Stephen A. vs. JJ Redick vs. Mad Dog 🍿 Nuggets-Timberwolves & Jayson Tatum criticism 🏀 | First Take

[@Phormidable3]

I'm just surprised they're talking about someone other than the Lakers and Warriors. Breath of fresh air.

[@CozyLoungeShorts]

Watch an episode instead of clips

[@princellasmith7562]

But even then, they're talking about him because LeBron was talking about him on JJ's podcast. 😂😂🫠🫠🙃🙃

[@jeremyarrington9427]

exactly why i had to watch 😂😂😂

[@donanderson6584]

LOL

[@dhldt1021]

Yep, and one of these days, we’re gonna discuss what year Pistons become relevant again.

[@yengvang8737]

I mean Giannis and Jokic were criticized a lot when they were winning MVPs but were sending home in the playoffs. When they won their chips, they got their respect.

[@cholmanjr8345]

Indeed

[@334ben10]

Jokic didn’t get heavily criticized like Giannis or Tatum. He got the excuse of guys being hurt during those times, and Giannis only got his criticism after his 2nd MVP and losing 1-4 in the playoffs. Tatum hasn’t won a MVP the harsh judgment came a lot sooner for both.

[@TargetNSA]

@@334ben10Except he didnt... He was so underrated and disrespected it was stupid... He even lost an MVP because of it. So yeah nah Jokic was abused by the media for years

[@334ben10]

@@TargetNSAhe wasnt😂 your reply don’t even make sense showing y’all just saying stuff Jok faced the LEAST criticism out of this group BY FAR

[@fredb6515]

@@334ben10ur dumb , nick wright was saying jokic was the worst mvp ever , he wud have won his 3rd if Perkins didn’t make it about race ur delusional kid

[@rohitrajoria8952]

Tim Duncan 2nd year wins finals mvp. 5 rings, 2 mvps, 3 finals mvp, 15 time all defense. Made playoffs every year

[@isaiahwest7977]

Tim sooo underrated

[@tellsteveharveyidontwanthe2283]

im top 5 alltime not even a spurs fan

[@imhong28]

I think Tatum needs to emulate Duncan's mindset and how he deals with important games when it matters. He is clearly the best player in his team and he needs to assert his dominance even in the 1st quarter like Duncan did in his earlier championship years.

[@torpedospurs]

Not to mention 5th in MVP voting as a rookie, and 3rd as a sophmore.

[@carlospepin7285]

Duncan was an exception, most players need to hit the 27 & 28 years of age benchmark to win a tittle. Jordan Steph Shaq Olajuwon Etc...

[@makmatt4779]

Stephan A Smith picks and chooses when the regular season is an important factor🤦‍♂️

[@HomerunsamSOSA]

Certain parts are tho

[@MattTheDreamer7199]

So do we…as fans.

[@jiggnorth3593]

It always is at this point in the season.

[@astronut1728]

I love mad dog for exposing “JT top 5” ahh mfs

[@demedusaacademy]

You dumb

[@nanox4]

Funny how when JJ is there to expose him, he's like: "Joker, the best player in basketball" lmao.

[@DominicRuiz23]

TRUE LMAO I was surprised he said that for once

[@alexwilcoxx]

gotta be tough to go from talking to Bron to talking to Mad Dog

[@mursuka80]

One of these days JJ will explode on him and call him effin idiot or something.

[@jllamas090]

😂

[@johnsnow9307]

I agree tough to talk to someone who can barely read at a 3rd grade level lol

[@codedsoul7360]

He is right about Tatum tho

[@cesarmm1]

You can tell Stephen A doesn't like JJ so much because they got that Max Keller man debate vibe going on

[@foundationsyth9825]

You cannot pick Tatum over lebron in a 7 game series at any point of Tatums career.

[@Serenity01871]

of course tatum is a good stat player and maybe third guy scoring wise or second but mentaly not number one

[@bayareayackem100]

Yes you can. I'd take him right now over lebron. But the other 20 years. Nah

[@nicholasjohnson8428]

Even a LeBron on 1 foot last year was an elite player giving you 40 while playing every minute.. there's only 1 player you would choose over LeBron in a playoff scenario right now, and that's Jokic

[@RaraThomasthekidabuser]

That’s why Tatum has accomplished far more than lebron ever did at 26 right

[@foundationsyth9825]

@@RaraThomasthekidabuser no, LeBron accomplished more. A finals run just like Tatum, ECF appearance for both and LeBron already had an MVP. LeBron at this point was dominating the playoffs even in losses. Averaging 38/9/9 in the ECF against the Magic. LeBron was better last year on one leg than Tatum was fully healthy. It's not even close. Tatum shrinks, and LeBron gets better in big games

[@OneHandMoneyMan]

Mad Dog was spittin facts with that list, until he said it’s about the money lmao had me rolling

[@isaackagboola]

Im glad they FINALLY talking about the Twolves.

[@wolfiejr.5992]

and ofc it's this game out of all of them 💀

[@walkoff2]

“I love this exercise” 😂😂😂

[@TheBlackSands]

Exercise with me sweetheart I'll give you a workout 💯

[@rankobarensic]

😂😂😂

[@ecolon217]

Taking Embiid over Tatum in a 7 game series is outrageous considering Embiid has NEVER BEEN PAST THE SECOND ROUND. Tatum swept the floor with KD when KD was in Brooklyn Assuming health in a 7 game series for Kawhi is a risky risky proposition (same for Embiid, honestly)

[@CCFelton94]

That means absolutely nothing. Embiid is a better player than Tatum. Tatum was better than an unhappy KD in BK. Tatum isn't better than either player though.

[@rb9888]

tatum did not sweep the floor with kd. if kd played for boston, the boston would have won even more easily

[@giovanysantiago5892]

Didn't tatum drop 50 plus against Embid in game 7 last year, mop the floor with the 76ers.

[@IBlackSanta]

But when did they even say a 7 game series for that?? They said that about tatum or lebron. It seems like you're just changing the argument. Embiid is better than tatum right now.

[@timsweeney684]

@@CCFelton94Tatum is better than KD right now

[@beanie3427]

What?? Denver has the 2nd EASIEST remaining schedule in the league. Our remaining schedule has games against Spurs x2, Grizzlies x2, Trailer Blazers, Hawks, and Jazz. Meanwhile our difficult games are coming against the Knicks, Timberwolves, and Cavaliers, all three of whom are dealing with significant injuries at the moment. Then we have two pretty tough games against the Suns and Clippers, but that's about it. Meanwhile, OKC has to play the Bucks twice, Celtics, Pelicans, Kings, and Mavericks. Their schedule is significantly more difficult than Denver's to finish out the season.

[@ryanmahon1]

Thank you was looking for this comment. It's definitely not a cake walk but it isn't nearly as hard as they said it was

[@VladanMovies]

My prediction ... In remaining 12 games, Denver wins 7-9. Wolves win 7-8. In their remaining 14, OKC wins 7-9. It will be close, but to me, looks like Denver has a margin of plus 1 game over TW, but is - 0.5 under OKC, for Western top seed.

[@kevinmichaelkelly1993]

mad dog spittin lmaoooooooo

[@ken58763]

Not just KAT, but Twolves were missing Gobert and Naz Reid. Missing 3 of their top 4 players and still making the game competitive was impressive.

[@pathape]

The Nuggets shorten their rotation when the playoffs hit. Jokic will also play more minutes. It's very hard for teams to compete when Jokic is on the floor. The nuggets take the twolves in 5 games again with the twolves at full strength.

[@joshualightowler1610]

@@pathapethe Timberwolves in last years playoffs gave Denver the hardest time while extremely injured. Healthy Timberwolves this year killed Denver in their first meeting, barely won by 3 in their second meeting to an injured wolves team. They will meet again to a healthy wolves team and probably get beat out, the Timberwolves were built to go against the nuggets and are realistically the only team in the west that can beat them in a series. I’m not saying they will but the have the most potential to do so.

[@nikobellic2515]

Tatum was THE REASON he made the ECF his rookie year! Hurt Hayward, hurt Kyrie, 6ppg Jaylen, Smart and Horford.

[@soufatldude700]

yh but he's underperformed in playoffs since

[@bigmo3692]

@@soufatldude700 thats cap

[@macattack8658]

Now why you just gonna lie like this lol. Brown avg 6.6 his rookie yr while tatum was still at Duke and the celtics made the ecf with it4. Brown was the 2nd leading scorer behind kyrie his 2nd yr and if he didn't get injured first 3 mind vs the bucks rd 1 gm 7 he would've been the overall ppg leader that playoff run. He avg 18.2 to tatum 18.5 and was the leading scorer in the ecf by 2 pts. Tatum also HD Terry rozier, prime al horford ,smart, marcus morris, Baynes and probably the best coach for young talent at the time in Brad stevens.

[@shiningwizard202]

@@soufatldude7004 conference finals and a finals appearance before 25 is underperforming???

[@danielrivadeneiraalvear3091]

You got a short memory

[@seanmaertens8483]

The Wolves were home for the first time in 2 weeks, on the 2nd night of a road-to-home-back-to-back, were missing their top 3 centers (2nd, 3rd, and 6th best players), against a fully healthy Nuggets team, and nearly pulled off a win. When the two teams played each other fully healthy in the first game this season in Minnesota with no back-to-backs involved the Wolves blew them out by 21 points. When the Wolves are fully healthy, they are the top team to knock off the Nuggets in the playoffs. Hopefully we get that as the WCF, would be amazing to watch.

[@pathape]

The Nuggets rotation in the playoffs is different. Jokic plays more minutes in the playoffs so fewer non jokic minutes equals denver beats any western conference team pretty easily in the playoffs.

[@otacmakarije352]

Wolves play better without that transgender mickey mouse big Purr.When Joke sees Rudy it is 40 ppg,only Naz was a loss there. No matter..nobody is scared of T wolves..Den is a playoff team built. Nobody can beat them on the west in 7 games series

[@PaperPlaneStudios]

well McDaniels won't shoot like that anymore this season, that helps Twolves keep close in the 4th quarter

[@Bigmike55626]

Bro thinks the wolves will shoot lights out again

[@seanmaertens8483]

@@Bigmike55626 Lmao. You think the Wolves shot it "lights out"??? Talk about delusional. Denver shot 51.9% from the field and 51.9% from 3pt range. Wolves shot 47.7% from the field and 34.4% from 3pt range.

[@RIOTZ_]

Mad Dog cooked on that Tatum top 10 take😂😂

[@Bars11_]

I can't wait for Tatum to get his ring..so he can shut all these nonsense around him. People talking as if he is not that dude coming playoffs time. Let's not forget he is the main pioneer in all the conference finals run the Celtics have made since he came into the league.

[@flash012234]

Not over Denver I fear

[@codedsoul7360]

The problem is that he has had too good teams and for him to still not have a ring is bad. Swap him with Luka and Celtics have a ring by now.

[@masstarvation]

if it was Edwards or Luka in this Boston team, Mad Dog will call this team the best of all time and crown them the GOAT. Tatum hate is real

[@Myersboii]

Yeah that dude in the playoffs that is the most up and down player. You can’t be considered great when you’re not consistent.

[@aimegizi5749]

Well Jimmy Butler might have something to say about that 😅😅 Celtics r laughable, they'll get u to the conference finals in a weaker East, then of course let everyone down

[@noodlezworld3627]

Mad dogg was on point today 😂

[@Gregwrestlingforlife]

Kareem 😂

[@deepaknambisan3251]

An unusually excellent segment

[@kaysheye7784]

I've been saying it - I don't think the Nuggets lose to the Timberwolves in the playoffs with both teams healthy but the Timberwolves have arguably given the Nuggets the most hell out of any Western team and you could see that in their playoff series last season

[@ilyvs1x]

without naz reid, kat and gobert they were a missed three short of overtime i think you’re underrating the twolves alot

[@keorapetsekealotswe6725]

I honestly love it when Mad Dog and JJ are around

[@teejdavenport4574]

Without even thinking about it. We all got Tatum at 7...."Wait this isn't a no brainier this isn't easy" Molly

[@sandoggg]

Nuggets: Nice game good job everyone, tough win Twolves: Well, with nothing but our 4th string bigman and 2nd day of a back to back that was a close game.

[@Whatever-luzer]

That’s exactly how it should’ve been, nuggets should NOT be celebrating after that victory and the Timberwolves should be feeling confident after that loss. Did you watch the full game or just the highlights?

[@TheJapan38]

Why shouldn't the Nuggets celebrate the win? Only fans care about the win margin. Teams want to win the game period. 12 and 2 since the all star break. Denver is in championship mode. Doesn't matter the win margin.

[@CozyLoungeShorts]

@@TheJapan38You obviously don’t listen to players and coaches talk about these things😂😂😂😂😂. A BAD win, is not a GOOD thing in sports

[@TheJapan38]

@@CozyLoungeShorts They all say the same thing regardless of how much they win by. It's the same sound bite over and over. If you're taking that seriously, you're in too deep lol.

[@CozyLoungeShorts]

@@TheJapan38 No they don’t 😂😂 you can’t comprehend past the first 5 words. The point is still, a win like this, isn’t good. And the team themselves know it 😂. Because, had it been a full roster on the other side, they would’ve lost. Which it will be more full come playoffs. 🤷🏽‍♂️😂 You never played past middle school and high school, it’s okay lil man. Even D2 understands.

[@cagaming-b1b]

11:19 - my face when I’m waiting for the pizza rolls to be cooked in the microwave

[@memphismadekel]

I am not taking Joel over Tatum in the playoffs. That’s insane

[@LayLowandBeEazy]

Ehhhhh on my list I got embid 10 Tatum 11 but it’s definitely arguable .

[@FranciscoFernandez-d9e]

I like this version of FT with JJ and Mad Dogg it’s legit real talk

[@jslayer45]

Taking embiid over Tatum in a game 7 is nasty work. Tatum averages like 28 8 6 in game 7s. Wonder what embiids numbers are lmaoo

[@deborahrobelot7762]

Agreed. JTs had plenty of great elimination games and series. I think he’ll eventually make up for his poor ‘22 Finals

[@codedsoul7360]

Put Embiid or Luka in that Celtics team and he would have at least 1 ring by now.

[@masstarvation]

Embiid averages 1 second-round exit every year lmao

[@milosmomcilovic4166]

He didnt say game 7,he said 7game series...

[@RR-in7do]

​@@codedsoul7360embiid is a certified playoff choker. Give me a break

[@okayfornow]

That's why Denver is the best assembled team. Everyone knows their role and excels in their role.

[@claymccombe1838]

Exactly. Gotta give credit to Coach Malone’s leadership and selfless culture.

[@rashadcotton3260]

It’s because you’re saying he is mvp level that’s why he gets criticized pretty simple.

[@user-sw1fz9vc6r]

Getting a push to be mvp too lol😂

[@anthonymelendez333]

He is an mvp tho lol he clears Durant Lebron and Embiid rn he beats them regularly even without his super team man lol Tatum is just the best American player rn and the only person in question to sit there and say “I have an argument” is Anthony edwards

[@barbaramoreira290]

​@@anthonymelendez333are you high or something???

[@trainerrob1622]

MVP level... What is MVP level? MVP doesn't mean best player if it did only 4 or 5 guys would have won the award in the past 30 years. When a team is running away with the reglar season in the way the Celtics are and they have a clear #1, that guy is always going to be in the MVP conversation. Sabonis and Jimmy Butler got MVP votes last year. Both Devin Booker and Chris Paul got MVP votes the year they went to the finals and Booker finished 4th!

[@barbaramoreira290]

@TG-I-am I understand that, it's just a little stupid to push that narrative down our throats. I will say though that many people in the media are actually not buying that anymore as the time passes, and that it gets more difficult to sustain their arguments

[@bobbycole7537]

Its never about "the nuggets won" its always about "the other team almost won against the nuggets"

[@Mamba24834]

Denver are going to be back to back champions. Watching them play is incredible.

[@SxpremeTestify]

watch what happens in the 2nd round between denver and healthy minnesota, I will be back when you are wrong.

[@yeah_im_trash5033]

@@SxpremeTestifyMinnesota ain’t beating Denver lil bro

[@Scotty2Hotty4]

@@SxpremeTestifyfacts I have a lot of teams beating the nuggets. Wolves and Clippers have what It takes of healthy that’s the thing. Yes we will be back I wanna see what he respond to you

[@SxpremeTestify]

yes Minnesota with Luka Garza and Kyle Anderson as the centers won't beat Denver, Minnesota with KAT Gobert and Naz on the court will beat Denver this year and you will see it in the 2nd round assuming they stay 2 and 3 seed. I will be back in May@@yeah_im_trash5033

[@rich2586]

How much you want to bet ?

[@chuckelcalhoun]

Wolves gained some confidence, but don't forget that Denver has played in a half doaxe games where the came back from games. They are gaining confidence in the fact that they have another gear

[@fooly23]

Unpopular opinion: Jaylen Brown is Better than Jason Tatum mainly in the clutch

[@Serenity01871]

not unpopular trade tatum against ant and they winning tatum doesnt have that dawg in him he speaks like a child in press conference and dont drive. jokic is ten times better than tatum so denver wins again

[@ChokeslamToHell]

No he is not lol

[@jslayer45]

@@Serenity01871ant is not better than Tatum buddy. Pipe down

[@sakthithanigai5036]

@@Serenity01871I’d consider game 7s clutch time and JB had 8 turnovers in one

[@lucasespanha6877]

Agreed and i know a ton of people who also agree. Tatum is a low IQ player who takes bad decisions in the clutch

[@ajitkirpekar4251]

In terms of absolutely no brainers when healthy: Giannis, Embiid, Jokic, and Luka are all probably a solid yes. I think after that Kawhi, KD, Curry, and Lebron are slightly better right now. That's 8 names right there leaving only 2 spots where you can legitimately debate Tatum vs AD vs ANT vs Shea and some other names.

[@sakthithanigai5036]

Embiid over Tatum is laughable lmao

[@davyjoneslocker4859]

Tatum just healthier not better

[@xMaGuSx888]

@@davyjoneslocker4859 Doesn't matter how good you are if you can never be on the court. Also, Boston has sent Philly home year after year after year. They are a non factor and have been. So has Embiid regardless of his regular season success.

[@anthonymelendez333]

@@davyjoneslocker4859Tatum always clutches up and embarrasses Embiid tf you mean he’s not better ?! In the offseason who do you think Joel runs to train with ? I’ll tell your rn it ain’t Tatum running to train with curry

[@breonmitchell2443]

Jaylen Brown better than Tatum offense built around Tatum brown had same structure he average 30

[@masstarvation]

@@davyjoneslocker4859 Embiid is always sent home by Tatum and gang LMAO Remember that Game 7 embarassment from Embiid and Harden? Tatum dropped 51 on their heads

[@yomomma1312]

the fact he said durant embiid giannis in a playoff series when tatums beaten all of them goes to show how much he pays attention to the nba

[@alexanthro8248]

💯, and let's not forget, he SWEPT KD and Philly with Embiid had a 3-2 lead

[@kerickstevens6610]

MPJ HAS BEEN THAT DUDE

[@HomerunsamSOSA]

I was surprised to see him passin

[@rankobarensic]

Amen😊🙏

[@drakevick1646]

Y’all are SLANDERING Tatum, bro. Tatum is better than LeBron. Tatum is better than Embiid, and has proved it by going 4-0 in series against him. He’s better than KD, as was proven during that sweep, and the fact that KD can’t lead his team as far as Tatum is. He’s fifth. Personally, I have Jokic, Luka, Curry, and Giannis above him, but that’s it. He’s better than SGA. He’s better than AD. He’s better than all but four guys in this league at worst. Stop it

[@LuvLon24]

Smoking whatever u smoking gotta be crack. I mess wit Tatum but he never won an MVP or Chip yet. But he’s on the rise

[@jamargraham6707]

Luka can not pass Tatum until he plays defense on a consistent basis.

[@winningishalfthebattle154]

Better than LeBron, Embiid SGA, and Steph? You need to be drug tested immediately lol. Mad Dogg set the table for his very necessary Tatum criticism perfectly. Face the facts bro, Boston has given Jason Tatum everything you would think he needs to win a championship, and when he got there both Tatum and Brown played flat.

[@pdmpatt]

Tatum choked against undrafted players last year!

[@iTsSeanZ]

better than embiid 😂😂😂😂😂

[@landynbirk8137]

I like how Denver never wins a game on this show, they "escape"

[@politedemons]

it was def an escape lastnight though.

[@landynbirk8137]

@@politedemons just like they escaped the Lakers last year too

[@Clinton.A95]

​@landynbirk8137 no one said that

[@comgetit]

@@Clinton.A95Media : they figured the nuggets out! Nuggets proceeds to sweep the Lakers

[@landynbirk8137]

@@comgetit no no, escaped

[@annakuhn489]

Denver players accepting their roles is more due to Jokic than Malone, that's obvious that he's the one who embodies the selfless 'winning > anything else' philosophy, and that's the underseen value of Jokic gthat carries his game even

[@je5406]

Its great when teams come up with moral victories vs the Nuggets. Denver fans will take the W.

[@Pinkgreen190]

Timberwolves can be a threat to Nuggets but I think Nuggets are still repeating. Regarding Tatum, he's probably top 5 currently. Those other guys they mentioned were good in the past or are overrated (Embiid)

[@bryanmahoney3434]

Tatum turns into an absolute Pumpkin when the pressure is on. That has been proven.

[@cholmanjr8345]

yep...

[@creamated986]

proven when??? game 7 against philly??? game 6 against milwaukee??

[@revampmusic56]

Just say you don’t know ball

[@bryanmahoney3434]

@@revampmusic56 I am still way upset about him costing me 500 dollars in the Finals a couple years ago. You know what he was in that series. PUMPKIN!! How about getting embarrassed by the Heat last year going down 0-3. I don't care they brought it back to a game 7 0-3 is an embarrassment. Spin it whichever way you want when the pressure has been on. PUMPKIN!

[@timsweeney684]

He’s shown up way more times than he hasn’t. You casuals ruin NBA discourse 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@tompratt7125]

ESPN analytics is arguably the worst out there. A few weeks ago they had the Nuggets with a 6% to get the #1 seed. LOL. And only about a 40% chance to even reach the 4th seed;. LOL even louder. Ridiculous. Nuggets will be favored in 12 of the 13 remaining games, heavily favored in most. As for their remaining strength of schedule, I have no idea where ESPN came up with the laughable idea the Nuggets have the hardest remaining. According to multiple of the most respected SOS calculators the Nuggets have one of the easiest remaining schedules, with one giving them the 2nd easiest.

[@Peca-sz6yt]

What is that 1 game where they will not be favorites

[@MattParry-yl8su]

Mad Dog's suit is fire

[@tripdagrim2504]

Minnesota will be good against the Nugs because they have the formula the Lakers used in 2020 wit Rudy being a REAL big man, a defensive player, and great rebounder and it allows KAT a scoring big man and to help in the post without having the job to to guard Jokic just like Dwight/Mcgee and AD

[@kennystar9075]

When MPJ shoots this well the Nuggets are nearly impossible to beat. The only team that could beat them with him being such a sniper is the Celtics, and they would have to be lights out from 3.

[@φωτηςμπατζιος]

Mad dog showed them how ridiculous was the tatum mvp talks lmao hes barely top 10

[@deborahrobelot7762]

barely top 10 😂

[@φωτηςμπατζιος]

@@deborahrobelot7762 give your top 10 make us laugh

[@xerospades]

I mean think about it. If your team is in the top five, you should be considered top 10. I don't understand how two stars that are in the 9th seed are considered top 10

[@masstarvation]

Go back and play NBA 2k LOL

[@anthonytaylor7949]

@@xerospadesplayers not teams what records has to do with the player

[@SullyAfgarshe]

Porter Jr. is the guy that takes Denver to that next level, he plays like an all-star most nights, fits seamlessly with Joker and Murray…I expect they’ll repeat but it’ll be more difficult than last year because I think Shai and AntMan are legit superstars in their own right and I wouldn’t be totally surprised if they find themselves in the Finals

[@jedimindtricks5713]

Relax chief, I’m a big Ant & SGA guy but they’re on young teams who try hard during the season. The Wolves & Thunder are no where near championship level

[@iamhorcruxer]

But what about the Lakers

[@Serenity01871]

@@jedimindtricks5713the thunder aint win nothing this year cmon chet rookie j dub second year and no size. twolves can make the cwf but last year it was a 4 1 and without kat difficult

[@GHMuss]

No shot the Thunder make the Finals this year, just not gonna happen, reaching semis might be challenging for them.

[@SullyAfgarshe]

I didn’t say they’d win a title…I said I wouldn’t be surprised if they ended up in the Finals, like OKC did in 2012…both teams have the talent, they’re great on both ends, and they have closers…does it hurt them that they’re young, yes, but that’s precisely why they’re both dangerous teams…Also it will be interesting how the Wolves adjust in the playoffs with KAT more than likely coming back in the 1st round (knock on wood) and Chet isn’t OKC number two guy, JDub is and he is a dog

[@jaredmula8830]

The tatum and celtics hate is crazyyyy

[@sportsguy25]

all the great teams/ players face it when they’ve fallen short

[@jamkick8]

8:55 man JJ is so good. one of the best rebuttals ive ever heard in regards to how ppl view tatum. its so true the hypocrisy is ridiculous

[@raghurampalepu9926]

Tatum and the Celtics swept KD and the Nets in the playoffs, so I’d take Tatum over KD

[@MattParry-yl8su]

Stephen A and JJ had good chemistry today

[@battlerapwax4191]

Did we just say in a game 7 Embiid better than Tatum but Tatum dropped 50 POINTS IN GAME 7 AGAINST EMBIID? im a sixers fan saying this 😂

[@TheRobversion1]

Goalposts are simply different for tatum which arent the same for other guys his age like SGA and Luka. he really does need to win a chip before things start becoming "fair" for JT. amd of course, everyone conveniently forgets defense which is JTs main attribute. Hes essentially a younger kawhi without the chip. He is indeed a top 5-10 player. No way i'm taking KD or lebron over him.

[@dreamweaver80]

Joker, Embid, Luka, SGA, Giannis, Edwards, Durant, Steph all over Tatum.

[@anujshah6597]

Don’t forget Lebron, Kawhi, Jalen Brunson, even Jamal Murray and Kyrie in a playoff setting. Tatum is barely a top 15-20 player currently. Most overrated all-NBA player of all time?

[@sibserdinola6913]

KD got swept last time he faced Tatum and the Cs lol

[@b2bclutchyuh887]

@@anujshah6597Nah you pushing tf out of it with Brunson, Kyrie, and Murray 😂

[@brooksmd]

I’m a Celtics fan but I would agree. Only problem is Tatum has outplayed embiid and kd in recent playoffs. Gave Giannis almost 50, and other guys don’t have playoff success other than joker

[@ASevBVB09]

Not Durant...

[@kingsantana8191]

Mad dog spitting facts 😂

[@robonrich6549]

The Wolves showed EVERYONE in the league how to defend Jokic up top and Denver never made an adjustment 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@fahim-ev8qq]

I genuinely think they’re saving that adjustment for the playoffs just so other coaches don’t game plan against it from now

[@pulamea5564]

When I see JJ on, I'm watching

[@pizzathehut1674]

The celtics heel is Tatum, nothing but a better melo(spot shooter), if this guy could learn to take it to the rack as easy he can chuck threes

[@KillingWithaSmile613]

elevated level of expression. well put! stealing that.

[@mrudhul696]

Imagine averaging 20+ a game and being the 3rd option on a team..thats how great Denver are right now

[@StunnaSWiFT]

Tatum will prove y’all wrong. Just like JB did and he was labeled average by so many. Now he’s balling out of control. Tatum has gotten better every year and I bet all the slander will be turned to admiration.

[@dumafuji]

Good take on the nuggets on this one. They are right about mpj. If there get an aggressive player who can find his shot and it’s falling it’s lights out. They didn’t have that last year and still went 16-4

[@tony84.]

9:18, 🤣😂Stephen A. and Mad Dog Russo are still GOLD! As far as market, Stephen A. and Molly are saying PAY US! If you can give Pat McAfee $75 MILLION and his rating is LOWER than First Take. Nothing against McAfee, I like him, but what's fair is fair. He loses the rating Stephen A. and Molly give him. You need to pay them ESPN💯Keep it fair💯

[@lordfarquaad4174]

Nah molly is annoying as hell

[@deelak2329]

Molly said that the nuggets have the hardest remaining schedule when the nuggets actually have the second easiest schedule behind Boston lol. Oklahoma has the 6th hardest schedule and wolves the 18th.

[@NoooTheWall32]

I love how fans always complain about superstars missing games yet Tatum is the most consistent superstar at staying on the floor. The hate he gets is literally hypocrisy from fans

[@probably6755]

Tatum is the ultimate playoff choker more than Harden if he doesn't win the ring this season.. Celtics have the best starting 5 and the best roster in the league and also have the best 2nd option in the league..

[@ChokeslamToHell]

Tatum was 25 last year Jesus lol

[@mattroberti9657]

@@ChokeslamToHellhe also has gm 7 playoff points record iirc

[@abtocool6350]

Best second option😂, you got Ad, booker, pg, and kyrie.

[@probably6755]

@@abtocool6350 There's a good chance non of the guys you mentioned will be in the All NBA team this season... Jalen Brown lock at All NBA 2nd team.

[@revampmusic56]

Worst than harden? 😭😭😭 lmfaoooo ok

[@jeremyarrington9427]

way to give stephen a the tough questions mad dog 😂😂😂

[@kimmachelle]

tatum has beaten embiid every time in the playoffs. what are they talking about?

[@slow_Jo]

Jaden was aggressive offensively yesterday because he had to with all of the injuries. When he wants to do his 5-10 feet pullup jumper, no one can block him except Wemby. Stay aggressive and be a threat to score at all times so defense can't load up on ANT all game.

[@dylankoenig8203]

It’s a tough call right now because Tatum is clearly younger, fresher with more in the tank. Also a terrific talent. Lebron has that it factor that Tatum may not possess though, and that makes it tough. It’s about the teams too though, and the Celtics are far better than the lakers as a team this year. The question rly is, if you put Tatum on the lakers and lebron on the celts how does each team fare ? Lebron May outperform or keep pace in a series, but 0 chance lakers beat Celtics in a playoff series (finals)

[@glenn8886]

I'm definetly not taking KD over Tatum right now, for me Tatum & Lebron & Curry are about the same now. it's not because Tatum got much better(he got better with years went on for sure), it's more about Curry&Lebron are not the same anymore. Embiid...em...he doesn't belong to this conversation, I know he looks great before he got hurt, but that's not important, I know who he is already.

[@PutXi_Whipped]

Enjoy the first round exit them

[@doteth6603]

Gotta give SA credit for this panel. Don't agree with MD much, but love JJs reactions

[@CamSix0]

Seven Gm series im definitely picc Lebron Over Tatum all day ….. 8:00 min mark Mad Dawg is absolutely right Tatum is number 7 best player in the league faccs 🫡🙌🏾🤷🏾🤔💪🏿💯

[@ramaladingdong4998]

Never seen a player get so much praise from missing a potential game tying shot

[@Tj1480.]

Nuggets and Celtics will both be in the finals because of how their bench plays .

[@tony84.]

7:29, Stephen A. what the hell! There is no way in HELL you can take Jayson Tatum over LeBron in a 7th game! To even think that is crazy💯Mad Dog Russo is right to call that out💯And that baby blue sports coat Mad Dog is wearing is pretty cool💯

[@haakonlien7107]

actually such a fun game, thought we were gonna get blown out

[@jasontyson3658]

For all of Wiggins flaws and issues as a player, GS wouldn't have beat the Celtics in the finals without him. His defense on Tatum was superb and a large part of why Tatum struggled was because of his play on defense, something which Brooklyn didn't have any why Tatum scorched them

[@joshpeveto805]

Hoenstly though what would people think about Tatum if the next 4 years he goes to 2 more Finals and still doesn't win one and doesn't play well?? At some point it's who they are. Some people can't get over that hump. No problem with it. Some people just can't

[@aayanrussell7972]

And mark your calendar folks because AE and the Wolves is definitely coming at em again and bringing that heat. 🔥

[@francojimenez9093]

Tell Mad Dog “we done w the 90s” PLEASE. I wanna see him throw a tantrum

[@bbott137]

Tatum actually cooks Durant consistently. If you look at the numbers.

[@bp1480]

I could see Denver 3-peating if they stay healthy and keep their core

[@RG-wk4xf]

People forget easily that Jayson Tatum is only 25, he has already reached the finals and he was the 3rd pick in the draft over Lonzo Ball (who hasn't played like ..forever)

[@MrBoss5150]

Stephen A: "We knew that without Karl Anthony Towns, playing on the second night of a back-to-back, [the Wolves] came out on that court and competed ..." Ahhh, they were without Towns, Gobert and Reid....their ENTIRE front court against one of the biggest teams in the league. But at least, he gave them SOME credit...

[@philherkenhoff2360]

Agree

[@sihletngcobo]

Tatum is not Top 10 currently. 1. Joker 2. Greek Freak 3. Ambid 4. SGA 5. Luka 6. Lebron 7. Steph 8. KD 9. Kawai 10. Ant

[@guiwhiz]

Wait... what? Denver doesn't have anything close to the hardest remaining schedule. They have the EASIEST remaining schedule amongst the top 10 Western Conference teams.

[@lopezvip]

Don't be clowns... he isn't top 10...tatum might be 15...Luka, giannis, steph, antman,embid, kd, leonard,wemby,nikola jokic, jamal murray, butler,Anthony davis,shay.... come on this is easy

[@petarjovanov]

Why are you not talking about 36mins of no calls on the MVP frontrunner that kept Timberwolves in the game?

[@mitchellmoris6729]

Why didn’t SAS mention that the wolves were down 3 bigs? We know KAT is injured for the rest of the season.. no Rudy to a rib injury and no NAZ to a head injury.!

[@redfoxx1417]

Butler over Tatum in a 7 game series

[@leroyduncan9368]

MN is going to the finals this year. I promise you that. No Gobert, not KAT, no Naz Reid. We got the juice this year.

[@Respect_bouyon7]

Lmao

[@sebastienbalembois2491]

First Take sometimes forgets that basketball is a team sport

[@irvinggalvan9686]

We've seen enough of Tatum to say he isn't better than any of those players named before him. He has to win a chip man

[@jacksg3534]

Wolves only lost by 3 and all 3 of their best bigs (KAT, Gobert, Reid) were all out. They’re looking scary this season.

[@dailyampworld]

Tatum is 8 or 9. My top 8 players I would want on my team: Lebron, Steph, Jokic, Embiid, Giannis, Luka, Kawhi, KD. And then maybe AD or Tatum next. Tatum is overrated

[@jammer9941]

My problem with this list is if LeBron and AD are both top 10 players (only team with 2 here) why are they fighting to make the 8th seed in the playoffs when both have been fairly healthy all year?

[@abtocool6350]

@@jammer9941its about who’s better at basketball not team accomplishments, Lebron is better at the rim, 3pt shooter, playmaker, better at passing out of double teams, and manipulating defenders in the pick and roll. Objectively lebron is better offensively even now, you would have to think Tatum’s defense offsets all that to make him better, which is why it’s debatable between them.

[@LazerJet27]

In my opinion, the 5 definitely better than Tatum are: Jokic Giannis Doncic Curry Embiid It then gets more debatable due to aging for the older guys and lack of sample size and proof of sustaining for the younger guys: Durant LeBron Kawhi SGA Morant Booker Edwards Haliburton (?) And lastly the debatable and pretty unique dynamic of: Jimmy Butler. For those who say he must be ahead of Embiid because of playoff success, I don’t particularly like Embiid but I disagree. Tatum has had plenty of bad playoff performances too, but his teams have generally been better built to win games with him playing poorly than Embiid’s teams have been. But even more importantly, if that is your principle, to at least be self-consistent, you’d be required to put Jimmy Butler ahead of Tatum too. Essentially it becomes two conflicting extremes: - Tatum is the best player on one of the premiere franchises and they’re extremely well built and managed to consistently be among the top teams. So he will be consistently in the spotlight and getting attention and pushed by the media. - The media and some of the fans who buy into those narratives then promote him as a Top 5 player and say he’s better than Doncic or compare him to Giannis. So the other side critiques him by those standards and rips him apart because he’s not good enough to hold up to those type of standards. He fits better with teams and he will have more career accomplishments, but he’s more or less a Carmelo Anthony level player. Definitely very good. On a good night, can compete with or even outplay the very best players in the league. But on average, definitely not as good as the LeBrons, Kobes, Duncans, Wades.