Hunter Patterson

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PwC refers to the PwC network and or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity.

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Yeah.

Yeah.

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Yeah, I think this is a really close-knit group. The average age, I was looking at it last night, is about a little bit over 24. The oldest person on this team is 32, and Tim Hardaway Jr., who's been playing really well lately. So I think it's just a close-knit group, and they seem to all really genuinely care about each other.

Yeah, I think this is a really close-knit group. The average age, I was looking at it last night, is about a little bit over 24. The oldest person on this team is 32, and Tim Hardaway Jr., who's been playing really well lately. So I think it's just a close-knit group, and they seem to all really genuinely care about each other.

So I think their success has a lot to do with their bond even just away from basketball.

So I think their success has a lot to do with their bond even just away from basketball.

I think they really just bought into kind of the effort that J.B. Biggerstaff is requiring everyone on the floor to have if they want to play. So he's earlier in the season was a little bit more strict, I guess, with with his rotations. If there was a guy who didn't rotate over. Right.

I think they really just bought into kind of the effort that J.B. Biggerstaff is requiring everyone on the floor to have if they want to play. So he's earlier in the season was a little bit more strict, I guess, with with his rotations. If there was a guy who didn't rotate over. Right.

He had no problem bringing in Isaiah Stewart, for example, for Jalen Dern, if he missed an assignment or was in drop coverage on a stretch five or someone who could shoot. So. He's had a short leash defensively, I would say. And then he's kind of given them a little bit more rope as time has gone on to make mistakes and learn through them. And it seems like they're they're better for it so far.

He had no problem bringing in Isaiah Stewart, for example, for Jalen Dern, if he missed an assignment or was in drop coverage on a stretch five or someone who could shoot. So. He's had a short leash defensively, I would say. And then he's kind of given them a little bit more rope as time has gone on to make mistakes and learn through them. And it seems like they're they're better for it so far.

Yeah, I agree. I think he's gotten a lot of attention this year for what he's done offensively, the way he scores, the assist numbers, things like that. But his defense, there are possessions where he will fly around. He'll be pretty good on the point of attack. He'll be able to rotate, help the helper in certain situations.

Yeah, I agree. I think he's gotten a lot of attention this year for what he's done offensively, the way he scores, the assist numbers, things like that. But his defense, there are possessions where he will fly around. He'll be pretty good on the point of attack. He'll be able to rotate, help the helper in certain situations.

So I think Cade, he hasn't really gotten enough attention on his defense because he's been so... just comfortable and in a rhythm offensively. But like you said, I think Dave, he's been really good defensively as well.

So I think Cade, he hasn't really gotten enough attention on his defense because he's been so... just comfortable and in a rhythm offensively. But like you said, I think Dave, he's been really good defensively as well.

Yeah, I think we were talking about it a little bit before we started, but that might have been since we started. It's been a long few days here in New York. But they are just such a young team. And Tim being the oldest person on the team, he's still a young person in general. So I think... He does have a lot of NBA experience, though.

Yeah, I think we were talking about it a little bit before we started, but that might have been since we started. It's been a long few days here in New York. But they are just such a young team. And Tim being the oldest person on the team, he's still a young person in general. So I think... He does have a lot of NBA experience, though.

He's had some vets that he's talked to me about as far as Carmelo, Tyson Chandler, J.R. Smith. He's had some pretty eventful, I would say, vets, if you will. And so he's just kind of passing that knowledge down to the younger guys on this team. And then Malik is just his own kind of energy for the team.

He's had some vets that he's talked to me about as far as Carmelo, Tyson Chandler, J.R. Smith. He's had some pretty eventful, I would say, vets, if you will. And so he's just kind of passing that knowledge down to the younger guys on this team. And then Malik is just his own kind of energy for the team.

Yeah, he can't wait to shimmy as soon as he hits a three. So that's like the first thing on his mind. But he's he said that there was a fan court side who he was kind of going back and forth with. And the fan said that he hit four threes in the first quarter and hadn't done anything since. And that. He said that he told the fan, watch this, and then he hit the two threes back to back.

Yeah, he can't wait to shimmy as soon as he hits a three. So that's like the first thing on his mind. But he's he said that there was a fan court side who he was kind of going back and forth with. And the fan said that he hit four threes in the first quarter and hadn't done anything since. And that. He said that he told the fan, watch this, and then he hit the two threes back to back.

So that's the type of confidence he has.

So that's the type of confidence he has.

Yeah, I think they were able to kind of stagger minutes between Jaden Ivey and Cade. So they had someone they felt really comfortable with as far as a primary ball handler, someone who could get their own shots and create for others as well. So obviously now with Jaden breaking his fibula, there's a void there.

Yeah, I think they were able to kind of stagger minutes between Jaden Ivey and Cade. So they had someone they felt really comfortable with as far as a primary ball handler, someone who could get their own shots and create for others as well. So obviously now with Jaden breaking his fibula, there's a void there.

Marcus Sasser had a nice game tonight and was able to come in and provide some good spot minutes when Cade was out, but... I think that the thing that they should focus on now that Jaden is out is having someone who can be just a second ball handler when Cade's not in the game. If Cade is getting blitzed how he was tonight, even though he still worked around those issues. So,

Marcus Sasser had a nice game tonight and was able to come in and provide some good spot minutes when Cade was out, but... I think that the thing that they should focus on now that Jaden is out is having someone who can be just a second ball handler when Cade's not in the game. If Cade is getting blitzed how he was tonight, even though he still worked around those issues. So,

just maybe someone who can come off the bench. I don't necessarily have a name, but just I've seen people say Malcolm Brogdon, maybe since he's a veteran, pretty sure handed with the ball, but he does have injury issues as well. So maybe a veteran who doesn't need to do too much other than just control pace and get guys in this spot.

just maybe someone who can come off the bench. I don't necessarily have a name, but just I've seen people say Malcolm Brogdon, maybe since he's a veteran, pretty sure handed with the ball, but he does have injury issues as well. So maybe a veteran who doesn't need to do too much other than just control pace and get guys in this spot.

I wouldn't, to be honest, like I've, I've seen just the potential him coming to Detroit, but Brad is another person who it sucks for him, but he just seems to have terrible injury luck. Obviously a massive contract. And I mean, he's he's a great scorer. I don't really think too highly of him defensively, but I don't know. I'm just not really too confident in Brad at this point in his career.

I wouldn't, to be honest, like I've, I've seen just the potential him coming to Detroit, but Brad is another person who it sucks for him, but he just seems to have terrible injury luck. Obviously a massive contract. And I mean, he's he's a great scorer. I don't really think too highly of him defensively, but I don't know. I'm just not really too confident in Brad at this point in his career.

I think the better Cade is kind of looking on a daily basis, the more Trajan may feel a little bit of pressure to try to surround him with people as soon as possible. Right. Given Cade is only 23, so he's not even in his prime yet. But I think the better Cade continues to look, the more pressure Trajan may have to try to make something happen.

I think the better Cade is kind of looking on a daily basis, the more Trajan may feel a little bit of pressure to try to surround him with people as soon as possible. Right. Given Cade is only 23, so he's not even in his prime yet. But I think the better Cade continues to look, the more pressure Trajan may have to try to make something happen.

I think just for one, he got in a rhythm from beyond the arc. He hit a few threes early on and it seemed like that was a concerted effort by New York after he went scoreless in the second half of game two. So he was being force fed the ball a bit.

I think just for one, he got in a rhythm from beyond the arc. He hit a few threes early on and it seemed like that was a concerted effort by New York after he went scoreless in the second half of game two. So he was being force fed the ball a bit.

And I think that played right into his game plan and what made him feel comfortable because once he saw a few threes go down, he was at that point kind of drawing the defense out and he was able to go by them and use his strength to get to the basket and I get to the free throw line where he was seven of seven, didn't miss one.

And I think that played right into his game plan and what made him feel comfortable because once he saw a few threes go down, he was at that point kind of drawing the defense out and he was able to go by them and use his strength to get to the basket and I get to the free throw line where he was seven of seven, didn't miss one.

So I think the threes as most shooters and just confidence scores in this league go, you see a couple go down. That's all you really need to see, especially, like I said, coming off a scoreless 24 minutes in the second half. game two. So it'll be a challenge.

So I think the threes as most shooters and just confidence scores in this league go, you see a couple go down. That's all you really need to see, especially, like I said, coming off a scoreless 24 minutes in the second half. game two. So it'll be a challenge.

I think Isaiah Stewart, as we mentioned, didn't play game three, but he'll possibly be back in the mix for game four and it'll take a gang of bodies to stop Kat.

I think Isaiah Stewart, as we mentioned, didn't play game three, but he'll possibly be back in the mix for game four and it'll take a gang of bodies to stop Kat.

I think the passion and intensity in here is going to be pretty consistent from game three to game four on Sunday. I think one of the biggest things as far as what I just got from the locker room and post-game interactions, The team, as far as the Pistons, don't seem any less confident than they did at the beginning of the game. We spoke with Asar, Tim, Cade, JB.

I think the passion and intensity in here is going to be pretty consistent from game three to game four on Sunday. I think one of the biggest things as far as what I just got from the locker room and post-game interactions, The team, as far as the Pistons, don't seem any less confident than they did at the beginning of the game. We spoke with Asar, Tim, Cade, JB.

And from the top down, you hear JB say things like we're not deflated to a question he asked about the way in which they lost, which could seem a bit deflating. But he responded back quickly, pretty prompt, saying we're not deflated at all. This isn't a locker room full of anyone who... or any players who are looking to hold their heads or are down on themselves.

And from the top down, you hear JB say things like we're not deflated to a question he asked about the way in which they lost, which could seem a bit deflating. But he responded back quickly, pretty prompt, saying we're not deflated at all. This isn't a locker room full of anyone who... or any players who are looking to hold their heads or are down on themselves.

And it was pretty consistent from, like I said, the top down from JB to Tim to K to Asar, they each seem to not just say that they weren't flustered, but they seem to have a sense of calm about them. So I think they're going to look to regroup. A lot of shots didn't fall. It was, like we said, a rough go for Malik Beasley at one point.

And it was pretty consistent from, like I said, the top down from JB to Tim to K to Asar, they each seem to not just say that they weren't flustered, but they seem to have a sense of calm about them. So I think they're going to look to regroup. A lot of shots didn't fall. It was, like we said, a rough go for Malik Beasley at one point.

Tobias Harris, I don't see him scoring five points again, only five points again in this series. So I think... Pretty consistent with what they were saying. Shots weren't falling. But their confidence is exactly where it was before the game started.

Tobias Harris, I don't see him scoring five points again, only five points again in this series. So I think... Pretty consistent with what they were saying. Shots weren't falling. But their confidence is exactly where it was before the game started.

Got you. I mean, I feel like I would be obligated to say either Tim or Dennis.

Got you. I mean, I feel like I would be obligated to say either Tim or Dennis.

Dennis, okay. Come on!

Dennis, okay. Come on!

Yes, yes.

Yes, yes.

Yeah, I think him being a veteran, him having the most playoff games under his belt on this team, there's been times where he'll pull the team together, especially when it's getting loud in here and the crowd is getting frustrated that Knicks might be on a run. He does a really good job of... Bringing the team together. He has a lot of just the intangibles that you would want from a veteran.

Yeah, I think him being a veteran, him having the most playoff games under his belt on this team, there's been times where he'll pull the team together, especially when it's getting loud in here and the crowd is getting frustrated that Knicks might be on a run. He does a really good job of... Bringing the team together. He has a lot of just the intangibles that you would want from a veteran.

So he uses those intangibles. He brings the team together. He makes sure they're constantly communicating. Dennis is literally if you watch him, whether he's in the game on the bench, he's literally reminds me of myself. He's always talking. So he's talking about things much more productive. I'm just chatting. But he is someone, like you said, who is just consistently consistent for this team.

So he uses those intangibles. He brings the team together. He makes sure they're constantly communicating. Dennis is literally if you watch him, whether he's in the game on the bench, he's literally reminds me of myself. He's always talking. So he's talking about things much more productive. I'm just chatting. But he is someone, like you said, who is just consistently consistent for this team.

Yeah, there was a lot. So initially there was a call that was a bit of a contentious point postgame where the ball was inbounded. It looked like Jalen Brunson caught it in the front court, took it with him to the back court. And there was no backcourt call there. They fouled him.

Yeah, there was a lot. So initially there was a call that was a bit of a contentious point postgame where the ball was inbounded. It looked like Jalen Brunson caught it in the front court, took it with him to the back court. And there was no backcourt call there. They fouled him.

And I think that was what led to the missed free throw. Yeah. So that was one we have a full report on. We have some answers from the crew chief, Zach Zarbon. I don't think we got an explanation as to why they didn't review to see how much time maybe was on the clock on the missed free throw. It was all a pretty confusing last few possessions, but I have some audio.

And I think that was what led to the missed free throw. Yeah. So that was one we have a full report on. We have some answers from the crew chief, Zach Zarbon. I don't think we got an explanation as to why they didn't review to see how much time maybe was on the clock on the missed free throw. It was all a pretty confusing last few possessions, but I have some audio.

I have now a pool report from a referee that I can kind of try to parse through and put some stuff together on. So I was just as confused as you watching it live. But apparently, as far as the backcourt goes, Jalen Brunson had an established possession of the ball, so he kind of just dropped it and let it go in the backcourt. But we didn't get an answer, unfortunately, for the free throw situation.

I have now a pool report from a referee that I can kind of try to parse through and put some stuff together on. So I was just as confused as you watching it live. But apparently, as far as the backcourt goes, Jalen Brunson had an established possession of the ball, so he kind of just dropped it and let it go in the backcourt. But we didn't get an answer, unfortunately, for the free throw situation.

Appreciate you. I'm always happy to be on.

Appreciate you. I'm always happy to be on.

No, I tweeted at one point that I think I might lose my hearing behind another Tim Hardaway Jr. three. So he was five for five, possibly six for six at one point. And each time he touched the ball, it seemed like the arena was kind of just waiting in anticipation for what would happen next.

No, I tweeted at one point that I think I might lose my hearing behind another Tim Hardaway Jr. three. So he was five for five, possibly six for six at one point. And each time he touched the ball, it seemed like the arena was kind of just waiting in anticipation for what would happen next.

After he kind of got in that rhythm, there was a moment where Cade usually comes out about an hour before tip off. And there's usually a bigger crowd than any other player because he's the guy on this team. And there's usually a good amount, but not really too much noise.

After he kind of got in that rhythm, there was a moment where Cade usually comes out about an hour before tip off. And there's usually a bigger crowd than any other player because he's the guy on this team. And there's usually a good amount, but not really too much noise.

But I was on my phone when he came out and I looked up because the noise was that loud and kind of just the anticipation that all the fans had for Cade in the game.

But I was on my phone when he came out and I looked up because the noise was that loud and kind of just the anticipation that all the fans had for Cade in the game.

Yeah, I think Detroit's bench was pretty huge. They won the bench battle in scoring there between them and New York 40-9. So, I mean, the bench pretty much held up their end of the bargain. Malik Beasley seemed to get more comfortable as the game went on. But it was a struggle, I would say, for Tobias Harris, who...

Yeah, I think Detroit's bench was pretty huge. They won the bench battle in scoring there between them and New York 40-9. So, I mean, the bench pretty much held up their end of the bargain. Malik Beasley seemed to get more comfortable as the game went on. But it was a struggle, I would say, for Tobias Harris, who...

At one point, he was clinging to two points, although he did end up finishing with five. Asar ended up having seven. Asar, he was below the 20-minute mark. Tobias played 31, although JB said postgame it was kind of hard for him to get a rhythm due to being on the bench because of the foul trouble he had.

At one point, he was clinging to two points, although he did end up finishing with five. Asar ended up having seven. Asar, he was below the 20-minute mark. Tobias played 31, although JB said postgame it was kind of hard for him to get a rhythm due to being on the bench because of the foul trouble he had.

Those two are guys who I would expect to have a little bit more to contribute offensively, especially for Tobias, who was coming off two good games in Madison Square Garden.

Those two are guys who I would expect to have a little bit more to contribute offensively, especially for Tobias, who was coming off two good games in Madison Square Garden.

But in the playoffs, you know, these guys know we can give a little bit of extra juice. And I mean... The defensive effort from Batum, you know, the block shots were great, but also just standing up Jokic in the post when they needed it, I thought that was massive for them.

But in the playoffs, you know, these guys know we can give a little bit of extra juice. And I mean... The defensive effort from Batum, you know, the block shots were great, but also just standing up Jokic in the post when they needed it, I thought that was massive for them.

Well, I actually think that Jokic was a little bit too passive in this game. I mean, even down at the end of the game, you know, he passes up what felt like an open three to drive to the basket, trying to draw contact, maybe go for the end one. But, you know, they needed a three about a minute before that and to pass up an open three.

Well, I actually think that Jokic was a little bit too passive in this game. I mean, even down at the end of the game, you know, he passes up what felt like an open three to drive to the basket, trying to draw contact, maybe go for the end one. But, you know, they needed a three about a minute before that and to pass up an open three.

And it's almost like to try to prove a point because he wasn't getting the free throw call, you know, the free throws and the foul calls that he expected. But that was a little bit indicative of their whole night. I think Jamal Murray, he hit a couple of tough shots. I mean, this was not the explosion that we saw from Jamal Murray in Game 5. But he hit tough shots when they needed it.

And it's almost like to try to prove a point because he wasn't getting the free throw call, you know, the free throws and the foul calls that he expected. But that was a little bit indicative of their whole night. I think Jamal Murray, he hit a couple of tough shots. I mean, this was not the explosion that we saw from Jamal Murray in Game 5. But he hit tough shots when they needed it.

The issue is you just didn't have enough guys hitting shots. You had Russell Westbrook. He blows a dunk, blows a big layup. He misses a wide-open three from the top of the key. Those are backbreakers for a team that is trying to fight back. But this is sort of where the nuggets are.

The issue is you just didn't have enough guys hitting shots. You had Russell Westbrook. He blows a dunk, blows a big layup. He misses a wide-open three from the top of the key. Those are backbreakers for a team that is trying to fight back. But this is sort of where the nuggets are.

You know, they have, I guess, what, four guys, four and a half guys that you really can count on for the full 48 minutes. And it depends on what you're getting out of Jamal Murray. I mean, looking ahead to game seven, I don't want to get too ahead of ourselves. But, you know, Jamal Murray tends to step up in big moments, right? This was a moment I thought that Jamal really needed to back up.

You know, they have, I guess, what, four guys, four and a half guys that you really can count on for the full 48 minutes. And it depends on what you're getting out of Jamal Murray. I mean, looking ahead to game seven, I don't want to get too ahead of ourselves. But, you know, Jamal Murray tends to step up in big moments, right? This was a moment I thought that Jamal really needed to back up.

From game five, he put up 43. I think he needed to have another huge night in this game and try to shut the Clippers down. Otherwise, you need just more out of Jokic. He's got to be more aggressive. And it's tough. It's tough to ask this guy that's done so much to get him here to continue to do it every single night. At some point, somebody else has stepped up like we saw in game four and five.

From game five, he put up 43. I think he needed to have another huge night in this game and try to shut the Clippers down. Otherwise, you need just more out of Jokic. He's got to be more aggressive. And it's tough. It's tough to ask this guy that's done so much to get him here to continue to do it every single night. At some point, somebody else has stepped up like we saw in game four and five.

Yeah, it's physical. This guy, I want to give him credit, right? Like this guy's had a back surgery. He's obviously had an injury history that is a mile long. We know about the red flags for him coming out in the draft. He hasn't been healthy his entire career. And then he he suffers this shoulder injury in this series. And I mean, he's been laboring the entire time he's been coming back.

Yeah, it's physical. This guy, I want to give him credit, right? Like this guy's had a back surgery. He's obviously had an injury history that is a mile long. We know about the red flags for him coming out in the draft. He hasn't been healthy his entire career. And then he he suffers this shoulder injury in this series. And I mean, he's been laboring the entire time he's been coming back.

And I think it's one of those injuries where he's going to have it some nights and he's not some others. And it's got to be tough with the short turnaround. They finish up the game the other night, they hop on a plane, fly out here, and now they've got to turn around and go back to Denver to do this again Saturday night.

And I think it's one of those injuries where he's going to have it some nights and he's not some others. And it's got to be tough with the short turnaround. They finish up the game the other night, they hop on a plane, fly out here, and now they've got to turn around and go back to Denver to do this again Saturday night.

And so you start to worry, like, okay, well, if he looks like this in game six, it's only going to maybe be worse in game seven. But they closed with Russell Westbrook. And I think that that's pretty telling. Right. Like he had a really great game five. But you know how it is with Russ. Right. Like you're going to get the good and you're going to get the bad.

And so you start to worry, like, okay, well, if he looks like this in game six, it's only going to maybe be worse in game seven. But they closed with Russell Westbrook. And I think that that's pretty telling. Right. Like he had a really great game five. But you know how it is with Russ. Right. Like you're going to get the good and you're going to get the bad.

Right. And you hope they even out. And I think that if if game five was that top of the roller coaster, you know, right before you get to the huge drop. Tonight was a huge drop and they would have really probably rather had Michael Porter out there, especially just for his rebounding.

Right. And you hope they even out. And I think that if if game five was that top of the roller coaster, you know, right before you get to the huge drop. Tonight was a huge drop and they would have really probably rather had Michael Porter out there, especially just for his rebounding.

I mean, just think about how many times the Clippers were able to tap the ball out, you know, gang rebound on Jokic, even when they were playing small. So, you know, it just I just can't imagine what it's like to be able to play in an NBA game with only one arm functioning. So, you know, tip the cap to Michael Porter Jr. for what he's done so far. But yeah, it wasn't a great game for him.

I mean, just think about how many times the Clippers were able to tap the ball out, you know, gang rebound on Jokic, even when they were playing small. So, you know, it just I just can't imagine what it's like to be able to play in an NBA game with only one arm functioning. So, you know, tip the cap to Michael Porter Jr. for what he's done so far. But yeah, it wasn't a great game for him.

If I can answer that question, if the Clippers can answer that question, I feel like we would probably know. You know, we would know it out loud. With Harden, it does seem like you know which Harden you're going to get at the start of the game, right? Does he have the juice? I mean, he starts out this game, obviously, like... attacking the basket and against this nugget seam.

If I can answer that question, if the Clippers can answer that question, I feel like we would probably know. You know, we would know it out loud. With Harden, it does seem like you know which Harden you're going to get at the start of the game, right? Does he have the juice? I mean, he starts out this game, obviously, like... attacking the basket and against this nugget seam.

That is the recipe for success, especially for the Clippers. James Harden can get to the basket at will. He just needs to do it. He basically needs to put them in the blender, right? Like just over and over again, running those pick and rolls with zoo. And then they surround him with shooters. And you look at the way that Kawhi actually plays off the ball from, from James Harden.

That is the recipe for success, especially for the Clippers. James Harden can get to the basket at will. He just needs to do it. He basically needs to put them in the blender, right? Like just over and over again, running those pick and rolls with zoo. And then they surround him with shooters. And you look at the way that Kawhi actually plays off the ball from, from James Harden.

It's not like, you know, he's not out there making tons of cuts. He's not out there, but he's not out there standing around. Right. He's actually clearing out space in the lane. They have a system. It's just so often that system seems to be, hey, beat your man. And, you know, that's I think with Harden, if he's if he doesn't have that first step that day, he's not this man.

It's not like, you know, he's not out there making tons of cuts. He's not out there, but he's not out there standing around. Right. He's actually clearing out space in the lane. They have a system. It's just so often that system seems to be, hey, beat your man. And, you know, that's I think with Harden, if he's if he doesn't have that first step that day, he's not this man.

And with his physical as Christian Brown and Aaron Gordon have been, you know, when they're out guarding him. It's, it's not surprising to me, right? Like the, the referees allowing those guys to guard with their body guard with their hands. I think that that has bothered James Harden a little bit, which is funny to say, because he is such a physical offensive player.

And with his physical as Christian Brown and Aaron Gordon have been, you know, when they're out guarding him. It's, it's not surprising to me, right? Like the, the referees allowing those guys to guard with their body guard with their hands. I think that that has bothered James Harden a little bit, which is funny to say, because he is such a physical offensive player.

He's constantly creating contact to create space. But I do think that the nuggets defense has bothered him. And tonight they just didn't have it. I mean, he was just blowing past them. It must've been nice to sleep in his own bed or something. You know what I mean? I'm going to figure out what it is, but you know, he just looked faster. He was getting into his actions faster.

He's constantly creating contact to create space. But I do think that the nuggets defense has bothered him. And tonight they just didn't have it. I mean, he was just blowing past them. It must've been nice to sleep in his own bed or something. You know what I mean? I'm going to figure out what it is, but you know, he just looked faster. He was getting into his actions faster.

And then, you know, down the stretch when he started to milk clock, it just, we saw him pick them apart and, and the Clippers made them pay. They were getting open looks. As soon as they sent the second man over onto Harden, he let the ball go and the, and the ball found an open shooter. So I think if the Clippers stick to that, I mean, that game plan can work against the Nuggets.

And then, you know, down the stretch when he started to milk clock, it just, we saw him pick them apart and, and the Clippers made them pay. They were getting open looks. As soon as they sent the second man over onto Harden, he let the ball go and the, and the ball found an open shooter. So I think if the Clippers stick to that, I mean, that game plan can work against the Nuggets.

The Nuggets looked slow starting about the middle of the third quarter, and this was one of the first times that the Clippers have been able to survive going small. So they even found a way to get Zubac off the court and give him some rest. I mean, you saw how fresh he looked. Came in with like four minutes left in the fourth quarter. That's a luxury. for the Clippers.

The Nuggets looked slow starting about the middle of the third quarter, and this was one of the first times that the Clippers have been able to survive going small. So they even found a way to get Zubac off the court and give him some rest. I mean, you saw how fresh he looked. Came in with like four minutes left in the fourth quarter. That's a luxury. for the Clippers.

Usually they don't have the defense without him as the anchor. I think that the Clippers might have figured some stuff out rotation-wise in this game. It takes a while before you can figure those things out, but six games is better than going home after game six.

Usually they don't have the defense without him as the anchor. I think that the Clippers might have figured some stuff out rotation-wise in this game. It takes a while before you can figure those things out, but six games is better than going home after game six.

They make so many shots, right? Like they have three guys that are advanced shot makers. Norm Powell kind of gets lost in this, but it does seem like any time they need a big shot, Norm has got to do it. He also does a good job of attacking closeouts, getting to the basket, putting pressure on the rim. I would say that this was a textbook example of what they want their offense to be.

They make so many shots, right? Like they have three guys that are advanced shot makers. Norm Powell kind of gets lost in this, but it does seem like any time they need a big shot, Norm has got to do it. He also does a good job of attacking closeouts, getting to the basket, putting pressure on the rim. I would say that this was a textbook example of what they want their offense to be.

James Harden initiate, hopefully get into the pick and roll, drive, create a lane, you know, make the pass, kick it around. And then if you have to, Kawhi is able to catch the ball on the on the correct. Get a clear out in isolation. And I mean, look, the mid range is automatic for him. And we see this in fourth quarter after fourth quarter. When it comes time, they need a basket.

James Harden initiate, hopefully get into the pick and roll, drive, create a lane, you know, make the pass, kick it around. And then if you have to, Kawhi is able to catch the ball on the on the correct. Get a clear out in isolation. And I mean, look, the mid range is automatic for him. And we see this in fourth quarter after fourth quarter. When it comes time, they need a basket.

They need a tough shot. Give it to Kawhi. He's going to get the shot over anybody. I mean, he had a shot over Jokic in the fourth. And that's tough because the guy's 7'2". It just doesn't matter for Kawhi. So I think that the big key for Game 6, can James Harden keep these guys in the blender? Can Norm Powell make shots like he did? Or excuse me, for Game 7, yeah.

They need a tough shot. Give it to Kawhi. He's going to get the shot over anybody. I mean, he had a shot over Jokic in the fourth. And that's tough because the guy's 7'2". It just doesn't matter for Kawhi. So I think that the big key for Game 6, can James Harden keep these guys in the blender? Can Norm Powell make shots like he did? Or excuse me, for Game 7, yeah.

Can Norm Powell continue to make shots? And then is everybody going to allow Kawhi to continue to be Kawhi? The Clippers, if they can just do what they did in Game 6, which is easier said than done, I mean, I think that they should be looking pretty good for Game 7. Now, the difference is, Nikola Jokic is like the most clutch guy in the league, and when it comes to time to get a bucket...

Can Norm Powell continue to make shots? And then is everybody going to allow Kawhi to continue to be Kawhi? The Clippers, if they can just do what they did in Game 6, which is easier said than done, I mean, I think that they should be looking pretty good for Game 7. Now, the difference is, Nikola Jokic is like the most clutch guy in the league, and when it comes to time to get a bucket...

That's the guy I'm choosing no matter the award. So if the game is close in game seven and you're playing in Denver, you've got his home crowd there. There's no chance in a close game. I'm going against Jokic. So I don't know. I'm kind of pumped for this game seven. I don't know if you can tell. I don't come to a lot of games. And I had to come to this one.

That's the guy I'm choosing no matter the award. So if the game is close in game seven and you're playing in Denver, you've got his home crowd there. There's no chance in a close game. I'm going against Jokic. So I don't know. I'm kind of pumped for this game seven. I don't know if you can tell. I don't come to a lot of games. And I had to come to this one.

We need it, though, Zena. We need a good seven game series. You want to make a prediction?

We need it, though, Zena. We need a good seven game series. You want to make a prediction?

I think the Clippers are going to do it.

I think the Clippers are going to do it.

The Nuggets look tired down the stretch of this game.

The Nuggets look tired down the stretch of this game.

I mean, I would make an argument that it's been a dud since about halftime of game three, right? Like he had that amazing first half, put up 20 points in the first half of game three. And then back-to-back games, it was six points and 11 points in the last two games. This is the game that they needed from James Harden two games ago. If they get this in game four, they win that game.

I mean, I would make an argument that it's been a dud since about halftime of game three, right? Like he had that amazing first half, put up 20 points in the first half of game three. And then back-to-back games, it was six points and 11 points in the last two games. This is the game that they needed from James Harden two games ago. If they get this in game four, they win that game.

Obviously, if they get it in game five, it's a little bit closer, but this is the sort of night that they need from Harden to win. We saw this in game one where obviously they lost a close game, but Harden really does stir the drink for them.

Obviously, if they get it in game five, it's a little bit closer, but this is the sort of night that they need from Harden to win. We saw this in game one where obviously they lost a close game, but Harden really does stir the drink for them.

Kawhi Leonard has been incredibly consistent, and him having 27 points and being able to turn it on in the fourth quarter to seal the game, it really stems from Harden picking up so much of the burden throughout the game. You see him Norm Powell has a huge game, as you mentioned. They get about 80 points out of their top three guys. You do that, you're setting yourself up to win.

Kawhi Leonard has been incredibly consistent, and him having 27 points and being able to turn it on in the fourth quarter to seal the game, it really stems from Harden picking up so much of the burden throughout the game. You see him Norm Powell has a huge game, as you mentioned. They get about 80 points out of their top three guys. You do that, you're setting yourself up to win.

They also happen to get a couple of key threes from Bogdanovich. Derek Jones Jr. hit some threes. They were able to buy some time out there without Zubac. Basically, everything kind of went right for the Clippers, and it still got close at the end because that's how close this series is.

They also happen to get a couple of key threes from Bogdanovich. Derek Jones Jr. hit some threes. They were able to buy some time out there without Zubac. Basically, everything kind of went right for the Clippers, and it still got close at the end because that's how close this series is.

Massive. I mean, you know, he gets that big block on Russell Westbrook going to the basket at the end. I mean, and Russ had an awful end to this game. But Batum makes that big block. And that was what really stymied the Nuggets comeback at the end. That was what shut him down momentum wise. You know, the Clippers get the ball back. They come back and score on the other end.

Massive. I mean, you know, he gets that big block on Russell Westbrook going to the basket at the end. I mean, and Russ had an awful end to this game. But Batum makes that big block. And that was what really stymied the Nuggets comeback at the end. That was what shut him down momentum wise. You know, the Clippers get the ball back. They come back and score on the other end.

And that was basically the end of that run. But Nico, you know, it's nice. Like he was throwing these little passes. I don't know if you guys caught this on the broadcast, but he's like, His little sneak passes to the corner when he was on the break. He was, you know, he obviously got the no dip three down. So which is great for the for the Clippers because they like to run the clock down.

And that was basically the end of that run. But Nico, you know, it's nice. Like he was throwing these little passes. I don't know if you guys caught this on the broadcast, but he's like, His little sneak passes to the corner when he was on the break. He was, you know, he obviously got the no dip three down. So which is great for the for the Clippers because they like to run the clock down.

So he winds up with a lot of grenades. And this is just again, this is what happens for the Clippers, especially at home. These role players step up. I also want to point out that Nico Batum guarded Nikola Jokic for like, I don't know, five minutes in the fourth quarter. And somehow the Nuggets didn't go on a huge run in spite of Evita Zubac being on the bench.

So he winds up with a lot of grenades. And this is just again, this is what happens for the Clippers, especially at home. These role players step up. I also want to point out that Nico Batum guarded Nikola Jokic for like, I don't know, five minutes in the fourth quarter. And somehow the Nuggets didn't go on a huge run in spite of Evita Zubac being on the bench.

I mean, it was a team effort, but Batum was just, I mean, you talk about a battle. I mean, you've got a guy that you're giving up maybe like 40, 50 pounds to, and it's just give everything you got. And it's a testament to the way that this game was called.

I mean, it was a team effort, but Batum was just, I mean, you talk about a battle. I mean, you've got a guy that you're giving up maybe like 40, 50 pounds to, and it's just give everything you got. And it's a testament to the way that this game was called.

You know, I'm sure down the stretch, and we'll probably hear about this in postgame, but down the stretch, I'm sure that the Nuggets were a little frustrated because the Clippers were still allowed to be so physical, and they kept them off the line. But this was another example of that. Nico Batum doesn't stand a chance if they're giving us a regular season whistle.

You know, I'm sure down the stretch, and we'll probably hear about this in postgame, but down the stretch, I'm sure that the Nuggets were a little frustrated because the Clippers were still allowed to be so physical, and they kept them off the line. But this was another example of that. Nico Batum doesn't stand a chance if they're giving us a regular season whistle.

But in the playoffs, you know, these guys know we can give a little bit of extra juice. And I mean... The defensive effort from Batum, you know, the block shots were great, but also just standing up Jokic in the post when they needed it, I thought that was massive for them.

Well, I actually think that Jokic was a little bit too passive in this game. I mean, even down at the end of the game, you know, he passes up what felt like an open three to drive to the basket, trying to draw contact, maybe go for the end one. But, you know, they needed a three about a minute before that and to pass up an open three.

And it's almost like to try to prove a point because he wasn't getting the free throw call, you know, the free throws and the foul calls that he expected. But that was a little bit indicative of their whole night. I think Jamal Murray, he hit a couple of tough shots. I mean, this was not the explosion that we saw from Jamal Murray in Game 5. But he hit tough shots when they needed it.

The issue is you just didn't have enough guys hitting shots. You had Russell Westbrook. He blows a dunk, blows a big layup. He misses a wide-open three from the top of the key. Those are backbreakers for a team that is trying to fight back. But this is sort of where the nuggets are.

You know, they have, I guess, what, four guys, four and a half guys that you really can count on for the full 48 minutes. And it depends on what you're getting out of Jamal Murray. I mean, looking ahead to game seven, I don't want to get too ahead of ourselves. But, you know, Jamal Murray tends to step up in big moments, right? This was a moment I thought that Jamal really needed to back up.

From game five, he put up 43. I think he needed to have another huge night in this game and try to shut the Clippers down. Otherwise, you need just more out of Jokic. He's got to be more aggressive. And it's tough. It's tough to ask this guy that's done so much to get him here to continue to do it every single night. At some point, somebody else has stepped up like we saw in game four and five.

Yeah, it's physical. This guy, I want to give him credit, right? Like this guy's had a back surgery. He's obviously had an injury history that is a mile long. We know about the red flags for him coming out in the draft. He hasn't been healthy his entire career. And then he he suffers this shoulder injury in this series. And I mean, he's been laboring the entire time he's been coming back.

And I think it's one of those injuries where he's going to have it some nights and he's not some others. And it's got to be tough with the short turnaround. They finish up the game the other night, they hop on a plane, fly out here, and now they've got to turn around and go back to Denver to do this again Saturday night.

And so you start to worry, like, okay, well, if he looks like this in game six, it's only going to maybe be worse in game seven. But they closed with Russell Westbrook. And I think that that's pretty telling. Right. Like he had a really great game five. But you know how it is with Russ. Right. Like you're going to get the good and you're going to get the bad.

Right. And you hope they even out. And I think that if if game five was that top of the roller coaster, you know, right before you get to the huge drop. Tonight was a huge drop and they would have really probably rather had Michael Porter out there, especially just for his rebounding.

I mean, just think about how many times the Clippers were able to tap the ball out, you know, gang rebound on Jokic, even when they were playing small. So, you know, it just I just can't imagine what it's like to be able to play in an NBA game with only one arm functioning. So, you know, tip the cap to Michael Porter Jr. for what he's done so far. But yeah, it wasn't a great game for him.

If I can answer that question, if the Clippers can answer that question, I feel like we would probably know. You know, we would know it out loud. With Harden, it does seem like you know which Harden you're going to get at the start of the game, right? Does he have the juice? I mean, he starts out this game, obviously, like... attacking the basket and against this nugget seam.

That is the recipe for success, especially for the Clippers. James Harden can get to the basket at will. He just needs to do it. He basically needs to put them in the blender, right? Like just over and over again, running those pick and rolls with zoo. And then they surround him with shooters. And you look at the way that Kawhi actually plays off the ball from, from James Harden.

It's not like, you know, he's not out there making tons of cuts. He's not out there, but he's not out there standing around. Right. He's actually clearing out space in the lane. They have a system. It's just so often that system seems to be, hey, beat your man. And, you know, that's I think with Harden, if he's if he doesn't have that first step that day, he's not this man.

And with his physical as Christian Brown and Aaron Gordon have been, you know, when they're out guarding him. It's, it's not surprising to me, right? Like the, the referees allowing those guys to guard with their body guard with their hands. I think that that has bothered James Harden a little bit, which is funny to say, because he is such a physical offensive player.

He's constantly creating contact to create space. But I do think that the nuggets defense has bothered him. And tonight they just didn't have it. I mean, he was just blowing past them. It must've been nice to sleep in his own bed or something. You know what I mean? I'm going to figure out what it is, but you know, he just looked faster. He was getting into his actions faster.

And then, you know, down the stretch when he started to milk clock, it just, we saw him pick them apart and, and the Clippers made them pay. They were getting open looks. As soon as they sent the second man over onto Harden, he let the ball go and the, and the ball found an open shooter. So I think if the Clippers stick to that, I mean, that game plan can work against the Nuggets.

The Nuggets looked slow starting about the middle of the third quarter, and this was one of the first times that the Clippers have been able to survive going small. So they even found a way to get Zubac off the court and give him some rest. I mean, you saw how fresh he looked. Came in with like four minutes left in the fourth quarter. That's a luxury. for the Clippers.

Usually they don't have the defense without him as the anchor. I think that the Clippers might have figured some stuff out rotation-wise in this game. It takes a while before you can figure those things out, but six games is better than going home after game six.

They make so many shots, right? Like they have three guys that are advanced shot makers. Norm Powell kind of gets lost in this, but it does seem like any time they need a big shot, Norm has got to do it. He also does a good job of attacking closeouts, getting to the basket, putting pressure on the rim. I would say that this was a textbook example of what they want their offense to be.

James Harden initiate, hopefully get into the pick and roll, drive, create a lane, you know, make the pass, kick it around. And then if you have to, Kawhi is able to catch the ball on the on the correct. Get a clear out in isolation. And I mean, look, the mid range is automatic for him. And we see this in fourth quarter after fourth quarter. When it comes time, they need a basket.

They need a tough shot. Give it to Kawhi. He's going to get the shot over anybody. I mean, he had a shot over Jokic in the fourth. And that's tough because the guy's 7'2". It just doesn't matter for Kawhi. So I think that the big key for Game 6, can James Harden keep these guys in the blender? Can Norm Powell make shots like he did? Or excuse me, for Game 7, yeah.

Can Norm Powell continue to make shots? And then is everybody going to allow Kawhi to continue to be Kawhi? The Clippers, if they can just do what they did in Game 6, which is easier said than done, I mean, I think that they should be looking pretty good for Game 7. Now, the difference is, Nikola Jokic is like the most clutch guy in the league, and when it comes to time to get a bucket...

That's the guy I'm choosing no matter the award. So if the game is close in game seven and you're playing in Denver, you've got his home crowd there. There's no chance in a close game. I'm going against Jokic. So I don't know. I'm kind of pumped for this game seven. I don't know if you can tell. I don't come to a lot of games. And I had to come to this one.

We need it, though, Zena. We need a good seven game series. You want to make a prediction?

I think the Clippers are going to do it.

The Nuggets look tired down the stretch of this game.

I mean, I would make an argument that it's been a dud since about halftime of game three, right? Like he had that amazing first half, put up 20 points in the first half of game three. And then back-to-back games, it was six points and 11 points in the last two games. This is the game that they needed from James Harden two games ago. If they get this in game four, they win that game.

Obviously, if they get it in game five, it's a little bit closer, but this is the sort of night that they need from Harden to win. We saw this in game one where obviously they lost a close game, but Harden really does stir the drink for them.

Kawhi Leonard has been incredibly consistent, and him having 27 points and being able to turn it on in the fourth quarter to seal the game, it really stems from Harden picking up so much of the burden throughout the game. You see him Norm Powell has a huge game, as you mentioned. They get about 80 points out of their top three guys. You do that, you're setting yourself up to win.

They also happen to get a couple of key threes from Bogdanovich. Derek Jones Jr. hit some threes. They were able to buy some time out there without Zubac. Basically, everything kind of went right for the Clippers, and it still got close at the end because that's how close this series is.

Massive. I mean, you know, he gets that big block on Russell Westbrook going to the basket at the end. I mean, and Russ had an awful end to this game. But Batum makes that big block. And that was what really stymied the Nuggets comeback at the end. That was what shut him down momentum wise. You know, the Clippers get the ball back. They come back and score on the other end.

And that was basically the end of that run. But Nico, you know, it's nice. Like he was throwing these little passes. I don't know if you guys caught this on the broadcast, but he's like, His little sneak passes to the corner when he was on the break. He was, you know, he obviously got the no dip three down. So which is great for the for the Clippers because they like to run the clock down.

So he winds up with a lot of grenades. And this is just again, this is what happens for the Clippers, especially at home. These role players step up. I also want to point out that Nico Batum guarded Nikola Jokic for like, I don't know, five minutes in the fourth quarter. And somehow the Nuggets didn't go on a huge run in spite of Evita Zubac being on the bench.

I mean, it was a team effort, but Batum was just, I mean, you talk about a battle. I mean, you've got a guy that you're giving up maybe like 40, 50 pounds to, and it's just give everything you got. And it's a testament to the way that this game was called.

You know, I'm sure down the stretch, and we'll probably hear about this in postgame, but down the stretch, I'm sure that the Nuggets were a little frustrated because the Clippers were still allowed to be so physical, and they kept them off the line. But this was another example of that. Nico Batum doesn't stand a chance if they're giving us a regular season whistle.

I think just for one, he got in a rhythm from beyond the arc. He hit a few threes early on and it seemed like that was a concerted effort by New York after he went scoreless in the second half of game two. So he was being force fed the ball a bit.

And I think that played right into his game plan and what made him feel comfortable because once he saw a few threes go down, he was at that point kind of drawing the defense out and he was able to go by them and use his strength to get to the basket and I get to the free throw line where he was seven of seven, didn't miss one.

So I think the threes as most shooters and just confidence scores in this league go, you see a couple go down. That's all you really need to see, especially, like I said, coming off a scoreless 24 minutes in the second half. game two. So it'll be a challenge.

I think Isaiah Stewart, as we mentioned, didn't play game three, but he'll possibly be back in the mix for game four and it'll take a gang of bodies to stop Kat.

I think the passion and intensity in here is going to be pretty consistent from game three to game four on Sunday. I think one of the biggest things as far as what I just got from the locker room and post-game interactions, The team, as far as the Pistons, don't seem any less confident than they did at the beginning of the game. We spoke with Asar, Tim, Cade, JB.

And from the top down, you hear JB say things like we're not deflated to a question he asked about the way in which they lost, which could seem a bit deflating. But he responded back quickly, pretty prompt, saying we're not deflated at all. This isn't a locker room full of anyone who... or any players who are looking to hold their heads or are down on themselves.

And it was pretty consistent from, like I said, the top down from JB to Tim to K to Asar, they each seem to not just say that they weren't flustered, but they seem to have a sense of calm about them. So I think they're going to look to regroup. A lot of shots didn't fall. It was, like we said, a rough go for Malik Beasley at one point.

Tobias Harris, I don't see him scoring five points again, only five points again in this series. So I think... Pretty consistent with what they were saying. Shots weren't falling. But their confidence is exactly where it was before the game started.

Got you. I mean, I feel like I would be obligated to say either Tim or Dennis.

Dennis, okay. Come on!

Yes, yes.

Yeah, I think him being a veteran, him having the most playoff games under his belt on this team, there's been times where he'll pull the team together, especially when it's getting loud in here and the crowd is getting frustrated that Knicks might be on a run. He does a really good job of... Bringing the team together. He has a lot of just the intangibles that you would want from a veteran.

So he uses those intangibles. He brings the team together. He makes sure they're constantly communicating. Dennis is literally if you watch him, whether he's in the game on the bench, he's literally reminds me of myself. He's always talking. So he's talking about things much more productive. I'm just chatting. But he is someone, like you said, who is just consistently consistent for this team.

Yeah, there was a lot. So initially there was a call that was a bit of a contentious point postgame where the ball was inbounded. It looked like Jalen Brunson caught it in the front court, took it with him to the back court. And there was no backcourt call there. They fouled him.

And I think that was what led to the missed free throw. Yeah. So that was one we have a full report on. We have some answers from the crew chief, Zach Zarbon. I don't think we got an explanation as to why they didn't review to see how much time maybe was on the clock on the missed free throw. It was all a pretty confusing last few possessions, but I have some audio.

I have now a pool report from a referee that I can kind of try to parse through and put some stuff together on. So I was just as confused as you watching it live. But apparently, as far as the backcourt goes, Jalen Brunson had an established possession of the ball, so he kind of just dropped it and let it go in the backcourt. But we didn't get an answer, unfortunately, for the free throw situation.

Appreciate you. I'm always happy to be on.

No, I tweeted at one point that I think I might lose my hearing behind another Tim Hardaway Jr. three. So he was five for five, possibly six for six at one point. And each time he touched the ball, it seemed like the arena was kind of just waiting in anticipation for what would happen next.

After he kind of got in that rhythm, there was a moment where Cade usually comes out about an hour before tip off. And there's usually a bigger crowd than any other player because he's the guy on this team. And there's usually a good amount, but not really too much noise.

But I was on my phone when he came out and I looked up because the noise was that loud and kind of just the anticipation that all the fans had for Cade in the game.

Yeah, I think Detroit's bench was pretty huge. They won the bench battle in scoring there between them and New York 40-9. So, I mean, the bench pretty much held up their end of the bargain. Malik Beasley seemed to get more comfortable as the game went on. But it was a struggle, I would say, for Tobias Harris, who...

At one point, he was clinging to two points, although he did end up finishing with five. Asar ended up having seven. Asar, he was below the 20-minute mark. Tobias played 31, although JB said postgame it was kind of hard for him to get a rhythm due to being on the bench because of the foul trouble he had.

Those two are guys who I would expect to have a little bit more to contribute offensively, especially for Tobias, who was coming off two good games in Madison Square Garden.

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Yeah.

At PwC, we build for what's next. So you can get there now. So you can protect what you built. So you can create new value. PwC. So you can. PwC refers to the PwC network and or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity.

Yeah, I think this is a really close-knit group. The average age, I was looking at it last night, is about a little bit over 24. The oldest person on this team is 32, and Tim Hardaway Jr., who's been playing really well lately. So I think it's just a close-knit group, and they seem to all really genuinely care about each other.

So I think their success has a lot to do with their bond even just away from basketball.

I think they really just bought into kind of the effort that J.B. Biggerstaff is requiring everyone on the floor to have if they want to play. So he's earlier in the season was a little bit more strict, I guess, with with his rotations. If there was a guy who didn't rotate over. Right.

He had no problem bringing in Isaiah Stewart, for example, for Jalen Dern, if he missed an assignment or was in drop coverage on a stretch five or someone who could shoot. So. He's had a short leash defensively, I would say. And then he's kind of given them a little bit more rope as time has gone on to make mistakes and learn through them. And it seems like they're they're better for it so far.

Yeah, I agree. I think he's gotten a lot of attention this year for what he's done offensively, the way he scores, the assist numbers, things like that. But his defense, there are possessions where he will fly around. He'll be pretty good on the point of attack. He'll be able to rotate, help the helper in certain situations.

So I think Cade, he hasn't really gotten enough attention on his defense because he's been so... just comfortable and in a rhythm offensively. But like you said, I think Dave, he's been really good defensively as well.

Yeah, I think we were talking about it a little bit before we started, but that might have been since we started. It's been a long few days here in New York. But they are just such a young team. And Tim being the oldest person on the team, he's still a young person in general. So I think... He does have a lot of NBA experience, though.

He's had some vets that he's talked to me about as far as Carmelo, Tyson Chandler, J.R. Smith. He's had some pretty eventful, I would say, vets, if you will. And so he's just kind of passing that knowledge down to the younger guys on this team. And then Malik is just his own kind of energy for the team.

Yeah, he can't wait to shimmy as soon as he hits a three. So that's like the first thing on his mind. But he's he said that there was a fan court side who he was kind of going back and forth with. And the fan said that he hit four threes in the first quarter and hadn't done anything since. And that. He said that he told the fan, watch this, and then he hit the two threes back to back.

So that's the type of confidence he has.

Yeah, I think they were able to kind of stagger minutes between Jaden Ivey and Cade. So they had someone they felt really comfortable with as far as a primary ball handler, someone who could get their own shots and create for others as well. So obviously now with Jaden breaking his fibula, there's a void there.

Marcus Sasser had a nice game tonight and was able to come in and provide some good spot minutes when Cade was out, but... I think that the thing that they should focus on now that Jaden is out is having someone who can be just a second ball handler when Cade's not in the game. If Cade is getting blitzed how he was tonight, even though he still worked around those issues. So,

just maybe someone who can come off the bench. I don't necessarily have a name, but just I've seen people say Malcolm Brogdon, maybe since he's a veteran, pretty sure handed with the ball, but he does have injury issues as well. So maybe a veteran who doesn't need to do too much other than just control pace and get guys in this spot.

I wouldn't, to be honest, like I've, I've seen just the potential him coming to Detroit, but Brad is another person who it sucks for him, but he just seems to have terrible injury luck. Obviously a massive contract. And I mean, he's he's a great scorer. I don't really think too highly of him defensively, but I don't know. I'm just not really too confident in Brad at this point in his career.

I think the better Cade is kind of looking on a daily basis, the more Trajan may feel a little bit of pressure to try to surround him with people as soon as possible. Right. Given Cade is only 23, so he's not even in his prime yet. But I think the better Cade continues to look, the more pressure Trajan may have to try to make something happen.