Bobby Marks on Celtics-Nuggets, Ben Simmons, KAT's injury, and Wembanyama
Mar 8, 2024
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Discussion on Denver's win over Boston, Jokic's impact, KAT's injury, Mavs' performance, Simmons out for the season. Insights on Wembanyama's potential and excitement around him. Cavs forward Dean Wade features as a special guest. The episode explores crunch time issues for Celtics, Curry's ankle problems, and the Magic's recent charge in the NBA.
Towns injury impacts Timberwolves' playoff chances, emphasizing reliance on Edwards.
Mavericks showcase defensive improvements and lineup changes post All-Star break.
Cavaliers navigate player roles and trade decisions amidst trust in Luka's leadership.
Deep dives
Denver Nuggets Beat Boston Celtics in Potential Final Preview
The Denver Nuggets secured a significant victory over the Boston Celtics in a potential finals preview. Nikola Jokic showcased his mastery with a triple-double, 32 points, 11 assists, 12 rebounds, zero turnovers, dictating the game's flow. Boston struggled to contain Jokic, trying various defensive schemes to no avail. Jalen Brown's notable performance with 41 points added fervor to the contest, emphasizing the teams' closely matched competitiveness.
Boston Celtics Face Defensive Challenges Against Nikola Jokic
Boston Celtics faced defensive challenges against Nikola Jokic throughout the game. Jokic's dominance in the post posed difficulties for Boston, even resorting to creative defensive strategies such as trying Porzingis on him. Despite Jason Tatum's efforts, the Celtics struggled to contain Jokic's offensive prowess, highlighting the defensive woes faced by the team.
Minnesota Timberwolves Dependent on Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns
The Minnesota Timberwolves face reliance on star players Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. With Towns sidelined due to injury, Edwards has shouldered the offensive burden, showcasing stellar performances. The team's success and postseason trajectory heavily hinge on the duo's performances and adaptability in challenging situations.
Dallas Mavericks Demonstrating Defensive and Lineup Adjustments
The Dallas Mavericks exhibited defensive improvements and lineup adjustments in their game against Miami. Despite defensive struggles post All-Star break, the Mavs displayed a balanced effort with notable lineup changes. Dante Exum's impactful contributions and the team's defensive focus highlighted potential strategies to bolster their competitiveness moving forward.
Cleveland Cavaliers' Strategic Shifts
The Cleveland Cavaliers face decisions on player roles, such as considering starting positions for players like Exum and balancing their gameplay. They navigated risky trades while maintaining trust in Luka to lead, despite recent losses.
Sacrifices and Gains for Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings balance concerns about their roster reaching its potential, grappling with defensive weaknesses of certain player combinations. The team faces critical off-season decisions, particularly regarding player allocations and potential trades.
San Antonio Spurs' Future
The San Antonio Spurs are managing high expectations associated with rising star Victor Wembanyama's aspirations for accelerated team development. Despite media speculation, the team remains focused on nurturing talent and strategic improvement pathways.
Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks discuss Denver's win over Boston in a potential Finals preview, whether Boston has crunch-time issues, the game's impact on the MVP race, and much more -- the impact of Karl-Anthony Towns injury on Minnesota's playoff chances and big-picture future, Dallas' win over Miami, ankle issues for Steph Curry, Victor Wembanyama, and LeBron James, Ben Simmons being out for the season, and what to make of Wembanyama wanting to win more soon. Then -- a special guest on all things Cavs and tax season.
Celtics in crunch time (12:57)
You can't double-team Jokic (17:01)
The Porzingis matchup for Jokic (24:53)
Ben Simmons out for the year (34:16)
KAT's injury (38:33)
Keeping an eye on the Mavs (51:08)
Is there another level for the Kings? (55:02)
The Magic are making a charge (1:01:55)
The noise around Wembanyama is just that (1:06:03)
