First Take - podcast cover

First Take

ESPN, Stephen A. Smith, Shae Cornettewww.espn.com
First Take is always a heated discussion as Stephen A. Smith and guests debate about the day's top stories.
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Episodes

Hour 2: Is Analytics Ruining Basketball?

First Take resumes with Kendrick Perkins talking analytics. Josh Hart understands their importance, but doesn't think they should be solely relied upon for lineup decisions. Perk has some thoughts on these comments and math invading sports in general. (0:00) Then, Chet has become somewhat of a joke to Wemby. He views him the same way a senior in high school looks down upon a freshman. Should we be criticizing him for failing to stop the phenomenal Frenchman? (17:15) Next, did LeBron sneak in a t...

May 22, 202647 min

Hour 1: Impressed By Knicks or Disappointed in Cavs?

First Take begins with nine straight Knicks playoff wins! Brunson passed with the poise and finesse of CP3, shot with the touch of Curry, and led with the adaptability and strategic vision of LeBron. Are the Knicks on the verge of a sweep? (0:00) Then, SGA's flailing and flopping playstyle is at the forefront of conversation again! After falling on nearly all of his shot attempts in game 2, is this something the league needs to address? (21:10) Next, Lebron thinks the Lakers were "out-talented" ...

May 22, 202649 min

Hour 2: Is Jalen Brunson The Greatest Knick of All-Time?

First Take resumes with the game AFTER the game! Coming off an all-time comeback against the Cavs, Jalen Brunson looks to put the Knicks up 2-0. How many points does KAT need for the Knicks to head to Cleveland in control of the series? (0:00) Then, it's been three years since Joe Burrow threw a playoff pass! Is this the year the drought ends for Cincy's gunslinger? (10:10) Next, The Kid Mero ponders the greatest Knicks of all time! Ewing, Reed, Frazier? Does Brunson pass all of them with a 2026...

May 21, 202646 min

Hour 1: Are You More Confident in Spurs or Thunder?

First Take begins with Thunder victory! Zay Hart successfully kept Wemby out of the paint, limiting his post touches and tip ins! Is this a sustainable strategy? (0:00) Then, let's revisit Aaron Rodgers' illustrious career. One Super Bowl, 4 MVPs, countless McAfee appearances. How will you remember The Baaaaaaaad Man? (26:10) Next, would expanding the CFP to 24 teams ruin college football for good? (41:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 21, 202649 min

Hour 2: Are You More Confident in Knicks Title Chances Now?

First Take resumes with playing the Knicks long game. We've seen them win defensive battles, high intensity offensive games, and everything in between. Could they hang with the Spurs or Thunder? (0:00) Then, Jason Kidd is OUT in Dallas. Who should replace him? (14:40) Next, Mad Dog is MAD at Alex Caruso, NFL fans, and his own MRI saga! (25:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 20, 202647 min

Hour 1: Did Cavs Choke or Is Brunson a God?

First Take begins with Orange and Blue Skies! Jalen Brunson is a god walking amongst men. Mikal Bridges possesses the accuracy of prime Hawkeye. James Harden may have suffered the worst isolation beatdown of all time! Lets go Stephen A!!! (0:00) Then, Thunder-Spurs game 2 is upon us. What's the biggest key for the Thunder to bounce back? (25:50) Next, P.K. Subban breaks down Golden Knights-Avs. (40:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 20, 202647 min

Hour 2: Are We Concerned About SGA?

First Take resumes with concern over the 2x MVP. SGA's struggles have widely flown under the radar due to the Thunder's dominant series wins. Is it time for one of the greatest guards of all time to step up? (0:00) Then, which Knick needs to play the best tonight? Does KAT need another triple double? Four 3s from Mikal? Brunson 30 bomb? (13:20) Next, Stephen A.'s top 5 pivotal players in each conference finals! (21:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 19, 202646 min

Hour 1: How Much Trouble Are The Thunder In?

First Take begins with an all-timer from Wemby. Dominance in every sense of the word. Motivated by a second place MVP finish, willing to put his body on the line for his squad, Cam'ron can't even believe it! (0:00) Then, Aaron Rodgers is back in the Steelers building prepping for another playoff run! Were the Steelers right to bring him back? (24:00) Next, which NBA player needs a ring the most? (36:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 19, 202648 min

Hour 2: Stephen A. Responds to Jaylen Brown

First Take resumes with Stephen A. going OFF on Jaylen Brown! Come on the show, JB!! (0:00) Then, who are you more excited to watch: Wemby or SGA? (22:40) Next, WOLFvestigative journalists! We're reading deep into some seemingly innocuous but potentially deadly player quotes from the Wolves. Are they talking about Julius Randle? (28:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 18, 202646 min

Hour 1: Did Donovan Mitchell Save His Legacy?

First Take begins with a legacy redefined! Donovan Mitchell finally reaches the Conference Finals after an epic game 7 win in Detroit. Is Donovan Mitchell now better all-time than Embiid? (0:00) Then, any issue with Ant-Man shaking hands with 8 minutes to go in the 4th, seemingly giving up while the game was ongoing? (25:10) Next, P.K. Subban gets us ready for Habs-Sabres game 7!!! (40:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 18, 202648 min

Hour 2: What Will We Say If Harden Has a Bad Game 6?

First Take resumes with Harden narratives. What will the media say if the known playoff choker chokes again? (0:00) Then, Kenny Smith weighs in on whether the Lakers have taken LeBron for granted... (17:20) Next, the Knicks willl have had a full week off by the time the ECF rolls around, while the Cavs/Pistons winner will carry major momentum... Which team would you rather be? (32:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 15, 202647 min

Hour 1: Does a Second Round Loss Ruin Ant's Legacy?

First Take begins with a fiery pair of Friday night game 6's! Ant can strengthen his already impressive playoff resume and force a game 7, while Harden looks to continue his hot streak! (0:00) Then, NFL schedules are out! Let's predict the Cowboys record! (25:50) Next, J-Will's and RC's Top 5 players (NBA & NFL) you'd want in a must-win game! (37:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 15, 202648 min

Hour 2: Who Should Knicks Fans Be Rooting For in Game 6?

First Take resumes with Knicks fans! Should they want the Cavs to wrap it up in Cleveland, or Detroit to push it to a winner take all game 7? (0:00) Then, HOFer Lisa Leslie joins the show! (12:30) Next, should the Lakers focus on appeasing LeBron or Luka? (25:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 14, 202646 min

Hour 1: Were The Pistons Robbed By Late Game No-Call?

First Take begins with STRAIGHT ROBBERY! An all-time classic game 5 between the Cavs and Pistons marred by a late 4th quarter no-call on Ausar Thompson. Harden dropped 30, Cade fell asleep during OT, Mt. Mobley grows taller by the day! (0:00) Then, have the Lakers taken LeBron for granted? (24:10) Next, Steve Sarkisian is accusing SEC schools of not being academically inclined, especially when it comes to student athletes... Is he right? (41:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastcho...

May 14, 202648 min

Hour 2: Are The Knicks or Thunder More Dangerous?

First Take resumes with the NBA's two hottest teams. Who has the upper hand in a potential Knicks vs. Thunder finals battle? Then, Alfonso Ribeiro dishes on the GOAT debate. Next, Mad Dog is MAD at Wemby not understanding flagrant fouls, hotel rooms still using televisions from the early 90s, and carpool lanes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 13, 202647 min

Hour 1: What Planet is Wemby From??

First Take begins with another confirmed alien sighting. An ET dropped into Frost Bank last night, dropped 25/15/5, and left the Wolves SHOOK heading into an elimination game 6. Then, has LeBron played his last game as a Laker? If not, where will he play? Next, should Tyrese Maxey want out of Philly? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 13, 202648 min

Hour 2: Should The Celtics Trade Jaylen Brown?

First Take resumes with Stephen A.'s List! Top 5 landing spots for LeBron. (0:00)Then, does a Giannis for Jaylen Brown trade make sense for either side? And, should the Knicks be in on the Greek Freak sweepstakes after their flawless march to the ECF? (12:30) Next, Draymond is SHOCKED that Wemby wasn't fined or suspended for his elbowing of Naz Reid. (26:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 12, 202647 min

Hour 1: How Would You Evaluate LeBron's Lakers Tenure?

First Take begins and Cam'ron is BACK with an overview of LeBron's time in LA. One title, 7-8 playoff series record, and only missed the playoffs twice. Success? (0:00) Then, Wemby is serving no suspension and paying zero fines. Perk has a MAJOR problem with this decision! He was fined just for shoving Jae Crowder! Fine that man!!! (23:30) Next, we revisit some shocking clips from just a couple of week ago when the skies were red and yellow, not blue and orange... Learn more about your ad choice...

May 12, 202647 min

Hour 2: Where Do The 76ers Go From here?

First Take resumes with a suddenly eerie Sixers offseason. A week ago it was butterflies and rainbows celebrating a game 7 victory over the Celtics. Just one week later, we have questions about Embiid's health, front office malfeasance , and general atrocious vibes! (0:00) Then, should Wemby be suspended for elbowing Naz Reid? (13:40) Next, how would a sweep change LeBron's legacy? Does Kareem pass him all time? (24:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 11, 202646 min

Hour 1: Are The Knicks About to Win The Title?

First Take begins with STAND UP NEW YORKKKKK. The Knicks are headed to the ECF, again! Back-to-back. DOMINATION. Stephen A. is HYPED! (0:00) Then, Wemby is throwing hands! What got into The Alien last night? (15:30) Next, The Thunder boast a +128 pt differential through seven playoff games. They're steamrolling the West. Is this dominance good for the NBA? (25:15) Finally, should the Wizards take AJ Dybantsa? (43:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 11, 202648 min

Hour 2: Skip Ranks His Top 10 NBA Players of All Time!

First Take resumes with Skip's egregious, blasphemous, abominable Top 10 list. Check out how many guys he has over LeBron! (0:00) Then, Seth Rollins ROASTS Skip for all of his atrocious LeBron takes! (15:00) Next, Defend Your Take! Stephen A. and Skip look back on some of their craziest takes of all time! (22:00) Finally, we're going back to Skip's Top Ten! Stephen A. can't get over LeBron being ranked nine. Skip won't budge. The bubble championship was "Mickey Mouse." Learn more about your ad c...

May 08, 202646 min

Hour 1: SKIP BAYLESS IS BACKKKK!!!!

First Take begins with SKIP BAYLESS! For the first time in ten years, Skip and Stephen A. are together again. Like recent divorcees, fireworks erupt anytime these two old foes reunite! Skip brings the heat with LeBron, Luka and James Harden takes! Are the Lakers actually better without Luka Doncic? (0:00) Then, would you rather be a Knicks fan, or a Cowboys fan right now? Guess which one Skip picks... (25:15) Next, Skip defends Wemby! (37:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoice...

May 08, 202648 min

Hour 2: Should The Knicks Feel Like Winners After Going Up 2-0?

First Take resumes with The Kid Mero, and he's drinking all of the Knicks Hype Juice!! (0:00) Then, would a game 3 loss be more detrimental to Ant's or Wemby's Championship hopes? (14:45) Next, The Miz joins! (27:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 07, 202647 min

Hour 1: Can The Knicks Win Without OG Anunoby?

First Take begins with another Knicks win! The Positive: New York's finest are two games away from another Conference Finals. Negative: OG may be hurt. Could the Knicks still advance without him? (0:00) Then, the Spurs showed their championship potential in a thumping of the Wolves! Who has the edge now in this battle of young stars? (25:20) Next, another Jaylen Brown livestream! He's blaming refs, Embiid, and teammates for anything and everything!! (37:55) Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

May 07, 202648 min

Hour 2: Is Tracy McGrady Right About Jaylen Brown?

First Take resumes with a third straight day of crazy Jaylen Brown comments. T-Mac has sources saying JB is not happy with the Celtics! Could Beantown's second banana get traded? (0:00) Then, Paul Heyman breaks down Bron Breakker vs. Seth Rollins! (14:45) Next, Mad Dog is MAD at Kentucky Derby Pageantry, Knicks fans choosing the Met Gala, and the Magic for blowing his parlay! (22:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 06, 202645 min

Hour 1: Biggest Reason Lakers Were Blown Out?

First Take begins with another OKC win. LeBron balled out, SGA took a back seat to Chet. Who is going to step up on the Lakers with Luka still out? (0:00) Then, Stephen A. has thoughts on James Dolan's latest crazy comments! (25:30) Next, are we sleeping on Ant-Man and the Wolves? (39:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 06, 202648 min

Hour 2: Is 76ers-Knicks Over?

First Take resumes with 76ers-Knicks. We're wondering if this series may already be over after just one game! (0:00) Then, did game 1 of Wolves-Spurs change your outlook on the series. Plus, a special announcement from Stephen A! Old foes reunite! (12:10) Next, Jacob Fatu takes down Roman Reigns! (26:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 05, 202646 min

Hour 1: What Was Most Encouraging About Knicks Game 1 Win?

First Take is live with Cam'ron! Welcome to New York City! Sixers and Down and Out! A dominant Brunson game 1 performance lifted MSG's finest over Philly. Who had the most impressive performance? Who needs to step up in game2? (0:00) Then, was Ant-Man's surprise bench scoring barrage or Wemby's block party the bigger game 1 story? (20:30) Next, Cam'ron sounds off on Jaylen Brown. (41:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 05, 202648 min

Hour 2: Which Team is More Talented - 76ers or Knicks?

First Take resumes with an old school matchup in the East. Embiid's Sixers take on Brunson's Knicks. Overall, which team is more talented? (0:00) Then, Jaylen Brown enjoyed this year more than when he won the championship? Huh?? (11:20) Next, Charlotte Flair joins the show! (24:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 04, 202645 min

Hour 1: What's Wrong with Jaylen Brown?

First Take begins with Jaylen Brown taking out his Sixers frustrations on the refs and Joel Embiid. Was Brown right to blame the first 3-1 blown lead since 2020 on everything and everyone but himself? (0:00) Then, old foes reunite in MSG as Embiid and KAT face off for a chance at the conference finals! Who needs to show out more in this series? (23:00) And, is the GOAT conversation officially over if Bron pulls off a miraculous upset over the reigning champion Thunder? (37:15) Learn more about y...

May 04, 202649 min
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