Stephen's A-List: Top NBA Storylines 🏀 + High-scoring GOOD or BAD for the NBA? 🤔 | First Take

On First Take, Stephen A. Smith shares his A-List for the top NBA storylines. Then, the panel debate if a high-scoring output is good or bad for the NBA.
0:00 Stephen's A-List
4:00 Shannon's reaction
5:00 JJ's reaction
7:00 Is high-scoring good or bad for the NBA?
#espn #firsttake #nba #stephenasmith
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[@vmontenegro7]

That's one of the best breakdowns in years on ESPN! JJ went in..

[@TheRealMRGG85]

Yeah but what he saying don't pass the I test you can literally see that they put less effort in on the defensive end there is no intensity they're not trying as hard. Defense is effort 90%

[@jesuschrist-wc3rh]

here we go again with jj reddick defending players

[@OwskiiiGaming]

He really didn’t go in at all. Few years nba will be in the worst position it has in almost 30’ years.

[@futurekillerful]

@@TheRealMRGG85that’s partly, because everything is a foul now. But still you’re right that they don’t try as hard on that end.

[@GreaterSociety]

​@@TheRealMRGG85goddammit you sound dumb af it's so painful

[@JBrown-go8ru]

Redick, is a smart dude. I like his takes when he’s on.

[@taylorsmith1981]

I think you meant to write “JJ reddick likes the sound of his own voice and the smell his own farts”

[@TheRealMichaelP]

@@taylorsmith1981Journeyman Reddick

[@ridj41]

​@taylorsmith1981 nope, he is smart af Especially this take You a jealous man

[@leir2005]

@@TheRealMichaelPHey that vet minimum adds up man 😅

[@emoneyizhereson]

@taylorsmith1981 who on espn doesn’t?

[@neilratnasoma7029]

Jj’s segment was really insightful, agree with removing 3 second rule

[@colonizingpuertoricoisunde2971]

-Ernestine Rose (1810 - 1892) “For my part, I never knew a social evil to be removed by force of law...The prevention of that social evil must commence in the nursery. If you will bring up woman as you ought to bring up men-not as you do bring up men-acknowledging her right to live the same as men, giving her the same advantages and the same rights that men have, there will be no need to enact laws against a "social evil."

[@teehoops6819]

3 secs on th key ? Yeah that’s terrible so the defense can be lazier than it already is lol than you’ll have centers just sitting in the paint and zone defensive where nobody’s is really moving that’s a terrible idea

[@wade_county]

You'll see a lot more zone defense if that were to happen.

[@teehoops6819]

@@wade_county exactly pure lazyneee on defense that’s why I said not a good idea

[@nelsonchong4404]

@@teehoops6819 You're saying that like defenses aren't already lazy lol. At least removing the rule would incentivize getting shot blocking centers...which would limit drives, which would indirectly make it harder to score on the perimeter.

[@ItzDeshawn]

JJ really kno how to talk straight Basketball and I love that😂💯

[@Dani78951]

He doesn't know sheet, He lacks common sense and base.

[@ItzDeshawn]

@@Dani78951 he kno wayy more than you bro and make more money so relax 😂

[@Dani78951]

@@ItzDeshawn No he doesn't and no he doesn't.

[@ItzDeshawn]

@@Dani78951 okay ima let you lie on the internet if it makes you feel better 😂

[@Dani78951]

@@ItzDeshawn Just stay in denial babygirl. It's all you have apparently.

[@SilasPrice]

Molly, no shame in the pounds gained with these camera angles :)

[@LT1Droop]

I was looking for this comment 🤣

[@ButteryAssNigga]

She looks like a witch

[@ahmedanderson2542]

Fr I jus commented lol

[@wkang84]

She’s eating too many Bon Bons and turning into a land whale 🐳

[@agentcodybanx8909]

They are more than welcomed around here

[@kennethjacobs3716]

JJ is right about there not being a post game in today's game. That's why the Joker is eating them boys alive. He actually learned how to play post first and just added a 3 pt shot to his game. I also am for getting rid of the 3 in the key.

[@TheMissiIe]

That's also why Sengun and Sabonis dominate

[@galiojusticejustice3191]

Same with Jalen Brunson, he's unbelievable in the post at 6'2" because he prioritizes that part of his game

[@agentcodybanx8909]

Don't forget his passing. Being so big, his vision is all over the court

[@Prince36300]

Facts. Also need to get rid of the corner 3. It would bring the midrange game back in a real way

[@HomerunsamSOSA]

@@Prince36300what? Lol just sayin anything

[@PressureFlipperZ]

I still can’t believe Stephen A Smith made 17 3 pointers in a row & combined for 51 points what a 🐐

[@duncdadon7568]

I need a video or something

[@SamoaVsEverybody814]

Lies

[@hasankhiar6868]

thats 🧢. Nobody is shooting and making 17 3s in a pick up game

[@TheRealMichaelP]

@@hasankhiar6868 they was playing first to 40 😂

[@PressureFlipperZ]

@@duncdadon7568 lol I am clowning on Stephan A bro 😂

[@blade4174]

JJ Cooked ngl.

[@NickAlakersfan]

I want more JJ on first take. I wish it was a constant dose of Shannon and JJ on the same show with Stephen A

[@DanTheMeek]

I don't mind high scoring, but I hate when it feels like its impossible to play defense. Like if a player is so good that even with a hand in their face they keep knocking down 3s, that's awesome to watch. But if a player intentionally runs into a defender, then scores basically undefended because the defender knows if they so much as flinch they'll get called for a foul, THEN the defensive player gets called for a foul anyway even though they had their hands in their pockets because their feet shuffled ever so slightly a fraction of a second before the offensive player charged into them, so the player gets an easy lay up/dunk and gets to take free throws, that makes me want to turn off the tv and go do something else.

[@retrosoul8770]

100%

[@lilleml]

JJ has some next level ball knowledge, I love 95% of his takes

[@ND-OPS]

Nah he's biased af. He will do and say whatever whatever he wants to protect current day players smh

[@MrRa3500]

@@ND-OPSjj from the late 00s crop where they was apart of the old way and the new way in their careers. I think he’s speaking to people that don’t take into account why the game is the way it is, and just go straight into belittling the younger generation. Especially when it’s no context, just “more free throws” (which he debunked in the video) and “the game is soft”.

[@GreaterSociety]

​@@ND-OPSyou sound dumb af

[@TheRealRed_Hawk]

Definitely implement fiba rules… stand in the paint, block the ball after it touches the rim etc.. gives the defense and edge without penalizing the skilled offensive player with physical hand checking

[@cartert6744]

4:50 the hug 😂😭😭 did not expect that ❤

[@sebastianverde9976]

Man JJ cooked with the FIBA take. Love FIBA. I would love to see more of that in the NBA.

[@HoSway0]

AYO MOLLY 3:08 ??????

[@jogzz7779]

what happened😅

[@HoSway0]

@@jogzz7779 My boy Cameron Bofa said he heard something after SAS's sigh...

[@soufatldude700]

@@HoSway0who tf is cameron bofa and why should we care?

[@gohanspeed]

Brilliant points JJ. Love ditching the 3sec rule for defenders too. Time for the block party to begin

[@Cddsr]

Molly: "You lost the pounds, I found them"... #Mollyforpresident

[@user-ih8gk4db8o]

👀When Molly walked out, I forgot what tf they were talking about.

[@domebeatss]

No cap

[@RR-in7do]

She's aight

[@kyce5231]

JJ is actually insane. he raises questions, identifies problems, and then actually provides tangible solutions. i don’t think anybody else does that

[@bitterang4661]

SAS's enthusiasm is so contagious lol

[@IIOnyxEnderll]

4:46 Molly oh Molly 😢😩😩❤️

[@KingGreqo]

The only issue I have with JJ’s suggestion is that it can change too much. Maybe a 4 or 5 second wait before moving the defender.

[@joshuayoung7972]

I fully agree. I think that getting rid of the rule all together will result in teams just playing 5 out all the time and more three pointers which ppl seem to not like as a product. I think moving to 5 sec is the best way to go.

[@elijahhardaway2756]

Adam Silver bring back hand checking to limit 3 point shooting and remove defensive 3 second rule so the paint won't be wide open

[@greenranger8884]

100% AGREE! 👍

[@lexis4490]

I don’t think hand checking should be brought back. Just don’t call touch fouls. So much if it is not fouls.

[@dxtremecaliber]

@@lexis4490i think the "touch" foul exists because handcheck is not in the rulebook anymore

[@Heatpad.Murray1]

Don’t forget that Adam silver called the refs and told him to let the lakers get ghost calls to shoot 30+ free throws a game. And the refs allow Anthony Davis to sit in the paint all game without any whistles Lakers are getting pampered

[@deadlyninjafish]

Hand checking wouldn't help, would just increase the number of free-throws because players are too smart and would just whip up into their shooting motion and initiate obvious contact. 3 second rule would be huge though.

[@madmaxx2310lac]

This all on steph. He changed everything!! Most impactful player ever!

[@HappyTofu2424]

We need the jumping in the beginning LOL

[@mansurmajid2403]

Had no idea Molly had yams like that. Good job camera man

[@HomerunsamSOSA]

Joy better 😂

[@mansurmajid2403]

@@HomerunsamSOSA You mean Joy Taylor?

[@franckdzefi]

JJ hugging SAS is top 5 story line 🤣

[@veejay41]

Hats off to SA who managed to get Shannon who has an amazing on-screen personality and JJ with his analytical breakdown on the same show. Credit where credit is due.

[@MS-pw1kq]

Man, it's no perception of No Defense. That's a reality in Hi Def.

[@mattsell2361]

Ok so you don’t like being objective and looking at facts nice

[@NLGabriel75]

Honestly high scoring games are bad for the NBA. Unless elite defense is being played. Defense wins championships and we seen it time and time again.

[@mattsell2361]

Exactly why when people say defense doesn’t matter today and teams just chuck 3s is so stupid. The contenders every year are always the top defensive teams. Teams with bad defenses never win no matter what era.

[@davidcici11Evolution]

People really mythicize the old era or the golden era of the NBA like every team was playing defense. You had only a hand 🖐 ful of teams actually playing decent defense and only like 2 or 3 teams that played elite defense and sometimes it was 1 or 2. It gives people the impression the whole league was like that when in reality only a few teams were. Defense is effort that is all it is. Most modern athletes only want to put effort on one end of the court. To make the league more defensive oriented you will have to change the mindset of these athletes who want to score more than defend.

[@ELCapiTRAN]

while hand checking won't stop a great offensive player, it will still allow a defender an additional tool to help control an offensive player. Combine bringing that back AND getting rid of defensive 3 in the paint, and you'll see a comeback of stronger wings and guards and the big men back into the league. JJ underestimates what a strong hand check can do to break the rhythm of a ball handler. The great ones will be great, but the fringe ones won't adjust well.

[@reimixo]

Plus he starts by saying "you Watch basketball..." And saying that he didn't watch basketball by explaining the hand checking rule, like that is how it was used and like the refs do a good job lol

[@jonthesinner]

I agree with defensive 3 seconds but i would also add fiba goaltending where if it touches the rim you can rebound it

[@Jedi_B]

Producers deserve a raise. Molly angles hittin this morning

[@lexis4490]

I love the idea of getting rid of the 3 second rule. They don’t call it a lot during the season anyways.

[@joshb.1118]

Just change it to a five second rule. You need it if you allow zone, but three seconds is too strict.

[@jonsmoke9195]

Molly got that.....

[@RR-in7do]

She's pretty mid

[@hectwilliams]

I need a Max Kellerman take on this

[@nellyville69]

That dude was pure entertainment and authentic espn lost a good one great replacement for Skip bayless

[@josephgreene4174]

u must be a cowboy fan

[@adolfomichelena]

I want iguodala

[@romanilijic5211]

I adore how Lakers being in the WCF isn’t being ignored and they could do it again, but Miami making the ECF again is off the table. God I cannot wait for the Playoffs to start. #DontDisrerespectTheHeat

[@racetrackbidness1371]

Rules that help the defense would be to stop allowing offense 18 steps and a gather and a shoulder drop to get off a shot

[@Truumeister]

This segment was Hot Hot Hot !! Great work team 👍🏽 Also we need a NBA fantasy Draft with the NBA network 🙏🏽

[@trashd2859]

Yoooooo we gotta see JJ and Shay Shay more often that gotta nice ring to it

[@cameron7202]

I’m so happy JJ brought up the 3 second rule. That change would help a lot

[@joshuamwaba2658]

That fit Stephen A is 🔥

[@heychongo1988]

We don't how to fill time so let's talk about storylines😂

[@SomeThingsDontNeedCommentary]

That is the best breakdown I’ve ever seen with legit facts to back it up

[@joaoferreira4620]

JJ is truly spending a lot of time studying basketball in depth. Thaose some spot on points right there 👏🏾

[@daramccarthy9641]

I LOVE the mix when JJ and Shay Shay are on the show with SA

[@Shortballa11]

Tatum winning MVP is not a Storyline!!!! Im dying lol

[@elijahpierre1696]

Him winning Finals MVP is. 🙌🏾

[@Shortballa11]

@@elijahpierre1696 yes if they get to the finals and win.

[@sfchampionsbasketball9665]

At the 8:15 mark, JJ Redick mentions spacing in basketball and compares to the NFL. Scoring was down this year in the NFL, so that comparison doesn’t hold up. Also, defenses typically catch up to offenses in the NFL because there aren’t any rules to how you can play zone vs man. The NBA penalizes the defense to allow offense… and the ratings for the NBA continue to decline… Edit: JJ mentions some of those rules differences at the end of his segment. I hadn’t gotten to that part yet when I posted

[@nehemiahstewart]

Great take

[@colonizingpuertoricoisunde2971]

-Louise Erdrich in The Plague of Doves (2008) “When we are young, the words are scattered all around us. As they are assembled by experience, so also are we, sentence by sentence, until the story takes shape.”

[@mfugaj]

Awesome take by JJ, he sure does have some valid points backed by analytics. So how come subjectively the game is not watchable, and we all see players are not trying on the defense end of the floor. Also, if everything is better, players are more skilled, and shooting is off the chart, why are we talking about fixing something. I have never heard anyone from the '80s to the '00s complain about the game, not being excited enough, and certainly did not witness anyone pointing out players who do not want to participate in the game. 🤷‍♂ So how come we are having this conversation in the first place?

[@richyungin33]

They need to let JJ get a full 30 min to himself lol

[@victorvic4659]

This trio rocks. Yes,Shannon doesnt understand ball as much as Stephen A and Jj but i believe he will learn more and more as season progress

[@Nabil21667]

If no 3 seconds rule, Wemby and AD are about to average 10+ blocks lol

[@lodeci]

I’m here for it lol

[@lukeparrella7378]

theres so many good storylines this szn, im excited at the thought of miami running it back, OKC having their first run, and seeing what the T wolves can do.

[@peytonlong5573]

Today was a great show wish it was like this every day, SAS, Shannon and JJ dynamic works, Dame and Giannis is one, Clippers getting past the WCF at two, Tatum winning a championship is the correct title at 3, Knicks getting to the ECF at 4 and LeBron last real chance at 5

[@MrStayOutThewAy5]

why molly standing like that with her hand on her hip😻😻😂

[@MillieMoBuckz]

Dame going off this weekend was a message…. I had him winning 3pt n ASG MVP with Doc in mind, he’s not using him correctly… and the ASG was the PERFECT place for Dame to shush the haters that’s saying he lost a step

[@ForbiddenTechniqueTV]

As a spurs fan, I approve JJ’s message. Get rid of the defense 3 seconds rule. Make defense sensational again

[@coolbreeze369jc]

They need to keep inv Reddick. Man’s is intelligent and can breakdown the game in a way that even casual fans can understand.

[@iamthejpshow]

Now that's a real NBA Xs and Os breakdown. Shoutout to JJ Reddick

[@punkeroc]

JJ’s takes are brilliant! I love how he see’s the game .

[@goldenphoenix5945]

No more 3sec rule helps the defense inside but it would also mean teams would take even more 3s because drives would be more difficult. In other words, people are going to complain again... SAS did great when he reminded JJ, "no take your time" while he was making his long point. JJ always comes prepared when he makes his case. Amazing takes.

[@cdublun]

Sounds logicall JJ. But removing the 3 second rule will create even more 3s and less points in the paint. Eliminating the Euro and 2 step step-back by making thst a traveling call, might be more effective.

[@chubbymanism]

The screech for the Knicks was hilarious

[@wangcity]

JJ THE GOAT, PLS READ THIS SOMEHOW AND GET HIM ON MORE!! 🙏

[@adidzis]

JJReddick looks like a Lucifer in Stephen A.Smith comedy show

[@Davidson-yy9rv]

JJ Reddick popped off at the end lol.. great points

[@elnr7779]

JJ always coming with that fuego 🔥

[@ThePrime968]

ESPN MY GOAT

[@kcsniper1243]

JJ is so on point here. They added the 3 second rule into play to create space for drivers becasue they couldn't shoot. Now everyone can shoot so there is no harm in having Rudy Gobert stand in the lane the whole game. But what would happen is if you removed the 3 seconds. Guys like Wemby, Gobert & Chet would be in the lane every time you drove the ball. So as JJ said Driving the ball is at All time highs. That would go away.

[@jahfiend]

They need someone to check jj when he’s talking sometimes because he says things that make you scratch head sometimes when he’s in his monologue. He made freedom of movement sound less impactful than it actually is. As a defender you can’t obstruct the motion of offensive players anymore meaning they can cut, run around screens with little resistance. And his point about points in the paint being up is skewed. When we’re comparing the present to the 90s you have to account for the pace of play and shot distribution also. I’d gather the pacers points in the paint are closer to 40% of their total shots, whereas the 97 bullets is probably 50% or higher.

[@MagicEmpireTV]

2:02 what does the finals from 2years ago have to do with this years regular season.

[@joesilva8484]

Love listening to JJ talk basketball. He sure knows his hoops 👍🏀.

[@cajeb5396]

JJ’s point about hand checking being countered by gathering into a shot is the whole problem….basically just baiting/drawing fouls whenever the defense dares to have any physicality

[@lawrenceghansah6018]

Always love when JJ is on first take

[@IBlackSanta]

I completely agree with jj except the hand checking part. The nba has come down more on the sweeping arms fouls because of james harden. Removing the 3 sec rule is actually a smart idea tho

[@alex_walters]

Replace that Tatum MVP propaganda with a Shai MVP/Thunder contender storyline

[@KarloBlaze]

Wouldn't removing def 3 sec rule just make players shoot even more outside shots?

[@jafooli]

Agreed on the 3 second rule

[@Prototype_Dreco]

Problem with what jj saying is the only reason they drive now is to pass out for the 3 it’s less free throws because they are all jump shooting teams

[@Mayancinnamon]

Nice to see they got JJ back

[@JayVenom]

What JJ said. I agree

[@jaythevibe7130]

The media is glazing Tatum now he’s gonna win mvp just watch

[@maxxammedhus.468]

I only watch when jj is on first take i swear this guy is special i can listen to him all night

[@OAde-nq9vo]

New York loves all four of you but especially Steven A.

[@Wop06]

I think if they just implement a simple rule where if you initiate the contact, it’s either a no call or a foul on who initiated the contact, that’d fix half of the problem alone.

[@lougasch2458]

Shannon is just yapping at the moment💀

[@Kenny.G1991]

You didn’t Bring Up Kyrie & Luka Finally Gaining A Connection 😤

[@BlleezysOriginStories]

First time hearing JJ , impressed. This guy knows his stuff and makes the key points not just blabbering off like some analysts.

[@jamesbrown1571]

Media: Sets narratives Media: "Lets rank our narratives"

[@smackinmywill5646]

I hope the sixers come with a fiery passion after the allstar break and beat the breaks off the celtics and the bucks. As a sixers fan this season has lots of expectations riding on it. Especially after the trade deadline

[@yesyes1842]

Great break down by JJ. Makes it silly for people to argue athletes today are "individually" superior when so much goes into influencing how a basketball game is played that is beyond the individual.

[@ManOfWar2]

VERY GOOD IDEA!!! NBA needs to try that

[@DaLumpy1]

I see you Stevie with The Loubs 🫡🤙🏾

[@Gurenn83]

Finally, a discussion that is more engaging and not the usual everyday Lebron news. Thank you ESPN! 💯

[@seancharran3332]

JJ was right to represent Luka's take on this. Rn Luka's the 2nd highest scorer in the league, and only Kobe and Wilt have higher all-time scoring games than him. Luka knows what he's talking about, and he's said its easier to score in the NBA than Euro yrs ago.

[@kevrolld]

Does JJ realize that nitpicking timestamps on statistics goes against his point? The abuse of the 3pt line, less fouls in that area of the court, & teams monopolizing/cheating their competition is the reason their league is second to the NHL in viewership now?! Front office league still in shambles from the GSW debacle😂💀🤡

[@alangraham9855]

Best JJ take I’ve heard, I usually be annoyed by him… good shih

[@SamoaVsEverybody814]

Anyone remember when final scores would be like 71-66 but the games would fire?? Lol

[@luthfeeghazale6206]

Those numbers remind me of the 2000s Pistons. Man those were good defense

[@SamoaVsEverybody814]

@@luthfeeghazale6206 Yep and the early Spurs dynasty days

[@lazzi2462]

I feel like Finals scores are still pretty low, not extremely low like 70pts, but I don't feel like those low scoring games happened often. If you go back & look at the past 20 Finals, a lot of games still hit the 90-100+ range just like it does right now. Game 5 last year was only 94-89. The Heat only scored over 100 once last Finals & the Nuggets only did it 3 times, their highest being only 109.

[@luthfeeghazale6206]

@@lazzi2462 pretty sure its because every players knew that they in the Finals and they need to be serious on defense