NBA Playoff Breakdown: 1st Round Series, Nets vs. Bucks | WHAT’S BURNIN | SHOWTIME Basketball

that first first game. I got a chance to talk to him. Shoulder hasn't been feeling well, but it looks like slowly but surely, it's kind of coming back to life. He's at only nine points, but leads a team with seven assist the game. Devin Booker is having a great first time playoff experience. After the five nearly six assists in five rebounds. DeAndre Ayton was it going to be the key to me? He's at nearly twenty points, almost fourteen rebounds, shooting eight percent from the field. A d

went down with the growing injury. We're not sure about his likeliness to return. Obviously, not playing the Game five, But they have to be very cautious with that type of injury. Who needs to step up for the Lakers? Jack, And what have you thought about this series overall? Well, I think the Sons are doing great. Man. Obviously, when I won the championship and O three, we had a

little help, you know, in the West Continence finals. Dirk was hurt the whole series and that and it helps us not having Dirk on the opposite and obviously bench. But and injuries are part of the playoffs. Injuries are part of the game. A lot of people don't understand that, and you need some luck sometimes. But this is a break for the Suns because they have a better chance of winning now without a d in the lineup. I think everybody on the Lakers team has to step up.

I think it's kind of it's kind of it's kind of messed up because they came into the series with the idea of not playing Montres. Now they need him, So what's his mental where what? You know, I'm where is he had mentally? But everybody on their team has to step up, has to be a collective effort. I even text Lebron, I even text him and told him, I say, man, you've done it. You've done it impossible so many times. This is another challenge for you. Let's

see what you're gonna do, you know. And I think he can do it. I think he can pull him out the series. But it's gonna be tough, and Phoenix has a great chance now to eighties down. I think you made an interesting point about where montrese Harold's mentals that obviously coming off you know, six Man of a Year going down the hallway to the Lakers. I'm sure he had a different vision of how this season would

play out for him. Hasn't played much in this series actually, and let posted a tweet the other day said something like the worst thing in the world is wasted time. So obviously he's frustrated. But I feel like between him, Kyle Kuzman Dennis Schroeder, two of those guys have to be at least eighteen to twenty points with a D out. You can never replace a D one player. I think it's obviously by committee and that other guy needs to be in that ten to fifteen point range, and then

you need other guys to step up. Um, this is a big opportunity for the Phoenix Suns because uh, you know, there's not gonna be any easy passes. Uh you know, with a d down. Not really sure the way he went down, it doesn't look like a couple of days is going to make that that injury. Okay, so he may miss a few games in this series and then and to me, like you said, Lebron has to be amazing, but he's gonna need some other guys to step up from his supporting cast and really do what they're supposed

to do. So, um, I'm decided to watch Game five tonight and see what happens. So we'll have to keep a close eye on this series because obviously everyone predicted with the Lakers being healthy that they would represent the Western Conference, but as we see right now, they're not a healthy team. Next up, we have the Portland's Trail Blazers are dark course first, the Denver Nuggets are basically in the best of three series as well. The Blazers

are starting to hit on all cylinders. Damian Lillards at thirty points nearly ten assists the game and five made three cjs at about twenty two points a game, six assists. Norman pal has been the X Factor at eighteen points, Mello at thirteen, and Nurkicic at thirteen and thirteen. Joker's numbers are Joker, He's at thirty and eleven. Michael Porter Jr. Who we thought needed to step up and have a big Playoffs numbers are down by about ten points and

he's only taken about twelve shots of game. I feel like they're starting to feel that Murray uh expertise and specialty in the playoffs is definitely being missed right now. Thoughts on this series. We picked Portland. We're high in Portland. They've got a lot of experience, They've been through a lot of the last couple of years. And eventually you turn the corner. Eventually you get healthy and things start to go your way, and hopefully this is the series. Um,

I'm still unbelieved Yoki's thirty points. Averaging thirty points in the playoffs like it's it's it's unbelievable. And Reporter, you know he's still young, you know, Um, he got to learn what this playoffs is about. And the Arenas not

even full just magic. If the Arenas will fall, it's hard to you know, it's the playoffs is another level of the game from regular season and guys got to get adjusted to that, and they're definitely missing Murray, but I think they still have a good opportunity to win this series. Also, Austin Rivers has stepped up. He's playing well, so I think Gordon has to do more, you know, Gordon has to do way more than what he's doing.

They have a chance, but I'm still I'm still going with them, I mean with Portlands because I I just rely on Dame and I think it's their time, you know. I just think this is an opportunity for Portland's I think, you know, obviously they were they ran into a Golden State dynasty, but then they've also had key members hurt during crucial times in the season during the playoffs, and now they got everyone healthy. Everyone's hitting on all cylinders.

Dame is being Dame love with Norman. Power brings on both sides of the floor. So don't be surprised, you know, if this team is able to slide through here, then they're gonna face the winner of of l A and Phoenix, and that's not gonna be easy for anybody. So excited to see this Portland team kind of hit on all cylinders and looking forward to them finishing off this series. Next up Utah Jazz, the number one seed in the playoffs. First the Memphis Grizzlies. They have a three one lead,

Mike Conley Bobdanovich both over twenty points a game. Looks like they've kind of found their groove. Obviously, getting Donovan Mitchell back was a huge, huge piece. Although the Grizzlies have showed flashes at times, John Moran has been incredible. Uh, the future is bright. To me, Dylan Brooks within the next two or three years is gonna be one of the top my best two way players in the game, mark my words. I love its toughness on both sides

of the floor. What do you think about this Jazz team? Jack and Uh, the way they've been playing well. First, I want to just give down Donovan his props. They haven't lost the games as he came back. When you just started a team, this is what you want to bring.

You want to bring, the confidence, you want to bring, the effort you want to bring, you know, the actual the actual leadership to your team to get these doubs and they have the losses he got back, So shout out Downvo Mitch for coming in and being the leader that he's supposed to be. I think with Memphis you have John Morant. We both love Dennon Brooks. He reminds us of us so much, play so hard on both

ends of the court. And Jared Jackson, he hasn't played all yet, so he's still trying to figure it out. They got a lot of key pieces, but I don't think they really had jobs one of my favorite players in the whole league. If they could add some pieces, you know, to the core of the team, they'll be all right. But right now, you tall just a better team. They've been the best, one of the best teams in the league all year long. And uh, they're gonna They're

gonna in this series next game. I agree, But again I think Memphis should be very excited about what's to come. Um. You know, like you said, there are three young stars in rant Brooks and Jackson are definitely gonna take this team places. Um, and this was a good showing. Like they said, they show flashes. Uh, they've been in pretty much all the games except one. I'm looking forward to to to to see what this team can do in the future. But I definitely feel like the Utah will

close this out in the next game or two. The Knicks verse the Hawks. I know the New York Knicks fans are having a hard time understanding what the funk is going on right now. Uh. Julius randall Off after winning Most Improved Player has been struggling, and what trips me out is how much they've turned on him so fast. Um because he shout shout out. Derek Rose average nearly twenty three points a game, UH put in the starting

line up during the playoffs. But this Hawks team is deep, man and Trey Young is not scared and ship averaging about twenty eight and ten. I got four other players in double figures, three players at about nine points a game. At the end of the day, Jack, the Hawks just have more talent. And I was someone who picked the Knicks, but quickly I had to think about my choice after watching the first couple of games. But what have you

have been your impressions of this series overall this far? Well, just the confidence in the Hawks, you know they have it. They definitely have a deeper team. They have a great group of veterans with lou and Gallinari, and a great group of young guys with Tray and the rest of the gang. So um and a great coach, a tough minded coach that came in and got these kids playing with confidence and playing tough minded. I gotta reiterate on

what you said earlier. Shout out to Julius Randall had a great year, but the fans, I gotta be loyal through the good and the bad. You know, he's doing all he can and and a lot of times you gotta understand this. You might do a lot of great things in the regular season as far as game wise, when the playoffs they take all that away and make other people do things that they weren't doing all season. And and that's what Nate McMillan the Hawks are doing,

making other people beat them man. And and the team has as it's not used to that. They don't have enough experience and enough talent to have to figure that out on the fly right now. Um, I love quickly, I love with d roses On, But you gotta continue to to have Randall's back because he's doing all his can. He's got you out to his playoffs, But don't abandon him now because you're not winning the series. Yeah, I got a chance to talk to Julius last week, and

I could just tell he's pressing. Obviously, it's a lot of weight, man. You gotta think the first time in the playoffs since two thousand and thirteen, most improved players, one of the biggest franchises in the history that I think there's a lot riding on the shows and I kind of just felt like he was pressing, man. So you know, we had a little bit of back and forth, and I think he's played a little bit better. But like you said, the Hawks team has a lot of

talent um. If you take away Randall's you know, game, they don't really have much else outside of d Row so uh, you know, obviously, salute for the run they made this year, but I feel like the Hawks will close this out in another game or two as well. Last but not least, we have the Sixers versus the Wizards Game five coming up, and b took a hard falling Game four and the first quarter did not return. We'll have an m R i um for his knee. Ben Simmons is almost at a triple double at fourteen

ten and nine. Wizard drawn hacka bin obviously not shooting the ball well from the free throw line, Bill Westbrook, and Hashimura all delivered last game to get their first win. Can the Wizards extend this series if e Beat has to miss more than one game, Jack, Uh, they can because I'm sure whatever game he comes back, they'll win that one because he is just that good. But you know, I hope he's healthy, hope he comes back soon. You don't want to see a series playoff because the best

player got hurt. I hate when the series like that, but like I said, it's a part of the game. I think I think the Wizards can smell blood now because to me, without and Beat on the court, the Wizards have the best big man and Gaff he catches everything, he dunks everything, and he protects the room very well. Um Simmons, I love you to have one of my favorite players, but you gotta take it. You gotta knock

these free throws down. Bro Um, they're gonna you don't want to be the player that they're filing during the end of the game or anywhere doing these playoffs to mess up your chances of getting the championship. Bro, you gotta knock these free throws down. And he can't, and he can't I think it's I think it's just more focused and more practice. But the Wizards definitely smell blood and uh I and b doesn't play maybe a game or two, I see the Wizards winning the next one.

Mm hmmm. Shout out Russell westbrook Man nineteen points, twenty one rebounds, and I think fourteen assists of I'm not mistaken. It's still just fucking incredible, man. I love what he's doing. Also, shout out to Bias Harris. He's kind of been the question mark for that team. Will he step up and he uh, you know, for Philly, and he's definitely stepped up and done this part. This team has played well

at times when in Bead hasn't played. Obviously, losing him during the game, you kind of have to completely change your mindset. But you know, I it's gonna be a tough, tough game five, but I have Philly pulling it out. It's always hard to go against russ and and the way Bill has been playing, But I think they're gonna pull this out just because they're a better team to me. So, you know, Dot got some other sleeves to Matt definitely definitely, so we'll play close attention to this uh as we

watch and beads similar to an A D situation. You know, the Lakers in Philly have championship aspirations, and you know some of their best players are really are are naggin right now. So can they afford the luxury to sit them and win this series? You know, because obviously I don't think either of them are gonna be that healthy with just one game off. So this is gonna be interesting to watch for both these teams, the Lakers and the seventies sixers. Moving forward, it's time to make your

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Italian Twine family. Shop at Italian Twine dot com and use the code A T S for tempers in off your next on them. Next Up on the Clock by our newest sponsor, Italian Twine Game five coming up Wednesday. Jack, this is the best of three series. Is tied it to two. Dallas stole to in l A. Clippers returned the favor and took two in Dallas. Uh. Kauai is that thirty three points and nearly nine rebounds a game? Paul George at twenty five points and nearly nine rebounds

a game? Luca is that thirty three, eight and eight. Uh. They made some adjustments and we're able to go into Dallas and handle business. I'm fully confident in the Clippers that they're gonna win this series now. I just think they have a different look in their eye, a different energy. They have their rotation down, they got the young boy in there playing um. Jack thoughts on first of all this series and then after that, do the Clippers really

need to make this run to keep this team together? Well, I think I think for the most part, after they lost those games, I think Tyler win and told him that, you know, we need to be dogs, we need to be the physical team. We know we we got so many guys on this team they have they have pride, and there's tough guys and that come from tough backgrounds.

And we played a game one weight, but they haven't been They wasn't playing the way their style of game, that physical style of game, you know, the first couple of games. Now they kind of figured it out. You know, Kauai is averaging thirty, you know, and I think everybody is coming up, coming in and playing more physical and more confident. Um, we all knew what Luca was gonna do. He's been a problem for them all year, you know. But making adjustments, that's what that's what tells that. That's

what separations different between the coaches and the teams. What team can make can make the best adjustments in the playoffs, and right now the Clippers are doing that. But Luca has been great. Luca needs way more help. I don't think Port Zingers is giving them the help he needs. And uh, Boban came in the game last game and gave them more more of a U A center presidents than Partsingis did this. This is this whole series. So um,

they Luca definitely needs more help. But I see the Clippers pulling it out because I think they finded you they founded juice. Yes, obviously the Clippers are on the clock. Um, what people don't realize is this is only this team's second year together. But in l A, it's like dog years, you know what years almost you know, it's like a lifetime. And to think that you would blow this team up if they don't happen to make a run after two

years is ridiculous. But that's just the new nbavor. And you know, there's some whispers that if they don't make a run, Kauai could walk, and you know, all that is just speculation right now. But like I said, I think they've kind of found what they needed to find. I see them coming through and finishing this series off. So it's it's still gonna be a battle, but I definitely have the Clippers advancing well. If Kauai is going to leave, bro, there's only one place I see him

going as better in l A. Miami, Miami Golden State. Jimmy, Jimmy, real cool. That'd be tough. We had a great sit down conversation with our brothers, Van Lathan and Trayvon Free about their oscar when make sure you check us out this Thursday, June three. Enjoy this teaser. Kyrie Irvin is my favorite basketball player on the planet. He's my favorite basketball player because I think he's with something invaluable. He's

giving context and perspective to this. He is playing basketball, and basketball has provided him a great life and a platform. Is NBA basketball as important as what's going on in the Middle East? Now? It's just not. You have to be a moron to think that when kids, when kids are dying, right, So when he when you put a mic in his face and he goes, hey, yeah, basketball is cool, but I want to talk about what's going

on in Kenosha, Wisconsin. We we gotta have that. And the rub is that we can't have that if they're not playing, you know what I mean. But then if they don't play, that would be a huge, huge, huge, big thing too, because that'd be working on people's pockets so bad. So I think both people are right. But I think one thing that we have to do to Trayvon's point is we just have to know what we're saying. I see so many people and I see Stephen A.

Smith and I love stephen A. Smith. I see seven A Smith being critical of Kyrie and being critical of like what he's doing and how he's comporting himself. I think that balance is needed. I think that, to be honest with you, if athletes would have been like this in the nineties or in the eighties, we might be better off right now. And I'm not coming at those guys. I'm just saying, yeah, it's ship going on. I know the dude can put the ball in the hole, but

what else you got for us? I personally like like making white people uncomfortable. I think they actually I think they think better and on their feet. I think we're doing a disservice to white people by keeping them comfortable because they're not gonna do it right, and now we're gonna have to come at them. The best thing we can do for white america's continuously made them uncomfortable, and then we'll all get to a place where maybe we could all be a little bit more. I mean, it's crazy.

Brought up Kyrie because I was someone who was opinionated on his thing, because it didn't seem like when he first came with the idea that he had a plan. To me, I wanted to have a plan. This is another thing. He and I went out talk every day, and it was it was because it was just like, you know, you have that platform, like what you're pok,

you're not gonna play. What's the plan? Not playing is not solving anything, Like he said, you're just you're making people mad because games are But like what you're plan? And then once I kind of figured out what his plan or hearing what his plan and seeing that he really had a plan, I had to take a step back in the mid and I was wrong because like to me, I think, like I said, our strength is

our platform, Our strength is our voice. Our strength is our ability to connect dots, our strength of our ability to get our voice around the world. So okay, if you're just gonna set out, that's you're wasting all. But he was doing more than just this. What if he didn't have a plan. What if he just said a black man got shot today, I don't feel like shooting

the basketball. I would understand that. But to me, it's it's not like that's your that's your individual choice and that's what you want to do, you know what I mean. But to criticize other people that want to go move forward and go ahead and play, I'm not with But if you do like I said and find out that he did have a plan, like I had to take a step back and it, admit I was wrong and have extended a hand and sitting down and having a conversation,

but I completely agree. Like the way he handles stuff now and to me, Re is the best player right now he's ever been because he's so clear on who he is as a player on and off the court, supercarm and he's so at peace with who he is on and off the court, and not a motherfucker can't disturb that. And then usually when you're at peace, that's when you're at your best. So I love what he's doing. I definitely love that. Look at this season he had

the sixth player, seventh player. Yeah, so it's and fast after fast in the month. M. I don't understand his game. It's incredible. He just got told so much in his bag. You can't you don't know what it's not even a but it's not a bag. I think it's disrespectful the call. What kie ever has he got, like you know, like them a little infinity symbols forever whatever he wants. Yeah, so my man, Yeah, Roland, right, he works with Kyrie.

He told me one time, because like I'm trying to get my game back right for the adult men's leads he went through. He not too long ago. If y'all don't know, he went back to some old footage. It was a little heavier and he showed itself. Duncan, that was a while back then. I don't know if you're gonna get back to that. Let's say. Here's the thing, though, it's not about Duncan anymore. A player in the NBA that has set me free, Luca, I can do that, Bro, I'm telling you, Bro, I can I can do that,

like the six I'm in the men's league. Though, in the men's league, I'm yoking. Okay, alright, I'm saying. So that's what I'm saying. Like I look at Yokis and I'm like, sometimes, Bro, yokis just crazy, Bro, like this Nick is not fast. Like and I'm looking at Yokas, I'm like, Yo, I can do that. And I hear her. I hear herv and be like, Bro, I just sent him Yoki clips and stuff like this, and be like Van stop, I'm actually working with a real NBA player. I can do But he told me, he said, Kyrie,

he's not even setting you up. He's just reacting to whatever about the whole game. Whatever, it is you do. He's going at full speed, just reacting and you don't even look right. I can't think of anybody that's been that. Maybe Steph has been that skilled. Steff is pretty like I can't think of anybody that's skilled with him and one thing with them their basketball i Q was through the rules. So it's mine like like, hey, this time name is the most drop show no I can play.

We brought term on turn got some left person not a celebrity. Next step on the radar presented you by DraftKings highly anticipated second round matchup between the Next and the Bucks. The Bucks were able to sweep Miami in four games. Boston stole one versus Nets. But I think we all feel like, with all due respect, that the Nets will finish this series out shortly, either next game or the game after odds on to win the East.

They have the Nets at minus they have the Bucks at plus two fifty jack, what have you seen from both these teams that excite you? Uh? If we do get this? And how they anticipate the second round matchup? Well, the best thing I can say about Milwalker's experience is the best teacher, and they had all experience they needed last year in the bubble to come out this year with a different focus, with a different team, with you holiday,

and with a championship mentality. I don't think they came in this year just to make it through the person's second round. They're going they're looking to win it. They think they're the best team, and they're playing like and I think everything they've been through the last couple of years it's giving them the confidence and to finally break through. We know what the Net's gonna do. We know what with that cabable love. Uh, they have to get better on defense. Uh, Jason Tatum is one of the best

scores in the league. But you can't give up fifty points in the playoffs. It just don't happen. You know. I've never been on the team where we gave a fifth in the playoffs. You can't give up fifth in the playoffs. And I think for the most part, once they become a better defensive team, which they need to, but because the next round is gonna be hard and Milwaukee is gonna be tough, Um, they gotta finish this

series on a on the right note. And I honestly think they got to stop playing DJ to have inside presidence. I agree you can't give up fifty during the playoffs, but I also realized how special Jason Tatum is. Not only did he drop fifty, he came back and dropped forty the next game. Jason Tatum is a cold motherfucker boy, and I think with Jaalen Brown, this would have been definitely a more interesting series. UM shout out Kevin Durant. Man. This man came out and dropped forty two and made

it look so effort insane. Man, the most precise score, uh efficient score we've ever seen in the history of the game. I really like Milwaukee too. I I think, like you said, they've had experience being the one seed and learning what those hard knocks are like. This year, they flew under the radar the whole time in that third seed and continue to play good basketball. They played

different kind of lineups, They've had different guys step up. Obviously, adding Drew Holiday is going to be big, and we're seeing that in the playoffs. Brent Forb stepped up in the last few games for them with his shooting. They have all hands on deck and they are definitely gonna be ready for Brooklyn. If I'm not mistaken. Janice had a field day with Brooklyn the last two times they played them in the regular season, So this is gonna

be a definitely a great second round showdown. And you know, although I do have the nets, it's not gonna be sweet. It's definitely gonna be uh an old school battle. I love what the East looks like this year in the playoffs, so this is gonna be something we have to play a close attention to obviously. You know, with all due respect to Boston, we kind of feel like the nets are gonna finish them off. So definitely looking forward to

this second round matchup between Jannis and KD. Now we're onto your guys favorite segment, fan questions, and we got some good ones today. Jack, start us off a good vision photography. What do you think about the disrespect of the fans from the stands? This ship is unbelievable, man, And we're gonna get in more depth um to this later in the show. But we just have to hold these fans accountable. You know, the NBA is very harsh on players going in the stands. Uh, you know that

all too well. They're very harsh on players even speaking to the fans. I gotta find so much motherfucking money for just responding back to fans. So it's time for the NBA to step up and really start protecting their players before this shake is ugly alright. Next up Orang and Jay. Everyone is sleeping on the Trailblazers. If they beat Denver, do you see them making the finals? It's a possibility, or anything's possible. We beat the one seed.

Nobody count everybody counted this out, so anything's possible, you know. Like I said, injuries happen, Things happen, somebody can get hot. Anything can happen in the playoffs right now. So they definitely have an opportunity. Will they I don't think so. I think they make some noise and do better than they did last year, but I don't see them win in the finals. I definitely think they have a chance. From a standpoint, there's no clear cut favorite right now.

Obviously Utah is the one seed. They're playing well, um, but the Lakers are unhealthy, um and they were everyone's favorite coming out of the West. Clippers have been inconsistent. You know, they're in the two two battle right now with Dallas. Uh. To me, the West is wide open and I wouldn't be surprised. Um if the Trailblazers made the finals. You know they've been are our courses. Obviously it's not gonna be easy. I think the Clippers are

gonna have something to say with that. Utah is gonna have something to say, and you know the winner of that Phoenix Lakers series gonna have something to say. But um man, to me, it's wide open still in the West. I think, you know, the East is a battle, but it's really wide open in the West. Next fan question at Nezilla, which teams need to blow it up and start over and which teams are a piece away? Damn, that's a tough question. Uh, blow up and start over?

I think the Houston Rockets, which is unfortunate because normally a casualty of war when you blow up is going to be the coach. You know, our brother Steve Silas first year on the job over there, and it was a ship show. So you know, hopefully they give him a chance and able to build, Uh, you know, a quality team around them. They do have some quality pieces over there, a team I think is one piece away.

I think the Memphis Grizzlies are one piece away, which is gonna be hard because there are a small markets that they're gonna they have to do some great drafting or or a trade. And as crazy as it sounds, because they are the one seed, I still feel like the Utah Jazz are one piece away. And I could be wrong. I always take a lot of heat when I talk about the Jazz because they have been one Uh you know, they have been the one seed and

probably the best team in basketball. But I still feel like, uh, you know, we're gonna kind of see see what they're about in the next round and if they possibly make the Western Conference finals. So as crazy as it sounds for a one seed to still be one piece away, I kind of feel like Utah still one piece away. Um, but yeah, those are my three teams. You have anybody that you thought of? Uh, the only thing I can think is one piece away? Uh. For me, it would

have to be Miami. Miami's they needed they need another start. They have everything else in their team to have the shooters and have the big man, have the toughness, have the coaching, have the leadership with Pat Roley, but they need one more person to get them back to where they need to be. Like a Kawai landad or something like that. Yeah, Aaron Briscoe thirty three, What is the most surprisingly difficult aspect mentally, physically, financially are retiring from

the game or adjusting to retirement? Good question? Uh for me, I just I just think it's life after basketball. You know what you're gonna do, you know what you what what what what you're gonna pick up to replace that time? You know that that that you did while you're playing basketball, all the work and out and stuff. Obviously things change, people grow and your life changing and you can't play further. Father part the time is that defeated. So uh, for

the most part, just find something that you love to do. Obviously. Uh, we've been blessed to be able to be in this space. Uh shout out to Reckon break your Nichols for starting my career, you know with the jump, when the season, when the season first, when I first retired from basketball, and I've been I've been putting a lot of great positions. So it's all about what happens after basketball and what positions you put in. I respected everybody in my whole

career and I'm reaping the benefits of it now. So UM, I think the best part to keep your mental straight is to find something you love to do after basketball that keep the same love, enjoying your life and keep you busy. Absolutely obviously we we we see our brother LaMarcus Audress shout him out, hopefully sending him well wishes. Uh, you know, going struggling right now, Um, after retirement, UM, you know, kind of having been forced in retirement with uh,

with hard issues. I think it's important to have a plan. And you know, we were both lucky to land on our feet after basketball. You know, I did a lot of investing in my early thirties and things started kind of turning. Finally at thirty seven when ever Sided decided to retire. Um, this whole media space was you know, not even a plan you and I had, and you know we both ended up in it. And and now we're really making a name for ourselves in this space.

So I definitely think, like you said, Jet, you know, we've been fortunate enough to make it to the highest level, but we've been athletes our entire life, you know, so when that comes to an end, what's next? And a lot of guys can't handle that, um, you know, and a lot of guys aren't ready for that to come to an end. They're not ready for the lights to turn off. They're not ready for the fans to stop calling their name, and that could really be devastating to people. Um,

you know. So you know, we wish everyone the best to who who has because this is a real topic, you know, guys going to depression. Guys, some people you know, commit suicide, some people pick up drug habits, some people lose all their money because like you said, we've been athletes since we can remember, and now we still have more than half our lives to live. But what's next. So I always say it's very important to have a plan and start that playing early because you never know

when your time is up in this league. So again, sending out love to everyone who was struggling with this problem.

You know, like I said, our brother LaMarcus all just to someone who's going through this right now with depression, So sending him a lot of love and uh man, just be there for people, you know, if your family or friends of professional athletes, although they may be smiling, they could be hurt inside because like I said, it's been our life, our whole entire life, and now we have more than half our lives to live and some people don't know what's next. So again, man sending love.

Next fan question at Marikka too, what are your views of the ISO heavy books and offense. Is it sustainable when push comes to self deep in the playoffs? This is a great question because I thought this game one and I knew that they would watch film and kind of understand how much they depended on you go, I go, you go, I go. But when you fucking got Katie,

James and Kyrie, you can do that. Um. I think as they advanced further in the playoffs, they're gonna need to pick that ball movement up and pick and choose their spots. You know, it's such a luxury for Steve Nash to have three of the best one on one players in the game at any time can call their number. But I think it's always important to keep the guys like Joe Harrison and Brown and your other players that are around your stars involved in the game. Even if

they're not getting shots. They still need to touch that motherfucker, remember what it feels like. And I think they really relied on ice basketball a lot in the first two games. I think they're starting to understand although they may they're gonna be able to win this series on it. Moving forward against Milwaukee, they're gonna definitely need some ball movement and you know, get the defense, get the ball from one side the floor to another and then attacks. So

this is a great question. This is something we're gonna have to watch because they do rely heavily on slation basketball. Although we've never seen a threesomeing like this. Uh, it'll be interesting to see if this can work throughout the playoffs. When what's interesting is what a lot of people are saying is the fact that you have two of the greatest players in the league coming in accepting their roles. Kyrie didn't mind pushing to the two and letting James

James hample because he's a better playmaker. When you have stars like that, that's buying in. It's gonna work. But going into the second round, speaking ahead, Milwaukee didn't see the dynamic of Kyrie and James. They've seen Kyrie and k D. So it's gonna be a different dynamic when the playoffs come because Drew, how do they can guard both of them? Mm hmm, Yeah, definitely. I really feel like I said, we've we've never seen you know, three

one on one players like this. Uh, And they all have sacrifice, But I still think you know, they're gonna need to be able to move that ball, uh to further the Evans in the playoffs. Christian zero nine one six zero four. Do the Lakers need a third star as Lebron agents? Great question? Uh No, I don't think so. Um, when you spend a million dollars on your body a year, you're gonna be all right. You're gonna be better than half the players in the league. The way he approached

the game, the confidence, the personally is the way he's built. Um, I think Lebron will be all right. I don't think they need to add a start. They just won the championship without another star, with two stars, so I just think they gotta have more confident in their role players they got. They got a nice group of guys over on that sideline, Matt. I just think they need to continue to give them the confidence and let them know how important they They're just important as Lebroun and they

need to the team. I don't think they need a third star. I think they have what they need. I just think they need to give them more confidence and rely on them a little bit more. You know, I think the third star situation kind of played itself out. Although Brooklyn has three stars, most teams don't have three stars anymore. And I agree Jack, the role players need to step up. But again, Lebron will be going into

what you're eighteen or nineteen next year. And I don't give a fun how much money spend on your body father time to undefeated? You know, Kobe, Kobe spent a lot of money on this and his body just gave up. You know, you know when Kobe said, you know, my mind is still there, my body's not, you know what I mean. And he was someone who's stuck to the code as Lebron does. I think this guy has been

in his prime his entire career. Uh, he's asked to do a lot this playoffs now that a D is down, So we have to start keeping an eye on Lebron um as far as what they're asking him as a team to do or what fans are expecting them to do. Understanding that this man has dominated this league for so long, and and like you said, I mean, there's only so much basketball. You know, a body has. There's only so many miles on a body you can run, no matter what kind of maintenance or upkeep you keep on that.

So this is something we're gonna be watching closely from here on out, you know. Uh, you know, with all due respect, I think the Lakers window is this year. Next year, Um, you know, after that, I think it opens right back up uh to the rest of the league. So you know, with a d being nicked up and dinged up a lot, and and Lebron getting older, this is gonna be a question that we're probably gonna revisit at some point, uh possibly next year, um and asking, hey,

do they really need another guy to step up? Because you know, I don't being able to see Lebron to play, you know, up until he got hurt, uh this this season with the high ankle spring, he had played every game and was on pace to win m v P, you know what I mean. So we we want that, We love to see that. But how much more can he do that? We'll have to wait and see. But you know, you never want to bet against Lebron. But the one thing that's always undefeated about athletes is father

time and our closing thoughts. Uh, something that's growing more and more alarming. UM our fans behavior UM at these games, it's getting fucking ridiculous. Uh if you ask me, from Trey Young being spit on to rust Book, getting popcorn poured on him in Philly, tow uh T Morant, who's a good friend of ours, getting disrespected and racial slurs thrown at him and his wife in Utah. And I want to say, a fan ran on the court, um just last night in the in in the Philadelphia game.

So you know, Jack, this is something we know all too well. Uh. You know you were part of the you know, the malice and the palace. You know, I've had several run ins with fans and you know we both spoke on how racist Utah is um back in oh seven, pre social media. So maybe the world didn't travel, um, you know, is this racially driven? Is this crazy fans? I think it's hard to really eliminate either one. They both can be true. But what are your thoughts, UM

of fan behavior of late? Well, you kind of you kind of gotta blame the NBA because they know you just abandoned from coming to games. That's nothing A player says something I'm going to stands just millions of dollars loss. So it's it's not an even playing field. You allow them to come in there and say these things. You know, just like I told you about when we play in Utah. You know this, they had a life size cut out of me in the jail suit right under the goal.

My mom saw that. It was in tears, like my my, my my kids saw that like so. But the NBA didn't say nothing about they didn't stop it. So it's not an even playing field. They let they let the fans get away with murder. They let the fans say anything they want. And it's kind of like the the same thing Mike Tyson said. Too many people are comfortable with open especially like on social media where I get punched in the mouth, you know what I mean, And that's

what happened. You know, I think we can with the brawl. They threw a beer at Ron. That's a sault, that's assault in any state. But we defend ourselves because we all know that's not out of ten time. The security that's in the NBA are all elders. It's a lot of older people that really can't move. And it's just been the truth. If you look at the brawl everything. They couldn't keep us out the stands and they couldn't control nothing because all the people that were working at

what elders. So it's it's not an even playing field. They expect more from the players than the actual fans, and I think it should be the respect should be mutual, and that's what that's clearly not the point the situation right now. They they're able to respect the players and do whatever they want, but the players got to take the high road, and that's definitely not cool. Yeah, we also forgot you know, Kyrie Irvin almost kind head with

the water ball. I think it's bullshit. I think, you know, obviously lookin the Utah ship with the jail, but I'd have never heard nigger with an e er so many times during the series. It's just like, what the funk? These people are really just clearly saying this and smiling and giggling and laughing about it. And like I said, we said this ship in oh seven, what do we in in in twenty one now? And we said this ship for fourteen years ago, we said this same ship

in Boston. Racist asked fans, So um, I think people think because they purchased a ticket, they can come and say and do what they want. Um, but that's not the case. You know, the NBA has been great at you know, making the game fund for fans and making the fans feel safe. Uh. Players are suspended and heavily fined if they stepped foot in the crowd. Players are heavily find if they respond to people who are talking ship. So it's always been crazy to me, like we're the product.

We're the reason why this motherfucking ship goes, but we're the only ones held accountable. Getting kicked out of game is not enough. Being banned is not enough. You need to be banned from all professional sporting events. However, the funk they got the technology to do that. Ship Now all professional sport events you need to be banned for.

You need to be hit with the felony. Hit with the felony if you throw something, spit on someone, because in real life that's what it would be, would be felting. You know, you're you're assaulting. We got feloniest, we got feeling this, We got arrested in all. I had to do time in jail for the brawl. Yeah you know so. And then on top of that. I mean, they got to sit down, you know, make them sit in jail for a week, you know, make embarrass the funk out

of them, you know what I mean. But something has to happen, because something bad is gonna happen. If it doesn't, you know what I mean, You're gonna hit the wrong motherfucker and someone is gonna get their ass beat straight up and down. And then and then the players are gonna be the bad guys, you know, similar to your guy's situation. Like you said, someone hit wrong with the

whole entire beer in his face. That that ship would have never happened if the fans were under control, you know what I mean, Go ahead, but I don't mean to cut you out. But then when nothing they they don't even talk about it was more than one person that hit wrong. Yeah it was two. It was two or three people, you know what I mean. So maybe if that happened today, it would totally be different with everything going on in the world, would have more room to fight and and and and and to get the

more attention on what happened. But if that, if the Madison the Palace happened today, oh, the NBA be a trouble. M hmm. Well, like I said, I just think again, the fans of or the the NBA has always done a great job of making the games enjoyable for the fans and making the fans feel safe. Never had the players been at the forefront of safety, you know what I mean. Like I got cussed out by Robert sav the bitch ass owner of the Suns, and I responded

and got fined either or fifty thousand. When I responded, they didn't do nothing to him. We told the league that they was calling his niggers in Utah. Nothing happened. We got called, we got called niggers in Boston. Nothing happened, you know. And so it's only time now that they're finally catching the ship and seeing it. But the ship has been happening. I mean, obviously, you take this all the way back to you know, Bill Russell back in the day with his own fans. They used to you know,

degrade him and throw racial slurs at him. Um, you know, And I think, uh, what was it, Tristan Thompson or or somewhere from the you know, for I think it was Tristan Thompson. Someone from Boston said, you know, as a visiting fan, I used to hear a busy payer of herd all the time, as you know, playing there. I don't hear it anymore, but it doesn't change it. You know. At the beginning of this, I said, you know, is it is it just crazy fans or is it

maasically racially motivated? And we can't answer either one, you know, but I definitely know when they're throwing them niggas around in in Utah and Boston that was racial again. So this is a big problem that the NBA has to fix and needs to fix. Be fixed a sap um or it's gonna get ugly. And you know, obviously we

don't want it to get ugly. You know, you guys come to games to be fans, be fans, be respectful, because you don't God damn left you saw us in the street, you wouldn't spit in our face, you wouldn't throw water ball on our face, and you wouldn't even to say nothing crazy because you know, you get your ass beat on site, So why do it? You know, at the event, so and everybody ain't fighting, so be

careful straight up, especially everybody. A lot of motherfucker's got that shipped on them or in their backpack, so you do some crazy ship. In real life, you know, people get people get killed for spitting on people at the end of the day. People get killed for throwing stuff at people. Hit him in the face at the end of the day, you know what I mean. So, you know, don't let this ship just think because you're at a basketball arena that that that anything flies. So these fans

definitely need to be held accountable. Or some of these fans just need their ask web straight up and down and and maybe that will solve it. But you guys whip some ask in Detroit and that didn't really change nothing. So who knows. That's a rap for this week's What's Burning. You can catch us every week on Showtime Basketball YouTube and on Twitter and Instagram at show Basketball. So y'all next week's