It's NBA Finals week as the series to crown the champ begins on Thursday. Rachel and Boogie are joined by Jamal Crawford & Isaiah Thomas to preview the monster series between the loaded Celtics and the Luka Doncic led Mavericks. Would this win mean more to Kyrie than his Cavs title? Celtics are the favorites, but how much pressure is on them? Plus, the crew hits all the other big storylines and makes their picks.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
Welcome back to Bullyball, presented by DraftKings. I am Rachel Nichols.
I'm going to go a little out of order today
because Isaiah Thomas is with us. Very happy to have
you back, sir, but.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
We got to give our props to the one the
only Beer Leopard champion.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
And legend, Bucky Cousins.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
His team swept in the finals, swept four and oh
victory finals MVP, MVP.
Speaker 1 (00:35):
But he has the feel.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
It feels good, man, It feels good to win. It's
hard to win anywhere. The job was done the correct way,
so I'm satisfied.
Speaker 4 (00:46):
I'm happy.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
You know, I scratched that little urge to play basketball.
Winning basketball. Team Ball had that camaraderie with a group,
so I'm feeling good. My confidence is high, so you
know I'm mad.
Speaker 4 (01:00):
I'm good, right.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
I want to know what, Yeah, seriously, I want to
know what the first thing you want to do when
you get home and the first thing you want to
eat when you get home.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
Oh man, the first thing I'm doing for show is
getting the haircut. Like I'm out here looking crazy, But
you know that's part of the ground. I'm okay with that.
I embraced that part. But you know, once I get
back that hair appointment already booked.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
And then cleaned up.
Speaker 5 (01:27):
Man.
Speaker 3 (01:28):
Yeah, and then when am I going to eat, They're
gonna get some junk food.
Speaker 4 (01:36):
I might do some shake shack with a milk shaker.
Speaker 6 (01:41):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
I just like something simple, something simple, and yeah, I
deserve it.
Speaker 4 (01:48):
I'm definitely gonna get me a nice burger for sure.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
It's like when they took the Michael Finley took the
beer away from Luca the other day. I was just like, dude,
he doesn't play for sick stays. Let the man have
his beer. You should have all the shakeshack you want.
That's all I have to say.
Speaker 3 (02:05):
Hey, my job is done. I like family's approach. Man,
you know the job isn't done. He wants his guys
locked in, So I'm not mad. That's a good og
when you can see it from his perspective. He wants
the best for the young fella. But you know, when
the job is done, you can get you a beer.
Bro it's gonna hit the same.
Speaker 7 (02:22):
I promise you get you a little more than that.
Speaker 4 (02:28):
He who could donk a job?
Speaker 6 (02:29):
Man?
Speaker 4 (02:29):
Do your things?
Speaker 1 (02:34):
All right, Well, let's talk about the job that they
still have to do. Celtics six and a half point
favorites over the MAVs to open the series Game one
in Boston on Thursday. Look, the stats are kind of
crazy when you compare them. I will say the Celtics
they've only played three games as underdogs all year, so
(02:55):
they're not doing it in this series. The MAVs have
played forty two games as under dougs this year, so
they are used to being in this position.
Speaker 6 (03:03):
It.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
What's your sort of overall thought on the series.
Speaker 7 (03:08):
I think I think it will go five to six games.
I got Boston winning it. I think they just got
a little bit, a little bit more than Dallas has,
and they also got the defenders to somewhat slow.
Speaker 5 (03:23):
Kyrie and Luca down.
Speaker 7 (03:24):
Like, even even if Kyrie and Luca have amazing games,
amazing series, I just don't.
Speaker 5 (03:32):
Think they have enough for the Boston Celtics.
Speaker 7 (03:36):
Like they got, they got the experience, They've been there
multiple times, they know what it takes to win. And
then like, especially if Porzingis is healthy, I think they
just got a little bit more than Dallas has, and
they haven't wasted as much energy as Dallas has. Like
Dallas has wasted a lot of energy this playoffs, you know,
just trying to advance each round, and Boston's kind of
(03:58):
been been chilling for the most Like they've had a
couple tough games, but other than that, like they've been
getting their rest, they've been chilling and you know, preparing
for these moments. So I definitely I got Boston winning it.
Hopefully it's a good series. Hopefully, you know, Dallas proves
me wrong.
Speaker 3 (04:15):
I agree. I agree with everything he said. Like I
said in previous episodes, Boston, they've been the title favorite
all year long, like especially coming out of the East,
I won't I guess you can't say we thought they
were tired of favorites. I believe for the most part,
(04:36):
everybody thought Denver would kind of be back in the
same position. But you know, as far as coming out
of the East, as far as how their years started off,
how they played throughout the entire year, they've been dominant
and they've been dominant throughout the playoffs. There the way
this team was built was built perfectly. Dallas doesn't have
(04:57):
a Drew Holliday, Dallas doesn't have a Derek White, and
Dallas Dan for sure doesn't have A Presenters. So just
those three guys along are gonna be a tough matchup
for Dallas to you know, even come equal to. Obviously,
we know what Kyrie and Luca do, but you know,
(05:18):
hypothetically speaking, we can say they both average forty this series.
Where are they getting the rest of that scoring punch front?
And on top of that, when you look at Boston's
two main guys and Jalen Brown and Jason Tatum, they
just don't have the defensive intangibles to match up with
that either. So I feel like everything is just leaning
(05:40):
towards Boston. They had an incredible offseason. They did they
did it correctly. I think they really really dug deep
into putting the perfect pieces around their two main guys.
You know, guys that are you know, ultra talented, can
play both sides of the ball, have been at the
old the misstage. You know, Derick White coming from a
(06:03):
great organization like the Spurs, he knows how to play
winning basketball. Drew Holliday being improving. I just think the
Celtis did there. They did a plus homework this offseason
and they put together a real title team. So I
think Dallas had an incredible run but thing ends here,
(06:23):
and I'm gonna be generous and I'm gonna say I
think Dallas would get two games just because Kyrie and
Luca are that special. But just that team alone with
the Celtics is just not gonna be enough. I think
Celtics coming out victorious in there. You know this year's.
Speaker 1 (06:41):
Champions Well, look, Brad Stevens one Executive of the Year
this year and that was for all the additions that
you just talked about. I mean, it was masterful what
he did. And Nico Harrison also obviously on the other
side to do what he did at the trade deadline
to make all those pieces work, to give up the
asset he gave up that a lot of us were like,
(07:02):
how are you going to go forward if this doesn't work?
You know, it kind of locked himself into this opportunity
and it all paid off. And Jason Kidd gets a
lot of credit, I think, and obviously all the players
for buying in. But it is hard. It's interesting to
me that you do have a big chunk of people
picking the Mavericks when it feels like the matchups are
(07:24):
so clearly in the celtics favor. And I think a
lot of that is just the feeling of you know, hey,
this team has let us. The Celtics team has led
us down in the past, and you know, their value
isn't really obvious to us until they won a title,
you know, any of that stuff. If you took away
their history and just looked at the two teams on paper,
(07:45):
I think everyone would picked the Celtics, and in a
way that history is actually an advantage for them. There
are some interesting quotes coming out of Boston practice over
the last couple of days. Jason Tatum said, obviously we've
been there before, we came up short. It's a great
opportunity to make it to the finals again. He said,
you don't always get a second chance, so really just
(08:08):
looking at it as a second chance and trying to
simplify things as much as we can. And then Alan
Horford frankly went a little further. He said, I think
what happened a couple of years ago is going to
help tremendously because the first time it felt like a
roller coaster. He said, the increased media coverage, all the responsibilities,
everything that came with it. He said, I think this
(08:29):
time around, we all have an understanding. We know what
things are like. I feel like we'll be able to
manage everything better. So to me, that is a real
indication that they are going to be a different team
than they were a couple years ago when they played
Golden State, and they bring up good points. I mean,
it is always hectic and crazy. I tell guys before
they play a super Bowl, before they play in NBA Finals,
(08:51):
just get ready because your preparation for the game is
going to get thrown off by the fact that the
anthem is longer, that the introductions take longer that they
you know, add more commercial time before you get started,
the time before tip is different in an NBA finals,
and even just that can really throw guys off. I
don't know how big of an advantage do you think
(09:12):
the experiences boog that the Celtics had just a couple
of years ago versus the Mavericks, who I think Kyrie
and maybe Keith are the only two guys who've been
in finals before.
Speaker 3 (09:25):
Well, I think it helps tremendously. I think that's a
huge factor in this series as well. This is a
team that has been here before. They have and not
only just being in the finals. They've had so much
playoff experience. Just their two young guys came into the
league experience in the playoffs right away. So this isn't
(09:46):
like a soccer to them. This isn't you know, really
something that's going to disrupt them emotionally. They've been here before.
They're like there their season when it comes to this stage.
And like I said, those key additions that they added,
you can say the same about those guys as well.
So this is a group that's that's proven that they
(10:10):
can handle this stage. This is a group that's you know,
got the miles, got the experience. You know, they've lost,
they've won things of that nature. So they're built for
this moment now. And when you talk about the Mavericks, well, obviously, yeah,
we could say Kyrie, we could talk about Keith, but
even Luca. When it comes to the euro basketball, like
(10:31):
that's that's not an easy task. Let's like, let's not
you know, try to water down what they have going
on over there. That's some of the most hostile environments
to play in. And you know he did that at
a young age and was came out victorious with that
as well. So that type of experience can definitely carry
over and you can also say, that's why he came
(10:52):
into the league so seasoned and so ready. He's experienced
those top, top notch type of environments, so coming to
the NBA was almost an easier transition for him. So
you got three guys that have been there, but you know,
three guys can win you a series. And it's a
lot of youth. It's a lot of inexperience on that
(11:13):
Maverick side when it comes to playing at this level
of basketball. So I think that also plays a factor
in this series.
Speaker 7 (11:20):
Yeah, I mean, I agree with you both, like that
the experience is everything. Like those guys, the things that
they're saying in the media as well, is like they'll
be more calm this time around, Like it's going to
be a lot for young guys like Lively that the
younger guys that it's never been there before on the
(11:40):
mass to get this type of coverage, like the whole
world's watching, like you miss a layup, like they talking
about you like that's that's just a little bit different.
Like I always say, the Brider, the lights get like
it's not for everybody, Like this stage isn't for everybody.
So the Celtics got the edge on experience they got
the edge. And I think players being in these situations,
(12:03):
like Drew Holliday is a key, a key, a key
player in this like he's I think he calms the
Celtics down, like he's been there before, he's won one,
like that's going to be the difference between winning and losing.
Speaker 5 (12:17):
But we can't put.
Speaker 7 (12:18):
Past Jason Kidd though as well, Like he's an amazing coach.
He puts them in situations where he's been before, like
he's won the title. As a player, he's.
Speaker 5 (12:27):
Been and you know, he's a Hall of Fame player.
Speaker 7 (12:30):
I think that's that calms Dallas down a lot as well,
So we can't look past that. I just think Boston
got a few more players that have been in these
situations that it's not going to be a surprise to them.
Speaker 4 (12:43):
So, like the.
Speaker 7 (12:45):
Finals are big, and I think everybody's not built for that,
and the Celtics have The Celtics have more players that
are built.
Speaker 5 (12:52):
For this stage than the Maverige dude, So we'll see.
Speaker 8 (12:55):
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(13:54):
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listen ad free by joining Wondery plus. Yeah, I mean
to me the Mavericks have to play not only their
best basketball, but up a level from what we've seen
so far, which is a tall ask because we've seen
so much good stuff so far. And look, I mean
(14:15):
it's funny as a you said, you know, hopefully Dallas
proves me wrong. I think emotionally, a lot of people
around the country are rooting for the Mavericks. I think
that Boston sports teams always have a hard time getting
fans outside of Boston, right the Patriots didn't have as
many fans outside of New England. You know that Boston
(14:37):
teams are rarely America's teams to speak, and Luca and
Kyrie are just so engaging and you know, bring you
in with them that I think there is a real
sort of you know, emotional surge among basketball fans. We
want the Mavericks to win, and they absolutely could win.
I mean it's not like they can't. This isn't sort
(14:57):
of where nobody can see it happening. But again, if
you do without your heart and you just do the
hard numbers and sort of where things are and even
the stuff in the clutch, I mean, what we saw
in that final series against Golden State was a lot
of what we've just been talking about, that inexperience, the
lights being so bright, you know, they really fell apart
(15:18):
at the end of really important games, that kind of thing.
This year, they are in the playoffs, the number one
team in the clutch, number one. Now Dallas is number three.
So they're both good teams in the clutch. But the
fact that Boston doesn't have that as a weakness anymore,
at least so far, I think makes a big difference too.
I want to break down the specifics of the sort
(15:40):
of points of strength of made what might make a
difference in this game. So I'm going to give you
a couple categories depth, defense, three point shooting, and the clutch.
Tell me about depth. Who do you think has the
edge in depth?
Speaker 3 (15:58):
I'm gonna roll with Boston far as depths.
Speaker 5 (16:01):
Mhm, I got that even, I got. I think they
both there.
Speaker 7 (16:08):
There's somewhat even when it comes to death, they don't
really go deep into their bench either, both teams, So
I got I got that one either.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
All right, Defense, what do you think I tea.
Speaker 7 (16:20):
Oh, you gotta go with Boston that. I think that's
the biggest thing though, Like their defense can somewhat slow
those the two headed monsters down, Like they got enough
defenders to somewhat slow those guys down.
Speaker 3 (16:35):
So I go with Boston, Boston by Landside, I.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
Mean just the individual defenders they have.
Speaker 3 (16:47):
I mean I think the individual yeah, yeah, there White,
there's nothing to talk about, like.
Speaker 7 (16:55):
They got they got a big ass too, but but
they got the chance to slow those two down.
Speaker 5 (17:02):
With how good they.
Speaker 3 (17:03):
Are, I'm confident with it. Drew Holiday on my team
against any guard. Yeah, I'm not saying he's gonna stop off,
but I know he's gonna get him the best defensive
job they've like every experience, especially at this time of year.
Speaker 4 (17:14):
I'm confident with jew Holiday too.
Speaker 1 (17:18):
Well. Look, we saw in the series against Oklahoma City
there are things you can do to sort of limit
Kyrie's offense. Now, Kyrie did a great job of settling
in and focusing on the other parts of his game
and was an important part of that series win, but
he didn't score a lot, and there are ways to
do that, and they have the blueprint already. I expect
(17:38):
to see a lot of Jalen Brown on Kyrie, which
leaves everyone else available to throw at Luco, which I
think is going to make a big difference too. But
you know, MAVs have been playing great defense themselves, so
they've got a chance to limit Boston Stars. It's just
the individual defenders are so elite. On Boston. They've got
two All NBA defenders and a third in Jalen Brown,
(17:59):
who easily could have been All NBA. He was the
first one left off the list. If you look at
the points of votes and things like that, you know
it's I'm with you, guys. I think it's it is
what it is.
Speaker 5 (18:10):
And Rachel I got I got one more thing with that.
Speaker 7 (18:12):
It's like like Dallas got defenders, but their offense is
not good like that, they're the Dallas defenders.
Speaker 5 (18:20):
Their offense doesn't bring enough right.
Speaker 7 (18:23):
Boston's defenders they still really get it on offense. They
still can get you twenty to twenty five on any
given night.
Speaker 5 (18:31):
So I think that's why they.
Speaker 7 (18:32):
Got their edge when it comes to that, Like they
can slow you down, and they can also they can
also they've been real good options on the offensive.
Speaker 4 (18:41):
End as well, and playmakers not.
Speaker 3 (18:44):
Only just yeah, seriously playmakers as well. Like they can
make sure two number two, I mean the first they
can make the one and two options jobs that much
easier when it comes to helping them score and also
giving them at opportunity.
Speaker 4 (19:00):
Jesus scored just with their ability to play.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
Make So you're right, Well, this gets into the next category,
three point shooting. What do you think of Boston.
Speaker 4 (19:11):
I'm rolling with Boston all five.
Speaker 3 (19:15):
I mean, I think Dallas has some really good shooting,
but Lively is a you know, he's a lot of
threat when it comes to Boston kp at the center position.
If he if they decide to go to that right
or that route or even have an our Warford as
your five, he's still bringing shooting to that lineup. So
(19:36):
Dallas has a tough defensive assignment, very tough. Lively has
a tough defensive sign So yes, it's gonna be tough
for Dallas.
Speaker 7 (19:47):
Yeah, I'm gonna go with Boston. They shoot more. Their
program to shoot threes all year long. They've been no matter,
no matter if they're not making them at all, they're
they're shooting a lot of them. Like they get the
attempts up. I think they got more players, they shoot more.
They definitely got the edge on the three point shooting.
(20:07):
So I'll go with Boston as well.
Speaker 1 (20:09):
Well, look the way Jason Kidd has had these guys
defensively scheme has been very different than what they will
have to do against Boston because he's had them pack
in the paint, right, and that let three point shooters shoot,
and we're going to have the advantage. You can't do
that against Boston. As you point out it right like
most most attempted threes, but the more important stat most
(20:32):
made threes in the NBA for this season. And obviously
those guys are such a danger. Now, Luca's a danger
when he you know, gets toward the hoop and then
kicks it out. That's one of his favorite moves. And
certainly you know he's got, i mean, just an uncanny
passing ability. But I don't know. I think I think
you got to go with Boston again. I'm with you, guys,
(20:54):
who's the who's got the best player in this series?
What do you think?
Speaker 5 (20:58):
I t.
Speaker 4 (21:00):
Dallas?
Speaker 7 (21:01):
Yeah, yeah, they got two of the best ever, like
they like obviously Jason Tatum and those guys are really good.
Speaker 5 (21:11):
Jaylen Brown is really good, but Luca and Kyrie are.
Speaker 4 (21:16):
Something we haven't seen.
Speaker 5 (21:17):
So I'm going I'm going with and I'm putting them
to right.
Speaker 7 (21:21):
Like they got the best duo. Like, they don't just
got the best players. I feel like they're the best duo.
They just don't got the best team.
Speaker 1 (21:30):
Did you guys? Both you guys are both putting Kyrie
ahead of Jason Tatum.
Speaker 4 (21:34):
I'm not gonna.
Speaker 3 (21:35):
I'm not gonna go that far.
Speaker 5 (21:36):
I am, I am, I am. That's yeah, I'm gonna
go with that. I'm a big Kyrie fan.
Speaker 7 (21:47):
I'm a huge, huge No, no, I know you are.
I'm gonna just rock with that. I'm gonna pick they
got the best. They got the best player and the
best duo.
Speaker 4 (21:57):
I agree on the best that's hurt.
Speaker 5 (21:59):
That's good.
Speaker 4 (22:00):
I agree on the.
Speaker 3 (22:01):
Best player part when it comes to Luca Dontics. But
as far as the duo, I'm an. I respect any
duo that's playing both sides of the ball, like, so
when it comes to that, for me, I'm gonna roll
with you know, Tatum and Jaylen Brown. But obviously when
it comes to scoring mm hm, I can roll with
(22:24):
Kai and Luca, But scoring not gonna win you a
championship like that, bro, Like, you're gonna have to be
on both sides to get this job done.
Speaker 7 (22:34):
Bro Like, look at outscore he got. He got an outscore,
luc outscore the Celtics.
Speaker 5 (22:43):
Though, No, he can't, he can't. That's why we got.
Speaker 4 (22:48):
The Yeah, it's just too much. It's too much.
Speaker 5 (22:52):
Definitely must see TV though, That's why.
Speaker 4 (22:54):
That's why it's gonna be.
Speaker 5 (22:58):
This is gonna be, this is gonna be fine for sure.
Speaker 1 (23:02):
I mean normally we say the team with the best
player wins. I mean that is historically what happens in
the NBA. I just think that Wall Dallas to me,
clearly has the best player. Uh you know, if you
look at the how deep you go in the rotation,
maybe seven guys, you know, they've got five of best seven.
Speaker 5 (23:20):
So yeah, that's the difference.
Speaker 1 (23:25):
Overwhelm them. Yeah, so I we'll see about that. Who
has the coaching edge guys?
Speaker 4 (23:31):
Kid?
Speaker 7 (23:32):
Yeah, even though Missoula is really good, but he's been
putting that position.
Speaker 5 (23:38):
I'm knocking.
Speaker 3 (23:40):
I just I like Kid with with with more experience.
I think Missoula is going to continue to become better
as a coach. But I mean, to his credit, he's early.
He's still early in his career, bro Like, he still
has his ups and downs to go through as a coach,
So you know, I think Kid.
Speaker 4 (23:58):
Is more battle tested.
Speaker 3 (23:59):
He's been through the ups and downs, you know, seeing
different types of series throughout his coaching career and even
has a championship under his belt with the Lakers.
Speaker 1 (24:10):
So h as coach. Yeah, and by the way, obviously
as a player with Dallas.
Speaker 4 (24:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (24:15):
So I just I think that that type of experience
puts him over the hump when it comes to out
coaching Missoula.
Speaker 1 (24:24):
Okay, so this is a big question. Who do you
trust most at the end of games player wise, team wise, team.
Speaker 7 (24:35):
I'm gonna go first. I got if it's close the
last three or four minutes, I'm going with Dallas. I'm
going with Dallas.
Speaker 5 (24:45):
If it's close. If it's close.
Speaker 4 (24:50):
You know, that's funny.
Speaker 3 (24:51):
It's crazy because you know, we talked about a little
bit before the show, but in my mind, I just
knew the average would consider more of a clutch team,
like and you said earlier that the Mavericks are third
and Boston is first when it comes to clutch. So
that's kind of crazy to though. But even with me
(25:12):
knowing that stat I'm leaning with Dallas. Like I agree
with if they allow these games to be close and
you got a Kyrie and a Luka Doncic on the floor.
Speaker 4 (25:25):
It is scary. It is scary.
Speaker 3 (25:28):
So I'm not even a fan of you know, the
statistics like that, but yeah, I'm for sure going with
Dallas clutch time for sure.
Speaker 1 (25:38):
It is tough, all right. So what is the one
specific thing that stands up about this matchup? I think
you guys are going to say defense, But is there
anything else beyond the defense that stands out to you guys?
Speaker 3 (25:53):
I'm a fan of the storylines, honestly, outside like outside
of between the lines, just the storylines that are going
into this series. You know, it's it's a former team
for KP. It's a former team for Kyrie. It's really
funny how now you know this fan trained for Kyrie
(26:14):
is now moving full speed ahead again. And just a
year ago, you know, he was America's most hated So
I think this is an incredible redemption year for him.
And you know, regardless of the results, if he wins
or lose, I think, you know, he won a lot
of people back over and I think, well, I mean
(26:35):
it's gonna remain that way. I mean that Boston is
a tough fan base, but regardless of went or lost
for Kyrie, I think he deserves this moment. I'm glad
he's back to this place of you know, receiving more
love and hate because he's that you know, incredible of
a player. He's that, he's that impactful for this league.
(26:58):
He's inspired a lot of basketball players coming up underneath him.
And you know, and if you're a basketball fan, it's
hard to beat. It's if you're a basketball fan of general,
it's hard not to be a fan of Kyrie, Like
he is the epitome of basketball. Like, so, you know,
I'm more so excited about the storylines as well. I
(27:20):
think that's gonna make this series that much better.
Speaker 1 (27:23):
Sure, I mean I te you know, that Boston crowd obviously,
I think they're gonna boo every time Kyrie touches the ball.
You know, he got someone throw a water bottle though
at him one of the recent times he was there. Like,
I mean, there's there's been some shady stuff.
Speaker 7 (27:38):
Yeah, they ain't hold nothing back. They're not gonna hold
nothing back. That's why I hope Kyrie does his thing.
I hope he does because, like, like like Bug said,
the storyline would be great, like if he if he
does his thing in Boston after all this shit that
they've been through together, like that would be amazing. I'm
pulling for Kyrie. I'm a big Kyrie man.
Speaker 5 (28:00):
I'm pulling for him for sure, but I don't know
if there will be Now.
Speaker 1 (28:04):
Look is here, Jamal dropping in?
Speaker 4 (28:11):
Take it over.
Speaker 6 (28:12):
I'm with three legends, three real legends, three real legends.
Speaker 1 (28:18):
What's book. I'm feeling crowded out by the Washington State
vibes here. I don't know. We'll see.
Speaker 4 (28:25):
I was almost out there with them boys.
Speaker 3 (28:27):
I almost had my little you know, my little staff
in Washington. I was considering the Husky's almost made it,
almost made because.
Speaker 4 (28:35):
Almost came out.
Speaker 1 (28:37):
Wait, I tea your Tacoma? Is that right?
Speaker 4 (28:40):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (28:40):
I'm coma And what about you, Jamal.
Speaker 6 (28:43):
I'm Seattle anywhere. I up all over the place in Seattle. Yeah,
I've been in Tacoma too. I've been in the fish
House and everything. I teased open the doors Tacoma as well.
Speaker 5 (28:55):
I'm a Seattle native as well.
Speaker 1 (28:57):
Okay, all right, so there's no be fair. I didn't
know what.
Speaker 5 (29:01):
Washington I've lived there. I've lived there as well, Jamal.
Speaker 1 (29:08):
We were just talking about sort of overall, what stands
out to you about this NBA Finals matchup? What do
you got?
Speaker 4 (29:15):
Wow?
Speaker 6 (29:16):
Honestly, I wasn't sure Dallas was gonna get here at
the beginning of the season. Like I knew Luca and
Kai would would do their thing, and I knew they
would have a better flow because I thought last year
was almost your turn, my turn, they would have a
better flow and how they play. We all thought Boston
would be here. But it's intriguing because Dallas took out
three of the top four teams in the Western Conference.
So you know, I think they're peaking at the right time.
And it kind of reminds me that that that dirt
(29:38):
led team that won the championship, Like how they're they're
just peaking at the right time and kind of went
under radar and now they got that magic with them.
Speaker 1 (29:46):
So who would you pick here in this series?
Speaker 4 (29:49):
See, there you go, Rachel being greater with you.
Speaker 6 (29:51):
I'm gonna say my head says Boston, my heart says Dallas.
So I'm just gonna go with my heart on this one.
I think Dallas is the more together game. I think
I think Boston has some of that like Mike Tyson,
like early when he was fighting, he'll knock you out
the first rounds. I think Boston is that if they're
up fifteen the balls hoping everybody's touching the rock, they're
playing at their best. But when they get in tight games,
(30:12):
I think that's when their trust sometimes comes into the pitcher.
Speaker 1 (30:17):
Yeah, I mean we were just talking about that, like
head and heart. I think, you know, I was saying
that any Boston team doesn't really get a ton of
pickup from fans around the country. I don't know what
it is. I think it's the same with New York teams,
Like you know, they're not America's teams in that same way.
So I think around the rest of the country outside
of New England, there are a lot of people who
(30:39):
would like to see this Dallas team win. And the
storylines we were talking about when you first came on,
I mean, they want Kyrie to sort of come full
circle here. Luca is so engaging, and the idea that
he could sort of finally get the title that we've
been talking about since the day he got into the league,
that kind of thing. And then you look at just
the numbers and you look at you know, how these
teams have done. If you took both of the names
(30:59):
off of it, the Celtics, the individual players they've got,
the team numbers that they've put together, it's sort of
hard to argue with any of that. I don't I
don't know what would have to happen for the Mavericks
to win. We haven't really talked about that. Guys like,
if the Mavericks we're going to pull this off, what
has to happen on the court? When do you got bug?
Speaker 4 (31:22):
Man? It's gonna it's for me.
Speaker 3 (31:28):
It's going to take a guy like PJ. Washington having
an incredible series. I'm saying maybe averaging twenty twenty two
a game to match whatever production you're getting from Akyrie
and a Luca on top of that, I think I
think Lively, I think Lively gets set. I think we
(31:49):
see a lot of Kleeber Maxi Kleeber. If I don't
have his name messed up, yeah, Cleber MAXI Kleeber. Obviously
he's a better perimeter defender when it comes to being
a big and I think that's more of what they'll
need when it comes to, you know, the five out
type offense Boston runs. They have five guys that can
(32:12):
spread the floor consistently on the floor. So and it's
gonna take an incredible performance from Cleveland on the defensive
end and also adding some offense as well. So it's
gonna take I think it's gonna take a spectacular series
from some of the role guys on the Mavericks outside
(32:33):
of you know, Kyrie and Luca doing what they do
on a nightly. So yeah, it's gonna take a lot.
It's gonna take a lot.
Speaker 1 (32:43):
Do you feel the same way or do you think
there's other stuff that they could use to overcome Boston.
Speaker 7 (32:48):
I mean, the layers just gotta play like they gotta
give something. Like we said earlier, even if Luka and
Kyrie play exceptional, they areage forty each, like those other
guys got to bring something and that's a big what if.
Like they've never been in this situation. The lights never
been this bright in their career. They've never I don't
(33:09):
think to a point to where they have to they
have to give a lot, like they gotta get every game.
Speaker 5 (33:18):
They gotta give their best.
Speaker 7 (33:19):
They gotta play their best I think for them to
come out on top, Like Boston just has more players
that play well in these moments than Dallas that we've
seen from Dallas, Like, we don't know. Those guys might
show up and play well each and every game, but
that's just I think that's out of their character to
(33:41):
be able to play that as well as they need
to play every game in the NBA Finals, Like that's
hard to do. That's gonna be hard. Not saying they can't.
They got a chance. They got there for a reason.
Dallas is a really good team, a well coached team.
But it's just like you gotta play perfect every game
for them for them to have a chance. But if
the game is close, if these games are close, I
(34:04):
got Dallas winning these games. If they're close, for sure,
it's a big good.
Speaker 1 (34:10):
So Jamal, what's the argument for you picking Dallas?
Speaker 4 (34:14):
I think, yeah, they have to keep the games closer.
Speaker 6 (34:17):
The games are closer, that's when Kyrie and Luc are
really shye and by then being that aggressive, it relaxes
everybody else when your start as those two know, when
your superstar players are that good, everybody else can be
who they are and starting their role. And I also
think somehow someway J Kidd has to put himself in
the game, and what I mean by that is his
coaching knowledge, his experience, uh, you know, seeing the game
(34:39):
from a different way. He has to somehow put himself
in the game and put his fingerprints all over it,
where he kind of balances the talent they may not
have by putting himself in and out coaching Misoulla, if possible.
Speaker 1 (34:51):
Put himself in the game like Spilsota on the court.
Are we talking about that?
Speaker 4 (35:00):
I love it, right, That's what I'm talking about.
Speaker 1 (35:06):
I'm just saying. I mean, look, you guys have been
talking a little bit about the return of Porzingis and
what that would mean. I think it's a great point
bug that people are kind of forgetting that Dallas is
getting back someone too. I know that Maxi played a
little bit in spots toward the end of the Western
Conference Finals, but that was clearly just to get him
back in the rhythm of things, and I think we'll
see him more in this series. So I guess whose
(35:28):
impact do you guys think is greater of these returning players,
KP or Maxi? And how would it impact this series?
Speaker 4 (35:36):
But KP for sure.
Speaker 3 (35:38):
I mean we're talking about a consistent twenty a game. Also,
rim protection also somewhat versatility as far as you know,
playing out on the floor a mismatch problem for anybody
because most bigs, he can just turn around and shoot
over the top of them. Any switches created where it's
a guard on him, he's doing the same thing to him.
Speaker 4 (36:02):
KP for sure, and it's not close.
Speaker 3 (36:04):
I do like Cleeberd defensively more as a big on
the perimeter, but you know, outside of that, his offense
is very limited, and I just feel like when it
comes to KP, he's the consistency is always there as.
Speaker 4 (36:19):
Far as production.
Speaker 1 (36:21):
I mean, the only thing I wonder about is, you know,
he hasn't played in so long, it you've come back
from injuries sort of how much does that affect you
that all of a sudden you're being thrown into an
NBA Finals.
Speaker 5 (36:33):
I mean that I think that's gonna play a big part.
Speaker 7 (36:36):
I think his job is just easier though, Like he's
catching shoot, he's doing things that like he can kind
of do in his sleep. But like being thrown in
the NBA Finals, like I mean, I haven't been there,
bugs been there that that that's a different month to
no matter who you are, especially coming back from injury.
The lights are so bright that you know if you
(36:57):
don't make a couple of shots that that is magnified.
And you know he has to make shots to have
an impact. I think he has to make plays to
have an immediate impact.
Speaker 5 (37:07):
So it's gonna be tough to be plays.
Speaker 7 (37:09):
But I think his teammates around him are good enough
to make things so much easier for him to be
able to catch and shoot, to be able to get
wide open shots. Like, it's not like he has to
be the main guy. I think if you have to
be the main guy in this situation coming back, that's
ten times harder. He really has to space the floor,
knock down open shots, attack closeouts. I think that's a
(37:32):
lot easier than just being a Jackson Tatum or a
Dalen Brown who has to do so much coming back
from injury.
Speaker 5 (37:38):
If that makes sense.
Speaker 6 (37:41):
Yeah, coming back from injury, especially like that rhythm things
you normally do, it normally works a certain way. When
it doesn't work, especially with the stage being this big,
how do you adjust?
Speaker 4 (37:52):
Do you get in your own way? Do you not
find it?
Speaker 6 (37:54):
Like those things all play apartmar Rach, I was just
looking at those who I'm thinking I'm like, we're talking
about skill and balance of power. What if we put
these two Sacramento king stars when they were together on
Dallas right now? Does that balance? Does that power? If
they Dallas right now they're Sacramento versions since they were together,
is that balance?
Speaker 4 (38:13):
Is power playing Boston right now?
Speaker 7 (38:15):
Yeah, dude, you're always doing something like that. He's right now,
like he always he always got some flight.
Speaker 1 (38:29):
He's right.
Speaker 5 (38:30):
Please.
Speaker 1 (38:31):
This is why everyone says he's the breakout media star
of you know, this year's playoffs. Although you know we Jamal,
I just want to say we already knew. So I
love all these Johnny come lately to you, and I
love the shine you're getting. It's one hundred percent deserve.
But just remember who knew he.
Speaker 6 (38:48):
Says something to me? You said something to when I
was still playing. You were like, you know what I'm
coming to get you and tell you right now. When
I was thinking me I the front office, I was
thinking I need to be in the front office to
have dudes like this in the league. That as we
should have them superstars, great vets. These youngsters need these
two in the league. They can get so much knowledge.
(39:09):
It could be the foundation for their career. If I was,
if I was commissioned for a day, I would make
it mandatory where you have to have teams experience three
guys on each team. I think that would make the
league better. I think it would help set the tone.
You have to have guys like this in the league.
You have to have to have to have.
Speaker 1 (39:26):
I mean, it's the rule changes about who you know,
how the balance of the roster works out that cut
these vets out. Anyway, I think it was the twenty
sixteen CBA if I'm remembering right, But it totally changed
the makeup of the rosters, and I think it sucks.
Like I think that's just such a valuable experience and
it would change how these guys play.
Speaker 4 (39:46):
It absolutely would. I mean think about that.
Speaker 6 (39:49):
I was saying that about it, Like what guard in
the league that's younger would not want to learn from him?
Speaker 4 (39:54):
What big would not want to learn from Blokie cut?
Are you kidding me?
Speaker 6 (39:57):
Like, all, now they've seen it all, they conquered the
top of the world with their own game, and they're
willing to give all this back to you, Like that's
a no brainer.
Speaker 1 (40:06):
But yeah, I think you have seen it all, all
of it. I think.
Speaker 4 (40:15):
I just wish everybody was as smart as you in
the NBA.
Speaker 6 (40:17):
Man, That's why I'm talking about it.
Speaker 5 (40:21):
That's why he's taking That's that's why Maul's taking it over.
Speaker 7 (40:24):
Yeah, that's why he's taking it over. He's saying what
he's saying what we want to say, but he's saying
it the right way.
Speaker 5 (40:33):
I agree with that.
Speaker 4 (40:34):
I agree with that.
Speaker 1 (40:36):
As as I said, we knew first Jamal when you
were still playing. I was like, you are one hundred
percent going to be media superstar, and I love that
you're getting from everyone else. Seriously, I love that people
are recognizing how good you are. And did you like
calling games? Was that something you like more than the
studio stuff?
Speaker 4 (40:54):
Honestly, I don't know.
Speaker 6 (40:55):
Like I love both of them, and I think for
me it Rachel, you honestly you said that. You literally
said that now is at this point probably eight years ago.
But for me, I just want to be like, I'm
not on a hot take stuff. I'm like, I want
to be true to the game, so I gotta speak
the truth, you know what I mean. I think that's
important because there's a whole generation that's underneath us, that's
(41:15):
looking like.
Speaker 4 (41:16):
There was a kid that came to me yesterday in
the gym.
Speaker 6 (41:18):
He's seventeen years old and he was like, man, you
calling the games makes it exciting.
Speaker 4 (41:22):
I'm like, that's crazy to even know that.
Speaker 6 (41:24):
Now the young generation is watching because they feel like
they're represented, they feel like our coaches represent it. They
feel like it's really stuff that we would say and do.
And I love that part and I love calling the games.
I want to be like now, honestly, now that I'm
in the space, I want to be as good as
I possibly can in every way, shape and form.
Speaker 4 (41:41):
So I'm studying.
Speaker 6 (41:42):
I'm always going to be me, but I want to
be better at I want to learn more. I want
to continue to figure out what The playoffs was a
blast because I'm up there with two legends as well,
with Kevin and Reggie, you know what I mean. So
to be on that stage and still be able to
talk about sea walking and still talk about the proposal.
Speaker 4 (42:01):
I got Reggie up.
Speaker 6 (42:02):
They're using NAS references now, like, it's just dope to
be in that space.
Speaker 5 (42:08):
It's amazing.
Speaker 7 (42:09):
Look, I gotta give you your flowers mark, because you
know how our relationship is like to see you doing
your thing with the with the commentator and the analyst
stuff like like to talk the game. How you do
it is just amazing. You bringing back the good energy
that we need. Obviously Rachel has been doing it forever
and she's been at the top of the game.
Speaker 5 (42:30):
So we we we gotta give both of y'all. Y'all flowers.
Speaker 7 (42:35):
Y'all bring y'all bring a different type of energy to
the culture. Like everybody can relate to how you guys
talk about the.
Speaker 5 (42:42):
Game and that ship just that's just amazing.
Speaker 7 (42:44):
So I gotta I gotta give you guys, Jamal and Rachel,
you guys as flowers because that we appreciate it.
Speaker 5 (42:49):
All y'all put a smile in the face.
Speaker 7 (42:52):
When when we listen to basketball and you guys are
talking about it. And that's just not just saying that
because you guys are right here, but I mean, I'm
saying that when you guys aren't, when you guys aren't,
Like I like listening to Rachel. I like listening to
Jamal when it comes to talk in basketball, for.
Speaker 4 (43:10):
Sure, and we love listening to y'all for sure.
Speaker 1 (43:13):
That's right, That is right. And look, Jamal, I love
That's one of the things I love about T and T.
It's not built on hot takes, right, it's they want
to get their pop and charisma from the guy's energy
and sort of as opposed to let's argue something. You know,
you got to take this side, you got to take
that side. So I think it's a perfect I think
it's a perfect place for you. And I'm just so
(43:34):
psyched you're there and the all cast was great and
I'm sure you're going to do some version of that
again for the finals or something. But it's I'm very
I'm very happy to get more and more Jamal Crawford
on my television.
Speaker 4 (43:47):
I do before.
Speaker 6 (43:49):
You literally saw it when I wasn't even thinking media.
So I appreciate it. And you're a legend, so like
I said and said, so, I appreciate that for real,
for real.
Speaker 1 (43:56):
Yeah, I know talent, man, I got two of them
right here.
Speaker 3 (44:02):
You got to put a lot of us in the game,
right for sure. A story in itself, I'm producing that
I'm here. Yeah, we're doing a serious doctor movie, which one.
Speaker 1 (44:18):
Yeah, I got a pretty good list of guys I
put on TV first who have gone onto big things.
So that feels good to me. Actually, I like that part,
So thanks for recognizing. I want to get you guys
in a DraftKings frame of mind because we've got to
advise the betters here. There's a ton of prop bets
floating around on the NBA Finals. Some of them are
(44:39):
really fun. So we have a segment Jamal here that's
called I'll take that bet, and you kind of got
to pick some of the bets you think you would
take or stay away from. But he has a pretty
good track record so far, so we'll see how things
go from here. Tatum's rebounding. The prop bet is at
plus one hundred. Will Tatum average ten or more rebounds
(45:03):
in this series? But you start us off, yes, yes,
what do you guys think?
Speaker 5 (45:16):
I got?
Speaker 7 (45:16):
Yes too, He rebounds and they shoot a lot of threes.
I got Okay, I'm gonna go no. Actually, I'm gonna
go right under team. I'm going like nine point five.
Speaker 4 (45:27):
Because he's.
Speaker 6 (45:29):
Doing everything else and he's doing whatever he takes to win.
You got to get him as props. But I just
say I'm gonna they both say yes. I'm gonna just
say no because I feel like he's right underneath to you,
I think he's like nine point eight, nine point five.
Speaker 1 (45:41):
Well, look, it wouldn't be a plus bet if Vegas
didn't agree with you, right, So they think they think
that too. I do these like parlay picks for DraftKings
in the middle of the week every week, and there
was something where I pictatum rebounds and the whole game
made me so nervous because I was just like, he's
(46:02):
not going to get there. He's not going to get there.
He's not going to get there. And I think he
got there by the skin of his teeth. But it
is I mean, look, they know what the odds are.
They set the outs for reason ten is right around
the I don't know Mark, So we'll see, all right,
all right, I want to ask you, guys, will Kyrie
average twenty five or more in this series? There's another
plus bet one thirty plus one thirty.
Speaker 3 (46:24):
I'm gonna say no. And the reason is he averaged fifteen.
He averaged fifteen against okay.
Speaker 4 (46:31):
See, so yep.
Speaker 3 (46:32):
And when we look at Boston defenders are the main
guys we feel that are be on them and Derek
White and Drew Holiday. I said earlier in the show,
if I'm going to war with Drew Holiday as a defender.
I like my chances. Do I think Kyrie will be
shut down completely? No, but he's gonna have a very,
very very difficult series.
Speaker 1 (46:53):
What do you guys think.
Speaker 7 (46:56):
I'm gonna go with Yes, I'm gonna go yeah, going
back to Boston, he got good energy, He's I'm going
with yes, Kyrie's gonna.
Speaker 5 (47:06):
Average twenty five.
Speaker 4 (47:08):
He's definitely gonna average twenty five.
Speaker 6 (47:10):
He saved Sage and he's playing shady on the way
that he's twenty five.
Speaker 4 (47:16):
At that play, there's no way around.
Speaker 5 (47:18):
So I was saying, he's got.
Speaker 6 (47:20):
Average twenty five, and I think he knows that, and
I would take this step further, Rach, I think if
Dallas wins this series, I think this championship can mean
more to Kyrie than the one he got in Cleveland.
Speaker 4 (47:33):
Hundred.
Speaker 5 (47:35):
I think so too, for sure, I think so too.
Speaker 1 (47:38):
I think it's a great observation. Though I hadn't heard game.
We're talking about that, and I think you're absolutely right, right,
just after everything he's done and seen and been through
and everything.
Speaker 6 (47:46):
And been through, this is like the redemption. Yeah, yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (47:52):
And you're right, Isaiah, Like I've spent a lot of
time with Kyrie through these playoffs and really through this year.
We had a big sit down interview earlier in the season,
and his his mindset is just so much more zen.
And I don't think any of the stuff the Boston
fans throw at him, hopefully not literally like the water bottle,
but in general, are going to affect him. I do.
(48:15):
I do wonder if them booing Kyrie is going to
fire up Luca, because we saw Luca in that game five, right.
I mean he likes he's got Reggie in him, he
likes the crowd with that stuff.
Speaker 7 (48:28):
He got out a peace of mind right now, nothing's
really affected him, and that that when you're at that
stage like anything happened, anything.
Speaker 6 (48:39):
Happened, everything is aligned with him, like his mind, body.
Speaker 4 (48:44):
Yeah, he seems like he's.
Speaker 6 (48:45):
In the best shape I've seen him. Man, he's picking
up full Cory sprinting yep, and I'm taking step further
as world caught. I think right now, what Kyrie's done,
I think he's combined his game with some Steph Curry's game,
Like the way he's running around on screens, moving out
the ball, like he's combined the two, right, now like
he's he's in a sweet spot right now, like he's
(49:05):
in a he's on a magic Carperry right now.
Speaker 4 (49:08):
For sure.
Speaker 1 (49:10):
No, his health is he that's a huge factor. I
mean he's missed a ton of games the last six
or seven years, including chunks of playoff games, and the
fact that he's got his body in shape, and obviously
some of it's luck, but I also think it's a
lot of how you prepare and treat your body throughout
the season, and he's been on point with all of that.
I do want to ask you, Jamal, just because you
(49:31):
were doing that game live, that game five at the
Western Conference Finals, when you saw Luca chirpin at the
crowd the way he was, what came to mind for you.
Speaker 6 (49:40):
Lucas a gangster and I mean that.
Speaker 4 (49:47):
Where he came from Vega like that.
Speaker 6 (49:53):
And these guys tell you, because like I said, they
were this. We know in the league there's some there's
some brill like dogs, and there's some dogs that are
dogs when it's like okay, they.
Speaker 4 (50:04):
Kind of puppies a little bit, that ain't really dogs
like that.
Speaker 6 (50:07):
Luca is a real dog, like he's going to hit
it the bigger, the moment, the bigger the play, the
better Luca is and even some grace don't do that.
Speaker 4 (50:15):
So he's he's different.
Speaker 6 (50:17):
Right, Like he's really really and he's playing like he
got headphones on.
Speaker 4 (50:21):
You can't speed him up. He's just out here doing
his thing.
Speaker 1 (50:24):
Well, he's own pace.
Speaker 4 (50:27):
And that's the thing about it.
Speaker 6 (50:28):
It's his pace, but his pace can make you go
his pace, and then he just dissecting me like he's
something different.
Speaker 5 (50:34):
Man.
Speaker 1 (50:34):
All Right, So I want to give you Finals MVP addscas.
Luca's right up there. Jason Tatum is the favorite minus
one fifteen. You got to put a lot of money
down to make any money on Jason Tatum. Luca though,
is plus two o five Jylen Brown plus six fifty,
Kyrie plus two thousand, two hundred. So if you had to,
(50:55):
if we gave you guys each one hundred dollars, where
are you putting your money on? Finals MVP?
Speaker 6 (51:02):
I'm gonna go with Luca just because I think that
was gonna win, and I think he's gonna like Kyrie made.
Kyrie may even average more points, like say Kyrie averages
you know, whatever he averages, Luca could be close to that.
But I think Luka will have the assist and the
rebounds as well. So I think Luca is the MVP.
If they if DA.
Speaker 4 (51:20):
Was win, is it?
Speaker 1 (51:22):
What do you guys say?
Speaker 4 (51:28):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (51:28):
What person?
Speaker 4 (51:28):
By your time?
Speaker 6 (51:29):
I saw it going on.
Speaker 4 (51:30):
I know I know where I'm gonna. I know who
I'm going Brown. I'm going with Jaimi Brown Man. I think.
Speaker 3 (51:40):
I think this is also something that's kind of floated
under the radars, like he's proven, you know, he deserves that.
He took a lot of heat for the contract. Don't
really know why. I mean, he's one of those guys
in the league, but you know he's taking a lot
of criticism as being and you know, the so called
(52:01):
Robin or back up to Tatum and in actuality, they
are one A, one B in my opinion. So and
I'm not really the guy that's trying to push the
you know, who's the star of the team narrative, But
I think Jalen Brown is a star in his own
right and he's just not really getting the credit for it.
So I think this series he shows he's really really
(52:24):
that and I think he surprises us and gets you know, MVP.
Speaker 1 (52:30):
I was thrilled he won the Eastern Conference Finals MVP.
I just thought that was like great recognition for all
that he does, and he's improved this year. I give
him so much credit because some guys get that contract
right and they kind of lean off playing a little bit.
They don't work quite as hard, and he it seems
like he's worked even harder, like maybe he's trying to
prove he's worth it. I don't know, or maybe that's
just the way he's made like he is. He has
(52:52):
super impressed me, and I thought it's funny. It was
really close. I think it was like six to five
in the Eastern Conference Finals MVP voting, and and to me,
I think it should have been more lopsided in Jalen's
favor because between that shot he hit and then just
sort of how he played the rest of the series.
I was big on it, all right. I t it's
your turn. You got to you gotta come up with it.
(53:13):
Who you got, Who's your m VP? Who you put
your money on?
Speaker 7 (53:17):
Since I got this Celtics winning, I'm gonna go with
Derek White.
Speaker 5 (53:24):
That is, he isn't even board, No, I'm just playing.
I I got Jalen Brown.
Speaker 1 (53:32):
You gotta go to a bookie for Derek wad Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 7 (53:36):
You know something we don't man, Yeah, like I got
the script.
Speaker 1 (53:42):
Yeah yeah, it's like the NFL of the season, right,
I got, I got the Celtics winning.
Speaker 5 (53:48):
I'm gonna go with Jayalen Brown.
Speaker 1 (53:50):
All right, we'll see, we'll see. I like Jamal that
you're standing on business with the Dallas pick though, because.
Speaker 6 (53:55):
I gotta do what I gotta do, right, I gotta
do it rich. Can I ask them one question? Because oh,
it's in my mind. I see when you see Jalen Breston,
do you see some of yourself and book when you
see Joker, do you see some of yourself.
Speaker 7 (54:12):
With because I get that a lot with the Brunton,
like I get I do see a little bit of
myself in there.
Speaker 5 (54:20):
In his games left handed, he.
Speaker 7 (54:22):
Got real hoop game, like he could tell he really
works on his game. And the biggest thing I I
I got that compares us. I think his belief in hisself,
like his belief he believes he's one of the best.
He believes he's the best guard in the NBA when
he steps on the floor. So I think I see
(54:43):
a lot of similarities in our game, but we go
about it a little bit differently, if that makes sense.
But like his belief in his confidence. I say, that's
the biggest similarity I see in between our games is
like he believes he's he's.
Speaker 5 (54:57):
That dude for show. Like nothing that he done.
Speaker 7 (55:01):
Have surprised himself and not one thing that that that
that that's like how I carried myself for sure.
Speaker 6 (55:07):
And Bog I saw you sit back. You did, only
you didn't only answer, you sat.
Speaker 4 (55:11):
Back like.
Speaker 3 (55:14):
I know, I know, I wasn't expecting that you came.
Speaker 4 (55:21):
I did, I did I do?
Speaker 3 (55:26):
Yeah, you came out of left field down But to
answer your question, I do. It's definitely a lot of similarities.
The biggest one for me is, you know, playing without
the athleticism. You know, that's you know, since I've been young,
and that was always the run and you know, joke
with me when it came to me being around my
peers and and things like that was you know, but
you ain't got no hops, which was cool.
Speaker 5 (55:48):
I figured that out.
Speaker 3 (55:50):
And you know, uh, for me, when it became you know,
trying to be the best version of myself, I feel
like a lot of things. One thing that young hoopers
overlooked when it comes to you know, just becoming the
best version of yourself as a Hooper is you got
to embrace what your weaknesses are and you gotta be
okay with those. And the reason I say that is
(56:11):
is because if you don't embrace those weaknesses, you'll never
be able to find other strengths. Obviously, you have your
strengths as a hooper, you know what you're really good at.
But I knew I wasn't athletic, and I knew at
a certain point it was gonna catch up to me.
It was gonna it was gonna be a moment where
you know, I was gonna have to rely on something else.
(56:32):
And if I didn't work on those things early, I
think I wouldn't have never been able to get past
those tests. So I think that's something that you know,
Jokic has mastered it at an early early age. I
think he's a way better pass or dudes passing skills
or like fucking he might be better than most point
guards that's played this game, you.
Speaker 2 (56:54):
Know what I mean.
Speaker 1 (56:54):
I think it's he's the best passing we've ever.
Speaker 5 (56:58):
Seen all time.
Speaker 3 (57:02):
I think that I think he's in the category of
his own when it comes to that. But you know,
it's a lot of similarities. I think I think he's
a better shooter at this point in his career than
I was. It wasn't and and I say it was
more so the timing of the air.
Speaker 4 (57:18):
Yeah, thre like that.
Speaker 6 (57:19):
Biggs, Yeah, Biggs weren't really being embraced to shoot the
ball as much.
Speaker 4 (57:23):
You know.
Speaker 3 (57:24):
It was a few guys like Dirk and you know,
guys like that, you know, be embraced on that part.
But for the most part, they wanted you under that basket.
So I think that part of his game really you know,
outshine man. But I think the biggest thing is it
is uh, you know, the lack of athleticism and then
(57:44):
being able to just you know, back that day having
IQ game.
Speaker 7 (57:55):
Look, we said it a couple of shows ago.
Speaker 5 (57:58):
I said it like these big.
Speaker 7 (58:01):
Now Joker and be like they had to watch, but yes,
I watch Boogie coming up like they had, Like their
games are so similar in terms of being able to
do everything as a big Like they definitely watched tape
Bug like he's I'm not gonna say he started it,
but they was looking at home wherever they was, like
(58:23):
it happened to be like, like, I got it, you
had to.
Speaker 4 (58:27):
I made a joke.
Speaker 6 (58:29):
And the reason I asked that I see similarities to
both players. I just asked you all about but I
made a joke. I said, mayn y'all sleeping Bookie is
is yo alter ego. That's take a deep, deep that
what I'm telling you.
Speaker 1 (58:46):
Come out of the phone booth. There you go. I
love when you say that about the athleticism, because I
don't know if you guys watch hockey at all, but
they're always like, oh, he can't skate, And I'm always like, well,
he can because he plays in the NHL. But I
get it. He's not a natural skater. Boggie, you were athletic.
(59:08):
You played in the NBA for many many years, So
I get the difference. I get the distinction you're talking about.
But you know, let's let's let's be real. You know
what you're talking about about making that adjustment. You know,
when I was starting out in TV, I was kind
of trying to be what I saw on TV. There
just weren't a lot of women who look like me
(59:29):
on television. They were all blonde, they were all tall,
they were sort of spokesmodly, and they didn't. You know,
I'm much more of a Okay, let's talk about it
in person as opposed to I am presenting you with
gloss and glemmor. And I was trying to be the
other kind because I didn't know any better, and that's
what I saw. And Stuart Scott pulled me aside, actually,
and he just said, look, he's like, I tried it too.
(59:51):
I tried being like the anchor person that they wanted,
and I was only seventy percent because that's not me.
And he said, then I just became myself and I
could be one hundred per And you know, they're doing
a thirty for thirty documentary around him.
Speaker 3 (01:00:04):
I hope.
Speaker 1 (01:00:04):
I hope they're honest with themselves that a lot of
people at ESPN and the higher ups did not like
him being one hundred percent himself until the public it
just got so overwhelming they had to go with it.
But I love what you said, Bogue about you and
Jokic just you got to be you. Everyone else has
taken so I don't know. I just I think that
I think that shit's really important. I want all of
(01:00:26):
you guys out there to watch out for we are
doing a live version of the Truth Lounge Sunday, June ninth.
That's this coming Sunday, pre game before Game two at
Big Night Live in Boston. Paul is going to be
I mean, you know, Paul is gonna be on one right.
Speaker 4 (01:00:42):
Because he's gonna be on right. He's gonna be all too.
Speaker 1 (01:00:45):
He doing with the Celtics back. So so everything that
you expect from Paul Pierce, turn that up to eleven.
I'll be there. We're gonna have some special guests. It's
gonna be a lot of fun. So you can come
live if you're in Boston, or you can watch it
live on YouTube. So I'm very excited about that. And
then you can catch all the episodes of Bullyball on
the DraftKings Network. You can catch us on the All
(01:01:06):
the Smoke Productions YouTube channel. You can listen to us
wherever you get your podcast. We will catch you next week.
Speaker 4 (01:01:12):
Thank y'all, thanks for having me off
Welcome back to Bullyball, presented by DraftKings. I am Rachel Nichols.
I'm going to go a little out of order today
because Isaiah Thomas is with us. Very happy to have
you back, sir, but.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
We got to give our props to the one the
only Beer Leopard champion.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
And legend, Bucky Cousins.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
His team swept in the finals, swept four and oh
victory finals MVP, MVP.
Speaker 1 (00:35):
But he has the feel.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
It feels good, man, It feels good to win. It's
hard to win anywhere. The job was done the correct way,
so I'm satisfied.
Speaker 4 (00:46):
I'm happy.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
You know, I scratched that little urge to play basketball.
Winning basketball. Team Ball had that camaraderie with a group,
so I'm feeling good. My confidence is high, so you
know I'm mad.
Speaker 4 (01:00):
I'm good, right.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
I want to know what, Yeah, seriously, I want to
know what the first thing you want to do when
you get home and the first thing you want to
eat when you get home.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
Oh man, the first thing I'm doing for show is
getting the haircut. Like I'm out here looking crazy, But
you know that's part of the ground. I'm okay with that.
I embraced that part. But you know, once I get
back that hair appointment already booked.
Speaker 1 (01:26):
And then cleaned up.
Speaker 5 (01:27):
Man.
Speaker 3 (01:28):
Yeah, and then when am I going to eat, They're
gonna get some junk food.
Speaker 4 (01:36):
I might do some shake shack with a milk shaker.
Speaker 6 (01:41):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:41):
I just like something simple, something simple, and yeah, I
deserve it.
Speaker 4 (01:48):
I'm definitely gonna get me a nice burger for sure.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
It's like when they took the Michael Finley took the
beer away from Luca the other day. I was just like, dude,
he doesn't play for sick stays. Let the man have
his beer. You should have all the shakeshack you want.
That's all I have to say.
Speaker 3 (02:05):
Hey, my job is done. I like family's approach. Man,
you know the job isn't done. He wants his guys
locked in, So I'm not mad. That's a good og
when you can see it from his perspective. He wants
the best for the young fella. But you know, when
the job is done, you can get you a beer.
Bro it's gonna hit the same.
Speaker 7 (02:22):
I promise you get you a little more than that.
Speaker 4 (02:28):
He who could donk a job?
Speaker 6 (02:29):
Man?
Speaker 4 (02:29):
Do your things?
Speaker 1 (02:34):
All right, Well, let's talk about the job that they
still have to do. Celtics six and a half point
favorites over the MAVs to open the series Game one
in Boston on Thursday. Look, the stats are kind of
crazy when you compare them. I will say the Celtics
they've only played three games as underdogs all year, so
(02:55):
they're not doing it in this series. The MAVs have
played forty two games as under dougs this year, so
they are used to being in this position.
Speaker 6 (03:03):
It.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
What's your sort of overall thought on the series.
Speaker 7 (03:08):
I think I think it will go five to six games.
I got Boston winning it. I think they just got
a little bit, a little bit more than Dallas has,
and they also got the defenders to somewhat slow.
Speaker 5 (03:23):
Kyrie and Luca down.
Speaker 7 (03:24):
Like, even even if Kyrie and Luca have amazing games,
amazing series, I just don't.
Speaker 5 (03:32):
Think they have enough for the Boston Celtics.
Speaker 7 (03:36):
Like they got, they got the experience, They've been there
multiple times, they know what it takes to win. And
then like, especially if Porzingis is healthy, I think they
just got a little bit more than Dallas has, and
they haven't wasted as much energy as Dallas has. Like
Dallas has wasted a lot of energy this playoffs, you know,
just trying to advance each round, and Boston's kind of
(03:58):
been been chilling for the most Like they've had a
couple tough games, but other than that, like they've been
getting their rest, they've been chilling and you know, preparing
for these moments. So I definitely I got Boston winning it.
Hopefully it's a good series. Hopefully, you know, Dallas proves
me wrong.
Speaker 3 (04:15):
I agree. I agree with everything he said. Like I
said in previous episodes, Boston, they've been the title favorite
all year long, like especially coming out of the East,
I won't I guess you can't say we thought they
were tired of favorites. I believe for the most part,
(04:36):
everybody thought Denver would kind of be back in the
same position. But you know, as far as coming out
of the East, as far as how their years started off,
how they played throughout the entire year, they've been dominant
and they've been dominant throughout the playoffs. There the way
this team was built was built perfectly. Dallas doesn't have
(04:57):
a Drew Holliday, Dallas doesn't have a Derek White, and
Dallas Dan for sure doesn't have A Presenters. So just
those three guys along are gonna be a tough matchup
for Dallas to you know, even come equal to. Obviously,
we know what Kyrie and Luca do, but you know,
(05:18):
hypothetically speaking, we can say they both average forty this series.
Where are they getting the rest of that scoring punch front?
And on top of that, when you look at Boston's
two main guys and Jalen Brown and Jason Tatum, they
just don't have the defensive intangibles to match up with
that either. So I feel like everything is just leaning
(05:40):
towards Boston. They had an incredible offseason. They did they
did it correctly. I think they really really dug deep
into putting the perfect pieces around their two main guys.
You know, guys that are you know, ultra talented, can
play both sides of the ball, have been at the
old the misstage. You know, Derick White coming from a
(06:03):
great organization like the Spurs, he knows how to play
winning basketball. Drew Holliday being improving. I just think the
Celtis did there. They did a plus homework this offseason
and they put together a real title team. So I
think Dallas had an incredible run but thing ends here,
(06:23):
and I'm gonna be generous and I'm gonna say I
think Dallas would get two games just because Kyrie and
Luca are that special. But just that team alone with
the Celtics is just not gonna be enough. I think
Celtics coming out victorious in there. You know this year's.
Speaker 1 (06:41):
Champions Well, look, Brad Stevens one Executive of the Year
this year and that was for all the additions that
you just talked about. I mean, it was masterful what
he did. And Nico Harrison also obviously on the other
side to do what he did at the trade deadline
to make all those pieces work, to give up the
asset he gave up that a lot of us were like,
(07:02):
how are you going to go forward if this doesn't work?
You know, it kind of locked himself into this opportunity
and it all paid off. And Jason Kidd gets a
lot of credit, I think, and obviously all the players
for buying in. But it is hard. It's interesting to
me that you do have a big chunk of people
picking the Mavericks when it feels like the matchups are
(07:24):
so clearly in the celtics favor. And I think a
lot of that is just the feeling of you know, hey,
this team has let us. The Celtics team has led
us down in the past, and you know, their value
isn't really obvious to us until they won a title,
you know, any of that stuff. If you took away
their history and just looked at the two teams on paper,
(07:45):
I think everyone would picked the Celtics, and in a
way that history is actually an advantage for them. There
are some interesting quotes coming out of Boston practice over
the last couple of days. Jason Tatum said, obviously we've
been there before, we came up short. It's a great
opportunity to make it to the finals again. He said,
you don't always get a second chance, so really just
(08:08):
looking at it as a second chance and trying to
simplify things as much as we can. And then Alan
Horford frankly went a little further. He said, I think
what happened a couple of years ago is going to
help tremendously because the first time it felt like a
roller coaster. He said, the increased media coverage, all the responsibilities,
everything that came with it. He said, I think this
(08:29):
time around, we all have an understanding. We know what
things are like. I feel like we'll be able to
manage everything better. So to me, that is a real
indication that they are going to be a different team
than they were a couple years ago when they played
Golden State, and they bring up good points. I mean,
it is always hectic and crazy. I tell guys before
they play a super Bowl, before they play in NBA Finals,
(08:51):
just get ready because your preparation for the game is
going to get thrown off by the fact that the
anthem is longer, that the introductions take longer that they
you know, add more commercial time before you get started,
the time before tip is different in an NBA finals,
and even just that can really throw guys off. I
don't know how big of an advantage do you think
(09:12):
the experiences boog that the Celtics had just a couple
of years ago versus the Mavericks, who I think Kyrie
and maybe Keith are the only two guys who've been
in finals before.
Speaker 3 (09:25):
Well, I think it helps tremendously. I think that's a
huge factor in this series as well. This is a
team that has been here before. They have and not
only just being in the finals. They've had so much
playoff experience. Just their two young guys came into the
league experience in the playoffs right away. So this isn't
(09:46):
like a soccer to them. This isn't you know, really
something that's going to disrupt them emotionally. They've been here before.
They're like there their season when it comes to this stage.
And like I said, those key additions that they added,
you can say the same about those guys as well.
So this is a group that's that's proven that they
(10:10):
can handle this stage. This is a group that's you know,
got the miles, got the experience. You know, they've lost,
they've won things of that nature. So they're built for
this moment now. And when you talk about the Mavericks, well, obviously, yeah,
we could say Kyrie, we could talk about Keith, but
even Luca. When it comes to the euro basketball, like
(10:31):
that's that's not an easy task. Let's like, let's not
you know, try to water down what they have going
on over there. That's some of the most hostile environments
to play in. And you know he did that at
a young age and was came out victorious with that
as well. So that type of experience can definitely carry
over and you can also say, that's why he came
(10:52):
into the league so seasoned and so ready. He's experienced
those top, top notch type of environments, so coming to
the NBA was almost an easier transition for him. So
you got three guys that have been there, but you know,
three guys can win you a series. And it's a
lot of youth. It's a lot of inexperience on that
(11:13):
Maverick side when it comes to playing at this level
of basketball. So I think that also plays a factor
in this series.
Speaker 7 (11:20):
Yeah, I mean, I agree with you both, like that
the experience is everything. Like those guys, the things that
they're saying in the media as well, is like they'll
be more calm this time around, Like it's going to
be a lot for young guys like Lively that the
younger guys that it's never been there before on the
(11:40):
mass to get this type of coverage, like the whole
world's watching, like you miss a layup, like they talking
about you like that's that's just a little bit different.
Like I always say, the Brider, the lights get like
it's not for everybody, Like this stage isn't for everybody.
So the Celtics got the edge on experience they got
the edge. And I think players being in these situations,
(12:03):
like Drew Holliday is a key, a key, a key
player in this like he's I think he calms the
Celtics down, like he's been there before, he's won one,
like that's going to be the difference between winning and losing.
Speaker 5 (12:17):
But we can't put.
Speaker 7 (12:18):
Past Jason Kidd though as well, Like he's an amazing coach.
He puts them in situations where he's been before, like
he's won the title. As a player, he's.
Speaker 5 (12:27):
Been and you know, he's a Hall of Fame player.
Speaker 7 (12:30):
I think that's that calms Dallas down a lot as well,
So we can't look past that. I just think Boston
got a few more players that have been in these
situations that it's not going to be a surprise to them.
Speaker 4 (12:43):
So, like the.
Speaker 7 (12:45):
Finals are big, and I think everybody's not built for that,
and the Celtics have The Celtics have more players that
are built.
Speaker 5 (12:52):
For this stage than the Maverige dude, So we'll see.
Speaker 8 (12:55):
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Speaker 1 (13:08):
Well, they certainly have. If you're like me and you'd
like to listen to as many good basketball podcasts as
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also hand out six pop culture themed trophies for six
(13:31):
basketball related activities, stuff like the Denzel Washington and Training
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having the best week around the NBA, or the Lauren
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it together, plus a bunch more trophies for all the good, bad,
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(13:54):
follow Bullyball, but also follow six trophies on the Wondery
app or wherever you get your podcasts, or you can
listen ad free by joining Wondery plus. Yeah, I mean
to me the Mavericks have to play not only their
best basketball, but up a level from what we've seen
so far, which is a tall ask because we've seen
so much good stuff so far. And look, I mean
(14:15):
it's funny as a you said, you know, hopefully Dallas
proves me wrong. I think emotionally, a lot of people
around the country are rooting for the Mavericks. I think
that Boston sports teams always have a hard time getting
fans outside of Boston, right the Patriots didn't have as
many fans outside of New England. You know that Boston
(14:37):
teams are rarely America's teams to speak, and Luca and
Kyrie are just so engaging and you know, bring you
in with them that I think there is a real
sort of you know, emotional surge among basketball fans. We
want the Mavericks to win, and they absolutely could win.
I mean it's not like they can't. This isn't sort
(14:57):
of where nobody can see it happening. But again, if
you do without your heart and you just do the
hard numbers and sort of where things are and even
the stuff in the clutch, I mean, what we saw
in that final series against Golden State was a lot
of what we've just been talking about, that inexperience, the
lights being so bright, you know, they really fell apart
(15:18):
at the end of really important games, that kind of thing.
This year, they are in the playoffs, the number one
team in the clutch, number one. Now Dallas is number three.
So they're both good teams in the clutch. But the
fact that Boston doesn't have that as a weakness anymore,
at least so far, I think makes a big difference too.
I want to break down the specifics of the sort
(15:40):
of points of strength of made what might make a
difference in this game. So I'm going to give you
a couple categories depth, defense, three point shooting, and the clutch.
Tell me about depth. Who do you think has the
edge in depth?
Speaker 3 (15:58):
I'm gonna roll with Boston far as depths.
Speaker 5 (16:01):
Mhm, I got that even, I got. I think they
both there.
Speaker 7 (16:08):
There's somewhat even when it comes to death, they don't
really go deep into their bench either, both teams, So
I got I got that one either.
Speaker 1 (16:17):
All right, Defense, what do you think I tea.
Speaker 7 (16:20):
Oh, you gotta go with Boston that. I think that's
the biggest thing though, Like their defense can somewhat slow
those the two headed monsters down, Like they got enough
defenders to somewhat slow those guys down.
Speaker 3 (16:35):
So I go with Boston, Boston by Landside, I.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
Mean just the individual defenders they have.
Speaker 3 (16:47):
I mean I think the individual yeah, yeah, there White,
there's nothing to talk about, like.
Speaker 7 (16:55):
They got they got a big ass too, but but
they got the chance to slow those two down.
Speaker 5 (17:02):
With how good they.
Speaker 3 (17:03):
Are, I'm confident with it. Drew Holiday on my team
against any guard. Yeah, I'm not saying he's gonna stop off,
but I know he's gonna get him the best defensive
job they've like every experience, especially at this time of year.
Speaker 4 (17:14):
I'm confident with jew Holiday too.
Speaker 1 (17:18):
Well. Look, we saw in the series against Oklahoma City
there are things you can do to sort of limit
Kyrie's offense. Now, Kyrie did a great job of settling
in and focusing on the other parts of his game
and was an important part of that series win, but
he didn't score a lot, and there are ways to
do that, and they have the blueprint already. I expect
(17:38):
to see a lot of Jalen Brown on Kyrie, which
leaves everyone else available to throw at Luco, which I
think is going to make a big difference too. But
you know, MAVs have been playing great defense themselves, so
they've got a chance to limit Boston Stars. It's just
the individual defenders are so elite. On Boston. They've got
two All NBA defenders and a third in Jalen Brown,
(17:59):
who easily could have been All NBA. He was the
first one left off the list. If you look at
the points of votes and things like that, you know
it's I'm with you, guys. I think it's it is
what it is.
Speaker 5 (18:10):
And Rachel I got I got one more thing with that.
Speaker 7 (18:12):
It's like like Dallas got defenders, but their offense is
not good like that, they're the Dallas defenders.
Speaker 5 (18:20):
Their offense doesn't bring enough right.
Speaker 7 (18:23):
Boston's defenders they still really get it on offense. They
still can get you twenty to twenty five on any
given night.
Speaker 5 (18:31):
So I think that's why they.
Speaker 7 (18:32):
Got their edge when it comes to that, Like they
can slow you down, and they can also they can
also they've been real good options on the offensive.
Speaker 4 (18:41):
End as well, and playmakers not.
Speaker 3 (18:44):
Only just yeah, seriously playmakers as well. Like they can
make sure two number two, I mean the first they
can make the one and two options jobs that much
easier when it comes to helping them score and also
giving them at opportunity.
Speaker 4 (19:00):
Jesus scored just with their ability to play.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
Make So you're right, Well, this gets into the next category,
three point shooting. What do you think of Boston.
Speaker 4 (19:11):
I'm rolling with Boston all five.
Speaker 3 (19:15):
I mean, I think Dallas has some really good shooting,
but Lively is a you know, he's a lot of
threat when it comes to Boston kp at the center position.
If he if they decide to go to that right
or that route or even have an our Warford as
your five, he's still bringing shooting to that lineup. So
(19:36):
Dallas has a tough defensive assignment, very tough. Lively has
a tough defensive sign So yes, it's gonna be tough
for Dallas.
Speaker 7 (19:47):
Yeah, I'm gonna go with Boston. They shoot more. Their
program to shoot threes all year long. They've been no matter,
no matter if they're not making them at all, they're
they're shooting a lot of them. Like they get the
attempts up. I think they got more players, they shoot more.
They definitely got the edge on the three point shooting.
(20:07):
So I'll go with Boston as well.
Speaker 1 (20:09):
Well, look the way Jason Kidd has had these guys
defensively scheme has been very different than what they will
have to do against Boston because he's had them pack
in the paint, right, and that let three point shooters shoot,
and we're going to have the advantage. You can't do
that against Boston. As you point out it right like
most most attempted threes, but the more important stat most
(20:32):
made threes in the NBA for this season. And obviously
those guys are such a danger. Now, Luca's a danger
when he you know, gets toward the hoop and then
kicks it out. That's one of his favorite moves. And
certainly you know he's got, i mean, just an uncanny
passing ability. But I don't know. I think I think
you got to go with Boston again. I'm with you, guys,
(20:54):
who's the who's got the best player in this series?
What do you think?
Speaker 5 (20:58):
I t.
Speaker 4 (21:00):
Dallas?
Speaker 7 (21:01):
Yeah, yeah, they got two of the best ever, like
they like obviously Jason Tatum and those guys are really good.
Speaker 5 (21:11):
Jaylen Brown is really good, but Luca and Kyrie are.
Speaker 4 (21:16):
Something we haven't seen.
Speaker 5 (21:17):
So I'm going I'm going with and I'm putting them
to right.
Speaker 7 (21:21):
Like they got the best duo. Like, they don't just
got the best players. I feel like they're the best duo.
They just don't got the best team.
Speaker 1 (21:30):
Did you guys? Both you guys are both putting Kyrie
ahead of Jason Tatum.
Speaker 4 (21:34):
I'm not gonna.
Speaker 3 (21:35):
I'm not gonna go that far.
Speaker 5 (21:36):
I am, I am, I am. That's yeah, I'm gonna
go with that. I'm a big Kyrie fan.
Speaker 7 (21:47):
I'm a huge, huge No, no, I know you are.
I'm gonna just rock with that. I'm gonna pick they
got the best. They got the best player and the
best duo.
Speaker 4 (21:57):
I agree on the best that's hurt.
Speaker 5 (21:59):
That's good.
Speaker 4 (22:00):
I agree on the.
Speaker 3 (22:01):
Best player part when it comes to Luca Dontics. But
as far as the duo, I'm an. I respect any
duo that's playing both sides of the ball, like, so
when it comes to that, for me, I'm gonna roll
with you know, Tatum and Jaylen Brown. But obviously when
it comes to scoring mm hm, I can roll with
(22:24):
Kai and Luca, But scoring not gonna win you a
championship like that, bro, Like, you're gonna have to be
on both sides to get this job done.
Speaker 7 (22:34):
Bro Like, look at outscore he got. He got an outscore,
luc outscore the Celtics.
Speaker 5 (22:43):
Though, No, he can't, he can't. That's why we got.
Speaker 4 (22:48):
The Yeah, it's just too much. It's too much.
Speaker 5 (22:52):
Definitely must see TV though, That's why.
Speaker 4 (22:54):
That's why it's gonna be.
Speaker 5 (22:58):
This is gonna be, this is gonna be fine for sure.
Speaker 1 (23:02):
I mean normally we say the team with the best
player wins. I mean that is historically what happens in
the NBA. I just think that Wall Dallas to me,
clearly has the best player. Uh you know, if you
look at the how deep you go in the rotation,
maybe seven guys, you know, they've got five of best seven.
Speaker 5 (23:20):
So yeah, that's the difference.
Speaker 1 (23:25):
Overwhelm them. Yeah, so I we'll see about that. Who
has the coaching edge guys?
Speaker 4 (23:31):
Kid?
Speaker 7 (23:32):
Yeah, even though Missoula is really good, but he's been
putting that position.
Speaker 5 (23:38):
I'm knocking.
Speaker 3 (23:40):
I just I like Kid with with with more experience.
I think Missoula is going to continue to become better
as a coach. But I mean, to his credit, he's early.
He's still early in his career, bro Like, he still
has his ups and downs to go through as a coach,
So you know, I think Kid.
Speaker 4 (23:58):
Is more battle tested.
Speaker 3 (23:59):
He's been through the ups and downs, you know, seeing
different types of series throughout his coaching career and even
has a championship under his belt with the Lakers.
Speaker 1 (24:10):
So h as coach. Yeah, and by the way, obviously
as a player with Dallas.
Speaker 4 (24:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (24:15):
So I just I think that that type of experience
puts him over the hump when it comes to out
coaching Missoula.
Speaker 1 (24:24):
Okay, so this is a big question. Who do you
trust most at the end of games player wise, team wise, team.
Speaker 7 (24:35):
I'm gonna go first. I got if it's close the
last three or four minutes, I'm going with Dallas. I'm
going with Dallas.
Speaker 5 (24:45):
If it's close. If it's close.
Speaker 4 (24:50):
You know, that's funny.
Speaker 3 (24:51):
It's crazy because you know, we talked about a little
bit before the show, but in my mind, I just
knew the average would consider more of a clutch team,
like and you said earlier that the Mavericks are third
and Boston is first when it comes to clutch. So
that's kind of crazy to though. But even with me
(25:12):
knowing that stat I'm leaning with Dallas. Like I agree
with if they allow these games to be close and
you got a Kyrie and a Luka Doncic on the floor.
Speaker 4 (25:25):
It is scary. It is scary.
Speaker 3 (25:28):
So I'm not even a fan of you know, the
statistics like that, but yeah, I'm for sure going with
Dallas clutch time for sure.
Speaker 1 (25:38):
It is tough, all right. So what is the one
specific thing that stands up about this matchup? I think
you guys are going to say defense, But is there
anything else beyond the defense that stands out to you guys?
Speaker 3 (25:53):
I'm a fan of the storylines, honestly, outside like outside
of between the lines, just the storylines that are going
into this series. You know, it's it's a former team
for KP. It's a former team for Kyrie. It's really
funny how now you know this fan trained for Kyrie
(26:14):
is now moving full speed ahead again. And just a
year ago, you know, he was America's most hated So
I think this is an incredible redemption year for him.
And you know, regardless of the results, if he wins
or lose, I think, you know, he won a lot
of people back over and I think, well, I mean
(26:35):
it's gonna remain that way. I mean that Boston is
a tough fan base, but regardless of went or lost
for Kyrie, I think he deserves this moment. I'm glad
he's back to this place of you know, receiving more
love and hate because he's that you know, incredible of
a player. He's that, he's that impactful for this league.
(26:58):
He's inspired a lot of basketball players coming up underneath him.
And you know, and if you're a basketball fan, it's
hard to beat. It's if you're a basketball fan of general,
it's hard not to be a fan of Kyrie, Like
he is the epitome of basketball. Like, so, you know,
I'm more so excited about the storylines as well. I
(27:20):
think that's gonna make this series that much better.
Speaker 1 (27:23):
Sure, I mean I te you know, that Boston crowd obviously,
I think they're gonna boo every time Kyrie touches the ball.
You know, he got someone throw a water bottle though
at him one of the recent times he was there. Like,
I mean, there's there's been some shady stuff.
Speaker 7 (27:38):
Yeah, they ain't hold nothing back. They're not gonna hold
nothing back. That's why I hope Kyrie does his thing.
I hope he does because, like, like like Bug said,
the storyline would be great, like if he if he
does his thing in Boston after all this shit that
they've been through together, like that would be amazing. I'm
pulling for Kyrie. I'm a big Kyrie man.
Speaker 5 (28:00):
I'm pulling for him for sure, but I don't know
if there will be Now.
Speaker 1 (28:04):
Look is here, Jamal dropping in?
Speaker 4 (28:11):
Take it over.
Speaker 6 (28:12):
I'm with three legends, three real legends, three real legends.
Speaker 1 (28:18):
What's book. I'm feeling crowded out by the Washington State
vibes here. I don't know. We'll see.
Speaker 4 (28:25):
I was almost out there with them boys.
Speaker 3 (28:27):
I almost had my little you know, my little staff
in Washington. I was considering the Husky's almost made it,
almost made because.
Speaker 4 (28:35):
Almost came out.
Speaker 1 (28:37):
Wait, I tea your Tacoma? Is that right?
Speaker 4 (28:40):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (28:40):
I'm coma And what about you, Jamal.
Speaker 6 (28:43):
I'm Seattle anywhere. I up all over the place in Seattle. Yeah,
I've been in Tacoma too. I've been in the fish
House and everything. I teased open the doors Tacoma as well.
Speaker 5 (28:55):
I'm a Seattle native as well.
Speaker 1 (28:57):
Okay, all right, so there's no be fair. I didn't
know what.
Speaker 5 (29:01):
Washington I've lived there. I've lived there as well, Jamal.
Speaker 1 (29:08):
We were just talking about sort of overall, what stands
out to you about this NBA Finals matchup? What do
you got?
Speaker 4 (29:15):
Wow?
Speaker 6 (29:16):
Honestly, I wasn't sure Dallas was gonna get here at
the beginning of the season. Like I knew Luca and
Kai would would do their thing, and I knew they
would have a better flow because I thought last year
was almost your turn, my turn, they would have a
better flow and how they play. We all thought Boston
would be here. But it's intriguing because Dallas took out
three of the top four teams in the Western Conference.
So you know, I think they're peaking at the right time.
And it kind of reminds me that that that dirt
(29:38):
led team that won the championship, Like how they're they're
just peaking at the right time and kind of went
under radar and now they got that magic with them.
Speaker 1 (29:46):
So who would you pick here in this series?
Speaker 4 (29:49):
See, there you go, Rachel being greater with you.
Speaker 6 (29:51):
I'm gonna say my head says Boston, my heart says Dallas.
So I'm just gonna go with my heart on this one.
I think Dallas is the more together game. I think
I think Boston has some of that like Mike Tyson,
like early when he was fighting, he'll knock you out
the first rounds. I think Boston is that if they're
up fifteen the balls hoping everybody's touching the rock, they're
playing at their best. But when they get in tight games,
(30:12):
I think that's when their trust sometimes comes into the pitcher.
Speaker 1 (30:17):
Yeah, I mean we were just talking about that, like
head and heart. I think, you know, I was saying
that any Boston team doesn't really get a ton of
pickup from fans around the country. I don't know what
it is. I think it's the same with New York teams,
Like you know, they're not America's teams in that same way.
So I think around the rest of the country outside
of New England, there are a lot of people who
(30:39):
would like to see this Dallas team win. And the
storylines we were talking about when you first came on,
I mean, they want Kyrie to sort of come full
circle here. Luca is so engaging, and the idea that
he could sort of finally get the title that we've
been talking about since the day he got into the league,
that kind of thing. And then you look at just
the numbers and you look at you know, how these
teams have done. If you took both of the names
(30:59):
off of it, the Celtics, the individual players they've got,
the team numbers that they've put together, it's sort of
hard to argue with any of that. I don't I
don't know what would have to happen for the Mavericks
to win. We haven't really talked about that. Guys like,
if the Mavericks we're going to pull this off, what
has to happen on the court? When do you got bug?
Speaker 4 (31:22):
Man? It's gonna it's for me.
Speaker 3 (31:28):
It's going to take a guy like PJ. Washington having
an incredible series. I'm saying maybe averaging twenty twenty two
a game to match whatever production you're getting from Akyrie
and a Luca on top of that, I think I
think Lively, I think Lively gets set. I think we
(31:49):
see a lot of Kleeber Maxi Kleeber. If I don't
have his name messed up, yeah, Cleber MAXI Kleeber. Obviously
he's a better perimeter defender when it comes to being
a big and I think that's more of what they'll
need when it comes to, you know, the five out
type offense Boston runs. They have five guys that can
(32:12):
spread the floor consistently on the floor. So and it's
gonna take an incredible performance from Cleveland on the defensive
end and also adding some offense as well. So it's
gonna take I think it's gonna take a spectacular series
from some of the role guys on the Mavericks outside
(32:33):
of you know, Kyrie and Luca doing what they do
on a nightly. So yeah, it's gonna take a lot.
It's gonna take a lot.
Speaker 1 (32:43):
Do you feel the same way or do you think
there's other stuff that they could use to overcome Boston.
Speaker 7 (32:48):
I mean, the layers just gotta play like they gotta
give something. Like we said earlier, even if Luka and
Kyrie play exceptional, they areage forty each, like those other
guys got to bring something and that's a big what if.
Like they've never been in this situation. The lights never
been this bright in their career. They've never I don't
(33:09):
think to a point to where they have to they
have to give a lot, like they gotta get every game.
Speaker 5 (33:18):
They gotta give their best.
Speaker 7 (33:19):
They gotta play their best I think for them to
come out on top, Like Boston just has more players
that play well in these moments than Dallas that we've
seen from Dallas, Like, we don't know. Those guys might
show up and play well each and every game, but
that's just I think that's out of their character to
(33:41):
be able to play that as well as they need
to play every game in the NBA Finals, Like that's
hard to do. That's gonna be hard. Not saying they can't.
They got a chance. They got there for a reason.
Dallas is a really good team, a well coached team.
But it's just like you gotta play perfect every game
for them for them to have a chance. But if
the game is close, if these games are close, I
(34:04):
got Dallas winning these games. If they're close, for sure,
it's a big good.
Speaker 1 (34:10):
So Jamal, what's the argument for you picking Dallas?
Speaker 4 (34:14):
I think, yeah, they have to keep the games closer.
Speaker 6 (34:17):
The games are closer, that's when Kyrie and Luc are
really shye and by then being that aggressive, it relaxes
everybody else when your start as those two know, when
your superstar players are that good, everybody else can be
who they are and starting their role. And I also
think somehow someway J Kidd has to put himself in
the game, and what I mean by that is his
coaching knowledge, his experience, uh, you know, seeing the game
(34:39):
from a different way. He has to somehow put himself
in the game and put his fingerprints all over it,
where he kind of balances the talent they may not
have by putting himself in and out coaching Misoulla, if possible.
Speaker 1 (34:51):
Put himself in the game like Spilsota on the court.
Are we talking about that?
Speaker 4 (35:00):
I love it, right, That's what I'm talking about.
Speaker 1 (35:06):
I'm just saying. I mean, look, you guys have been
talking a little bit about the return of Porzingis and
what that would mean. I think it's a great point
bug that people are kind of forgetting that Dallas is
getting back someone too. I know that Maxi played a
little bit in spots toward the end of the Western
Conference Finals, but that was clearly just to get him
back in the rhythm of things, and I think we'll
see him more in this series. So I guess whose
(35:28):
impact do you guys think is greater of these returning players,
KP or Maxi? And how would it impact this series?
Speaker 4 (35:36):
But KP for sure.
Speaker 3 (35:38):
I mean we're talking about a consistent twenty a game. Also,
rim protection also somewhat versatility as far as you know,
playing out on the floor a mismatch problem for anybody
because most bigs, he can just turn around and shoot
over the top of them. Any switches created where it's
a guard on him, he's doing the same thing to him.
Speaker 4 (36:02):
KP for sure, and it's not close.
Speaker 3 (36:04):
I do like Cleeberd defensively more as a big on
the perimeter, but you know, outside of that, his offense
is very limited, and I just feel like when it
comes to KP, he's the consistency is always there as.
Speaker 4 (36:19):
Far as production.
Speaker 1 (36:21):
I mean, the only thing I wonder about is, you know,
he hasn't played in so long, it you've come back
from injuries sort of how much does that affect you
that all of a sudden you're being thrown into an
NBA Finals.
Speaker 5 (36:33):
I mean that I think that's gonna play a big part.
Speaker 7 (36:36):
I think his job is just easier though, Like he's
catching shoot, he's doing things that like he can kind
of do in his sleep. But like being thrown in
the NBA Finals, like I mean, I haven't been there,
bugs been there that that that's a different month to
no matter who you are, especially coming back from injury.
The lights are so bright that you know if you
(36:57):
don't make a couple of shots that that is magnified.
And you know he has to make shots to have
an impact. I think he has to make plays to
have an immediate impact.
Speaker 5 (37:07):
So it's gonna be tough to be plays.
Speaker 7 (37:09):
But I think his teammates around him are good enough
to make things so much easier for him to be
able to catch and shoot, to be able to get
wide open shots. Like, it's not like he has to
be the main guy. I think if you have to
be the main guy in this situation coming back, that's
ten times harder. He really has to space the floor,
knock down open shots, attack closeouts. I think that's a
(37:32):
lot easier than just being a Jackson Tatum or a
Dalen Brown who has to do so much coming back
from injury.
Speaker 5 (37:38):
If that makes sense.
Speaker 6 (37:41):
Yeah, coming back from injury, especially like that rhythm things
you normally do, it normally works a certain way. When
it doesn't work, especially with the stage being this big,
how do you adjust?
Speaker 4 (37:52):
Do you get in your own way? Do you not
find it?
Speaker 6 (37:54):
Like those things all play apartmar Rach, I was just
looking at those who I'm thinking I'm like, we're talking
about skill and balance of power. What if we put
these two Sacramento king stars when they were together on
Dallas right now? Does that balance? Does that power? If
they Dallas right now they're Sacramento versions since they were together,
is that balance?
Speaker 4 (38:13):
Is power playing Boston right now?
Speaker 7 (38:15):
Yeah, dude, you're always doing something like that. He's right now,
like he always he always got some flight.
Speaker 1 (38:29):
He's right.
Speaker 5 (38:30):
Please.
Speaker 1 (38:31):
This is why everyone says he's the breakout media star
of you know, this year's playoffs. Although you know we Jamal,
I just want to say we already knew. So I
love all these Johnny come lately to you, and I
love the shine you're getting. It's one hundred percent deserve.
But just remember who knew he.
Speaker 6 (38:48):
Says something to me? You said something to when I
was still playing. You were like, you know what I'm
coming to get you and tell you right now. When
I was thinking me I the front office, I was
thinking I need to be in the front office to
have dudes like this in the league. That as we
should have them superstars, great vets. These youngsters need these
two in the league. They can get so much knowledge.
(39:09):
It could be the foundation for their career. If I was,
if I was commissioned for a day, I would make
it mandatory where you have to have teams experience three
guys on each team. I think that would make the
league better. I think it would help set the tone.
You have to have guys like this in the league.
You have to have to have to have.
Speaker 1 (39:26):
I mean, it's the rule changes about who you know,
how the balance of the roster works out that cut
these vets out. Anyway, I think it was the twenty
sixteen CBA if I'm remembering right, But it totally changed
the makeup of the rosters, and I think it sucks.
Like I think that's just such a valuable experience and
it would change how these guys play.
Speaker 4 (39:46):
It absolutely would. I mean think about that.
Speaker 6 (39:49):
I was saying that about it, Like what guard in
the league that's younger would not want to learn from him?
Speaker 4 (39:54):
What big would not want to learn from Blokie cut?
Are you kidding me?
Speaker 6 (39:57):
Like, all, now they've seen it all, they conquered the
top of the world with their own game, and they're
willing to give all this back to you, Like that's
a no brainer.
Speaker 1 (40:06):
But yeah, I think you have seen it all, all
of it. I think.
Speaker 4 (40:15):
I just wish everybody was as smart as you in
the NBA.
Speaker 6 (40:17):
Man, That's why I'm talking about it.
Speaker 5 (40:21):
That's why he's taking That's that's why Maul's taking it over.
Speaker 7 (40:24):
Yeah, that's why he's taking it over. He's saying what
he's saying what we want to say, but he's saying
it the right way.
Speaker 5 (40:33):
I agree with that.
Speaker 4 (40:34):
I agree with that.
Speaker 1 (40:36):
As as I said, we knew first Jamal when you
were still playing. I was like, you are one hundred
percent going to be media superstar, and I love that
you're getting from everyone else. Seriously, I love that people
are recognizing how good you are. And did you like
calling games? Was that something you like more than the
studio stuff?
Speaker 4 (40:54):
Honestly, I don't know.
Speaker 6 (40:55):
Like I love both of them, and I think for
me it Rachel, you honestly you said that. You literally
said that now is at this point probably eight years ago.
But for me, I just want to be like, I'm
not on a hot take stuff. I'm like, I want
to be true to the game, so I gotta speak
the truth, you know what I mean. I think that's
important because there's a whole generation that's underneath us, that's
(41:15):
looking like.
Speaker 4 (41:16):
There was a kid that came to me yesterday in
the gym.
Speaker 6 (41:18):
He's seventeen years old and he was like, man, you
calling the games makes it exciting.
Speaker 4 (41:22):
I'm like, that's crazy to even know that.
Speaker 6 (41:24):
Now the young generation is watching because they feel like
they're represented, they feel like our coaches represent it. They
feel like it's really stuff that we would say and do.
And I love that part and I love calling the games.
I want to be like now, honestly, now that I'm
in the space, I want to be as good as
I possibly can in every way, shape and form.
Speaker 4 (41:41):
So I'm studying.
Speaker 6 (41:42):
I'm always going to be me, but I want to
be better at I want to learn more. I want
to continue to figure out what The playoffs was a
blast because I'm up there with two legends as well,
with Kevin and Reggie, you know what I mean. So
to be on that stage and still be able to
talk about sea walking and still talk about the proposal.
Speaker 4 (42:01):
I got Reggie up.
Speaker 6 (42:02):
They're using NAS references now, like, it's just dope to
be in that space.
Speaker 5 (42:08):
It's amazing.
Speaker 7 (42:09):
Look, I gotta give you your flowers mark, because you
know how our relationship is like to see you doing
your thing with the with the commentator and the analyst
stuff like like to talk the game. How you do
it is just amazing. You bringing back the good energy
that we need. Obviously Rachel has been doing it forever
and she's been at the top of the game.
Speaker 5 (42:30):
So we we we gotta give both of y'all. Y'all flowers.
Speaker 7 (42:35):
Y'all bring y'all bring a different type of energy to
the culture. Like everybody can relate to how you guys
talk about the.
Speaker 5 (42:42):
Game and that ship just that's just amazing.
Speaker 7 (42:44):
So I gotta I gotta give you guys, Jamal and Rachel,
you guys as flowers because that we appreciate it.
Speaker 5 (42:49):
All y'all put a smile in the face.
Speaker 7 (42:52):
When when we listen to basketball and you guys are
talking about it. And that's just not just saying that
because you guys are right here, but I mean, I'm
saying that when you guys aren't, when you guys aren't,
Like I like listening to Rachel. I like listening to
Jamal when it comes to talk in basketball, for.
Speaker 4 (43:10):
Sure, and we love listening to y'all for sure.
Speaker 1 (43:13):
That's right, That is right. And look, Jamal, I love
That's one of the things I love about T and T.
It's not built on hot takes, right, it's they want
to get their pop and charisma from the guy's energy
and sort of as opposed to let's argue something. You know,
you got to take this side, you got to take
that side. So I think it's a perfect I think
it's a perfect place for you. And I'm just so
(43:34):
psyched you're there and the all cast was great and
I'm sure you're going to do some version of that
again for the finals or something. But it's I'm very
I'm very happy to get more and more Jamal Crawford
on my television.
Speaker 4 (43:47):
I do before.
Speaker 6 (43:49):
You literally saw it when I wasn't even thinking media.
So I appreciate it. And you're a legend, so like
I said and said, so, I appreciate that for real,
for real.
Speaker 1 (43:56):
Yeah, I know talent, man, I got two of them
right here.
Speaker 3 (44:02):
You got to put a lot of us in the game,
right for sure. A story in itself, I'm producing that
I'm here. Yeah, we're doing a serious doctor movie, which one.
Speaker 1 (44:18):
Yeah, I got a pretty good list of guys I
put on TV first who have gone onto big things.
So that feels good to me. Actually, I like that part,
So thanks for recognizing. I want to get you guys
in a DraftKings frame of mind because we've got to
advise the betters here. There's a ton of prop bets
floating around on the NBA Finals. Some of them are
(44:39):
really fun. So we have a segment Jamal here that's
called I'll take that bet, and you kind of got
to pick some of the bets you think you would
take or stay away from. But he has a pretty
good track record so far, so we'll see how things
go from here. Tatum's rebounding. The prop bet is at
plus one hundred. Will Tatum average ten or more rebounds
(45:03):
in this series? But you start us off, yes, yes,
what do you guys think?
Speaker 5 (45:16):
I got?
Speaker 7 (45:16):
Yes too, He rebounds and they shoot a lot of threes.
I got Okay, I'm gonna go no. Actually, I'm gonna
go right under team. I'm going like nine point five.
Speaker 4 (45:27):
Because he's.
Speaker 6 (45:29):
Doing everything else and he's doing whatever he takes to win.
You got to get him as props. But I just
say I'm gonna they both say yes. I'm gonna just
say no because I feel like he's right underneath to you,
I think he's like nine point eight, nine point five.
Speaker 1 (45:41):
Well, look, it wouldn't be a plus bet if Vegas
didn't agree with you, right, So they think they think
that too. I do these like parlay picks for DraftKings
in the middle of the week every week, and there
was something where I pictatum rebounds and the whole game
made me so nervous because I was just like, he's
(46:02):
not going to get there. He's not going to get there.
He's not going to get there. And I think he
got there by the skin of his teeth. But it
is I mean, look, they know what the odds are.
They set the outs for reason ten is right around
the I don't know Mark, So we'll see, all right,
all right, I want to ask you, guys, will Kyrie
average twenty five or more in this series? There's another
plus bet one thirty plus one thirty.
Speaker 3 (46:24):
I'm gonna say no. And the reason is he averaged fifteen.
He averaged fifteen against okay.
Speaker 4 (46:31):
See, so yep.
Speaker 3 (46:32):
And when we look at Boston defenders are the main
guys we feel that are be on them and Derek
White and Drew Holiday. I said earlier in the show,
if I'm going to war with Drew Holiday as a defender.
I like my chances. Do I think Kyrie will be
shut down completely? No, but he's gonna have a very,
very very difficult series.
Speaker 1 (46:53):
What do you guys think.
Speaker 7 (46:56):
I'm gonna go with Yes, I'm gonna go yeah, going
back to Boston, he got good energy, He's I'm going
with yes, Kyrie's gonna.
Speaker 5 (47:06):
Average twenty five.
Speaker 4 (47:08):
He's definitely gonna average twenty five.
Speaker 6 (47:10):
He saved Sage and he's playing shady on the way
that he's twenty five.
Speaker 4 (47:16):
At that play, there's no way around.
Speaker 5 (47:18):
So I was saying, he's got.
Speaker 6 (47:20):
Average twenty five, and I think he knows that, and
I would take this step further, Rach, I think if
Dallas wins this series, I think this championship can mean
more to Kyrie than the one he got in Cleveland.
Speaker 4 (47:33):
Hundred.
Speaker 5 (47:35):
I think so too, for sure, I think so too.
Speaker 1 (47:38):
I think it's a great observation. Though I hadn't heard game.
We're talking about that, and I think you're absolutely right, right,
just after everything he's done and seen and been through
and everything.
Speaker 6 (47:46):
And been through, this is like the redemption. Yeah, yeah, absolutely.
Speaker 1 (47:52):
And you're right, Isaiah, Like I've spent a lot of
time with Kyrie through these playoffs and really through this year.
We had a big sit down interview earlier in the season,
and his his mindset is just so much more zen.
And I don't think any of the stuff the Boston
fans throw at him, hopefully not literally like the water bottle,
but in general, are going to affect him. I do.
(48:15):
I do wonder if them booing Kyrie is going to
fire up Luca, because we saw Luca in that game five, right.
I mean he likes he's got Reggie in him, he
likes the crowd with that stuff.
Speaker 7 (48:28):
He got out a peace of mind right now, nothing's
really affected him, and that that when you're at that
stage like anything happened, anything.
Speaker 6 (48:39):
Happened, everything is aligned with him, like his mind, body.
Speaker 4 (48:44):
Yeah, he seems like he's.
Speaker 6 (48:45):
In the best shape I've seen him. Man, he's picking
up full Cory sprinting yep, and I'm taking step further
as world caught. I think right now, what Kyrie's done,
I think he's combined his game with some Steph Curry's game,
Like the way he's running around on screens, moving out
the ball, like he's combined the two, right, now like
he's he's in a sweet spot right now, like he's
(49:05):
in a he's on a magic Carperry right now.
Speaker 4 (49:08):
For sure.
Speaker 1 (49:10):
No, his health is he that's a huge factor. I
mean he's missed a ton of games the last six
or seven years, including chunks of playoff games, and the
fact that he's got his body in shape, and obviously
some of it's luck, but I also think it's a
lot of how you prepare and treat your body throughout
the season, and he's been on point with all of that.
I do want to ask you, Jamal, just because you
(49:31):
were doing that game live, that game five at the
Western Conference Finals, when you saw Luca chirpin at the
crowd the way he was, what came to mind for you.
Speaker 6 (49:40):
Lucas a gangster and I mean that.
Speaker 4 (49:47):
Where he came from Vega like that.
Speaker 6 (49:53):
And these guys tell you, because like I said, they
were this. We know in the league there's some there's
some brill like dogs, and there's some dogs that are
dogs when it's like okay, they.
Speaker 4 (50:04):
Kind of puppies a little bit, that ain't really dogs
like that.
Speaker 6 (50:07):
Luca is a real dog, like he's going to hit
it the bigger, the moment, the bigger the play, the
better Luca is and even some grace don't do that.
Speaker 4 (50:15):
So he's he's different.
Speaker 6 (50:17):
Right, Like he's really really and he's playing like he
got headphones on.
Speaker 4 (50:21):
You can't speed him up. He's just out here doing
his thing.
Speaker 1 (50:24):
Well, he's own pace.
Speaker 4 (50:27):
And that's the thing about it.
Speaker 6 (50:28):
It's his pace, but his pace can make you go
his pace, and then he just dissecting me like he's
something different.
Speaker 5 (50:34):
Man.
Speaker 1 (50:34):
All Right, So I want to give you Finals MVP addscas.
Luca's right up there. Jason Tatum is the favorite minus
one fifteen. You got to put a lot of money
down to make any money on Jason Tatum. Luca though,
is plus two o five Jylen Brown plus six fifty,
Kyrie plus two thousand, two hundred. So if you had to,
(50:55):
if we gave you guys each one hundred dollars, where
are you putting your money on? Finals MVP?
Speaker 6 (51:02):
I'm gonna go with Luca just because I think that
was gonna win, and I think he's gonna like Kyrie made.
Kyrie may even average more points, like say Kyrie averages
you know, whatever he averages, Luca could be close to that.
But I think Luka will have the assist and the
rebounds as well. So I think Luca is the MVP.
If they if DA.
Speaker 4 (51:20):
Was win, is it?
Speaker 1 (51:22):
What do you guys say?
Speaker 4 (51:28):
Yeah?
Speaker 5 (51:28):
What person?
Speaker 4 (51:28):
By your time?
Speaker 6 (51:29):
I saw it going on.
Speaker 4 (51:30):
I know I know where I'm gonna. I know who
I'm going Brown. I'm going with Jaimi Brown Man. I think.
Speaker 3 (51:40):
I think this is also something that's kind of floated
under the radars, like he's proven, you know, he deserves that.
He took a lot of heat for the contract. Don't
really know why. I mean, he's one of those guys
in the league, but you know he's taking a lot
of criticism as being and you know, the so called
(52:01):
Robin or back up to Tatum and in actuality, they
are one A, one B in my opinion. So and
I'm not really the guy that's trying to push the
you know, who's the star of the team narrative, But
I think Jalen Brown is a star in his own
right and he's just not really getting the credit for it.
So I think this series he shows he's really really
(52:24):
that and I think he surprises us and gets you know, MVP.
Speaker 1 (52:30):
I was thrilled he won the Eastern Conference Finals MVP.
I just thought that was like great recognition for all
that he does, and he's improved this year. I give
him so much credit because some guys get that contract
right and they kind of lean off playing a little bit.
They don't work quite as hard, and he it seems
like he's worked even harder, like maybe he's trying to
prove he's worth it. I don't know, or maybe that's
just the way he's made like he is. He has
(52:52):
super impressed me, and I thought it's funny. It was
really close. I think it was like six to five
in the Eastern Conference Finals MVP voting, and and to me,
I think it should have been more lopsided in Jalen's
favor because between that shot he hit and then just
sort of how he played the rest of the series.
I was big on it, all right. I t it's
your turn. You got to you gotta come up with it.
(53:13):
Who you got, Who's your m VP? Who you put
your money on?
Speaker 7 (53:17):
Since I got this Celtics winning, I'm gonna go with
Derek White.
Speaker 5 (53:24):
That is, he isn't even board, No, I'm just playing.
I I got Jalen Brown.
Speaker 1 (53:32):
You gotta go to a bookie for Derek wad Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 7 (53:36):
You know something we don't man, Yeah, like I got
the script.
Speaker 1 (53:42):
Yeah yeah, it's like the NFL of the season, right,
I got, I got the Celtics winning.
Speaker 5 (53:48):
I'm gonna go with Jayalen Brown.
Speaker 1 (53:50):
All right, we'll see, we'll see. I like Jamal that
you're standing on business with the Dallas pick though, because.
Speaker 6 (53:55):
I gotta do what I gotta do, right, I gotta
do it rich. Can I ask them one question? Because oh,
it's in my mind. I see when you see Jalen Breston,
do you see some of yourself and book when you
see Joker, do you see some of yourself.
Speaker 7 (54:12):
With because I get that a lot with the Brunton,
like I get I do see a little bit of
myself in there.
Speaker 5 (54:20):
In his games left handed, he.
Speaker 7 (54:22):
Got real hoop game, like he could tell he really
works on his game. And the biggest thing I I
I got that compares us. I think his belief in hisself,
like his belief he believes he's one of the best.
He believes he's the best guard in the NBA when
he steps on the floor. So I think I see
(54:43):
a lot of similarities in our game, but we go
about it a little bit differently, if that makes sense.
But like his belief in his confidence. I say, that's
the biggest similarity I see in between our games is
like he believes he's he's.
Speaker 5 (54:57):
That dude for show. Like nothing that he done.
Speaker 7 (55:01):
Have surprised himself and not one thing that that that
that that's like how I carried myself for sure.
Speaker 6 (55:07):
And Bog I saw you sit back. You did, only
you didn't only answer, you sat.
Speaker 4 (55:11):
Back like.
Speaker 3 (55:14):
I know, I know, I wasn't expecting that you came.
Speaker 4 (55:21):
I did, I did I do?
Speaker 3 (55:26):
Yeah, you came out of left field down But to
answer your question, I do. It's definitely a lot of similarities.
The biggest one for me is, you know, playing without
the athleticism. You know, that's you know, since I've been young,
and that was always the run and you know, joke
with me when it came to me being around my
peers and and things like that was you know, but
you ain't got no hops, which was cool.
Speaker 5 (55:48):
I figured that out.
Speaker 3 (55:50):
And you know, uh, for me, when it became you know,
trying to be the best version of myself, I feel
like a lot of things. One thing that young hoopers
overlooked when it comes to you know, just becoming the
best version of yourself as a Hooper is you got
to embrace what your weaknesses are and you gotta be
okay with those. And the reason I say that is
(56:11):
is because if you don't embrace those weaknesses, you'll never
be able to find other strengths. Obviously, you have your
strengths as a hooper, you know what you're really good at.
But I knew I wasn't athletic, and I knew at
a certain point it was gonna catch up to me.
It was gonna it was gonna be a moment where
you know, I was gonna have to rely on something else.
(56:32):
And if I didn't work on those things early, I
think I wouldn't have never been able to get past
those tests. So I think that's something that you know,
Jokic has mastered it at an early early age. I
think he's a way better pass or dudes passing skills
or like fucking he might be better than most point
guards that's played this game, you.
Speaker 2 (56:54):
Know what I mean.
Speaker 1 (56:54):
I think it's he's the best passing we've ever.
Speaker 5 (56:58):
Seen all time.
Speaker 3 (57:02):
I think that I think he's in the category of
his own when it comes to that. But you know,
it's a lot of similarities. I think I think he's
a better shooter at this point in his career than
I was. It wasn't and and I say it was
more so the timing of the air.
Speaker 4 (57:18):
Yeah, thre like that.
Speaker 6 (57:19):
Biggs, Yeah, Biggs weren't really being embraced to shoot the
ball as much.
Speaker 4 (57:23):
You know.
Speaker 3 (57:24):
It was a few guys like Dirk and you know,
guys like that, you know, be embraced on that part.
But for the most part, they wanted you under that basket.
So I think that part of his game really you know,
outshine man. But I think the biggest thing is it
is uh, you know, the lack of athleticism and then
(57:44):
being able to just you know, back that day having
IQ game.
Speaker 7 (57:55):
Look, we said it a couple of shows ago.
Speaker 5 (57:58):
I said it like these big.
Speaker 7 (58:01):
Now Joker and be like they had to watch, but yes,
I watch Boogie coming up like they had, Like their
games are so similar in terms of being able to
do everything as a big Like they definitely watched tape
Bug like he's I'm not gonna say he started it,
but they was looking at home wherever they was, like
(58:23):
it happened to be like, like, I got it, you
had to.
Speaker 4 (58:27):
I made a joke.
Speaker 6 (58:29):
And the reason I asked that I see similarities to
both players. I just asked you all about but I
made a joke. I said, mayn y'all sleeping Bookie is
is yo alter ego. That's take a deep, deep that
what I'm telling you.
Speaker 1 (58:46):
Come out of the phone booth. There you go. I
love when you say that about the athleticism, because I
don't know if you guys watch hockey at all, but
they're always like, oh, he can't skate, And I'm always like, well,
he can because he plays in the NHL. But I
get it. He's not a natural skater. Boggie, you were athletic.
(59:08):
You played in the NBA for many many years, So
I get the difference. I get the distinction you're talking about.
But you know, let's let's let's be real. You know
what you're talking about about making that adjustment. You know,
when I was starting out in TV, I was kind
of trying to be what I saw on TV. There
just weren't a lot of women who look like me
(59:29):
on television. They were all blonde, they were all tall,
they were sort of spokesmodly, and they didn't. You know,
I'm much more of a Okay, let's talk about it
in person as opposed to I am presenting you with
gloss and glemmor. And I was trying to be the
other kind because I didn't know any better, and that's
what I saw. And Stuart Scott pulled me aside, actually,
and he just said, look, he's like, I tried it too.
(59:51):
I tried being like the anchor person that they wanted,
and I was only seventy percent because that's not me.
And he said, then I just became myself and I
could be one hundred per And you know, they're doing
a thirty for thirty documentary around him.
Speaker 3 (01:00:04):
I hope.
Speaker 1 (01:00:04):
I hope they're honest with themselves that a lot of
people at ESPN and the higher ups did not like
him being one hundred percent himself until the public it
just got so overwhelming they had to go with it.
But I love what you said, Bogue about you and
Jokic just you got to be you. Everyone else has
taken so I don't know. I just I think that
I think that shit's really important. I want all of
(01:00:26):
you guys out there to watch out for we are
doing a live version of the Truth Lounge Sunday, June ninth.
That's this coming Sunday, pre game before Game two at
Big Night Live in Boston. Paul is going to be
I mean, you know, Paul is gonna be on one right.
Speaker 4 (01:00:42):
Because he's gonna be on right. He's gonna be all too.
Speaker 1 (01:00:45):
He doing with the Celtics back. So so everything that
you expect from Paul Pierce, turn that up to eleven.
I'll be there. We're gonna have some special guests. It's
gonna be a lot of fun. So you can come
live if you're in Boston, or you can watch it
live on YouTube. So I'm very excited about that. And
then you can catch all the episodes of Bullyball on
the DraftKings Network. You can catch us on the All
(01:01:06):
the Smoke Productions YouTube channel. You can listen to us
wherever you get your podcast. We will catch you next week.
Speaker 4 (01:01:12):
Thank y'all, thanks for having me off
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