstrous as his box score production was, and I want to be clear, he was fantastic in that game through three quarters, the thunder were really making him work. He wasn't super efficient from the field. He had seven turnovers in that game, Like it was more difficult. This was the first game all series where I've looked at Yokic and I've gone, He's comfortable. He's getting whatever he wants out there against the best defense in the world, the defense that has given him far more trouble over these last three playoff games than I've ever seen a defense due to him. Like he is coming off of the worst three game stretch of his playoff career, he comes out and just delivers a masterpiece. You mention the grown man dominance on the glass, I mean that was a big part of it, right, and that was an advantage that Denver had in this game that kept the minute. Despite their poor outside shooting. Jokic was rebounding his own misses. He was just consistently living on the offensive glass and scoring efficiently off putbacks, but also the three point shot, which had been super off for him in this series. He came into this game shooting twenty one percent from deep against OKC. He goes five of seven from deep, and he's doing it in every way.

Man.

Man.

He's doing it off the pop, he does it out of inverted pick and roll when they go under. He does it just with that special one of one Jokic shot making that you saw from him to tie this game up at one h three apiece. And he's also like absolutely perfect on those touch shots which had been offered him. He was shooting forty percent in the paint outside the restricted area. In this series, that number is always sixty percent for Yokics. He literally has the best paint touch we've ever seen. Those shots had been off okay, so he had done a great job of challenging them, but in this game, like the runners were automatic from him. That was special. He was just doing everything offensively at such an extremely high level and was at his absolute best in the clutch. So it is a shame the Denver doesn't come out of this game with a win, considering that Jokic was that monumentally great. But I do think that it's just such a testament to oksee. I mean, they score on every possession down the stretch, like it's incredibly difficult to beat a team when they do that. Denver had to be perfect, and Jokic was, but his teammates were not. And that's where I do agree he was absolutely let down. Now, I thought that Jamal was on his way to one of those special Jamal Murray that third quarter or third quarter, you just look at him and you're like, oh, man, he is locked in. And when he is locked in, he just needs that sliver of separation and there's really not anything you can do about it. That's what makes the Murray Yokic pick and roll so unstoppable when Jamal is at his best, Like, you can't blitz it because you're not gonna give Yokic a four on three. You're not gonna give Jokic a free floater off the rolls. So if he could just get a little bit of separation coming around that screen, he can be automatic on those pull up jumpers. And he was. But then, as you said, in the fourth quarter, he really cooled down. But at the end of the day, I mean, he is certainly not the culprit Russell Westbrook one of seven from the field. Oh of three from Deep, and let me tell you it was a bad. Oh of three from Deep. I think two of those were airballs. Christian Brown two of eight from Deep, Michael Porter Junior oh with five from Deep, Aaron Gordon one of five from Deep, Peyton Watson one of three from deep. I thought we got a lot of Peyton Watson in this game. It's a great effort places.

He's doing it off the pop, he does it out of inverted pick and roll when they go under. He does it just with that special one of one Jokic shot making that you saw from him to tie this game up at one h three apiece. And he's also like absolutely perfect on those touch shots which had been offered him. He was shooting forty percent in the paint outside the restricted area. In this series, that number is always sixty percent for Yokics. He literally has the best paint touch we've ever seen. Those shots had been off okay, so he had done a great job of challenging them, but in this game, like the runners were automatic from him. That was special. He was just doing everything offensively at such an extremely high level and was at his absolute best in the clutch. So it is a shame the Denver doesn't come out of this game with a win, considering that Jokic was that monumentally great. But I do think that it's just such a testament to oksee. I mean, they score on every possession down the stretch, like it's incredibly difficult to beat a team when they do that. Denver had to be perfect, and Jokic was, but his teammates were not. And that's where I do agree he was absolutely let down. Now, I thought that Jamal was on his way to one of those special Jamal Murray that third quarter or third quarter, you just look at him and you're like, oh, man, he is locked in. And when he is locked in, he just needs that sliver of separation and there's really not anything you can do about it. That's what makes the Murray Yokic pick and roll so unstoppable when Jamal is at his best, Like, you can't blitz it because you're not gonna give Yokic a four on three. You're not gonna give Jokic a free floater off the rolls. So if he could just get a little bit of separation coming around that screen, he can be automatic on those pull up jumpers. And he was. But then, as you said, in the fourth quarter, he really cooled down. But at the end of the day, I mean, he is certainly not the culprit Russell Westbrook one of seven from the field. Oh of three from Deep, and let me tell you it was a bad. Oh of three from Deep. I think two of those were airballs. Christian Brown two of eight from Deep, Michael Porter Junior oh with five from Deep, Aaron Gordon one of five from Deep, Peyton Watson one of three from deep. I thought we got a lot of Peyton Watson in this game. It's a great effort places.

But I really like Peyton Watson man, but.

But I really like Peyton Watson man, but.

He does a lot of good.

He does a lot of good.

It's such a he is an awesome energy guy. I would not I don't mind having Peyton Watson in the rotation. I can honestly deal with some of his offensive limitations. He is an awesome just you need guys like that on your basketball team that are just gonna come out there and play super hard and give everything they've got. I feel like Peyton Watson just leaves everything he's got on the floor, and I really admire and appreciate that in him. He's always going one hundred and ten percent.

It's such a he is an awesome energy guy. I would not I don't mind having Peyton Watson in the rotation. I can honestly deal with some of his offensive limitations. He is an awesome just you need guys like that on your basketball team that are just gonna come out there and play super hard and give everything they've got. I feel like Peyton Watson just leaves everything he's got on the floor, and I really admire and appreciate that in him. He's always going one hundred and ten percent.

He's an absolute dog, and he comes up with three offensive rebounds and two steals in this game, like he was making the effort plays. The thing is in that spot, they really needed somebody who could knock down an outside shot, and they didn't have it.

He's an absolute dog, and he comes up with three offensive rebounds and two steals in this game, like he was making the effort plays. The thing is in that spot, they really needed somebody who could knock down an outside shot, and they didn't have it.

MPJ has been and like I do feel for the guy with the shoulder injury. I mean, it's just hard dealing with injury like that, especially what any injury period is hard to deal with, but specifically the injury that mpj's dealing with where he's you know, they're saying he struggling putting his arms over his head, and that's a brutal I mean, especially when your primary value is a jump shooter. So yeah, I do feel for him, but it just sucks, man. And that is where I would be critical of of Denver's roster building in terms of just versatility and having guys to turn to, like for example, and this isn't a perfect one to one comp but this archetype like just a catch and shooter, Like you know, it would have been nice if Denver could have put in even like a Sam Merrill, right, like I'll use the calves and their depth as an example, or just like a reliable shooter man, like they just don't have.

MPJ has been and like I do feel for the guy with the shoulder injury. I mean, it's just hard dealing with injury like that, especially what any injury period is hard to deal with, but specifically the injury that mpj's dealing with where he's you know, they're saying he struggling putting his arms over his head, and that's a brutal I mean, especially when your primary value is a jump shooter. So yeah, I do feel for him, but it just sucks, man. And that is where I would be critical of of Denver's roster building in terms of just versatility and having guys to turn to, like for example, and this isn't a perfect one to one comp but this archetype like just a catch and shooter, Like you know, it would have been nice if Denver could have put in even like a Sam Merrill, right, like I'll use the calves and their depth as an example, or just like a reliable shooter man, like they just don't have.

Strather's the closest thing that's act to that. And he gets some minutes in this game, but still not a guy you want to be playing big playoff minutes, MPJ. And this sucks to say because, like you have to understand the context of the injury, but he very well. Maybe the difference between Denver being up in the series and Denver losing this series last two games, both of which have gone down to the wire. He has given you five points on two a fourteen shooting, and it's been to struggle these entire playoffs. And obviously when you have an ac joint sprain, like, yeah, it's going to really affect your shooting. But like you said, that is just so overwhelmingly where his value comes from. It is from being one of the best jump shooters on the planet at his size, such a lethal weapon, playing off of the Yokich Murray two man game and off of Jokic doubles. When he can't make those shots and he's giving you fifty one percent true shooting in these playoffs nine points per game, then all of the other issues that he has become a bigger deal and we've talked about. He's not going to be as consistently engaged defensively and on the glass. He's not a high IQ basketball player. He's out there to make shots at a special level, and he has been flat out incapable of doing that in these playoffs.

Strather's the closest thing that's act to that. And he gets some minutes in this game, but still not a guy you want to be playing big playoff minutes, MPJ. And this sucks to say because, like you have to understand the context of the injury, but he very well. Maybe the difference between Denver being up in the series and Denver losing this series last two games, both of which have gone down to the wire. He has given you five points on two a fourteen shooting, and it's been to struggle these entire playoffs. And obviously when you have an ac joint sprain, like, yeah, it's going to really affect your shooting. But like you said, that is just so overwhelmingly where his value comes from. It is from being one of the best jump shooters on the planet at his size, such a lethal weapon, playing off of the Yokich Murray two man game and off of Jokic doubles. When he can't make those shots and he's giving you fifty one percent true shooting in these playoffs nine points per game, then all of the other issues that he has become a bigger deal and we've talked about. He's not going to be as consistently engaged defensively and on the glass. He's not a high IQ basketball player. He's out there to make shots at a special level, and he has been flat out incapable of doing that in these playoffs.

And what sucks too, is when you look at Denver's lineups together, it's compounded because a lot of their players that they rely on that you know, aren't the Big four. They all have that general same archetype and same shortcomings, right, Like Brown isn't the most reliable shooter, like Gordon isn't either. I know he's forty percent this year. He's been great as a shooter, but.

And what sucks too, is when you look at Denver's lineups together, it's compounded because a lot of their players that they rely on that you know, aren't the Big four. They all have that general same archetype and same shortcomings, right, Like Brown isn't the most reliable shooter, like Gordon isn't either. I know he's forty percent this year. He's been great as a shooter, but.

I do think he's pretty damn reliable at this point.

I do think he's pretty damn reliable at this point.

Yeah, I shouldn't let him in. You're right, I shouldn't lump him in with these guys. But it's like Brown, Westbrook, Watson, and so it's.

Yeah, I shouldn't let him in. You're right, I shouldn't lump him in with these guys. But it's like Brown, Westbrook, Watson, and so it's.

True, it's not true. They've always had to play one of those guys big minutes and they're not reliable.

True, it's not true. They've always had to play one of those guys big minutes and they're not reliable.

Oh and it's just also what I was gonna say is it's just redundant too, right, it's harder playing those guys together, Like because you could go, I want Peyton Watson out there in for MPJ. But it's like, what's stopping Oklahoma City from just like clogging the lane up and throwing four guys at Jokic because you're not afraid any of those guys punishing you. So Denver's just got to address that. Man. You know, I'm not ready to write them off in this series by any means. I would never count out Jokic. I just this game really reinstilled a lot faith in me with Jokic that he can get back to this level no matter the circumstances, because it had been a disastrous series for the most part outside of Game one leading up to this. And this gives me a little bit more confidence that Denver could push this seven. And that is where I think it's gonna happen. Man, I think Denver's gonna, oh, send this the distance.

Oh and it's just also what I was gonna say is it's just redundant too, right, it's harder playing those guys together, Like because you could go, I want Peyton Watson out there in for MPJ. But it's like, what's stopping Oklahoma City from just like clogging the lane up and throwing four guys at Jokic because you're not afraid any of those guys punishing you. So Denver's just got to address that. Man. You know, I'm not ready to write them off in this series by any means. I would never count out Jokic. I just this game really reinstilled a lot faith in me with Jokic that he can get back to this level no matter the circumstances, because it had been a disastrous series for the most part outside of Game one leading up to this. And this gives me a little bit more confidence that Denver could push this seven. And that is where I think it's gonna happen. Man, I think Denver's gonna, oh, send this the distance.

I do interesting, it's hard to win in Denver. It's probably the biggest home court advantage that we have in this league. Home court advantage hasn't been a thing in these playoffs. Home teams are like basically exactly five hundred. But when you have to go play at fifty two to eighty with a very very passionate crowd, like I do think that it has more of an.

I do interesting, it's hard to win in Denver. It's probably the biggest home court advantage that we have in this league. Home court advantage hasn't been a thing in these playoffs. Home teams are like basically exactly five hundred. But when you have to go play at fifty two to eighty with a very very passionate crowd, like I do think that it has more of an.

Action shout out sorry, let's cut you off, shout out okay c's home field or home court advantage. I love the I don't know, I kind of get like a euro League or like a euro Basketball field when they all got the shirts on in the sections and they're just they're rowdy, man. I like Okac fans, man, they get they're really passionate. They're really loud. Uh, it's a it's also a hard environment to play. I want to give them credit for being loud too. Man.

Action shout out sorry, let's cut you off, shout out okay c's home field or home court advantage. I love the I don't know, I kind of get like a euro League or like a euro Basketball field when they all got the shirts on in the sections and they're just they're rowdy, man. I like Okac fans, man, they get they're really passionate. They're really loud. Uh, it's a it's also a hard environment to play. I want to give them credit for being loud too. Man.

Oh, absolutely, it's a phenomenal, phenomenal atmosphere. Jokic was so so great in this game. Can he replicate it? I mean, I think that he's the best offensive player ever, so maybe, but the last few games were a real struggle. Now, I did think that he made a couple of changes in this game that make a meaningful difference. First of all, obviously, him being able to hit the three is just absolutely game changing because you see him weaponize the threat of the jump shot into a couple of fouls where he gets to the line late in this game. But he has been living out on the perimeter and from beyond the arc more than you would like if you're a Nuggets fan. But that's because every single post touch he is seeing a baseline double from the thunder and oftentimes it's chet Holgern, who is just extremely disruptive as a rimp protector. And if it's not him, it's gonna be Sga or Caruso or somebody who was like psychotically active going after the ball. They've made life so damn hard on him in the paint as an interior scorer, where he's normally at his best, and so he'd been relying on the three ball more but it was off. When he makes five of seven threes, that changes so much and that opens up more for him in all facets of his game. So that's really really big if he has found the jumper and he found the touch, so the shot making was just flat out better. I also thought he was really aggressive a couple times when he saw single coverage. There was one Caruso switch where they didn't double and he backed him down from like eighteen feet and just got right to a little easy hook. There was another possession where he had Hertenstein basically in single coverage. Wiggins was coming to double him from the nail, but he just turned over his left shoulder, got to a lefty hook and was able to get a clean look off. He really has not been willing to turn to that left shoulder get that specific shot off, So that's valuable to see from him, even though it's only one possession. That being said, man, I do think that OKC is just better, and like it's not by a big margin. I want to be clear, this Denver team is a completely different beast from what we saw in the regular season because of the level that they're defending at, like they are a serious act defensive team, and that changes so much and it makes them a team that is a threat to win the title. That being said, when you lose two of the four clutch games against the team that I do think is more talented, that I do think has more margin, that I do think has significantly better depth, that I do think has significantly better role players, that I would bet to win the non superstar minutes, and they do again in this one. The Nuggets are actually I think that they played even in the non superstar minutes, but you expect them overall to win those minutes. Like it's really hard to win in Denver. But this game was the roadmap for Denver to winning this series or last game. And we've been in four clutch games out of five now, so there's a good chance that they do get another one.

Oh, absolutely, it's a phenomenal, phenomenal atmosphere. Jokic was so so great in this game. Can he replicate it? I mean, I think that he's the best offensive player ever, so maybe, but the last few games were a real struggle. Now, I did think that he made a couple of changes in this game that make a meaningful difference. First of all, obviously, him being able to hit the three is just absolutely game changing because you see him weaponize the threat of the jump shot into a couple of fouls where he gets to the line late in this game. But he has been living out on the perimeter and from beyond the arc more than you would like if you're a Nuggets fan. But that's because every single post touch he is seeing a baseline double from the thunder and oftentimes it's chet Holgern, who is just extremely disruptive as a rimp protector. And if it's not him, it's gonna be Sga or Caruso or somebody who was like psychotically active going after the ball. They've made life so damn hard on him in the paint as an interior scorer, where he's normally at his best, and so he'd been relying on the three ball more but it was off. When he makes five of seven threes, that changes so much and that opens up more for him in all facets of his game. So that's really really big if he has found the jumper and he found the touch, so the shot making was just flat out better. I also thought he was really aggressive a couple times when he saw single coverage. There was one Caruso switch where they didn't double and he backed him down from like eighteen feet and just got right to a little easy hook. There was another possession where he had Hertenstein basically in single coverage. Wiggins was coming to double him from the nail, but he just turned over his left shoulder, got to a lefty hook and was able to get a clean look off. He really has not been willing to turn to that left shoulder get that specific shot off, So that's valuable to see from him, even though it's only one possession. That being said, man, I do think that OKC is just better, and like it's not by a big margin. I want to be clear, this Denver team is a completely different beast from what we saw in the regular season because of the level that they're defending at, like they are a serious act defensive team, and that changes so much and it makes them a team that is a threat to win the title. That being said, when you lose two of the four clutch games against the team that I do think is more talented, that I do think has more margin, that I do think has significantly better depth, that I do think has significantly better role players, that I would bet to win the non superstar minutes, and they do again in this one. The Nuggets are actually I think that they played even in the non superstar minutes, but you expect them overall to win those minutes. Like it's really hard to win in Denver. But this game was the roadmap for Denver to winning this series or last game. And we've been in four clutch games out of five now, so there's a good chance that they do get another one.

That's why I think it's gonna be Titan. I'm just I thought this was still like a relatively down game from j dub Yeah, you know, like I don't know, I'm just not ready to completely write off Denver, Like I think MBJ could have a balance back game. Maybe Rush shoots a little better, Brown Gordon shoot a little better, like and if Jokic. The most important thing is the Yokic is confident and on. I mean, I don't think you can ever expect, even as great as Yokic is, expecting him to replicate this performance again, I think would be yeah, a lot, you know, but Yolkic can give you another great game. And as long as this three point touches on, as long as he's aggressive and confident, then I'd give him a chance. I mean, that's that's the fundamental basis. And I really like the level they've been defending at. Like you mentioned, I think some things can swing back in their favor. And uh, I just think all these games are gonna be tight. Man. These are two great basketball teams, and I just expect every game to kind of come down to the wire and who is gonna grab it when it's in the balance late. They're the best series. You know, these type of series, in my opinion, of the best when you do get a lot of games like this, when it's who's gonna who's gonna step up? To the plate and tonight it was OK see. But and I think Murray can be better too. Carson, you mentioned that stretch, Dude, I wrote that down immediately when Murray was going, I was like, oh shit, man, Murray's about to hit that mode. He's about to hit playoff Murray mode. I think he could be better down the stretch too. Man. I expected a little bit more out of Jamal, So I just don't know. Man, It's a toss up. I think these teams are so balanced. I'm still rocking with my original prediction Thunder and seven. I think they get it done on their home floor. But I trust Denver to handle business at home, and I do think home court's a big deal for Denver, and I expect another big Jokic game. So I'm gonna take Denver in six. But it sounds like to me you're on OKC side.

That's why I think it's gonna be Titan. I'm just I thought this was still like a relatively down game from j dub Yeah, you know, like I don't know, I'm just not ready to completely write off Denver, Like I think MBJ could have a balance back game. Maybe Rush shoots a little better, Brown Gordon shoot a little better, like and if Jokic. The most important thing is the Yokic is confident and on. I mean, I don't think you can ever expect, even as great as Yokic is, expecting him to replicate this performance again, I think would be yeah, a lot, you know, but Yolkic can give you another great game. And as long as this three point touches on, as long as he's aggressive and confident, then I'd give him a chance. I mean, that's that's the fundamental basis. And I really like the level they've been defending at. Like you mentioned, I think some things can swing back in their favor. And uh, I just think all these games are gonna be tight. Man. These are two great basketball teams, and I just expect every game to kind of come down to the wire and who is gonna grab it when it's in the balance late. They're the best series. You know, these type of series, in my opinion, of the best when you do get a lot of games like this, when it's who's gonna who's gonna step up? To the plate and tonight it was OK see. But and I think Murray can be better too. Carson, you mentioned that stretch, Dude, I wrote that down immediately when Murray was going, I was like, oh shit, man, Murray's about to hit that mode. He's about to hit playoff Murray mode. I think he could be better down the stretch too. Man. I expected a little bit more out of Jamal, So I just don't know. Man, It's a toss up. I think these teams are so balanced. I'm still rocking with my original prediction Thunder and seven. I think they get it done on their home floor. But I trust Denver to handle business at home, and I do think home court's a big deal for Denver, and I expect another big Jokic game. So I'm gonna take Denver in six. But it sounds like to me you're on OKC side.

I mean for Game six specifically, I don't have a strong opinion. I do think that OKC is gonna win the series. I wouldn't write Denver off. I just think it would require Jokic rising to like such an absolutely special level. And my take on this series is if the Superstars play not even necessarily to a draw. But if SGA plays up to his potential and SGA plays great basketball, the Thunder will win a clear majority of the games under those circumstances, especially when spot up shooters actually look comfortable and are knocking down the good looks that they're getting.

I mean for Game six specifically, I don't have a strong opinion. I do think that OKC is gonna win the series. I wouldn't write Denver off. I just think it would require Jokic rising to like such an absolutely special level. And my take on this series is if the Superstars play not even necessarily to a draw. But if SGA plays up to his potential and SGA plays great basketball, the Thunder will win a clear majority of the games under those circumstances, especially when spot up shooters actually look comfortable and are knocking down the good looks that they're getting.

Do you think that's the largest gap between these teams?

Do you think that's the largest gap between these teams?

I do the shooting, Yeah, it's probably just the defensive personnel. I mean, just the speed that Okay See has. The collective line.

I do the shooting, Yeah, it's probably just the defensive personnel. I mean, just the speed that Okay See has. The collective line.

Don't necessarily mean that it's been reflected in the results, But I think that's like the biggest gap when I look at these teams skills, it's a big gest Like Oklahoma City has a myriad of guys that they can turn to that are really great shooters, and Denver just doesn't.

Don't necessarily mean that it's been reflected in the results, But I think that's like the biggest gap when I look at these teams skills, it's a big gest Like Oklahoma City has a myriad of guys that they can turn to that are really great shooters, and Denver just doesn't.

Oh overall depth, I think is probably the biggest difference. Specifically, shooting is up there. And like Denver obviously shot a high percentage from three, but they were the second lowest volume three point shooting team in the league. And Christian Brown is a fake for two percent three point shooter. He's not somebody who you consistently trust. Russell Westbrook, they can talk about his percentages from the corners all they want, and he's had some big shooting games in these playoffs, but he is highly erratic and he is not dependable in that role. Okay see. I mean it had been a slog for them shooting the three in games three and four, but they did bounce back, and this is just a massive swing game to go their way, for everything to go right for them down the stretch, and for Denver to feel like they had this one and Jokic got to that level and they couldn't pull it out. It does feel significant emotionally, Not that I think Denver is going to be like down on their luck and that they're going to have any quid in them. That would really surprise me. They are former champions and they are fucking playing like it in this series. It's more significant for okay see, I think to feel like, Okay, we belong in these clutch spots. We can get the job done, we can make the right decisions, we can knock down the shots. That's what I think is really significant. I do want to give a couple of quick shoutouts to some more thunder. Alex Caruso, once again just one of the dudes on the floor who looks totally comfortable and confident stepping into and knocking down shots off the catch all the while he makes some disruptive plays as usual defensively, not his best game defensively, just because he's had some absolute gems, but really good Chet I thought was really good in this game, very efficient knocks down one to three. Wasn't forcing a bunch of attempts from beyond the arc, though, which I'm okay with, because he hasn't been super comfortable, super good as a shooter in this series whatsoever. He'd been bad as a three point shooter coming into this one. But I thought that he was doing all of the stuff around that. I thought that he was phenomenal in the dunker spot and cutting. I thought that he was really smart playing off the ball, and then he was able to use his half court skill in a couple spots. I mean, he dusted Aaron Gordon off the bounce and got to a dunk. He had a great take versus Jamal Murray for an and one. He was handling well, he was under control, he was aggressive finishing at the rim, and then he was just sensational protecting the rim on the other side. My god, He is just absolute, lutely incredible interior defender and rim protecting talent. I also thought that Isaiah Hartenstein was really good in this one. I thought that he came up with a couple of big rebounds. I thought that he was able to find the push shot a little bit. Oh, we have a beautiful chet to iHeart bag to Big Lob, which I can't forget. That also got me absolutely bricked. I love those moments more than anything. But it really was a nice collective performance from OKC down the stretch though. It's just Shay rising to that special level. Now he's got to maintain this because, like I said, this series has been peaks and valleys for him. You have Game two where he looks totally in control, and then you have Game three where it's like a complete reversal and he looks totally uncomfortable. And this game, again, there was a real two sided performance from him. The first quarter was very, very different from the fourth quarter. So he has to be consistent. But if he is, if OKC shoots up to their level, I do think that they are the better team. But shout out to denver Man. I do think that they're the biggest threat to OKC in the West, maybe in the field at this point, with Cleveland going down and obviously having their injury stuff, with Boston about to go down now that Tatum is out, I don't know if there's a scarier team that OKC could face. I think that Indiana is great, Minnesota, Minnesota is really good, and I think that Minnesota is a tough matchup for OKC in a different way than Denver is. But like when Denver is playing at the level of like a fringe top ten defense and they're bringing a scheme, I think Menejo is very well designed to challenge you, really I do. I don't know. I think it's close. I think it's close.

Oh overall depth, I think is probably the biggest difference. Specifically, shooting is up there. And like Denver obviously shot a high percentage from three, but they were the second lowest volume three point shooting team in the league. And Christian Brown is a fake for two percent three point shooter. He's not somebody who you consistently trust. Russell Westbrook, they can talk about his percentages from the corners all they want, and he's had some big shooting games in these playoffs, but he is highly erratic and he is not dependable in that role. Okay see. I mean it had been a slog for them shooting the three in games three and four, but they did bounce back, and this is just a massive swing game to go their way, for everything to go right for them down the stretch, and for Denver to feel like they had this one and Jokic got to that level and they couldn't pull it out. It does feel significant emotionally, Not that I think Denver is going to be like down on their luck and that they're going to have any quid in them. That would really surprise me. They are former champions and they are fucking playing like it in this series. It's more significant for okay see, I think to feel like, Okay, we belong in these clutch spots. We can get the job done, we can make the right decisions, we can knock down the shots. That's what I think is really significant. I do want to give a couple of quick shoutouts to some more thunder. Alex Caruso, once again just one of the dudes on the floor who looks totally comfortable and confident stepping into and knocking down shots off the catch all the while he makes some disruptive plays as usual defensively, not his best game defensively, just because he's had some absolute gems, but really good Chet I thought was really good in this game, very efficient knocks down one to three. Wasn't forcing a bunch of attempts from beyond the arc, though, which I'm okay with, because he hasn't been super comfortable, super good as a shooter in this series whatsoever. He'd been bad as a three point shooter coming into this one. But I thought that he was doing all of the stuff around that. I thought that he was phenomenal in the dunker spot and cutting. I thought that he was really smart playing off the ball, and then he was able to use his half court skill in a couple spots. I mean, he dusted Aaron Gordon off the bounce and got to a dunk. He had a great take versus Jamal Murray for an and one. He was handling well, he was under control, he was aggressive finishing at the rim, and then he was just sensational protecting the rim on the other side. My god, He is just absolute, lutely incredible interior defender and rim protecting talent. I also thought that Isaiah Hartenstein was really good in this one. I thought that he came up with a couple of big rebounds. I thought that he was able to find the push shot a little bit. Oh, we have a beautiful chet to iHeart bag to Big Lob, which I can't forget. That also got me absolutely bricked. I love those moments more than anything. But it really was a nice collective performance from OKC down the stretch though. It's just Shay rising to that special level. Now he's got to maintain this because, like I said, this series has been peaks and valleys for him. You have Game two where he looks totally in control, and then you have Game three where it's like a complete reversal and he looks totally uncomfortable. And this game, again, there was a real two sided performance from him. The first quarter was very, very different from the fourth quarter. So he has to be consistent. But if he is, if OKC shoots up to their level, I do think that they are the better team. But shout out to denver Man. I do think that they're the biggest threat to OKC in the West, maybe in the field at this point, with Cleveland going down and obviously having their injury stuff, with Boston about to go down now that Tatum is out, I don't know if there's a scarier team that OKC could face. I think that Indiana is great, Minnesota, Minnesota is really good, and I think that Minnesota is a tough matchup for OKC in a different way than Denver is. But like when Denver is playing at the level of like a fringe top ten defense and they're bringing a scheme, I think Menejo is very well designed to challenge you, really I do. I don't know. I think it's close. I think it's close.

I think Minnesota can just establish their brand of basketball man and the level that Randall's been at, the level that Ant's been able to reach in the second half of these games. Now, it's gonna be interesting because it's obviously a different matchup, right like and against some of the elite perimter defenders in basketball, two really high level rim protectors, Like I think it's gonna be a big prove it series for Ant in a lot of ways and Randall two. But I think Minnesota poses an interesting and they don't have that same depth issue that the Denver has. You know, they've got a lot of guys they can turn to. So I actually would say Minnesota, man, I think they probably pose a little bit more of an interesting threat to okay See, like I think, and it's not close. I think all these teams are really close. I think I'm gonna pick that series if we get it between either team, probably to go seven as well, like get his neck and neck. But I wouldn't sleep on Minnesota, man. I've been super impressed with them.

I think Minnesota can just establish their brand of basketball man and the level that Randall's been at, the level that Ant's been able to reach in the second half of these games. Now, it's gonna be interesting because it's obviously a different matchup, right like and against some of the elite perimter defenders in basketball, two really high level rim protectors, Like I think it's gonna be a big prove it series for Ant in a lot of ways and Randall two. But I think Minnesota poses an interesting and they don't have that same depth issue that the Denver has. You know, they've got a lot of guys they can turn to. So I actually would say Minnesota, man, I think they probably pose a little bit more of an interesting threat to okay See, like I think, and it's not close. I think all these teams are really close. I think I'm gonna pick that series if we get it between either team, probably to go seven as well, like get his neck and neck. But I wouldn't sleep on Minnesota, man. I've been super impressed with them.

I haven't been super impressed with them in this series against the Warriors. I think that they're getting a little too much praise for playing against a team that is extremely extremely limited. Now, I have been super impressed by Randall. I do think that in these last couple of games has found a really high level, and I think that Minnesota is a perfectly good choice. In fact, coming into this series, I said I thought that Minnesota was the biggest threat to Oksee in the West. But Denver's been defending at a really impressive level for the entire playoffs now for two series, and when they are doing that, their offense scares me a hell of a lot more than Minnesota's, even though I think Minnesota's offense is good, like they have Nico Yokic and still Okay. So he has found a way to give them major trouble and to figure things out enough on the offensive end to move forward and take a huge three to two lead. We have some super chats, Indie Merchant, Sam, thank you for another generous donation. Jokic might just be the goat good god, incredible.

I haven't been super impressed with them in this series against the Warriors. I think that they're getting a little too much praise for playing against a team that is extremely extremely limited. Now, I have been super impressed by Randall. I do think that in these last couple of games has found a really high level, and I think that Minnesota is a perfectly good choice. In fact, coming into this series, I said I thought that Minnesota was the biggest threat to Oksee in the West. But Denver's been defending at a really impressive level for the entire playoffs now for two series, and when they are doing that, their offense scares me a hell of a lot more than Minnesota's, even though I think Minnesota's offense is good, like they have Nico Yokic and still Okay. So he has found a way to give them major trouble and to figure things out enough on the offensive end to move forward and take a huge three to two lead. We have some super chats, Indie Merchant, Sam, thank you for another generous donation. Jokic might just be the goat good god, incredible.

Yeah, pretty much.

Yeah, pretty much.

I'm going to go through and see where I think that this ranks among his best playoff games ever. Logan entertain the people for a moment, say something about Jokic. Glaize Jokic.

I'm going to go through and see where I think that this ranks among his best playoff games ever. Logan entertain the people for a moment, say something about Jokic. Glaize Jokic.

Dude, I love him. He's my favorite player to watch. He might be dude, Jokic is so nice.

Dude, I love him. He's my favorite player to watch. He might be dude, Jokic is so nice.

Yeah, man, I think that this has gotta be in the top three. I think the game five against Minnesota, as I said, takes the cake. Yeah, honestly, I think that. I thought of all the Lakers games, boy, he had some great games against the Lakers. The game where he went thirty four to twenty one and four against the Lakers when he.

Yeah, man, I think that this has gotta be in the top three. I think the game five against Minnesota, as I said, takes the cake. Yeah, honestly, I think that. I thought of all the Lakers games, boy, he had some great games against the Lakers. The game where he went thirty four to twenty one and four against the Lakers when he.

Met the Sun's game. Where do you put that.

Met the Sun's game. Where do you put that.

One when he had fifty three Game three of that series. That's up there as well, top five.

One when he had fifty three Game three of that series. That's up there as well, top five.

It's so crazy, man. Jokis just I don't know if I've ever seen a player make the game look as effortless when he's got it going as Jokic does. Man, he makes it look so easy, like you know what I mean, Like hey, Lebron, MJ like all these legends, like they make the game. Jokic just makes the game look so easy when he's on. Man, it looks like he's it's so simple, man, It's it's amazing, it is.

It's so crazy, man. Jokis just I don't know if I've ever seen a player make the game look as effortless when he's got it going as Jokic does. Man, he makes it look so easy, like you know what I mean, Like hey, Lebron, MJ like all these legends, like they make the game. Jokic just makes the game look so easy when he's on. Man, it looks like he's it's so simple, man, It's it's amazing, it is.

Joel West says, Jokic used the last of Denver's Devil Voodoo on that nasty turnaround three. That's just what he does. Man. As crazy as it is, He's done that too many times in the playoffs to call it devil voodoo.

Joel West says, Jokic used the last of Denver's Devil Voodoo on that nasty turnaround three. That's just what he does. Man. As crazy as it is, He's done that too many times in the playoffs to call it devil voodoo.

Yo just believes he can make every shot and then he does.

Yo just believes he can make every shot and then he does.

Yeah, it's crazy. End of the shot clock, dude. When he put that up, I literally said fuck it. Why I said that out loud to myself on the couch. Nobody was with me, but it was just like at that point in the game, everything was going in for both teams, and I just had a feeling man. So Gabriel says, what do you all think changed in Joker's offensive process day for him to bounce back? Or did he simply lock in? I think that we've discussed that at this point, But thank you Gabriel for the generous donation. Is there anything else you want to add?

Yeah, it's crazy. End of the shot clock, dude. When he put that up, I literally said fuck it. Why I said that out loud to myself on the couch. Nobody was with me, but it was just like at that point in the game, everything was going in for both teams, and I just had a feeling man. So Gabriel says, what do you all think changed in Joker's offensive process day for him to bounce back? Or did he simply lock in? I think that we've discussed that at this point, But thank you Gabriel for the generous donation. Is there anything else you want to add?

Logan, Yeah, I mean I do think he locked in, but I think the majority of it had him to do with just being aggressive, being confident and looking for his shot. He had been a little bit more, a little passive in some of these last couple of games. And also I thought he did a much better job of just protecting the basketball. He'd just got an uncharacteristically reckless and just out of control, you know, in terms of where I expect Jokic to be. But he did lock in. You know, in this life, Carson, you're either tweaking or you're locked in. And you don't want to be tweaking.

Logan, Yeah, I mean I do think he locked in, but I think the majority of it had him to do with just being aggressive, being confident and looking for his shot. He had been a little bit more, a little passive in some of these last couple of games. And also I thought he did a much better job of just protecting the basketball. He'd just got an uncharacteristically reckless and just out of control, you know, in terms of where I expect Jokic to be. But he did lock in. You know, in this life, Carson, you're either tweaking or you're locked in. And you don't want to be tweaking.

No, you definitely don't want to be tweaking, and he was locked in. I agree with what you said. I also just think the shot making got better for him, and I do think that like he knows what he's looking for now right, he knows where the doubles are com from. And so even though Okac is still executing the scheme very very effectively and it's given him a lot of trouble in games two through four, there's a little bit more experience against it, which I think made him a little bit more prepared for this game. Maui says, Chet being hunted all game with the lack of strength and weight health concern you have to be an elite shooter like Katie. To be elite, Denver easily win with healthy MPJ Maui, I always appreciate your generous donations. I don't know why you hate Chet Holmgren so much, and it's just not true. The only guy who was trying to get Chet off of switches is Niko Jokic because he's two hundred and eighty pounds.

No, you definitely don't want to be tweaking, and he was locked in. I agree with what you said. I also just think the shot making got better for him, and I do think that like he knows what he's looking for now right, he knows where the doubles are com from. And so even though Okac is still executing the scheme very very effectively and it's given him a lot of trouble in games two through four, there's a little bit more experience against it, which I think made him a little bit more prepared for this game. Maui says, Chet being hunted all game with the lack of strength and weight health concern you have to be an elite shooter like Katie. To be elite, Denver easily win with healthy MPJ Maui, I always appreciate your generous donations. I don't know why you hate Chet Holmgren so much, and it's just not true. The only guy who was trying to get Chet off of switches is Niko Jokic because he's two hundred and eighty pounds.

Yeah, hunted is kind of crazy. I mean, Chet had some ridiculous blocks in this game and just he did those moments.

Yeah, hunted is kind of crazy. I mean, Chet had some ridiculous blocks in this game and just he did those moments.

Also the number of times where Jamal has gone at the rim and just been like ah shit man mid air, and he's also had some incredible finishes. But like against Chet, you either have to do something special to finish, or you have to pass out or you're going to travel or miss badly. Like he's he's our best technical rim protector in basketball. I do think he's the best pure rim protect Yeah, he's insane, dude, He's absolutely crazy, and I'm gonna find Chets rim protection numbers in these playoffs.

Also the number of times where Jamal has gone at the rim and just been like ah shit man mid air, and he's also had some incredible finishes. But like against Chet, you either have to do something special to finish, or you have to pass out or you're going to travel or miss badly. Like he's he's our best technical rim protector in basketball. I do think he's the best pure rim protect Yeah, he's insane, dude, He's absolutely crazy, and I'm gonna find Chets rim protection numbers in these playoffs.

I was also kind of impressed with chet in this game offensively too. I thought some of this stuff, him getting to the rim, him being aggressive like Chets, it's it's freaky when Check gets going offensively like that and it doesn't look natural. It looks it really looks freakish.

I was also kind of impressed with chet in this game offensively too. I thought some of this stuff, him getting to the rim, him being aggressive like Chets, it's it's freaky when Check gets going offensively like that and it doesn't look natural. It looks it really looks freakish.

He's an alien, bro, He's an alien. Chet Holmgrin in these playoffs is holding opposing players to forty six percent shooting at the rim, So that's nineteen percent below their average after he held them nineteen percent below their average in the regular season. Keep in mind, that's the best number I've ever seen posted in a season. Like people always focus on the weight with Chet, When you are seven foot one with a seven to five wingspan and you have perfect timing, perfect instincts as a shot blocker, you're consistently vertical, like, you can't score over that. It's been super hard for Jokic to score over him, especially when he's the back line defender. He has given him a ton of troubles, so thank you again. May stop with the chet hate chet is that dude, Patrick robertson Nuggets fans, let's chill on the SGA is nothing but a foulbator. Yoll kicch was shamelessly foul hunting in the fourth quarter and y'all have no comment on it. It's a fair point yell kids grifted his way to the line twice and the Jay Will one was just not a foul.