Suns win, KD scores 35, Nuggets suffer ‘worst’ loss, Jokic tops MVP odds | NBA | FIRST THINGS FIRST

live from new york is a show celebrating the librarian's 45 career highs so i published a bunch of books yeah you say that. I figured you ruined the part. I thought you weren't going to say anything and so soon. while one of them was talking, you were going to go,

first

things

first

, there you go, five steals, we'll talk about the Suns. Phoenix goes to Denver and breaks the Nuggets' post-All-Star unbeaten streak. KD was cold in the fourth in a bad very cold heat in overtime eight quick points 35 on the night the Suns currently in sixth place here are the

odds

to win the West Denver at number one, obviously, then Bruce Clippers, a who we may or may not abandon during next week's prediction week, OKC Phoenix at 4 and then Minnesota, which for the record is in first place, so there are people sleeping on the Suns, no, no, I was in the pack with Kyin right before our show and he was thrown in there, he threw in Nick, that if Phoenix makes it to the Conference Finals it's been a bad season, they've been very disappointing since Kevin Durant got there, since Bradley Beal got there there, a lot of their injuries, but still, honestly, right now I would say it's pretty good that they lost six to the Nuggets in the conference finals, you're not bad, but overall we know when they got Durant, when they got to Bill, was it the finals championship or not, it's not even the finals or the right thing for Durant, they got Durant, he didn't even make the finals or look for it.

It's the championship or the bus because they were in the final a few years ago so no one is not sleeping with them, they have been terribly disappointed. I know injuries have been a big part of it, but what's also been a big part of it is that they are the

worst

fourth quarter team in basketball, yeah, and here's a look at this graphical offensive rating. The

worst

net rating you get is 15 points per game in the fourth quarter. Assisted turnover rate and what all that says is where is the point guard? That's what all that says, it's an accusation against Frank Vogle, it's an accusation against Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal when he plays, but also against his board because you don't see the value and importance of having a point guard, yes, can.

I'm not just saying because Devin Booker, who is incredible, can average 6.8 assists per game and can play points, it's not a right point or Durant can get you five and Bill can get you five back with that a little bit. I mean, they don't have a point guard for the first three quarters, yes, but it's not the same as in the fourth quarter, when in the fourth quarter each possession is more important, the defense is trying harder and therefore it takes the ball to the right players in the right positions controlling. Tempo calming

things

down no, no, we're going to slow it down, we're going to eat a little clock, all that, they don't have the man to do that, I mean, Chris Paul took him to the final because he's a point guard, everything he says Bruce.

That's right, I mean they're not, they're not sleeping with them like champions, and we were. I was in a wonderful poker room outside of Phoenix when Kevin Durant was traded, it was when we were at the Super Bowl. I only remember exactly where I was keeping the tape, well guys there's no chance it was like midnight when it happened you two were, but anyway, I only remember it because some guy got up from the game and ran over to the little kiosk doing a bet. The Suns being traded to Phoenix, people were excited and later in the game someone mentioned that they were very happy with the bet they had made because the Suns all of a sudden now the

odds

had changed and they were the second favorite. win the title right there, hot on the heels of those who were the favorites at the time.

I don't remember well, it could have been Boston. I'm not sure who it was, regardless that's what we thought last year and then it was like, oh. Durant got hurt and then when he came back he got hurt in warmups and then they went all in more by trading whatever flexibility they had left for Bradley Beal and now and I know he feels unfair because we haven't talked much. on them is because it was football season, now they get a good win, we're coming down on them, but all year long they have the Suns just being okay, it's a big disappointment when, when, when Kevin Durant went there, the The whole idea I think we thought behind was okay this is his chance this is Durant's chance after the whole Barkley bus pass you know the biker instead of the bus driver this is a team that you know had just arrived at the final but couldn't He hadn't gotten there that La, who had a really good track record at the time they went and got it, that means you know what Kevin Rand's chance is to be the guy on a team that incredibly can win the title, which A lot of people thought could have been in Brooklyn and that never took off and now in Phoenix they're doing well and I don't believe it and to me it's shocking and I understand that Booker is out right now, I get it. but it's not like that, it's not a situation or even a JW situation, it will come back.

I don't think anyone believes in this team. I don't think anyone is looking at the Suns even though Durant is having another good year. Booker is still Booker and it seems. to them even like an Ender beist which is hugely disappointing and if people didn't stay up to watch the game last night Wilds did because he had to tweet his

nuggets

but in the fourth quarter it happened again yeah , it was a 120 Denver race. from nine down to three up in the last three minutes of the game, then KD scored a game time three and then the Suns won in overtime, but the exact same thing happened that Bru was talking about about this team falling apart in the fourth quarter : They were just able to get over it over time, so it's very disappointing for what this team could be or was supposed to be quickly.

That's actually how it is and I'm not even trying to be funny. It's very similar to Brooklyn. Now I know Brooklyn was even more injured. Brooklyn was also dysfunctional because of Kyrie and V all that stuff, but you still know, I mean, this is essentially the same thing, it's like, oh, they were going there, they had high hopes, they had high talent, yeah, and nothing's good. , can I introduce you? In an alternative theory, yes, maybe he's part point guard, but do you think he's any part? I don't know, choking on the clutch, like they had 12 points in the quarter and then Kevin Durant turned it on and in overtime Josh did this.

The graph is similar to yours about the point differential, quarters one through three, they're great, like they can play and then like you said, in the fourth quarter they fall apart and then I want to combine this with Devin Booker because when I posted that I know they won't be able to beat the Nuggets, everyone likes, well, Booker wasn't even there. Kevin, you didn't. I say I know Booker wasn't there. Devin Booker averages in elimination games last year against the Nuggets. I know how many points he had, 12, and then the year before they were down by 100 at halftime and he had 11, yeah, and then against the Bucks in the finals, he had 19, which was quiet, 19, but Kevin Durant is the kind he likes overtime. took over, but you think there's a bit of shrinking at the moment, well, possibly with Booker and I hate to say that because I love the book, but possibly because you just brought up the evidence, certainly not Kevin Durant, there's no no reason for him.

I mean, he's obviously been on the biggest stage before, who knows, but Bill is a third option, but I think this is similar to I guess a point guard doesn't have a leader and the leader obviously doesn't have to be the point guard, but Durant, by his own admission, is not really a leader, well, he changed, he actually changed where he is now, that Bill, I don't know, uh, book, I haven't seen him in the book, like who is the leader in not this team. even just the decisive moment, but overall, well, the guy who takes Chris Paul's Place, you know what I mean, general and floor leader, but I don't think that's his problem.

I think the problem is the one I pointed out in the summer. and I'm not trying, I know, very often I try to give myself credit, this is not because I was not the only one doing this at the time, which is a ridiculously built team, yes, IMHO, you just have something like it's a slightly worse version of the same player three times like you as your big three, like a scorer first, the best thing they do is score the ball Kevin Durant, one of the best players of all time, you have three types like that's my point and that's where all his assets went that's where all his cap space went that's where and then because of that, if you remember, I didn't like the trade because it was like man, you only have one shot to shoot and you just getting another Wing scorer doesn't make sense to me and then with his other shot it was Aon who I understand as having limited value and Nurkic.

I've been good for them, but I don't mind adding it, the team doesn't. It makes sense from a championship contender, like say what you want about the Bucks or the Celtics or the Nuggets, but those teams make sense, okay, not just because of the talent of the players, but also because of the fact that they play, even the Lakers make sense. the positions where they are playing well in the role is where again a point guard instead of Beal could have worked because a point guard now probably puts Beal on the bench, he might have to be your sixth man, but I think so.

To them, I'll give the front office credit for once they decided we're going to go with these three

scores

, they've actually done a good job, I mean Royce O'Neal Grayson, all having a career year, um , quickly, before us. He walks past Denver, one of your common refrains about your networks. They didn't have the chance. You know. You like to make fun of me, but you know it's true. If it had been him, my feet would have done it. If I'd been kicked, I'd have been eating sandwiches here, that's really good, so I'm going to ask nicely, open the can of worms.

Phoenix Big 3 have only played 23 games together, do you think that makes you more optimistic? Maybe they are like the Nets who if they can play a little more together they could have their feet on the table. I don't think they're as good as the Nets were. Potentially like Beal isn't as good as Kyrie, can we agree? with that, yeah, and uh, Booker is Booker Great, he's probably not as good as James Harden, at least Harden at that time looked closely at that moment, I mean, Harden is an all-time great, obviously, Durant and Kyrie aren't fit to go down as a top 20 30. player but SK of all time also Durant is probably 6% better yeah I mean just because of his you know what I mean he's probably getting it to still be his best player and is still an NBA level player and a great player not only historically but now. but he's probably a little worse than two years ago because at his age what you don't think so you're getting better every day friend no no oh two years ago like two years two years go watch your tape two years ago not so cool you're getting a lot better get your way you had a lot to learn like that stinger real I love it I don't like it I love it you took me you took my thunder to be like you I love the attitude man I mean they just won six games in a row and the last four against playoff teams or playing teams, being the Lakers, who are obviously a good team and could have easily done it now, you probably won't come out and say this, but they could have done it.

I easily had the attitude and demeanor of he's one of the 82, we happen to have them, we kind of let him go, but Jamal Murray is upset, one of the worst

loss

es we've ever had, I mean come on, it's not even close that. and he said I need to play better 289 and seven is what Jamal Murray had in Bas close to 50% shooting so I love this attitude Nick that these guys aren't like they're not Pradas at all. Jamal Murray doesn't even seem mad that he didn't make the Allstar, you know what I mean, this guy is cool, we know yic is totally cool, so I like that, I like that, just to take advantage of that.

I don't know if he wears Draymond's. post the Celtics game podcast, one of the things he said was when he was explaining that, let's call it, unconventional, defensive, let Jayen Brown shoot, shoot 34%, not on open threes, man, I mean, I want say, what he said, this, what he jumped. you go into that game with three and 0 on the road trip, you have a free swing, so let's try something, you know, if we lose, we had a good R, so be it, that's how it feels and maybe Draymond is right, Maybe you have to look at it as a marathon, not a sprint, but it sounds like that quote and compared to the Jamal Murray quote, Jamal Murr wants to win every game and Draymond has a bigger vision.

Personally, I like that we are going to win all the games, well, I listen. No matter how much I hit Draymond, I'm not going to do it. I think he, for a guy who was, you know, a corn, a team that went to six consecutive finals, you know what I mean, the longer you can be smart, uh, but I don't. Not reallyI want to give my reaction on this, I want to give you the information that you have for the PE people who are in the know, you know, on Twitter after nugget games, not almost everyone brews, it's not, I can't find you on Twitter, man, it's like You might block me, regardless of how wild the hype has been that the Nuggets championship in the next is a great competition, it's a guarantee that no one can beat them and then on TV it you've done, it's not that you haven't supported it, but I haven't.

I think our audience knows how it is measured more on television, yes, but go ahead, TIG. I want to hear what you think about what he shot because the last time he left the tiger, he brought a damn deer here and they fell apart, an antler fell off because some of the season was coming off, you rubbed against a tree trunk, that It's just a biological fact. It's not necessarily funny. I don't think any team can beat the Denver Nuggets in a seven-game series. I think they are looking for the only position and then no one will get in there.

Can you steal a game in Denver? Maybe I think that's why Jamal Murray was so upset as a man, we can't give in. remove any of these games, I think for the most part it will be pretty dull and boring, so they won't even push them. I don't know, last year was boring, maybe not boring, but I think since it was his first race, it's G to feel That's right, this is a complete destiny that makes Thursday's game even more important. The Celtics lost at the last second. I mean, this game went to overtime, but Joker had a chance to ring the buzzer at the last second.

It's perfect, we both lost. Now let's go to. We will meet in Denver, it will be a little preview of the finals and we will see teams going full steam ahead and I think Denver goes out and wins and I'm going to tweet that no one will beat Denver in the seven G. What if Boston wins? He's still going to say, I'm still going to tweet it because I'm committed to marijuana, but the attitude is it's not a big game if you think it doesn't matter because the Denver GNA won, oh no, it matters, okay, so I gotta do it. win double must win then must also win for Boston because by the way, Denver will not have home court against Boston, but this is the reason why I wanted you to tell that to the audience so they knew where you were, but also I'm totally disagree with that, like the last half dozen of the last six really CH teams that repeated MH, it felt inevitable and this one isn't quite Brew I, so here's who the 18 Warriors are, it felt like it was right.

Take a disaster, series 13 now that they were in the finals didn't seem inevitable, but during the year they had the LeBron Peak streak of 27 consecutive games, it feels inevitable, the 2010 Lakers felt like they could lose to the Celtics, but everything was felt. Nobody in the West was going to, you know what I mean, going to beat them, obviously, the 01 Lakers when they got their second title, which was the best Lakers team there was at the time. 97 Bulls followed the 72 wins with 69 wins or 68 wins, whatever. those teams felt inevitable, this team to me feels more like the Bucks the year after they won the title like, oh yeah, they should be there and by the way the Bucks team disagrees, I feel that look and I'll throw this to the I.

I don't remember exactly what was going on, but the three of them messed up with the Lakers, so in the second championship, the Spurs were still there, you know what I mean, Duncan and David Robinson even at that time , so the Spurs were still a tough team, so. was more seen as the Lakers' willingness to get past the Spurs and then once you do, you'll be the one in the East, if you'll allow me, real quick, because I want to remind people what the Bucks had last year. after winning the championship. a record as good as the previous year.

Giannis was just as good. Middleton got hurt and Tatum went crazy in that seventh game they lost in the second round. That wasn't the Bucks team, you know what I mean, they looked flawed all year. and I lost to Miami and what I'm saying is I don't think I'm acting like I don't think the Nuggets can win the title. I think they are the big favorites in the West, but I don't feel like they don't do it. It doesn't seem as inevitable to me as you and the other repeat teams seem to feel, even if they end up facing the adversity I felt throughout those regular seasons, it's going to be a huge shock for that team.

I wouldn't agree because I because again, Kobe LeBron was with the Cavs, that was his last year with the Cavs, right, yeah, yeah, and they were, I mean, we all thought LeBron had a chance to win with Cleveland, so I don't think it was like that, I think some of These other teams I don't think they all felt like, oh, they're definitely making it. I'm, I'm, I'm somewhere between you guys, but more with you, yes, predictions mean inevitable, but I mean, yeah, it's pretty inevitable. 'I know like oh it's so, oh the altitude is so much I can't breathe, finally the MVP odds joker beat a SGA Luca Giannis and finally the best player on the best team with the best record with five just feels unfair Oh, I'm fine.

You don't think it's strange, no, they got the best record, that's what I'm going to do. How you love yourself. I mean, you would vote for the best player on the best team. Well, what's the point of playing? not the MVP of the league I'm going to break something what the championship trophy is for that's what he got 12 wins it's great just do you think Tatum deserves to be above five having the best record in the league well , look, me, Nick, come on, go ahead, no, that's all I'm saying. I can't ask a question about Joker, he starts throwing his Ben BR, it's going to be a problem.

I can't argue with sports with this. man on this topic I hate when people I'm a voter I hate when people say he's just the best player on the best team, especially former athletes. I wonder what you're talking about. It may be, but what you want is not given. to ask the question, the question is about Joker, but kind of change it, well, this is what you look at, Tatum, could he be taller? Look at those odds, does he deserve to be fifth? I think he should be hired, that's what I'm saying right now. Nick and and you know, I think they have eight SE, it's just that Luka has to move down, I wouldn't, but I would still have him behind Yannis, I wouldn't have him third, I would just move Luca down, is what he's saying, but This idea is Wilds.

To answer the question, yoga is more likely to win the MVP because I don't know who else if Giannis is hurt, I don't know who's going to win it and here's the other thing that Nick, as cool as Giannis, is playing during the half it's from the season. so at this point they have been seen as a disappointment yeah but if they finish with a better record than Denver that won't matter but buta Luke is down Yannis is down now Tatum is in third place yeah okay , could be third. he could be, i will be fine with him third, there is no one who can beat joic.

I mean, SGA is the best opportunity and I don't think I'm going to do it, but I have to address this, there are different options for awarding best actor, yes. and better cinematography yes, there are different categories for different things there is a championship trophy and a championship series MVP that award exists there is a separate award for the League's most valuable player in the regular season and the idea that he can only you come from the team with the best record alone what do you mean? that's what you were saying that's what you were saying no I'm not just saying what's the case Tatum aside from the Celtics record it's nice I don't know how to average a game okay nothing like any of those guys if you average 27, eight boards.

I mean, I think you're exaggerating. l 278 and five no. I think that on the way to taking your team to the top of the E, he is not the MVP. but he is third, let him score 37 and be in fourth place so he can win the MVP. You think that guy is not going to win the MVP if he is in Luca in third place. Luke third. High usage, won fewer games. Glad to hear it. He's jumping on you because that's how I was with Brock P, he was, I mean, he had more, you guys are P, you had a good case, but Nick is leaving and what else can Tatum, don't be one of the worst, You know, last minute players. in the league that's what kills Tatum, you know the other one.

The key play that hasn't been great has a lot of chance because they're winning games by 50 points, they're winning games by 50 points, it's not important enough, I want. to see it like show you num I want to see it come back I want to see it you're Tatum's biggest hater in the media and you're just I'm just you know what's going to happen if Tatum has a big game tomorrow night against Denver in the decisive nickel move thanks for watching, Subscribe here to get more information about the show and see clips from other shows on FS1.