It's not about Murray or jokic. The wolves are young and it's showing. Chris might have to give back the coach of the year award back if he doesn't make the defensive adjustments/making sure players understand the game plan.
@@Jays119 Wolves are loaded with great defenders who can’t do anything on their own on offense. Rudy can dunk. He tried backing down Jokic in the post and it was comical, travel. McDaniels can’t do shit on offense either. A team that can guard Ant will decimate Wolves.
@@rado22faxx Kat cant either lowkey, unless its spot shooting or in rhythm he cant create anything for himself wothiut it being an offensive foul,turnover, or awful throw up shot
What happened to Bill? Either this overreaction and “prisoner of the moment” takes are intentional to drive engagement, or he’s slowly turning into a talking head media personality.
Russillo gave him absolutely no credit through the first 6 games of the playoffs when he was awesome. One bad game and he's a "losing player", despite being the primary defender on Durant and Jokic and 2nd highest scorer in 2 series and 6-2 in the playoffs. It's absolute bullshit. He revealed himself that he can't stay unbiased when it comes to KAT.
@TheFPLScope that's him being consistent about his opinion on KAT. he's never rated him neither have I. He's overrated, insanely overpaid. Also one way or another he's always gonna be a liability to your team. Watch what happens to him rest of series, he'll be lucky to have another solid game and the wolves will be lucky to win another game
That 3 day rest prior to Game 3 really helped Jamal got Energized and Healthy. Denver also figured out the defense of Twolves by letting AG and Joker handle the ball and set the Plays which made Jamal an off the ball Player
Bruh wolves defense is literally just foul on every possession and just hope the refs don't call it.......Jaden McDaniels is fouling every play it's insane
KAT - ALL STAR ANT - ALL STAR GOBER - DYOP NAZ - 6MOY CONLEY - TOTY Imagine having these teammates and Nuggets only has 1: JOKIC - ALL STARS, 3MVP That's it.
Tbf Kat and Rudy are overrated and Naz didn't show up last two games. If Wolves offered Towns for Gordon straight up, the Nuggets would hang up on them 😂
For various reasons Murray is not an all-star (injury, giving up stats to the team). but we all know he is. No better illustration than how the team runs when he's gimpy vs. how it runs when he's healthy.
As a nuggets fan, everyone now mocking people for saying “Ant is Jordan 3.0” as being wrong, are making moronic takes. Ant is absolutely the future of the league and INCREDIBLE to watch. He is 22 and doing this already. He will be running this league at 25 and I’m all about it. Watching him float across the paint, block people, and talk s**t to everyone is so fun to watch. I hope the nuggs get him this year because there will be a time where he will be unbeatable.
2-4 years from now the leagues best player will still be in Denver. NBA players hit their prime from 28-33 and Joker just turned 29 in February. He’s not even at his peak prime yet.
I love AntMan. He's my favorite guy in the league. Even he said to Stop with the Jordan comparisons. Jordan is the 🐐 AntMan said it. He actually respects the history of the game unlike alot of today's players
Since I've been following the playoffs the last two years, most coverage acts like the last game played is how things will be going forward, when in reality there are constant adjustments made between games.
Yeah it's the thing Russillo always says: You can't fake desperation As great as Minnesota was in game 2 they had two things going for them: 1) They came out with a completely different game plan that Denver had not prepared for. 2) Gobert being out gave them a sense of urgency and an emotional energy that you can't replicate Minnesota played basically perfect defense in game 2, they were allowed to be super physical off ball and in the post, and Murray was clearly hobbled. *BUT* if those things had continued Denver _would_ have gotten swept. If you'd asked me after game 2 I still would have picked Denver but I wouldn't have felt great about it. I was definitely wavering because I just had no clue how hurt Murray was
First Simmons sh*ts all over the Gobert trade, then he does 180 turn and declares a sweep for Wolves after 2 games. Props to Rusello for calling him out on it.
I’m a Knicks fan so agnostic but literally Bill said this was a wrap last week. He said this was 91 pistons territory. Denver is in their prime. Overreaction after Game 1 and 2 was crazy.
A small adjustment that has had a big impact in the last 2 games was letting anyone but Murray bring the ball up the court. AG bringing the ball up causes gobert to float farther from the basket and get switched on Jokic. I saw more Gobert Jokic matchups this game than the last 3. They're also loading up on one side of the floor which creates space for Murray on the opposite side. The actions start from quick set ups and basically putting Minnesota in a blender. Ant had an amazing game, but it was still a one sided affair. Minnesota has to execute better and not settle for these hero ball plays like KAT heaving logo 3s. Now we get to see if Minnesota and ANT can really make a push. Beating Denver when things are not swining your way is a lot different from beating the discombobulated Suns.
They kept talking about it during games WHILE you see Finch sitting on the bench. You'd swear he was in ICU attached to machines and ventilator the way they went on about it like he wasn't there.
@@fkscopes Wolves played totally different from games 1-2 and 3-4. Part of tht was adjustments by Nuggets because I didn't see Jokic bring the ball up as much so they couldn't pressure him in back court and Murray not being hobbled helped too. Wolves got outcoached but not sure Finch being able to stand up would have made a difference
At least SOMEONE (Bill) finally spoke the truth about Game 2 and how it was officiated. It came in hindsight, but not only was it "prison rules", those same rules weren't applied to both defenses. But...all anyone wanted to talk about was how Denver "lost their cool". They definitely did...and deserved the flak they caught for it. But go back and re-watch that game now and you'll see it. What's also funny is it's like no one could even IMAGINE this happening! Really...? I mean, who could see this coming from a team that has KAT, Gobert, and a bunch of young players - one being a guy who missed the playoffs last year because he PUNCHED A WALL! That said, it feels like these are the two best teams left in the Playoffs. Looks like we're gonna see whoever battles thru the West play Boston in the Finals. And with how Boston has played in home Playoff games the last few years, I don't think their home court advantage will matter.
So glad you mentioned that “matador” move by Jokic, i could not stop laughing at how Jokic was almost embarrassed at how well that worked…chess vs checkers.
I kept saying iguodala but I like your choice too. I was a big Suns 7 Seconds or less fan and Marion (even Raja) seems to have been forgotten by history. I used to love his very low quirky quick shot.
Figure out? They have played them many times in the past to years, these teams know each other. Nuggets are just the better team and just decided to play harder and smarter then the first two games. What really happened is that Jokic got pissed off. Listening to a bunch of nonsense got him fired up.
The most obvious coaching adjustment they made was having Gordon step up and have him more as a facilitator. That relieves the pressure that Murray and Jokic had in games 1 and 2 initiating the offense. Gordon played out of mind, but they’re clearly featuring him in a bigger role because the Wolves put their best defenders on Murray and Jokic.
The ejection thing is really weird. Jokic getting ejected in game 4 against the Suns in 2021 to this day is the most puzzling ejection after Duncan who got ejected for laughing on the bench. Jokic made a basketball play on a live ball (got all ball too when his hand lowered) and got ejected for grazing Cam Payne in the nose. We've seen so many instances of actually dirty non-basketball plays that don't even get a tech let alone an ejection. I'm all for having balanced technical and ejection calls, but they got to do it starting next season. If they didn't eject Embiid for trying to snap Robinson's leg in the first round series, they can't eject or suspend anyone for this playoffs unless they do something really horrible.
"dynasty is over" "its so hard to win multiple rings in a row" *nuggets tie the series* "Does ANT need more help?" "just how good is this nuggets team?"
Problem with the Wolves is that no one is on Ant's timetable. As he reaches his prime, the other guys will be leaving theirs. But that's a problem for the future.
We are seeing that with the exception of ANT, the Wolves are a team of front runners, real comfy when they are leading, but they wilt hard when real pressure is there (KAT is the king of this). Also, we are seeing that Denver is an absolute masterpiece of a team who rise to the occasion when it matters most.
To be fair, who can guard Jokic? If AD and Gobert have difficulty guarding him, then I doubt anyone else in the league stands a chance. The only person I’ve seen give Jokic problems consistently is Zubac, as improbable as that is. However, you’re right that Gobert’s lack of offensive bag is a serious issue.
Jokic can impersonate the following players: Wilt Chamberlain Shaq Magic Johnson Kareem Abdul Jabbar Michael Jordan Larry Bird Tim Duncan Bill Russell Sometimes all in one game.
In every other instance that Bill is talking about where player got suspended in a playoff game that player had a history of a lot of technical fouls and a lot of suspect play that could be deemed dangerous. I have literally been watching Murray play since his rookie year and this is the first time I’ve seen him do anything like that his whole career. That’s why it’s handled differently…
As a lifelong wolves fan game 2 might have been the highest moment of my life and you can’t ever take that away from me. With that being said they might just be fucked.
Guys what changed is our screening actions Jokic and Gordon are disrupting them hugely on screens game 3-4. Also, they had Gordon bring up ball because he can blast through first line of defense quicker cutting into teeth. Then getting Murry ball with space. This all goes to the more effective screens. Also, the reason why Murray was not suspended he has never had one issue with the league this was his first offense. Unless super egregious they don’t suspend on 1st offense. This was per the NBA.
I just say, if they didn't suspend Embiid for putting Mitchell Robinson in an ankle lock, someone who was coming off an injury, and now is back to being injured in the same playoffs, then they can't suspend Murray.
Do you come here to actually watch these two dudes? Personally, I'd prefer watching relevant game clips while they talk. And they can keep their webcams imo.
Kat and Ant will eventually have problems. They are so opposite mentally that eventually Ant will get too mad at him. Seems like the easiest thing to predict
It's in the league's best interests that this series goes on as long as possible. When the refs (and Adam Silver) want the TW to win, they swallow their whistles and allow all the physical contact. When it's time for the Nuggets to even things, they call all the fouls.
I like Ant. He’s cocky but he has the game to back it up unlike Ja. Do people forget how arrogant and cocky Muhammad Ali, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Deion Sanders all were as athletes? Steve Jobs was arrogant and cocky. MJ showed up in the ‘85 ASG with a gold chain around his neck and still wore it when participating in the dunk contest. Larry Bird was the biggest trash talker there ever was. “Which mfer is coming in 2nd?” Kobe was called Showboat by his teammates as he would attempt 360 dunks in a breakaway in his first two years. I like what Ant is saying and doing here. It shows he’s not afraid of these defending champions. He’s fearless. It can motivate him for Game 5. He did show up for this game except the other guys didn’t. And this was after he held accountability for the Game 2 loss. I do think Minnesota will eventually lose this series whether it’s in 6 or 7. Minnesota and OKC are showing their inexperience already after a good start. Denver might be to Ant what Detroit was to MJ. The last obstacle before getting over the hump to win a ring. His team is not ready for it yet. He is but not his teammates similar to MJ from ‘88 to ‘90. Scottie and Horace were still a bit too soft. KAT remains soft. It’s still Denver’s reign as champs for the next 2-3 years. Ant will eventually get a ring but he needs to taste the losing and heartbreaks first. Denver is my favorite team still playing but Ant is my favorite player to watch. Great personality. There’s an alpha dog in him.
I doubt if you know what cocky means. Anthony is not that based on the interviews I’ve watched. He appears cocky on the court but listen to him. He seems down to earth. Ja morant is cocky - in and out of the court.,
I am excited for today to see the pendulum swing back from all the sports people saying, "Denver is done! It's going to be a sweep," to, "TWolves are done! Denver has them figured out." I mainly want TWolves to win game 5 to see the exclamations of "Denver is done! TWolves back in control!"
Kat needs to chill out and find his spots. He doesn't have to drive to the basket every time, Denver is expecting that. Kat just needs to pull up from the elbo or foul line and just take a step back jumper. He has to be a spot up shooter coming off picks. Stop forcing your way into the paint.
The most obvious coaching adjustment they made was having Gordon step up and have him more as a facilitator. That relieves the pressure that Murray and Jokic had in games 1 and 2 initiating the offense. Gordon played out of mind, but they’re clearly featuring him in a bigger role because the Wolves put their best defenders on Murray and Jokic.
The way they controlled the pace is by having AG bring the ball up. MN can’t put one of the point of attack on him, so they get into their sets quicker without pressure. Keeps Murray fresh. Then, Joker, started using the short roll to find the weak spot in the defense. That being said, Kat and AG go to average it might’ve gone the other way.
The high fg% wasn't out of challenged shots just going in, a lot of them were wide open shots, layups and dunks. The Nuggets ball movement, pick and roll action, and rim pressure was stretching the Wolves defense. There were so many runs where Jokic will attack the paint then Wolves big man will double him boom open dunk for Gordon, or Jokic will walk past the free throw line weak side defense closes in to help boom KCP open 3. Aaron Gordon dribbles to the ball up, Jokic sets a screen for Murray then AG hits him with a pass boom open middy for Murray.
Part of what Denver did was to allow different guys to bring the ball up the court so that Jamal Murray wasn't under pressure from the half-court line like he was in the first two games. Without having to bring the ball up he was able to get to his spots and have enough time to get his shot off. They were pressuring him in the back court in those early games and that changed in the last two games and I really believe it was something that Malone figured out. Then of course the obvious thing that Denver is a champion and knows how to play like A champion and they had not been playing up to their level so far in the playoffs. They look like a driven team now and if they take game five I think they're going to wrap it up in 6. Well maybe 7.???😊
I tend to root for champs to repeat and root against young teams like Timberwolves just because they need seasoning - provided the Champs aren’t a super team or play boring as hell basketball.
@@nocturne311 explain to me how you got “front runner” out of what i stated in that comment? i am going to use that stupidity on UFC and Boxing fans i know….its about witnessing greatness over randomness. Not talking about buying Nuggets gear and calling myself a Denver fan after wearing Goldenstate gear for 5 years.
How? They have Gordon bring up the ball and begin their offensive set with more time on the shot clock. And, they are setting crisper screens… that simple.
minnesota has best defensive performance in 20 years in game without gobert. gobert returns for games 3 and 4. denver has two of the most efficient offensive games played in the playoffs in recent history. meanwhile, gobert is crowned DPOY for essentially being the “anchor” of the best defensive team in the nba.
Yeah okay he played against a bunch of janitors. No one cares about Bill Russell except Celtic losers who pretend like basketball before the 70's matters at all.
@@chopin1975-tq3gxThere were 14 teams by the end of Russell’s career and fewer teams equates to more loaded rosters, although the Celtics still had more guys than any other team.
@@nocturne311 Yes he did. But, at the same time, not sure Jordan was 100% in cause they cruised to 3-0 series lead and only then Payton started guarding him. The series was over at the time so I think MJ relaxed.
Ant has gone about navigating KAT the right way publicly, but after the beatdown that Gordon gave them in G4, you KNOW Minnesota execs are asking him about KAT in the offseason
LMAO a few days ago they were talking about a Wolves sweep. I didn't necessarily think the Nuggets would tie it up after 4, but I knew it would never be a sweep
Denver would have won game 3 without good luck but their shooting luck the last 2 games has been insane. Brown and Gordon have looked like the splash bros despite not being great shooters at any other time. I feel like MN should have won game 4 without weird shooting luck. The Murray half court shot was a perfect example of the nuggets playing well but also getting incredibly lucky. Sometimes the winner of the game is not the team that actually played better, but the one that made shots. I wish more analysts understood that winning a game involves more than playing hard or whatever stupid reason they come up with for other teams shooting well. (ie Cavs vs Celtics or Heat vs Celtics game 2) we do not always need to read into things to justify crazy shooting splits. Sometimes it’s just luck.
Jokić dominated the bigs, Gordon played a complete game where he did a bit of everything, Murray does what he does in playoffs. The only thing out of ordinary is AG threes. I get you need to cope when this happens so I don't blame you for playing the Lakers moral victory game but luck? Sure....no prob. Whatever makes you feel better.
I'm still early in this podcast and I'm sure they will, but you really have to give Aaron Gordon credit in this game. He's one of the 'others' who showed up on the road. 10/10 to start the game is nuts and he ended up with 27 pts, played great defense, and grabbed a lot of rebounds. He was the 'x' factor tonight.
Minnesota's rotation is the 11th oldest in the NBA and is just 6 months younger than Denver. Only team left in the palyoffs that is older on average with their rotation is Boston. Wolves are not young or inexperienced team, KAT is the same age as Jokic let that sink in.🤣🤣🤣
Maybe this is just what it looks like when two really good teams play each other. I know it's business of sports media to make everything a talking point, but this is just what competition looks like. It's chaotic and variable. When two teams are even, that doesn't mean every game they play will be one-score games. This is the case across ALL sports.
The thing about Jokic...he's so damn smart. You keep playing the same team over and over...and he's like a chessmaster. Four games in, he knows everything now that Minnesota can do. Everything. It'll take a bad Denver shooting game for the Wolves to have a chance now.
I didn't count The nuggets out, but I can understand the pessimism. Jamal looked hobbled the first two games. KCP seemed to be laboring as well. Jamal now looks like his usual self.
Imagine anyone besides Joker averaged a Triple Double with historic efficiency and almost 2 steaks a game . I don't get how people think Jokic is undeserving. They sound silly
Hes a super athletic woman basically. Boring bully baller who can shoot, is a 1percent of the 1percent passer. If he'd dunk on some fools occasionally bet the whole narrative would change. He can't change being European or Caucasian, so those dumbasses are out. The people who hate unathletic big man basketball (nba level, obviously hes an exceptional athlete) are who I side with. Ultimately it's all thrown out cuz he wins.
It's hilarious how quickly it went from "Wolves are better" "ANT is Jordan 3.0" to "Nuggets are the champs" "dynasty loading"
Yeah, almost as if media business was the peddling of hyperbole...crazy that
There job is too overreact
Truth is certain people are DYING to crown Ant and just hope Minnesota actually does something
Ant is still him. His problem is he’s 22 years old
@@thewalruswasjason101no his problem is kat is a wild card
Don’t hold back, Russillo. Clown on Bill for thinking this was gonna be a sweep. Don’t let him use the Murray injury as an out.
It's not about Murray or jokic. The wolves are young and it's showing. Chris might have to give back the coach of the year award back if he doesn't make the defensive adjustments/making sure players understand the game plan.
@@Jays119 Wolves are loaded with great defenders who can’t do anything on their own on offense. Rudy can dunk. He tried backing down Jokic in the post and it was comical, travel. McDaniels can’t do shit on offense either. A team that can guard Ant will decimate Wolves.
😂😂😂
@@rado22faxx Kat cant either lowkey, unless its spot shooting or in rhythm he cant create anything for himself wothiut it being an offensive foul,turnover, or awful throw up shot
What happened to Bill? Either this overreaction and “prisoner of the moment” takes are intentional to drive engagement, or he’s slowly turning into a talking head media personality.
"I can't stand him" - Russillo on KAT. That's Gold.
It's fair. The Wolves have always lived or died through KAT. Is his head in it or is it not?
@@David-iv6je he has no confidence. mistake prone. frustrates easily. not a money player. trade him for Ingram or even Kev Durant. kat is a loser.
Russillo gave him absolutely no credit through the first 6 games of the playoffs when he was awesome. One bad game and he's a "losing player", despite being the primary defender on Durant and Jokic and 2nd highest scorer in 2 series and 6-2 in the playoffs. It's absolute bullshit. He revealed himself that he can't stay unbiased when it comes to KAT.
@@rhlang11 No. We don't want Durant or Ingram. As much as I can't stand KAT I don't want either of those.
@TheFPLScope that's him being consistent about his opinion on KAT. he's never rated him neither have I. He's overrated, insanely overpaid. Also one way or another he's always gonna be a liability to your team. Watch what happens to him rest of series, he'll be lucky to have another solid game and the wolves will be lucky to win another game
That 3 day rest prior to Game 3 really helped Jamal got Energized and Healthy. Denver also figured out the defense of Twolves by letting AG and Joker handle the ball and set the Plays which made Jamal an off the ball Player
Brilliant insight.
Agree 100%
Bruh wolves defense is literally just foul on every possession and just hope the refs don't call it.......Jaden McDaniels is fouling every play it's insane
Murray has been playing well in the handoff receiver role past two games. Big shots on the move
@@yugo4855stop. Go watch Dort actually foul on every play. McDaniel isn’t fouling. Dort is fouling.
THANK YOU- Jokic gets fouled multiple times every possession.@@yugo4855
KAT - ALL STAR
ANT - ALL STAR
GOBER - DYOP
NAZ - 6MOY
CONLEY - TOTY
Imagine having these teammates and Nuggets only has 1:
JOKIC - ALL STARS, 3MVP
That's it.
2 of those guys you listed…..#1 picks vs pick 41
Tbf Kat and Rudy are overrated and Naz didn't show up last two games. If Wolves offered Towns for Gordon straight up, the Nuggets would hang up on them 😂
For various reasons Murray is not an all-star (injury, giving up stats to the team). but we all know he is. No better illustration than how the team runs when he's gimpy vs. how it runs when he's healthy.
@@tdup191 Liar. Cant' stand KAT as a Wolves fan but we both know that's nonsense.
@@David-iv6je Maybe it's his eyebrow but I just don't like him. He seems like a punk. I'm going to blame Canada.
Sounds like Russilo has had his chair pulled MANY TIMES 😂 😂 😂
thinking about Russillo sitting on the asphalt with his pissed off post-chair-pull face on - had me! lmfao
Im happy that Russilo went the opposite direction on that. Who pulls the chair on someone in a pickup game
Embiid didn’t get suspended for trying to hurt Mitchell Robinson, which was way worse than what Murray did.
This was Bill’s Celtics bias talking.
😂😂😂
He DOESN'T WANT the Nuggets vs his beloved, don't want that pain!
Facts. Embiid put that man in the ankle lock
Facts. Embiid put that man in the ankle lock
Gffdh hi gvhhgghgghhhh HV h@@992porter
@@Toni-to8je Celtics are a better version of Minnesota, they'd beat Nuggets in 6
As a nuggets fan, everyone now mocking people for saying “Ant is Jordan 3.0” as being wrong, are making moronic takes. Ant is absolutely the future of the league and INCREDIBLE to watch. He is 22 and doing this already. He will be running this league at 25 and I’m all about it. Watching him float across the paint, block people, and talk s**t to everyone is so fun to watch. I hope the nuggs get him this year because there will be a time where he will be unbeatable.
I wonder if 2-4 years from now, some rivalry emerges with two of the Wolves, Spurs, and Thunder.
2-4 years from now the leagues best player will still be in Denver. NBA players hit their prime from 28-33 and Joker just turned 29 in February. He’s not even at his peak prime yet.
@@mr.walters7930 Jokic will still be one of the best but Ant seems undeniable at this point as far as being the next alpha of the league.
I love AntMan. He's my favorite guy in the league. Even he said to Stop with the Jordan comparisons. Jordan is the 🐐
AntMan said it. He actually respects the history of the game unlike alot of today's players
Ant is like harden or kyrie
Russillo is right. Calling the sweep after two games really makes it seem like you've only ever watched two playoff games
I've watched plenty of playoff games, and the Nuggets looked washed.
Since I've been following the playoffs the last two years, most coverage acts like the last game played is how things will be going forward, when in reality there are constant adjustments made between games.
Yeah it's the thing Russillo always says: You can't fake desperation
As great as Minnesota was in game 2 they had two things going for them:
1) They came out with a completely different game plan that Denver had not prepared for.
2) Gobert being out gave them a sense of urgency and an emotional energy that you can't replicate
Minnesota played basically perfect defense in game 2, they were allowed to be super physical off ball and in the post, and Murray was clearly hobbled.
*BUT* if those things had continued Denver _would_ have gotten swept.
If you'd asked me after game 2 I still would have picked Denver but I wouldn't have felt great about it. I was definitely wavering because I just had no clue how hurt Murray was
First Simmons sh*ts all over the Gobert trade, then he does 180 turn and declares a sweep for Wolves after 2 games.
Props to Rusello for calling him out on it.
To be fair to simmon's everybody hated the Rudy trade, absolutely everybody - it was historically unprecedented how much they got for him
@@jacktheleper4468facts
💯🤷
The Rudy trade was pretty wild and after 1 year looked horrendous. People can change their opinions once more data is provided.
Ryan does the same thing though all the time
I’m a Knicks fan so agnostic but literally Bill said this was a wrap last week. He said this was 91 pistons territory. Denver is in their prime. Overreaction after Game 1 and 2 was crazy.
“How did Jokić and Murray figure out the pace…?” They are the best duo in the NBA! That’s what they do!!
I think Minnesota was allowed to play prison ball in game 2. It's hard to make shots. It's even harder when your being blatantly fouled.
They played physical last night as well. Basketball is a tough sport. I liked how the game was called
@@992porter naw bro game 2 was insane.... refs treated denver like the road team in regards to the whistles
A small adjustment that has had a big impact in the last 2 games was letting anyone but Murray bring the ball up the court. AG bringing the ball up causes gobert to float farther from the basket and get switched on Jokic. I saw more Gobert Jokic matchups this game than the last 3. They're also loading up on one side of the floor which creates space for Murray on the opposite side. The actions start from quick set ups and basically putting Minnesota in a blender. Ant had an amazing game, but it was still a one sided affair. Minnesota has to execute better and not settle for these hero ball plays like KAT heaving logo 3s.
Now we get to see if Minnesota and ANT can really make a push. Beating Denver when things are not swining your way is a lot different from beating the discombobulated Suns.
That was huge
Did Finch being injured cost the Wolves a game? 😅 Bill reached across the pacific for that one
Yeah especially since the games weren't even close wtf
They kept talking about it during games WHILE you see Finch sitting on the bench. You'd swear he was in ICU attached to machines and ventilator the way they went on about it like he wasn't there.
@@fkscopes Wolves played totally different from games 1-2 and 3-4. Part of tht was adjustments by Nuggets because I didn't see Jokic bring the ball up as much so they couldn't pressure him in back court and Murray not being hobbled helped too. Wolves got outcoached but not sure Finch being able to stand up would have made a difference
Yeah that was stupid. He’s still on the sideline next to those guys. If he actually missed the games maybe but he’s still there giving input
🤣😂🤣
At least SOMEONE (Bill) finally spoke the truth about Game 2 and how it was officiated. It came in hindsight, but not only was it "prison rules", those same rules weren't applied to both defenses. But...all anyone wanted to talk about was how Denver "lost their cool".
They definitely did...and deserved the flak they caught for it. But go back and re-watch that game now and you'll see it.
What's also funny is it's like no one could even IMAGINE this happening! Really...?
I mean, who could see this coming from a team that has KAT, Gobert, and a bunch of young players - one being a guy who missed the playoffs last year because he PUNCHED A WALL!
That said, it feels like these are the two best teams left in the Playoffs. Looks like we're gonna see whoever battles thru the West play Boston in the Finals. And with how Boston has played in home Playoff games the last few years, I don't think their home court advantage will matter.
That Jokic dunk was low key nice
Only thing better are the memes that keep gradually changing the height he jumped. In one, his feet were at defenders chest.😂
11:04 love these moments when bill just gets russillo to unleash all his hatred for a certain player like d-lo or kat
So glad you mentioned that “matador” move by Jokic, i could not stop laughing at how Jokic was almost embarrassed at how well that worked…chess vs checkers.
I think after the first two games we all forgot how good Jamal Murray is
Nope…nobody forgot. We just acknowledged he was hobbled and didn’t think he could rest up in time
To be fair, Murray hasn’t been good all playoffs besides two 4th quarters against the Lakers….. it seems like he is getting back to form though
Murray is a villain now. We all just hate him now.
Murray only had 19 last night. Gordon going for 27 and Jokic being unstoppable in 4th why Nuggets won
I knew how good of a player he was, didn't realize what a shitty person he can be.
Pulling the chair is essential when someone is trying to bulldoze you down low, if they go flying it’s just good defense
RICK MAHORN STYLE ... BAD BOYS 4 LIFE!
The way Bill switched sides so quick,ESPN will definitely be calling you soon
Aaron Gordon is gonna go down as a even better Shawn Marion.
I kept saying iguodala but I like your choice too. I was a big Suns 7 Seconds or less fan and Marion (even Raja) seems to have been forgotten by history. I used to love his very low quirky quick shot.
ooooooooo this is something to consider! i loooved the matrix. this something to consider for sure.
That play tonight where Jokic absolutely flattened KAT 😂
It felt very WWE.
The Minnesota sports curse is real....and its spectacular.
Ants 22. That's not a curse
chill bro. this is our chance
@DanielPromotes Kirby Puckett.
Wolves might win a championship in rugby though
KAT doing his best James Harden impression!😂
I need more Russillo pickup ball opinions
Figure out? They have played them many times in the past to years, these teams know each other.
Nuggets are just the better team and just decided to play harder and smarter then the first two games.
What really happened is that Jokic got pissed off. Listening to a bunch of nonsense got him fired up.
The most obvious coaching adjustment they made was having Gordon step up and have him more as a facilitator. That relieves the pressure that Murray and Jokic had in games 1 and 2 initiating the offense. Gordon played out of mind, but they’re clearly featuring him in a bigger role because the Wolves put their best defenders on Murray and Jokic.
as soon as you dont let minnesota play prisonball they lose
The ejection thing is really weird. Jokic getting ejected in game 4 against the Suns in 2021 to this day is the most puzzling ejection after Duncan who got ejected for laughing on the bench. Jokic made a basketball play on a live ball (got all ball too when his hand lowered) and got ejected for grazing Cam Payne in the nose.
We've seen so many instances of actually dirty non-basketball plays that don't even get a tech let alone an ejection. I'm all for having balanced technical and ejection calls, but they got to do it starting next season. If they didn't eject Embiid for trying to snap Robinson's leg in the first round series, they can't eject or suspend anyone for this playoffs unless they do something really horrible.
Russillo talking about pickup ball charge was hilarious and spot on! My fav part! 😂😂 love pickup ball talk be hilarious
"dynasty is over" "its so hard to win multiple rings in a row"
*nuggets tie the series*
"Does ANT need more help?" "just how good is this nuggets team?"
Both of thess things can be true. I don't want to say Ant needs more help but Kat and Rudy are known for not showing up consistently in playoffs
nothing you can really do when you're playing one of the greatest players ever
Problem with the Wolves is that no one is on Ant's timetable. As he reaches his prime, the other guys will be leaving theirs. But that's a problem for the future.
Well detailed guys I'm now a fan! Im sensing a none bias vibes, great job.
We are seeing that with the exception of ANT, the Wolves are a team of front runners, real comfy when they are leading, but they wilt hard when real pressure is there (KAT is the king of this). Also, we are seeing that Denver is an absolute masterpiece of a team who rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Biggest problem is they have a DPOY who can’t guard the other team center and have no offensive game
To be fair, who can guard Jokic? If AD and Gobert have difficulty guarding him, then I doubt anyone else in the league stands a chance. The only person I’ve seen give Jokic problems consistently is Zubac, as improbable as that is.
However, you’re right that Gobert’s lack of offensive bag is a serious issue.
Jokic can impersonate the following players:
Wilt Chamberlain
Shaq
Magic Johnson
Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Michael Jordan
Larry Bird
Tim Duncan
Bill Russell
Sometimes all in one game.
anyone catch the 'behind zoe ahead of ben' joke russillo threw in there? i love his little deadpan remarks he makes lmao
Never underestimate the heart of a champion
In every other instance that Bill is talking about where player got suspended in a playoff game that player had a history of a lot of technical fouls and a lot of suspect play that could be deemed dangerous. I have literally been watching Murray play since his rookie year and this is the first time I’ve seen him do anything like that his whole career. That’s why it’s handled differently…
I think his first example was 2007. Those players didn't have much history. 2016 Draymond obviously did have some.
Ryen calling Bill out while denying that he’s doing that: “not you, necessarily, … “ (21:06)
This was 😚👌.
The thing is lakers dumbed down the nuggets in the first round but the wolves finally woke them up.
💯
As a lifelong wolves fan game 2 might have been the highest moment of my life and you can’t ever take that away from me. With that being said they might just be fucked.
Game 7 against Sacramento in 2004 was the biggest game in Wolves history up to this point. Game 5 against Denver might trump that now.
Guys what changed is our screening actions Jokic and Gordon are disrupting them hugely on screens game 3-4. Also, they had Gordon bring up ball because he can blast through first line of defense quicker cutting into teeth. Then getting Murry ball with space. This all goes to the more effective screens.
Also, the reason why Murray was not suspended he has never had one issue with the league this was his first offense. Unless super egregious they don’t suspend on 1st offense. This was per the NBA.
I just say, if they didn't suspend Embiid for putting Mitchell Robinson in an ankle lock, someone who was coming off an injury, and now is back to being injured in the same playoffs, then they can't suspend Murray.
Surprised there was no mention of AG going nuts…
That's probably the biggest detail to Denver winning.
Underrated comment by far.
We still have millionaire podcasters who don’t have HD webcams 😂😂
seriously bro what the fuck...
Do you come here to actually watch these two dudes? Personally, I'd prefer watching relevant game clips while they talk. And they can keep their webcams imo.
When Aaron Gordon shoots 11/12, the Nuggets have solved the '96 Bulls.
Kat and Ant will eventually have problems. They are so opposite mentally that eventually Ant will get too mad at him. Seems like the easiest thing to predict
Game 5 is KAT’s legacy game imo
Really Bill??? What about emflop in first round? Ant last year with a 🪑??? Really BILL??? 🤨🤨🤨
Minnesota suddenly forgot how to win anymore. It's no secret give the damn ball to Ant and move out of the way.
Jokic controlling the floor offensively yesterday was some peak LeBron/Nash type of stuff. Completely controlled game 4 on his own
It's in the league's best interests that this series goes on as long as possible. When the refs (and Adam Silver) want the TW to win, they swallow their whistles and allow all the physical contact. When it's time for the Nuggets to even things, they call all the fouls.
I like Ant. He’s cocky but he has the game to back it up unlike Ja. Do people forget how arrogant and cocky Muhammad Ali, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Deion Sanders all were as athletes? Steve Jobs was arrogant and cocky.
MJ showed up in the ‘85 ASG with a gold chain around his neck and still wore it when participating in the dunk contest. Larry Bird was the biggest trash talker there ever was. “Which mfer is coming in 2nd?” Kobe was called Showboat by his teammates as he would attempt 360 dunks in a breakaway in his first two years.
I like what Ant is saying and doing here. It shows he’s not afraid of these defending champions. He’s fearless. It can motivate him for Game 5. He did show up for this game except the other guys didn’t. And this was after he held accountability for the Game 2 loss.
I do think Minnesota will eventually lose this series whether it’s in 6 or 7. Minnesota and OKC are showing their inexperience already after a good start. Denver might be to Ant what Detroit was to MJ. The last obstacle before getting over the hump to win a ring. His team is not ready for it yet. He is but not his teammates similar to MJ from ‘88 to ‘90. Scottie and Horace were still a bit too soft. KAT remains soft.
It’s still Denver’s reign as champs for the next 2-3 years. Ant will eventually get a ring but he needs to taste the losing and heartbreaks first. Denver is my favorite team still playing but Ant is my favorite player to watch. Great personality. There’s an alpha dog in him.
I doubt if you know what cocky means. Anthony is not that based on the interviews I’ve watched. He appears cocky on the court but listen to him. He seems down to earth. Ja morant is cocky - in and out of the court.,
lol ja definitely has the game to back it up. He just gets injured frequently it seems
The scary thing is that minnesota missed every shot and turned the ball over in key spots. If they hit shots the series's would be over
I am excited for today to see the pendulum swing back from all the sports people saying, "Denver is done! It's going to be a sweep," to, "TWolves are done! Denver has them figured out." I mainly want TWolves to win game 5 to see the exclamations of "Denver is done! TWolves back in control!"
Kat needs to chill out and find his spots. He doesn't have to drive to the basket every time, Denver is expecting that. Kat just needs to pull up from the elbo or foul line and just take a step back jumper. He has to be a spot up shooter coming off picks. Stop forcing your way into the paint.
That Denzel bone collector reference is good 😂
I thought it was just me who got excited over it, I did a few days of extra work on the film playing a detective. Highlight was meeting Ed O'Neill.
Denver is using their size and strength to their advantage now 😊
“Behind ZOE ahead of BEN.”😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮
IMAGINE BEN HEARING BILLS LAUGH THERE?
The most obvious coaching adjustment they made was having Gordon step up and have him more as a facilitator. That relieves the pressure that Murray and Jokic had in games 1 and 2 initiating the offense. Gordon played out of mind, but they’re clearly featuring him in a bigger role because the Wolves put their best defenders on Murray and Jokic.
Why do people keep saying Minnesota is young. Yes, Ant is young but Gobert, KAT, and Conley are vets.
Yes. This is not the Thunder or Spurs.
Damn Russillo almost made me pass out. “I can’t stand him.”
The way they controlled the pace is by having AG bring the ball up. MN can’t put one of the point of attack on him, so they get into their sets quicker without pressure. Keeps Murray fresh. Then, Joker, started using the short roll to find the weak spot in the defense. That being said, Kat and AG go to average it might’ve gone the other way.
The high fg% wasn't out of challenged shots just going in, a lot of them were wide open shots, layups and dunks. The Nuggets ball movement, pick and roll action, and rim pressure was stretching the Wolves defense. There were so many runs where Jokic will attack the paint then Wolves big man will double him boom open dunk for Gordon, or Jokic will walk past the free throw line weak side defense closes in to help boom KCP open 3. Aaron Gordon dribbles to the ball up, Jokic sets a screen for Murray then AG hits him with a pass boom open middy for Murray.
Depends on KAT. He can easily be a major factor in them winning or be a major factor in costing them this series.
Tuesday: The Wolves are the greatest defensive team of all time!
Sunday: This is a seriously flawed team!
This was an excellent video very entertaining guys
Part of what Denver did was to allow different guys to bring the ball up the court so that Jamal Murray wasn't under pressure from the half-court line like he was in the first two games. Without having to bring the ball up he was able to get to his spots and have enough time to get his shot off. They were pressuring him in the back court in those early games and that changed in the last two games and I really believe it was something that Malone figured out. Then of course the obvious thing that Denver is a champion and knows how to play like A champion and they had not been playing up to their level so far in the playoffs. They look like a driven team now and if they take game five I think they're going to wrap it up in 6. Well maybe 7.???😊
You doubted Nikola Jokic haha! You sweet children will never learn! Jokic will be Top 10 all time by the end of this postseason!
I tend to root for champs to repeat and root against young teams like Timberwolves just because they need seasoning - provided the Champs aren’t a super team or play boring as hell basketball.
So you’re a front-runner?
@@nocturne311 explain to me how you got “front runner” out of what i stated in that comment? i am going to use that stupidity on UFC and Boxing fans i know….its about witnessing greatness over randomness. Not talking about buying Nuggets gear and calling myself a Denver fan after wearing Goldenstate gear for 5 years.
Seems to be a coaching battle at this point
How? They have Gordon bring up the ball and begin their offensive set with more time on the shot clock. And, they are setting crisper screens… that simple.
KAT didn't show up... should've played NAz reid more he wasn't missing
minnesota has best defensive performance in 20 years in game without gobert. gobert returns for games 3 and 4. denver has two of the most efficient offensive games played in the playoffs in recent history. meanwhile, gobert is crowned DPOY for essentially being the “anchor” of the best defensive team in the nba.
Bill Russell said it is easy to win one championship but to win back to back that is extremely difficult.
Yeah okay he played against a bunch of janitors. No one cares about Bill Russell except Celtic losers who pretend like basketball before the 70's matters at all.
yeah its also easy to win back to back when theres only 8 teams in the league
@@chopin1975-tq3gxThere were 14 teams by the end of Russell’s career and fewer teams equates to more loaded rosters, although the Celtics still had more guys than any other team.
I absolutely love this show. Especially when Russillo is on
thanks for posting these videos on YT so our broke asses can enjoy it :D
How can you get defensive MVP and get completely dominated like that
To be fair, put anyone in front of Jokic and they'll get dominated whether it's him, Wemby, Bam, etc.
You cant stop Joker. Just like a DPOY wouldnt be able to stop MJ, Kobe, KD, LBJ, and other MVPs and great scorers.
@@cobrachannel100Gary Payton would like a word. He did a great job on Jordan in games 4-6 of the 1996 Finals.
@@nocturne311 Yes he did. But, at the same time, not sure Jordan was 100% in cause they cruised to 3-0 series lead and only then Payton started guarding him. The series was over at the time so I think MJ relaxed.
Ant has gone about navigating KAT the right way publicly, but after the beatdown that Gordon gave them in G4, you KNOW Minnesota execs are asking him about KAT in the offseason
LMAO a few days ago they were talking about a Wolves sweep. I didn't necessarily think the Nuggets would tie it up after 4, but I knew it would never be a sweep
did you record the video on a Game Boy? This is the fuggin Ringer. Come on guys
Seeing Bill and RR pods in 240p js part of the charm, really brings out a classic radio vibe 🎧 📻
I get it but most of the content is focused on audio and quality of conversation not really visuals
All according to script , no 2ay teams look that drastically different from 1 game to next unless someone is selling, all for betting
Ref said if he seen it live it would have only been a technical foul and not even ejection
Great segment, thank you
Coach Malone and his staff figured it all out. Win the first quarter - even if it means Aaron Gordon takes 3s.
Denver would have won game 3 without good luck but their shooting luck the last 2 games has been insane. Brown and Gordon have looked like the splash bros despite not being great shooters at any other time. I feel like MN should have won game 4 without weird shooting luck. The Murray half court shot was a perfect example of the nuggets playing well but also getting incredibly lucky. Sometimes the winner of the game is not the team that actually played better, but the one that made shots. I wish more analysts understood that winning a game involves more than playing hard or whatever stupid reason they come up with for other teams shooting well. (ie Cavs vs Celtics or Heat vs Celtics game 2) we do not always need to read into things to justify crazy shooting splits. Sometimes it’s just luck.
Jokić dominated the bigs, Gordon played a complete game where he did a bit of everything, Murray does what he does in playoffs. The only thing out of ordinary is AG threes. I get you need to cope when this happens so I don't blame you for playing the Lakers moral victory game but luck?
Sure....no prob. Whatever makes you feel better.
I'm still early in this podcast and I'm sure they will, but you really have to give Aaron Gordon credit in this game. He's one of the 'others' who showed up on the road. 10/10 to start the game is nuts and he ended up with 27 pts, played great defense, and grabbed a lot of rebounds. He was the 'x' factor tonight.
Minnesota's rotation is the 11th oldest in the NBA and is just 6 months younger than Denver. Only team left in the palyoffs that is older on average with their rotation is Boston. Wolves are not young or inexperienced team, KAT is the same age as Jokic let that sink in.🤣🤣🤣
Maybe this is just what it looks like when two really good teams play each other. I know it's business of sports media to make everything a talking point, but this is just what competition looks like. It's chaotic and variable. When two teams are even, that doesn't mean every game they play will be one-score games. This is the case across ALL sports.
The thing about Jokic...he's so damn smart. You keep playing the same team over and over...and he's like a chessmaster. Four games in, he knows everything now that Minnesota can do. Everything. It'll take a bad Denver shooting game for the Wolves to have a chance now.
I didn't count The nuggets out, but I can understand the pessimism. Jamal looked hobbled the first two games. KCP seemed to be laboring as well. Jamal now looks like his usual self.
These two are the best. Simmons and Russilo, Lowe, O’Connor, Mahoney or Haralabos are always a great listen. Gonna be sad whenever Simmons retires.
Damn. Just going to ignore House, eh?
Or even Doc?
😏
i agree with simmons on pulling the chair in that situation 🤷🏽♂️
Imagine anyone besides Joker averaged a Triple Double with historic efficiency and almost 2 steaks a game . I don't get how people think Jokic is undeserving. They sound silly
Hes a super athletic woman basically. Boring bully baller who can shoot, is a 1percent of the 1percent passer. If he'd dunk on some fools occasionally bet the whole narrative would change. He can't change being European or Caucasian, so those dumbasses are out. The people who hate unathletic big man basketball (nba level, obviously hes an exceptional athlete) are who I side with. Ultimately it's all thrown out cuz he wins.
Didn't Anthony Edwards throw a chair at a fan during the playoffs against the Nuggets last year?
Bill talking that the Nuggets were gonna get swept, now what’s your prediction?
These guys should be embarrassed that they watch as much basketball as they do and actually thought Minnesota would sweep the Nuggets 😂
Denver did their homework. Last two games they always have 3 men in the back court to make sure they get the ball up quickly without pressure.
Jamal Murray woke tf up is what happened. Dude is cooking now.
Nah. He played well, but only had 19. The real hero has been Gordon I don't know how people aren't seeing that.
Gordon bringing up the ball, and he and Jokic making the half court offense like playing bumper pool for Minnesota.
Very good series