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00:04:18Звучит музыка.
00:04:48There's transition challenges everywhere, and this is the vision for the Knicks.
00:04:52OG Ananobi, Josh Hart, Mikael Bridges, length on the wing, protecting Carl Anthony Townsend, Jalen Brunson, rounding out that starting five that, by the way, is plus 40 in 59 minutes.
00:05:04If we cared about defense as much as we should, OG Ananobi would be in the all-star conversation.
00:05:09And in the other game, that Orlando-Miami game, Desmond Bain.
00:05:13Took him a little while to get warmed up on Orlando.
00:05:15He is on fire right now.
00:05:1837 points.
00:05:19Lit up the heat.
00:05:20And the Magic have found something with these three-guard lineups.
00:05:24Suggs, Bain, and Anthony Black, who's breaking out.
00:05:28They're plus 53 in 72 minutes.
00:05:31Three guards, plus one of Paolo Bancaro and Franz Wagner, plus a big man.
00:05:36That's a winning formula.
00:05:38Interesting to see what that means when they finally get Franz and Paolo healthy at the same time, which they just can't seem to have any luck doing.
00:05:45But those are the two standouts for me from last night.
00:05:47Fun games.
00:05:48Yeah, Desmond Bain certainly had his way against the Miami Heat.
00:05:52As we look ahead to the Knicks and the Magic in the East semifinals on Saturday, the East is really already in such an interesting space this season.
00:06:00And I think the semifinals are going to serve as a good litmus test and kind of barometer of who those top dogs are in the East, Zach.
00:06:06Yeah, this is a game between two teams who could absolutely make the finals.
00:06:12Orlando has stamped themselves when they get healthy, if they ever get healthy, as in that conversation with New York and anyone else you want to put in there.
00:06:19Detroit, the way Cleveland is playing, the East is wide open.
00:06:23This is a battle between two teams who could make the finals.
00:06:26And in terms of the nerd stuff, the X's and O's stuff, I'm really interested in how the Magic matchup against the Knicks big man combo of Josh Hart and Carl Anthony Towns.
00:06:34A lot of teams put their centers on Josh Hart so they can have a faster guy guard Towns and chase him around the three-point art.
00:06:40Josh Hart has been balling out and playing that scheme off the floor.
00:06:44Jakob Perto last night, no shot, completely lost.
00:06:47Josh Hart is making his threes.
00:06:49He's blowing by opposing centers.
00:06:51And the more the Knicks pick away at that scheme, the more explosive their offense, which is already super explosive, is going to get.
00:06:58The more Towns will get centers on him and get all sorts of pick-and-pop threes.
00:07:01If Josh Hart is going to play like this, this Knicks team and this starting five is a whole different animal, and that should scare the rest of the East.
00:07:09Yeah, Josh Hart is doing everything, including winning.
00:07:12The Knicks are 8-1 with him as a starter this season.
00:07:14Zach, you stick around.
00:07:15We want to hang out with you later tonight on NBA Nightcap.
00:07:17Sound good?
00:07:20Absolutely.
00:07:20I'll be up.
00:07:21All right, see you in a bit.
00:07:22All right, J-Dub and the Thunder trying to move one step closer to a title that they haven't won yet.
00:07:27The NBA Cup Championship, NBA on Prime, pregame presented by CarMax, continues on right after this.
00:07:36Director Michael Showalter.
00:07:38Watch the new original film, Oh What Fun, only on Prime Video, and discover the joy of a Christmas gone delightfully off-screen.
00:07:45That's right here to be a B, yeah, not for fun.
00:07:51What you reckon?
00:07:52Where you at or where you from?
00:07:54Donch hits for three.
00:07:55Five!
00:07:56Target practice!
00:07:57Not a joke.
00:07:58We gon' really test him still.
00:08:00So how you feel?
00:08:01Mr. Finn, yeah.
00:08:02Donch hits the lob to LBJ!
00:08:05Lakers clinch.
00:08:06Group B out west.
00:08:08That's right here to be...
00:08:10That's what's going to beat the clock.
00:08:12He does it!
00:08:13Oh!
00:08:14Foul to the three!
00:08:16The Spurs can run to the quarterfinals of the Emirates NBA Cup.
00:08:23No wimpy tonight for the Spurs, so their guards must continue to step up.
00:08:27We know that that starts with De'Aaron Fox.
00:08:29Blake, how is he finding so much offensive success this season?
00:08:33Yeah, since he got back in the lineup, he's done a masterful job at just controlling the tempo of the Spurs.
00:08:38And early in his career, when he came in, he was just straight downhill, beat you down the floor.
00:08:44One of the fastest players in the NBA.
00:08:46But now he's starting to realize, oh, I can just go at whatever speed I want.
00:08:50The defense has to adjust to me.
00:08:52And, John, guarding you was a nightmare, even early on, because you were so fast, so explosive, so quick.
00:08:59But I think when you found that moment of, hey, I can control the tempo here,
00:09:04that's when you came almost impossible to guard.
00:09:06So, I would love to hear your thoughts on De'Aaron and how he's done with the Spurs.
00:09:10Yeah, I think, like early on, you said, like, we both came in going 100 miles per hour,
00:09:13and that's what we always knew.
00:09:15We always just go fast, get where we want.
00:09:16But I think over the time in his career, he slowed down.
00:09:19Like, you can use your speeds at different paces.
00:09:21You look at his nail, throw the ball, get a handoff, go full speed, find a shooter in the corner.
00:09:25You're making the defense react.
00:09:27You don't always have to score when you put two feet in the paint as a guard.
00:09:30This one here, he slows it down, wait for him, get right by him.
00:09:33You see the defense collapse, he makes a great slow stop, find a shooter in the corner.
00:09:37And I think with the speed he has, he knows I don't have to score every time.
00:09:40I get to my float, I get to my midrange, and I can always find other people.
00:09:43Yeah, it's crazy because it looks so simple, but it's such an art,
00:09:47and it's something that you have to really master is the ability to go fast, slow, and all in between.
00:09:52It's certainly working.
00:09:53De'Aaron Fox has scored at least 25 points in nine of his 15 games this season.
00:09:57But I want to talk about a trend that we are seeing around the league.
00:10:01Now listen, I get it.
00:10:02Some fans like to groan about the free throws, but we got to be real.
00:10:06We all know here that drawing fouls is a skill.
00:10:09It's timing, it's IQ, it's craftiness, and it's an art.
00:10:12And tonight we are going to watch some true artists across both of our games,
00:10:16and Luka, Shea, and Austin Reeves, all top four in free throw attempts per game.
00:10:21Steve, break it down for us and what you are seeing around the NBA
00:10:26when it comes to how they are so effectively drawing fouls.
00:10:29Yeah, I mean, I think right now they are calling a lot of fouls.
00:10:32It may start to come back to the middle here a little bit, but this really is an art.
00:10:37You know, not every player has the control, the feel, the understanding,
00:10:41how to debate or to debate their defender into leaning one way or the other.
00:10:45The number one thing I think people have to realize,
00:10:47it's not all about getting to the free throw line.
00:10:50It's about setting the stage in the context of how this game is going to be played tonight.
00:10:54How does my matchup want to defend me?
00:10:55How are they trying to play me?
00:10:57Are they being physical with the body?
00:10:58Are they using their hands?
00:11:00You want to take that away.
00:11:01You want to draw a quick early foul in your primary matchup to say,
00:11:04you're not going to be pushing me all night with the hand.
00:11:06You're not going to be bumping me all night with the body.
00:11:08So setting the stage for that primary player,
00:11:11those guys that we've just seen on that chart, is so important.
00:11:14But there's two key things I think that happen when you're drawing fouls,
00:11:17and that is change of pace and change of direction.
00:11:20Okay, so UD, why don't you come, Garvey?
00:11:22All right?
00:11:22UD get the foul.
00:11:23He get the foul.
00:11:24He get the foul.
00:11:25So for example, just changing directions, a simple illustration.
00:11:28I'm going to go away from UD, get some separation.
00:11:31He's going to want to close the gap.
00:11:33Boom.
00:11:34So I've baited him to close the gap.
00:11:36If I'm Shea and I'm looking up to the rim and I go here,
00:11:39I put UD in an impossible situation.
00:11:41So that's an example of changing directions.
00:11:43Changing pace, you might see Luka Doncic get on the hip of his guy
00:11:48and then slow down.
00:11:50That gives UD a false sense of security,
00:11:52like he can now make a play on the ball.
00:11:54And he's just waiting for you to make a play on the ball.
00:11:57And now UD's got a foul.
00:11:58One more.
00:11:59He's got to sit down.
00:12:00And he's set the stage for the whole game.
00:12:02They're also getting the line 10 times a night.
00:12:04So you're helping your team, one, play at the pace
00:12:06with the movement you want to play at,
00:12:08but also get to the line, be more efficient,
00:12:11help your team win ballgames.
00:12:12Not only that, it's a nightmare for guys off the ball.
00:12:15I came into the league.
00:12:17John, you take the ball.
00:12:18Steve, you guard him.
00:12:19I came into the league where we were taught to stunt and stick
00:12:23when that ball was driving down that slot.
00:12:25So as John drives, my stunt is here just with the hand.
00:12:28He's already got me.
00:12:29Already got me.
00:12:30But my stunt was here with the hand and to get back to this corner.
00:12:34Now the way these guys are shooting the ball
00:12:36and the way these guys are guarding,
00:12:37you have to put a chest in front.
00:12:39You have to be vulnerable.
00:12:40John has to see my chest.
00:12:42I'm giving up this corner shot, hoping I can get back there.
00:12:45The key thing for this guy is I have to give myself one way to go.
00:12:48I can't go here and back here.
00:12:49So I'm vulnerable, chest in front, giving that up,
00:12:52and I have to get on my horse here.
00:12:54These guys are getting this shot up,
00:12:55and everybody knows in the NBA that corner three
00:12:57is the easiest shot for guys to make.
00:12:59So I'm vulnerable here, giving up that corner three
00:13:01or that Raptor cut that we talked about.
00:13:03I think what we see too is like all these guys that are really good at it,
00:13:06they're using the defender's natural instincts, right?
00:13:10If somebody goes this way, Steve talked about it,
00:13:12your natural instinct is, oh, I'm behind, I need to catch up.
00:13:15So these guys are so good at just baiting a defender and saying,
00:13:19okay, I know you need to do this.
00:13:21All right, I'm coming back this way.
00:13:22So I think that's part of the skill of it.
00:13:25And also what they do really, really, really well is SGA, Luka,
00:13:29they bait you into a foul, and then they still can get their shot off.
00:13:33We see Luka make so many and ones a game
00:13:36because he's in complete control from beginning to end.
00:13:39All right, well, the NBA is averaging 24.8 free-throw attempts a game this season.
00:13:44That is the most since 07-08.
00:13:47Watch this.
00:13:47Oh, foul!
00:13:48Oh, wow.
00:13:49Got to make it, Blake.
00:13:50Oh, shoot, sorry.
00:13:51That's a flop.
00:13:52Two free throws.
00:13:53That's okay.
00:13:53You get to go.
00:13:57SGA has mastered the art of drawing fouls and signing autographs.
00:14:01The reigning MVP averaging almost 33 points per game.
00:14:05Thunder taking on the Suns with the semifinal spot on the line.
00:14:08Tonight on Pride.
00:14:10Smoke.
00:14:12And now for Same Game Parlay presented by FanDuel.
00:14:16Let's get to it.
00:14:16SGA, second in the league in scoring.
00:14:18He's also putting up over six assists per game.
00:14:21How many dimes for him tonight, BD?
00:14:23I'm going with eight tonight.
00:14:24He's putting over six a game,
00:14:25but I feel like Dylan Brooks will be a little bit more aggressive.
00:14:28He might have to get off it a little bit more,
00:14:29but he has capable scorers all around him, so he should be fine.
00:14:32Okay, Colin Gillespie knocking down almost 43% of his threes this season.
00:14:37Steve, how many will he get tonight?
00:14:38Hot player.
00:14:39He's going to make at least three.
00:14:40Hot player.
00:14:40He's going to make at least three.
00:14:42Yes, sir.
00:14:43All right, Chet Holmgren, the second leading rebounder on the Thunder.
00:14:46How many boards for him, Blake?
00:14:48I think eight.
00:14:49I think he's got a rebound for them.
00:14:51You know, with Isaiah Hartenstein being out,
00:14:52he's basically the primary big,
00:14:55and he does a great job of attacking the offensive glass as well,
00:14:57so eight's the number.
00:14:59All right, I'm looking at you, John Dylan Brooks,
00:15:00the Suns' second leading scorer of the season.
00:15:02How many points for him against OKC?
00:15:05I think Luke Burr is going to be guarding, so I got him from 15.
00:15:07I think it's going to be a tough night without having Devin Booker there,
00:15:10but he has to try to have a big game, but I got him from 15.
00:15:13All right, there you have it.
00:15:14FanDuel celebrating the NBA Cup
00:15:16by letting all customers choose their own reward today.
00:15:19You can choose from a bet-back token, no sweat bet, or 50% profit boost.
00:15:25The power is in your hands.
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00:15:30And while SGA, of course, is an otherworldly superstar,
00:15:33the great thing about OKC is it is not just Shea.
00:15:37UD, so many of the guys, the role players, are excelling in their role.
00:15:41Yeah, I think we cannot ignore the growth and maturation of the guys around SGA
00:15:46as he has a great historical season.
00:15:49Those guys have to step their games up in order for SGA to flourish,
00:15:52and that's what the common people at home don't understand.
00:15:55SGA, yes, he's a great player,
00:15:57but there is so much pressure on the other guys to be efficient and effective
00:16:00for him to be able to get to his spots and do what he's able to do.
00:16:03A.J. Mitchell is one of them who we'll be talking about,
00:16:05and all of us love him.
00:16:07Yeah, that's my guy, A.J. Mitchell.
00:16:08I think last year's rookie season, he only got 17 minutes,
00:16:11averaged seven points, two rebounds, two assists.
00:16:13Early on in the year, he got an opportunity to get 10 more minutes.
00:16:16He averaged 14 points, four rebounds, three assists.
00:16:18That gave an opportunity for Jalen Williams not to rush back.
00:16:21He had an opportunity to play last year, figure out what's going on,
00:16:23get a little bit of playoff minutes, and you can tell, like UD said,
00:16:26he got his confidence back, he came back, everybody's getting better,
00:16:29and he got a big role for those guys.
00:16:31Yeah, the thing I love about this Thunder team is
00:16:33you don't even necessarily need to see a statistical uptick.
00:16:37They're more confident.
00:16:38They're moving the ball better.
00:16:40Their decision-making's better.
00:16:41Case on Wallace, case in point, I mean, he looks so comfortable
00:16:46on the offensive end of the floor.
00:16:47He's looked comfortable on the defensive end of the floor forever,
00:16:49but he's done such a good job of just quick decisions.
00:16:53It doesn't have to be him shooting 50% from three, 40%, whatever.
00:16:57It's just catch, make a decision, go with it,
00:16:59because that's when Oklahoma City is so dangerous.
00:17:02And I know you said we don't even see the numbers.
00:17:04They passed the eye test.
00:17:05But one number that stands out is they have the third-best net rating
00:17:09in the league when Shea's off the floor.
00:17:11Wow.
00:17:11The MVP is off the floor.
00:17:13They have the third-best net rating.
00:17:14So, incredible supporting.
00:17:16Demoralizing.
00:17:17Demoralizing.
00:17:17Yeah, like, where are we going, guys?
00:17:18And it's really wild to think about the fact
00:17:22that their title-winning starting lineup of SGA, J-Dub, Chet,
00:17:27Hartenstein, and Dort have not even played together yet this season.
00:17:31And we're talking about the history that OKC is chasing.
00:17:33It's just unreal, UD.
00:17:35Is Sam Preston the only GM that can – the team can get better
00:17:38and he didn't really make any moves?
00:17:39Yeah.
00:17:40Maybe.
00:17:40I think so.
00:17:41It's a little unfair.
00:17:42Maybe someone's got to intervene, guys.
00:17:44All right.
00:17:45Getting close to tip-off.
00:17:46So, it's time to check in with our friends in OKC,
00:17:49Kevin Harlan, Jim Jackson, and Miss Allie Clifton.
00:18:00Happy holidays from Oklahoma City
00:18:03and welcome to the quarterfinals of the Emirates NBA Cup
00:18:07featuring the reigning MVP and scoring champion
00:18:11in Shea Giltis Alexander
00:18:13facing one of the best defenders,
00:18:15the pesky Dylan Brooks of the Phoenix Suns.
00:18:19The Phoenix Suns have turned it around to start the new season
00:18:34with a new coach and a new roster.
00:18:35And the defending champion, Thunder of Oklahoma City,
00:18:40have picked up where they left off.
00:18:42Hi, everyone.
00:18:45With Jim Jackson, Allie Clifton,
00:18:46Kevin Harlan.
00:18:47Thank you so much for joining us.
00:18:48The stakes do get higher now
00:18:50as the loser faces here.
00:18:52Elimination.
00:18:52It's funny and interesting, too,
00:18:54because the question about the Emirates Cup
00:18:56in-season tournament,
00:18:57will the players buy into it?
00:18:59I think that question has been answered.
00:19:01They bought into it.
00:19:01Also, this is a very important game for both teams,
00:19:05so stay tuned.
00:19:05It should be a great one.
00:19:06Now, they played about two weeks ago
00:19:08on Black Friday right here on Prime,
00:19:09and we saw the Suns play the Thunder very well.
00:19:13Oklahoma City has won 15 consecutive games,
00:19:16but Phoenix played them well.
00:19:17Well, they played them extremely well.
00:19:18This Phoenix team is going to play extremely hard.
00:19:20Keep in mind, in this game,
00:19:21it was a four-point game.
00:19:23So, both teams made 41 field goals.
00:19:25Both teams made 15 three-point shots.
00:19:27But the differential here
00:19:29is that OKC won the battle with a free-throw line.
00:19:31They had plus four from that.
00:19:33So, ultimately, the team that knows how to win
00:19:36got to the line and got it done.
00:19:38And SGA had a big-time performance.
00:19:40Of course, we've been saying that all year, Kevin.
00:19:42When is it going to go away?
00:19:43But this young man continues to amaze on the court.
00:19:47They've been terrific, as we said.
00:19:4815 consecutive wins.
00:19:50Now, for the Phoenix Suns,
00:19:51no Devin Booker tonight,
00:19:52out for a third consecutive game
00:19:54with a groin strain.
00:19:55That being said,
00:19:57how does Phoenix win tonight?
00:19:59Well, 29 other teams
00:20:00have asked that same kind of question before.
00:20:02But you can look at this.
00:20:03Real simple.
00:20:04You win the possession game
00:20:05if you're Phoenix.
00:20:06Offensive rebound.
00:20:07You can't turn the basketball over.
00:20:09And I think you're really going to have to
00:20:10limit some transition baskets.
00:20:13But Dylan Brooks,
00:20:14his impact on the game
00:20:15offensively and defensively
00:20:18is going to be imperative
00:20:18if Phoenix wants to walk out of here with a W.
00:20:21And he's going to need some help.
00:20:22And it could come in the form
00:20:23of the emerging Colin Gillespie
00:20:25and our Allie Clifton
00:20:27caught up with the Villanova Guard
00:20:29moments ago.
00:20:31All right.
00:20:32Thanks so much, Kevin.
00:20:33Colin, the guys were just talking about
00:20:34the influence of Dylan on your squad.
00:20:36I know you guys have a great relationship.
00:20:38How would you quantify
00:20:38what he brings to you guys
00:20:39night in and night out?
00:20:40Yeah, I mean,
00:20:41he brings a competitive fire,
00:20:42a bunch of energy,
00:20:44juice every night.
00:20:45So we lean on him.
00:20:47He's a leader for us.
00:20:48We're going to need it tonight.
00:20:49For you, Coach was raving
00:20:51about your presence so far this season.
00:20:53What has this experience been like for you
00:20:54and how do you continue to capitalize?
00:20:56Yeah, I mean,
00:20:57it's been a good experience.
00:20:58It's stuff that I expect out of myself.
00:21:00Just to continue to play
00:21:01at a high level, compete.
00:21:03And I'm just looking forward
00:21:04to continue to do it with this group.
00:21:06We've got a great group of guys,
00:21:07great coaching staff.
00:21:09We're always encouraging each other
00:21:10and we love to play for each other.
00:21:11So it's been fun.
00:21:12Of course, tonight,
00:21:13winner go home with a trip to Vegas
00:21:14on the line.
00:21:15What's it going to take
00:21:16as only one team has done so far this year
00:21:18to beat the Thunder?
00:21:19Yeah, a full 48 minutes of basketball.
00:21:22Not playing perfect.
00:21:23We know it's not going to be perfect,
00:21:24but we've got to match their intensity,
00:21:26their energy,
00:21:27try to take care of the ball,
00:21:29get out in transition,
00:21:30just play how we've been playing.
00:21:31So we know it's going to be a long game,
00:21:33a lot of ups and downs,
00:21:34but if we stick together
00:21:35and I've got good faith in our group.
00:21:37Colin, appreciate the time.
00:21:38Good luck tonight.
00:21:39Yep, thank you.
00:21:40Jim, I know you're a big fan
00:21:41of Colin's game.
00:21:42I'm going to toss it back over to you.
00:21:43I appreciate it.
00:21:44And high expectations
00:21:45have always been a makeup
00:21:46of Colin Gillespie going back to Villanova,
00:21:49in particular now during Emirates Cup play.
00:21:51You see the numbers across the board.
00:21:53It's his leadership style.
00:21:54It's his ability to make his teammates better.
00:21:56And I tell you what, Kevin,
00:21:58he's not afraid of the moment.
00:21:59For me,
00:22:00being a special player like that,
00:22:02I want to throw it to a special
00:22:03former teammate in Steve Nash.
00:22:05Steve,
00:22:05what do you see
00:22:07in Colin Gillespie's game?
00:22:13Throughout the years,
00:22:13we're skilled,
00:22:14can make shots,
00:22:15make plays for their teammates,
00:22:16be disruptive on defense.
00:22:18But for me,
00:22:19it's Colin's mentality
00:22:20and his toughness.
00:22:21You know,
00:22:21that makes him
00:22:22put away missed shots.
00:22:24He gets beat.
00:22:25He bounces back.
00:22:27It's that mentality
00:22:27and relentlessness
00:22:28to keep playing and competing.
00:22:30I think it's really
00:22:30feeding off on his teammates
00:22:31and he's playing in an elite clip.
00:22:33So he's a big piece
00:22:35of what they're doing
00:22:35and definitely an emerging
00:22:36player in this league.
00:22:37You mentioned it.
00:22:38He's tough.
00:22:39And I know, of course,
00:22:40everyone knows how good OKC is,
00:22:42but the Suns can be dangerous
00:22:44in this matchup
00:22:45because of guys like Colin.
00:22:46I mean,
00:22:46when they met the Thunder
00:22:47two weeks ago,
00:22:48it was just the third time
00:22:50a game has been decided
00:22:51by five points or less
00:22:53for the Thunder this season.
00:22:54So, Blake,
00:22:55how do they have to game plan
00:22:56in this one
00:22:57to slay the Giants?
00:22:58Well, I mean,
00:23:00first of all,
00:23:00if any of us have that answer,
00:23:02there's 29 teams
00:23:03that would also like to know.
00:23:05All right,
00:23:06here's what you've got to do
00:23:06to beat the Thunder, guys.
00:23:07It's very simple.
00:23:09I do think that Phoenix
00:23:11is a team that's sort of
00:23:12poised and built
00:23:13to play a team like Oklahoma City.
00:23:16I don't even want to say
00:23:16beat a team like Oklahoma City
00:23:18because they just don't give up.
00:23:19They play so hard.
00:23:21They play for each other.
00:23:22They play free.
00:23:23And it feels like
00:23:23they don't get discouraged
00:23:24by getting down or up.
00:23:26But, UD,
00:23:27we always talk about
00:23:28by committee, right?
00:23:29You hear that all the time.
00:23:30Mark Williams has been great.
00:23:31One of the more underrated moves
00:23:33this offseason.
00:23:34In limited time,
00:23:35he's 13 points,
00:23:37nine rebounds,
00:23:3825 minutes.
00:23:39But there are other bigs
00:23:41that have also contributed.
00:23:42A lot of times people say,
00:23:43let's do it by committee.
00:23:44But it's a little bit harder
00:23:45than just saying,
00:23:46let's do it by committee.
00:23:47I mean, Mark Williams
00:23:48is a guy who averaged
00:23:49about 20 and 10
00:23:50in Charlotte last year.
00:23:51So he's a guy
00:23:51who can definitely get it done
00:23:52shooting over 70% at the rim.
00:23:54Old school lob threat,
00:23:55does all those
00:23:56old school things in.
00:23:57But I love the young fellow
00:23:58also that comes off the bench.
00:23:59I've watched him a lot.
00:24:00He covers so much ground.
00:24:01He plays so hard.
00:24:02He rebounds.
00:24:03He closes out.
00:24:04He makes you drive.
00:24:05He makes multiple efforts
00:24:06defensively.
00:24:06So they have
00:24:07two different centers
00:24:09that can do
00:24:09two different things,
00:24:10but they're going to need
00:24:10both of them tonight
00:24:11and all that versatility
00:24:12for sure.
00:24:12Well, I like Royce O'Neal.
00:24:14I think Royce O'Neal
00:24:14is a guy that can play
00:24:15make all the drips.
00:24:16He can shoot the three
00:24:17very well.
00:24:17But I think he has to be
00:24:18good defensively,
00:24:19make open threes,
00:24:20but also create other shots
00:24:21for other people.
00:24:22So I think he has to have
00:24:23a big game for them.
00:24:24Now here are these
00:24:25for some hustle stats.
00:24:26Listen up.
00:24:29They are third in deflections,
00:24:32third in loose balls
00:24:32recovered,
00:24:33fourth in offensive rebound
00:24:34rate,
00:24:35and second in points
00:24:36off turnovers.
00:24:36What story do those
00:24:37numbers tell, Steve?
00:24:38Well, you know,
00:24:39they're trying to win
00:24:40the possession game.
00:24:41You know,
00:24:41they turn it over
00:24:42a little bit,
00:24:42but other than that,
00:24:43they've been exceptional
00:24:45at turning people over,
00:24:46getting out in transition,
00:24:47playing fast,
00:24:48offensive rebounding,
00:24:48as you said.
00:24:49So they're just able
00:24:50to kind of stack the deck
00:24:52in their favor
00:24:52by winning the possession game.
00:24:54Who's the hardest team
00:24:55to do that against?
00:24:56Oklahoma City.
00:24:57So they have their hands
00:24:57full tonight.
00:24:58Yeah, have their hands
00:24:59full,
00:24:59but listen,
00:25:00the winner
00:25:00is headed to Vegas.
00:25:03Got to be coming out
00:25:03west with us, boys.
00:25:04I'm looking forward
00:25:05to this one.
00:25:05I'm looking forward
00:25:06to this one.
00:25:06See you guys there.
00:25:07Thanks for watching
00:25:08NBA on Prime pregame
00:25:09presented by Carmack.
00:25:14A live look
00:25:15at Paycom Center.
00:25:16Thunder and Suns
00:25:17getting ready
00:25:17for the Emirates
00:25:18NBA Cup quarterfinals.
00:25:19Tip-off is just
00:25:20a few minutes away
00:25:21with Kevin Harlan,
00:25:22Jim Jackson,
00:25:23and Ali Clifton
00:25:23right of the NBA
00:25:25on Prime.
00:25:26Nights like tonight
00:25:35feel different.
00:25:37This isn't a series.
00:25:38There's no
00:25:39we'll get them next game.
00:25:41It's the same rules
00:25:43you grew up with.
00:25:44Walk home if you lose,
00:25:45but the winner stays.
00:25:47Suns.
00:25:49Suns.
00:25:51Thunder.
00:25:54One game.
00:25:56One chance to survive.
00:25:58This is the knockout round.
00:26:00The Emirates NBA Cup
00:26:01on Prime.
00:26:06Welcome back
00:26:07to the Emirates NBA Cup
00:26:08quarterfinals
00:26:09on Prime.
00:26:11The winner here
00:26:12will take on
00:26:12the winner of the
00:26:13Lakers and Spurs.
00:26:14That game is coming up
00:26:17after this one.
00:26:22So the matchup tonight,
00:26:24the Phoenix Suns
00:26:25and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
00:26:28And here is the starting
00:26:30five for Phoenix.
00:26:32We talked about Gillespie.
00:26:33Grayson Allen is healthy.
00:26:35Royce O'Neal adds a lot.
00:26:36And Mark Williams,
00:26:37another person who's had
00:26:39a history of health problems,
00:26:40Jim has really found
00:26:42a nice, sweet spot
00:26:44with this Phoenix team.
00:26:47And then you see
00:26:48the starting lineup,
00:26:49the familiar faces
00:26:50and names.
00:26:51Dort is back.
00:26:52They've had some injuries.
00:26:53A couple guys
00:26:54are still out,
00:26:55but they are basically
00:26:56Hale and Hardy
00:26:57and ready to go.
00:27:02Mark Dagmo,
00:27:03a championship coach now
00:27:06who literally,
00:27:07like the spolsters
00:27:08of the world
00:27:08in the NBA,
00:27:09have started
00:27:10from the fill room
00:27:11and worked their way up
00:27:12through the G League
00:27:13assistance,
00:27:14now head coach
00:27:15in the NBA.
00:27:16And it's a beautiful part
00:27:17because now he understands
00:27:18his players more than anybody
00:27:19because he's been
00:27:20through the ground.
00:27:21And it's a safe assumption
00:27:23to say through a quarter
00:27:24of his season
00:27:25that our coach of the year
00:27:26in the league
00:27:26may be first year head coach
00:27:28Jordan Nott of the Sun.
00:27:30And he has a definite
00:27:32argument for that,
00:27:33especially going into
00:27:34the season,
00:27:35not knowing how
00:27:36this roster would gel.
00:27:38A lot of questions
00:27:39have been answered,
00:27:40but a lot more games
00:27:41should be won.
00:27:42Our officials tonight
00:27:44here in Oklahoma,
00:27:45the crew chief
00:27:45is James Williams,
00:27:47the referee,
00:27:48Ray Acosta,
00:27:49the umpire,
00:27:50Daniel Scott
00:27:51in the replay center,
00:27:52Ed Malloy.
00:27:54And here we go
00:27:56with the Suns
00:27:57at 14 and 10
00:27:58and they can throw
00:28:00with Gillespie
00:28:01against the 23-and-1
00:28:03Oklahoma City Thunder.
00:28:05Wallace will take it
00:28:06the other way
00:28:07on a steal
00:28:07and a turnover.
00:28:08That's one thing
00:28:09you can't afford to do
00:28:10when you're on the road
00:28:11against this OKC team.
00:28:13Forcing turnovers
00:28:14is what they do best
00:28:16in that time,
00:28:16able to get one early,
00:28:18get a point or two,
00:28:19and Wallace sets the tone.
00:28:21And the Thunder,
00:28:22number one
00:28:22in points off turnovers
00:28:23in the NBA.
00:28:24Good feed.
00:28:25Williams got it on top
00:28:26from the guard inside.
00:28:29That was Allen
00:28:30who gets the assist.
00:28:31And I love the middle
00:28:32pick and roll
00:28:33with Grayson Allen
00:28:34because he's a threat
00:28:35off the dribble
00:28:35to shoot it.
00:28:37He's able to get
00:28:38and create some distance
00:28:39and Williams inside
00:28:41to finish.
00:28:42Here comes J-Dub,
00:28:43Jalen Williams
00:28:43outside to Holmgren.
00:28:45The fake,
00:28:45the drive,
00:28:46the feed,
00:28:46corner,
00:28:48and a beautiful three.
00:28:50Jason Wallace
00:28:50picks it up and in.
00:28:54He's got a quick five.
00:28:55Ball is a 38%
00:28:59three-point shooter.
00:29:01Long shot,
00:29:02Allen Noah.
00:29:04And a rebound
00:29:05by the angular,
00:29:06Chet Holmgren,
00:29:08who has a career high
00:29:10in rebounding
00:29:10at eight again.
00:29:12Shane Kilgis Alexander.
00:29:13The beautiful part
00:29:14about Shane's game
00:29:15is understanding
00:29:16how to read defense
00:29:17at that time,
00:29:18rejected the screen,
00:29:19got to his pull-up
00:29:20and able to once again
00:29:22do what he does best,
00:29:23which is knocking
00:29:23that 15-foot shot.
00:29:25Wallace now
00:29:26is watching Gillespie.
00:29:27They go inside.
00:29:29Williams can't hit.
00:29:30Rebound by Wallace.
00:29:32And then it's
00:29:33a scoring champion
00:29:34from a season ago
00:29:35and he's just as good
00:29:36this year.
00:29:3633 points a game
00:29:38for Kilgis Alexander.
00:29:41Gillespie's on him.
00:29:42Everything is in motion.
00:29:48Everything works so well.
00:29:50Fanning on that shot.
00:29:51Here come the Suns
00:29:52and on the road,
00:29:54six and six
00:29:55with that 14 and 10
00:29:57overall record.
00:29:58Allen wants to go inside.
00:29:59Nice catch by Williams.
00:30:00Knocked away.
00:30:01Lot of hands.
00:30:02And it's the Thunder.
00:30:05Williams takes it the other way.
00:30:07And a foul.
00:30:07Well, the activity,
00:30:09and let's go back early.
00:30:11To set the tone to the game,
00:30:12how do you want to do it?
00:30:13You want to score,
00:30:13you want to play defenses.
00:30:14Case and Wallace right here,
00:30:15give me those cookies.
00:30:16Able to strip.
00:30:17And not only that,
00:30:19the Thunder do an excellent job
00:30:21of converting those turnovers
00:30:23into threes.
00:30:24And when you're dropping off
00:30:2626 assists a game,
00:30:28you're going to knock in
00:30:29a lot of shots in that time
00:30:30while it's able to
00:30:31complete the play.
00:30:32Dylan Brooks picks up the foul
00:30:33for the Phoenix Suns.
00:30:36And they've got Jalen Williams
00:30:38at the line.
00:30:40So far this season,
00:30:41this is only the sixth game
00:30:42he's played.
00:30:43He is 16 of 16
00:30:45from the line.
00:30:47Had wrist surgery.
00:30:48Came back,
00:30:49missed the first 19 games.
00:30:50But it's amazing too
00:30:52that, you know,
00:30:53this OKC team
00:30:55didn't miss a beat.
00:30:56But they've gotten better
00:30:58with him offensively
00:30:59and defensively
00:31:00in the lineup, of course.
00:31:04Oklahoma City
00:31:05is undefeated at home.
00:31:0811-0.
00:31:08They beat Utah
00:31:10in Salt Lake Sunday
00:31:11by 30.
00:31:13And that was without
00:31:14four or five of their main
00:31:15rotational players
00:31:17to be able to put up
00:31:18those numbers.
00:31:19Williams is inside
00:31:20bumped on the play.
00:31:22Another Phoenix turnover.
00:31:23They got three.
00:31:24And Kevin,
00:31:25you can't float passes
00:31:26around this OKC Thunder team.
00:31:29Huges Alexander.
00:31:30Holmgren puts it back up
00:31:31with a whistle inside.
00:31:34Brooks is over there
00:31:35defending
00:31:35and I think just picked up
00:31:36another foul.
00:31:37Yeah, a little late whistle.
00:31:40That's his second,
00:31:41I believe.
00:31:41And, yep,
00:31:42let's go back to the activity.
00:31:44Okay, you think you got
00:31:45a passing lane with this
00:31:46OKC Thunder team,
00:31:47but here's the activity.
00:31:49You don't have to get
00:31:50the steel initially,
00:31:51but if you can deflect it,
00:31:52now you're able to get out
00:31:53and run.
00:31:54And that's that follow-through
00:31:56foul.
00:31:56You see on Dylan Brooks
00:31:58right there,
00:31:58not happy with it,
00:31:59but that's been an emphasis
00:32:00so far this year.
00:32:01So the last couple games
00:32:04for Shea,
00:32:0633 points Friday
00:32:07against Dallas,
00:32:0938 points last Tuesday
00:32:11against Golden State.
00:32:13Like I said,
00:32:14he's averaging 33 a game
00:32:15and takes, Jim,
00:32:17the second most free throw
00:32:18attempts in the NBA.
00:32:19But think about those numbers,
00:32:21too.
00:32:21We're talking about
00:32:22consecutive games,
00:32:2329 and 15 right now.
00:32:26Allen,
00:32:27three,
00:32:29but with Shea
00:32:30not even playing
00:32:31in the fourth quarter
00:32:31a lot of times.
00:32:32So he's putting up
00:32:33these enormous numbers
00:32:34to steal some time
00:32:36left to play in the game.
00:32:37And Holmgren
00:32:38will rattle one in
00:32:39from outside.
00:32:40Chet shoots 36%
00:32:42from distance
00:32:45as Allen will take it.
00:32:46Close O'Neal,
00:32:47the fake,
00:32:47he'll fire the triple away.
00:32:50Rebound pulled down
00:32:51by Jalen Williams.
00:32:53And Holmgren,
00:32:55who missed 50 games
00:32:56a season ago,
00:32:5739 because of the
00:32:58pelvic injury,
00:32:59and he's going inside
00:33:00over Williams
00:33:00and a rebound
00:33:01by O'Neal.
00:33:02Got a good look inside.
00:33:04This time,
00:33:04this is where
00:33:04Phoenix has to push
00:33:06the pace a little bit
00:33:07before the OKC Thunder
00:33:08to get set.
00:33:09Brooks have tried
00:33:10inside.
00:33:10Williams tried to get it
00:33:11and picked up
00:33:12by Dort.
00:33:13The Phoenix Suns
00:33:14won in Minnesota
00:33:15Monday by three.
00:33:19Inside,
00:33:20they sneak it.
00:33:21Dort tried to get it.
00:33:22Turnover by the Thunder.
00:33:24And they don't turn it
00:33:25over a one,
00:33:25about 10 times a game.
00:33:27It's Brooks,
00:33:29right into Holmgren,
00:33:30gets the bump
00:33:30and got it to the top.
00:33:31But that's the beauty
00:33:32of it.
00:33:33You can force OKC
00:33:34into turnover.
00:33:35Kevin,
00:33:36you have to be able
00:33:37to convert that
00:33:37at the opposite end.
00:33:39And that time,
00:33:39Brooks put that big
00:33:40shoulder right into
00:33:41the chest of Holmgren.
00:33:42Holmgren three.
00:33:45Timeout taken,
00:33:46the Phoenix Suns.
00:33:47It's a good
00:33:50three-point shooting team.
00:33:51And the Thunder
00:33:52with an early statement
00:33:53up by 10 on Prime.
00:33:56Back on Prime.
00:33:57And now for tonight's
00:33:58Inside the Game
00:33:59powered by AWS
00:34:01from the last time
00:34:02they met about 12 days ago.
00:34:03And it talks about
00:34:04and points out
00:34:05the defensive job
00:34:07that Dylan Brooks did
00:34:07on OKC players.
00:34:09You see no points,
00:34:10zero points
00:34:11in how many minutes
00:34:12against them.
00:34:13Again,
00:34:14it's not going to happen
00:34:14every game,
00:34:15but you can best be assured
00:34:17that Dylan Brooks
00:34:18will make it
00:34:18extremely difficult
00:34:19on anyone
00:34:20that he guards.
00:34:21Ten-point lead
00:34:22for the Thunder.
00:34:23O'Neal had it on top.
00:34:25A quick whistle blown.
00:34:26Dort will pick it up
00:34:27and Dort picks up
00:34:29number one.
00:34:30Here's the pick.
00:34:32And again,
00:34:33turning down the screen.
00:34:35I mean,
00:34:35reading the defense.
00:34:38One of SGA's
00:34:39best attributes.
00:34:41A lot of traffic
00:34:42in there for Gillespie.
00:34:44Hacked away
00:34:45with Holmgren's
00:34:46great rim protection.
00:34:48Hartenstein is still out.
00:34:50But boy,
00:34:50those guys together,
00:34:51it's almost
00:34:52an impenetrable duo.
00:34:54And we just saw Holmgren
00:34:55right there showing off
00:34:56with a missed shot
00:34:57from outside.
00:34:59And it's taken
00:35:00by Royce O'Neal.
00:35:01Grayson Allen.
00:35:06Again,
00:35:06no Devin Booker tonight.
00:35:08Third consecutive
00:35:08missed game.
00:35:10Allen three.
00:35:11Book it.
00:35:11And you got to make them
00:35:12play.
00:35:13That's how SGA
00:35:13overhelped
00:35:14on the Dylan Brooks
00:35:16drive.
00:35:16And smartly,
00:35:18Grayson Allen
00:35:18floated right to the corner
00:35:20for a knockdown three.
00:35:21Outside it goes.
00:35:23How about the pace,
00:35:24Jim,
00:35:24early on?
00:35:25It's favoring OKC.
00:35:27I know Phoenix wants
00:35:28to get up and down.
00:35:29But right now,
00:35:30in the half-court set
00:35:31especially,
00:35:32this is where OKC
00:35:33can dissect any defense.
00:35:35They're going to be
00:35:36methodical.
00:35:37They're going to pick
00:35:37and roll you.
00:35:38And then once you make
00:35:39a mistake,
00:35:39as you see,
00:35:40they'll make you pay.
00:35:41Holmgren is there for.
00:35:42Good-looking penetration
00:35:43inside right there.
00:35:44Grayson Allen.
00:35:45And that's the pace
00:35:46I'm talking about.
00:35:47And maybe sometimes
00:35:48Kevin is not in transition,
00:35:50right?
00:35:50But is it in their
00:35:51secondary break
00:35:52in their half-court
00:35:52offense?
00:35:53If they can move
00:35:53the ball quickly,
00:35:55the defense shifts
00:35:55and now you may have
00:35:56some driving length.
00:35:59It's Dort
00:36:00with the defense
00:36:02by Gillespie
00:36:02and picked up here
00:36:03by O'Neal.
00:36:04And now in the hands
00:36:06of Brooks.
00:36:06Came in the KD trade
00:36:08from Houston.
00:36:09Lines a gap.
00:36:10Got the screen.
00:36:11Puts it up.
00:36:13Another 100 rebound.
00:36:15He's collected a couple.
00:36:18The Thunders,
00:36:1923-1.
00:36:21Nice play.
00:36:22Count for two.
00:36:23Foul called inside.
00:36:26He is so slithery
00:36:28inside,
00:36:29finding any kind of gap.
00:36:30It always seems
00:36:31to converse.
00:36:32But here's the challenge.
00:36:34The pickup point
00:36:35in which the defensive
00:36:36player chooses
00:36:37to meet SGA.
00:36:40If it's too high,
00:36:41he gets by.
00:36:41If it's too late,
00:36:43now he's free throw line
00:36:45extending.
00:36:46He's going to use
00:36:46that size and savvy
00:36:47athletic skill
00:36:48and offensive skill
00:36:50to i.e.
00:36:50get the basket,
00:36:51the bucket,
00:36:52and the foul
00:36:53or both.
00:36:55And that's what he did
00:36:55on that particular play.
00:36:57Allen had picked up
00:36:58with the foul.
00:36:58It's the first on him.
00:36:59Grayson Allen right here,
00:37:02the stutter step.
00:37:04Look at the collision
00:37:06of defenders in there
00:37:07trying to guard.
00:37:09They bring in Ryan Dunn
00:37:10for the first time.
00:37:11Rebound by Wallace.
00:37:13And here comes Williams.
00:37:14O'Neal poked it away.
00:37:17Nice defense by Phoenix.
00:37:18And they got a break
00:37:19and a two-on-one.
00:37:20O'Neal done!
00:37:21We'll take it in.
00:37:22Fighting for two.
00:37:23And a little bit
00:37:24providing...
00:37:26OKC a little bit
00:37:27of their own medicine
00:37:28to be able to pluck that
00:37:29away from the back.
00:37:30Once again,
00:37:30you have to be able
00:37:31to convert that
00:37:32in transition.
00:37:32Great job by the Suns.
00:37:34Tadop takes it inside hard.
00:37:36But you can't get it
00:37:37right back up
00:37:38on a straight-line drive.
00:37:40On the layup,
00:37:41a little miscommunication
00:37:42and coverage
00:37:42that time by the Suns.
00:37:44Only loss
00:37:45for Oklahoma City
00:37:47November 5th
00:37:48at Portland
00:37:48by two points.
00:37:50Otherwise,
00:37:51perfection.
00:37:52With a whistle
00:37:53and a foul on the wing.
00:37:57Talk so much
00:37:58about the OKC defense,
00:38:00but this Phoenix Suns defense
00:38:01compared to last year
00:38:02is so much better.
00:38:04I mean,
00:38:04this season,
00:38:05their defensive ranks
00:38:06right now,
00:38:07defensive efficiency
00:38:08on 113 a game.
00:38:10They're forcing teams
00:38:11to turn the ball
00:38:11over 17 times a game.
00:38:14So the commitment
00:38:14to that end
00:38:15is a major reason
00:38:17why they've been able
00:38:18to be so successful
00:38:19early this season.
00:38:21Williams picked that up.
00:38:23Get it up.
00:38:24On top.
00:38:25New player in.
00:38:27Higodaro.
00:38:28On the fly.
00:38:29Done.
00:38:31Both Williams
00:38:32are in now.
00:38:33Jalen Williams
00:38:34and Jalen Williams.
00:38:35J-Dub and J-Will.
00:38:37And here comes
00:38:38Gilchrist Alexander.
00:38:39Higodaro is there.
00:38:40He played at Marquette.
00:38:42His game is evolving.
00:38:44Williams will dance here
00:38:45and put this overdone.
00:38:47A good defender.
00:38:48A really good defender,
00:38:49but a better offensive player.
00:38:50Now, you see the value.
00:38:51Everybody's seen it last year,
00:38:52but having J-Dub
00:38:54back on the court
00:38:55with SGA
00:38:57just makes that tandem
00:38:58virtually unstoppable.
00:39:00Brooks trying to force
00:39:01the issue
00:39:02with a drive inside
00:39:03and 4-27
00:39:04here in the first quarter.
00:39:07It's an elimination game,
00:39:09and the winner here
00:39:10advances to Las Vegas
00:39:12in the semifinals.
00:39:13And the foul
00:39:14as we take a look
00:39:18at the upcoming
00:39:18national TV schedule.
00:39:20Friday, December 12th.
00:39:21That's coming up.
00:39:22NBA TV, Atlanta,
00:39:23and Detroit,
00:39:24and the Warriors
00:39:24will host the Timberwolves.
00:39:26Saturday, December 13th,
00:39:28right here on Prime,
00:39:29Emirates NBA Cup
00:39:30East Semifinals.
00:39:32With Orlando
00:39:33against the Knicks
00:39:33at 5-30 Eastern.
00:39:35The West Semifinals
00:39:36at 9 Eastern.
00:39:37And for more
00:39:37on these games,
00:39:39go to NBA.com
00:39:40or visit the NBA app.
00:39:42Brooks is at the line.
00:39:44And J-Will
00:39:45picked up his first foul
00:39:46moments ago
00:39:47off the bench
00:39:47of Coach Mark Dagnall.
00:39:49The Suns have to do
00:39:50a better job
00:39:51at defending
00:39:51without fouling.
00:39:52Again,
00:39:53a four-point loss
00:39:54earlier to OKC
00:39:56was determined
00:39:57by four more
00:39:58free-throws made
00:39:59by the Thunder.
00:40:00Good point.
00:40:01Inside,
00:40:02across the lane,
00:40:03getting it to drop.
00:40:04The newly instated
00:40:05Mitchell.
00:40:06Just keep coming
00:40:07at you, man.
00:40:08Anybody that puts
00:40:09on a KC uniform
00:40:10basically will come
00:40:12into the game
00:40:13and have some
00:40:13kind of impact.
00:40:14AJ Mitchell's
00:40:15averaging a career
00:40:16high 14 points
00:40:17a game.
00:40:17They really distribute.
00:40:18Dunn will take
00:40:19it in.
00:40:22Wiggins has also
00:40:23come in.
00:40:24Here is Ligodaro
00:40:25inside.
00:40:27Trying to dig
00:40:28it out on the
00:40:29floor.
00:40:29Ditton Tangled
00:40:30playing Twister
00:40:31picked up by
00:40:32Jay Will.
00:40:36He's defensible.
00:40:39Wallace had a nice
00:40:40stream.
00:40:41SGA gets it outside.
00:40:43That's a three.
00:40:44Booktown!
00:40:45AJ Mitchell!
00:40:46Once you overhelp,
00:40:48you commit.
00:40:50LGA treats so much
00:40:52gravity,
00:40:52able to hit Mitchell.
00:40:54It's Brooks!
00:40:5615-footer won't go.
00:40:57Wallace has got
00:40:58the rebound.
00:40:59Gilgis Alexander
00:41:00will celebrate.
00:41:01And he'll lose the
00:41:02ball the other way
00:41:03and now it's taken
00:41:04right back and then
00:41:05back again.
00:41:06It's like that
00:41:06Monday night game
00:41:07when Hurts
00:41:07fumbled him a couple
00:41:08times.
00:41:09Taking it inside.
00:41:10The drive will not
00:41:10go for Jordan Goodwin
00:41:12who's in.
00:41:12At the other end,
00:41:14they go up top and
00:41:15Wallace is there
00:41:15at an ice feed from
00:41:17SGA.
00:41:18You don't score.
00:41:20Now, OKC and the
00:41:21great teams are able
00:41:22to take care of an
00:41:23OKC rolling right now
00:41:25up 17.
00:41:28Welcome back to
00:41:29Oklahoma City
00:41:30despite being down
00:41:3017 here early in
00:41:32the first quarter.
00:41:33One guy to keep an
00:41:33eye on as the game
00:41:34goes on is Dylan
00:41:35Brooks because despite
00:41:36it being his first
00:41:37season in Phoenix,
00:41:38Dylan Brooks has
00:41:39wasted no time being
00:41:40Dylan, continuing to
00:41:41prove and you see
00:41:42the numbers, his
00:41:42ability to impact
00:41:43winning.
00:41:44Dylan says since
00:41:45being 12 years old,
00:41:46he's always been a
00:41:47giver.
00:41:47He told me this
00:41:48morning at the
00:41:48shootaround, guys
00:41:49want to feed off of
00:41:50that energy, make
00:41:51themselves better for
00:41:52it and also taking
00:41:53what he learned his
00:41:54first few years in
00:41:55the league, guys,
00:41:55giving it to his
00:41:56teammates, match
00:41:57with who he's
00:41:57always been.
00:41:58It's like been a
00:41:59perfect merit.
00:42:00He even told me now
00:42:01it's motivating him to
00:42:02be an even better
00:42:03basketball player all
00:42:04around, which Kevin,
00:42:05you look at his
00:42:06offensive numbers this
00:42:07season, it all seems
00:42:08like a win-win right
00:42:09now for Dylan and the
00:42:10Suns.
00:42:10He's averaging Allie, 22
00:42:12points a game, the
00:42:13highest in his career.
00:42:14Let me ask you, because
00:42:15you were practiced today,
00:42:16the sore left Achilles
00:42:17for Brooks.
00:42:18Where does that stand?
00:42:19He's playing, but is he
00:42:20inhibited at all?
00:42:22It's funny you ask that,
00:42:23Kevin, because when he
00:42:23was asked this morning,
00:42:24he literally looked at
00:42:25the reporter, gave a
00:42:26smirk and said, I have
00:42:27no energy, excuse me,
00:42:29to give towards an
00:42:30injury, and he is not
00:42:32dealing with that right
00:42:33now.
00:42:33Allie, we thank you.
00:42:35Iguodaro inside.
00:42:37J-Rill is there
00:42:38defending.
00:42:38It's loose.
00:42:40Coyier has come in,
00:42:41and here comes Gilgis
00:42:42Alexander, who's put
00:42:43every minute so far
00:42:44this first quarter.
00:42:45Yeah, OKC makes a team
00:42:48so uncomfortable,
00:42:49in particular, in the
00:42:49lane, to get an easy
00:42:51shot, and speaking of
00:42:52easy shots, that one
00:42:53was contested.
00:42:55Caruso off the bench,
00:42:56just got a hand on it.
00:42:57Mitchell makes a move.
00:42:59Dunn is there.
00:43:00A fake, a drive,
00:43:02facing the double,
00:43:03back on top.
00:43:04It's Caruso for three.
00:43:08And now, they're on
00:43:09a 14-2 run.
00:43:11And before you know
00:43:12it, this OKC team
00:43:13can beat you in so
00:43:15many different areas.
00:43:16The patience that time,
00:43:17the movement, and then
00:43:18the crisp odds, and
00:43:19opening up for Caruso
00:43:20to knock it at open
00:43:21three.
00:43:22Goodwin, three, good.
00:43:25Played last year with
00:43:26the Lakers.
00:43:28Jordan Goodwin, 35%
00:43:31from three, knocks it
00:43:33in.
00:43:37Right earlier with
00:43:38Phoenix as well.
00:43:39Here's Caruso, who does
00:43:41so much.
00:43:42The versatility of this
00:43:43team is off the charts.
00:43:46Three won't go right there
00:43:48by Mitchell.
00:43:48Good contest this time,
00:43:50got to push it a little bit
00:43:51more, see if you can attack
00:43:52before this OKC defense
00:43:54gets set.
00:43:54Iguodaro effectively
00:43:56takes it across.
00:43:57In the corner, the triple
00:43:59launch.
00:44:01And put back up and in.
00:44:02Alertly inside, the Suns
00:44:04get two.
00:44:05And that's an area too,
00:44:06Kevin.
00:44:07Off to rebound, can you get
00:44:08enough off those missed
00:44:09shots?
00:44:10Do I be able to create
00:44:11extra shots and then
00:44:12convert that into points
00:44:15for your team?
00:44:16Aaron Wiggins missing in.
00:44:19Iguodaro, who got the two
00:44:20moments to go, will take
00:44:21it the other way.
00:44:23The hesitation and the
00:44:24feed, he throws it away.
00:44:26On the left side for
00:44:27Goodwin.
00:44:27Oklahoma City now is led
00:44:29by 10 points or more in
00:44:3122 of their 25 games this
00:44:34season.
00:44:34Well, get a team into
00:44:35rotation and when you're
00:44:36able to do that, now it's
00:44:37a two-on-one on the weak
00:44:38side.
00:44:39You got to make the right
00:44:40decision.
00:44:40You come back, Caruso
00:44:41curls right in his
00:44:42clash.
00:44:43That's just like shooting
00:44:44practice.
00:44:48They switch on defense.
00:44:50Gillespie goes on
00:44:51Gilchrist Alexander.
00:44:52Shot clock at two.
00:44:53The cutting.
00:44:55Jalen Williams inside.
00:44:56Down he goes.
00:44:57Gouye picks it up.
00:44:58Oklahoma City with a
00:44:59foul to give.
00:45:00Knocked away from
00:45:01Gillespie.
00:45:02A turnover.
00:45:03Two-on-two.
00:45:03It's just when you
00:45:04thought you had an
00:45:05opening.
00:45:06It's gone.
00:45:08And then they
00:45:08converted points off
00:45:10turnovers is what this
00:45:11team feasts on.
00:45:13Yeah, four turnovers
00:45:14right now, six points
00:45:15for OKC.
00:45:18Final second to the
00:45:19first quarter.
00:45:21It's the quarterfinals.
00:45:22A look at the trapping
00:45:22defense in a
00:45:23straight jacket.
00:45:24There was Gouye
00:45:25and he goes inside
00:45:26and a beautiful
00:45:27cutting jam by
00:45:28Ryan Dunn.
00:45:32OKC!
00:45:33Here comes Williams
00:45:34as you know the time.
00:45:37Mitchell will fire it up
00:45:38and that will end the
00:45:39first quarter.
00:45:40Pretty impressive.
00:45:42The lead of Oklahoma City
00:45:43climbed as high as 20 points.
00:45:47Leading 38-23 at the end of one.
00:45:50This is the NBA on prime
00:45:52to the Emirates NBA Cup
00:45:53quarterfinals on prime.
00:45:55It's the Thunder and the Suns.
00:45:59And the winner here
00:46:00will take on the winner
00:46:01of the Lakers and Spurs
00:46:02coming up next on prime.
00:46:06We already saw the East
00:46:08get set
00:46:09with the Knicks beating Toronto.
00:46:11Orlando taking care of the heat.
00:46:14Second quarter has started.
00:46:15By six points from three
00:46:20for the Thunder.
00:46:21Mitchell right here.
00:46:23It's Holmgren.
00:46:24He'll launch a three again
00:46:25and hit another one.
00:46:26This guy from distance tonight
00:46:28has knocked down
00:46:29three triplets so far.
00:46:31And as a team,
00:46:32OKC is six for nine
00:46:33from behind the three-point line.
00:46:35The Suns are not providing
00:46:37any resistance
00:46:39to force this OKC team
00:46:41to be a little uncomfortable
00:46:42behind three.
00:46:45Goodwin launches and misses.
00:46:46Cambridge Williams has come in
00:46:48for the first time
00:46:49for the Thunder.
00:46:50They go inside
00:46:50to the leaping Caruso.
00:46:55Williams will thrive
00:46:56and take it inside,
00:46:57snaking to the rack
00:46:58and a foul call
00:46:59as J-Dubb
00:47:00is going to the iron.
00:47:04One of the hardest teams to guard
00:47:07is not just one
00:47:08that has talent,
00:47:08but one that is
00:47:09in constant movement.
00:47:11If you're able to catch
00:47:12on the move,
00:47:12you're going to have
00:47:13a foot up on your opponent
00:47:15and be able to get
00:47:16those creases
00:47:17in those gaps.
00:47:18You're two feet in the bank.
00:47:20Dunn picks up the foul.
00:47:21Perfect from the line
00:47:22is Williams.
00:47:23Let's take a look
00:47:24at the live odds
00:47:24to win the Emirates NBA Cup
00:47:27presented by FanDuel.
00:47:29You can see right there
00:47:30with a 23-1 Thunder.
00:47:33The defending champions
00:47:34are right at the top.
00:47:37I just love the fact
00:47:38that now the players
00:47:39have kind of touched
00:47:40on this at the beginning.
00:47:42They kind of really
00:47:42bought into them.
00:47:44Selfishly,
00:47:44of course,
00:47:45to get some money,
00:47:45but also for those
00:47:46two-way players.
00:47:47Guys that are
00:47:48in and out
00:47:49the new kid.
00:47:50Holy smokes.
00:47:51To be able to get
00:47:52a $500,000 payout,
00:47:53come on.
00:47:54Beautiful offense.
00:47:55He got it from
00:47:56the West beyond top.
00:47:57But that's the kind
00:47:58of offense you're
00:47:59going to have to use
00:48:00against this OKC team.
00:48:02Now you're able to
00:48:03shift it,
00:48:03get to the second side,
00:48:04come back for that
00:48:05pick and roll,
00:48:06and then make a play
00:48:07out of it.
00:48:07Jalen Williams
00:48:09will take it.
00:48:11Edwards Williams
00:48:12with the screen.
00:48:13Defense error
00:48:14right by Goodwin.
00:48:15It's loose
00:48:16and a turnover
00:48:17forced by the Phoenix
00:48:18D. Goodwin
00:48:18trying to keep it alive
00:48:19and done.
00:48:21And done.
00:48:21Boo-yay crippled.
00:48:26Boy, you're better
00:48:27out of San Francisco.
00:48:28He's played for
00:48:28six different NBA teams.
00:48:30He sound like my career
00:48:31right now.
00:48:32He need about six more
00:48:33and he'll catch up.
00:48:35Oh, look at the tribe
00:48:36inside and met
00:48:37at the rim.
00:48:38Mitchell hits the deck.
00:48:40Down he goes.
00:48:41Foul called.
00:48:42His body is around
00:48:43the floor,
00:48:43and Ryan Dunn
00:48:44met him at the iron.
00:48:47But this is in transition.
00:48:48Secondary break.
00:48:49Boo-yay was able
00:48:51to catch Caruso
00:48:52kind of in between
00:48:53where he wanted
00:48:54to defend
00:48:55and then right back
00:48:56at you.
00:48:58Can't sleep
00:48:59on this OKC team.
00:49:00They're going to attack
00:49:00right back off the dribble
00:49:01of Mitchell.
00:49:02Excellent job
00:49:03of two feet in the paint
00:49:04getting to the basket.
00:49:05Gordon Goodwin
00:49:06picked up his first foul.
00:49:07Here is A.J. Mitchell
00:49:08at the free-throw line.
00:49:09He is a ball hawk.
00:49:10He has a lot of steals.
00:49:12He has great length
00:49:13and they love
00:49:14those kind of players
00:49:15who attack the perimeter.
00:49:16The versatility, Jim,
00:49:18defensively,
00:49:19of the Thunder
00:49:20is really something
00:49:21to watch and appreciate.
00:49:22And here's the thing, too,
00:49:23is that, okay,
00:49:24you may have a shot blocker
00:49:25or two in Holmes
00:49:25and Hardenstein,
00:49:26but the perimeter
00:49:28play is a point
00:49:29of attack defense.
00:49:30They take it personally.
00:49:31They don't want
00:49:31to have to rely
00:49:32on shot blockers
00:49:33at the rim.
00:49:34So for them,
00:49:35you see right now,
00:49:36you turn it over,
00:49:37they want to make
00:49:38life miserable
00:49:39on perimeter players.
00:49:41So they take pride
00:49:42and joy
00:49:42in that aspect.
00:49:48Cross-court,
00:49:49Kenrod Williams,
00:49:50three missed it all.
00:49:52It was picked up
00:49:53on the plate
00:49:53by Goodwin.
00:49:54And now,
00:49:55Colin Gillespie.
00:49:56Take it off.
00:50:05Mitchell will defend.
00:50:06The kickout.
00:50:08Buye,
00:50:09shot clock is down to four.
00:50:11Looking in the corner,
00:50:11ricochets out of bounds.
00:50:13It's the Suns' ball.
00:50:14Another deflection.
00:50:15That's how
00:50:15he got caught in the air.
00:50:17Nowhere to go.
00:50:18Five seconds.
00:50:20The Suns can get
00:50:21a good shot here.
00:50:24Phoenix,
00:50:25their fourth
00:50:25consecutive road game.
00:50:28But it's O'Neal
00:50:29first screws up.
00:50:30And he's got
00:50:31his first two.
00:50:36Mitchell,
00:50:37oh,
00:50:37nice feet.
00:50:38Good cut.
00:50:38Holmgren was
00:50:39double bowed
00:50:39and had the ball
00:50:40knocked away.
00:50:41Numbers the other way.
00:50:42It must be on the wing
00:50:43and to the hole.
00:50:45Sliding Goodwin
00:50:46for the deuce.
00:50:47Timeout taken
00:50:47Oklahoma City.
00:50:50And the Suns
00:50:51without Devin Booker
00:50:52on a 9-2 run.
00:50:55This is the NBA
00:50:56on prime.
00:50:59Now,
00:50:59the Thunder
00:51:00led by 20
00:51:01at one point.
00:51:01Suns haven't had a lead.
00:51:03This is an elimination
00:51:03game in the Cup.
00:51:05Busy offseason
00:51:06for the Suns.
00:51:07Jim,
00:51:0714 new players,
00:51:09a new head coach,
00:51:10new staff.
00:51:10The numbers reflect
00:51:12the change
00:51:12from last year
00:51:13to this.
00:51:13But a new philosophy,
00:51:15particularly on the
00:51:15defensive end.
00:51:16Anybody would have said
00:51:17this was going to happen,
00:51:18you're crazy.
00:51:19But Mark Williams
00:51:20and Dylan Brooks,
00:51:21two guys who thrive
00:51:22on the defensive end,
00:51:24have definitely
00:51:24made a change.
00:51:25This is the team
00:51:26that's most improved
00:51:26defense from last year.
00:51:29Holmgren in there,
00:51:30fighting.
00:51:30and it was picked up
00:51:32on the rebound
00:51:33by Jordan Goodwin
00:51:33who tries to split.
00:51:35O'Neal is trailing.
00:51:37Leeson side
00:51:38and picked up here,
00:51:39Jalen Williams
00:51:40to Caruso.
00:51:41Scooping Holmgren.
00:51:42Another turnover.
00:51:44Sloppy play.
00:51:45Gillespie got it.
00:51:46And he'll take it
00:51:47the other way
00:51:47for the Suns
00:51:48who have made
00:51:50five consecutive
00:51:51and seven of their
00:51:52last eight shots.
00:51:54The bench
00:51:54has scored well.
00:51:55And tonight we know
00:51:56Devin Booker is there.
00:51:58Goodwin to the hole.
00:51:59Holmgren was there.
00:52:00Tipped away.
00:52:02And Mitchell
00:52:02will go the other way
00:52:04for the Thunder.
00:52:05That's two consecutive
00:52:06plays Holmgren
00:52:07and has been involved
00:52:08on the defensive end
00:52:11where layups
00:52:12were there.
00:52:13But then Holmgren
00:52:14with that wingspan
00:52:15deterred his opponent.
00:52:18And Suns able
00:52:19to get nothing
00:52:19out of both drives.
00:52:22Iguodaro.
00:52:23Bouye, a floater.
00:52:25And he comes in
00:52:26and puts it down.
00:52:28Last three games.
00:52:31He is 12 to 16
00:52:32and tonight
00:52:33he has come off
00:52:34the bench
00:52:34and gone two of two.
00:52:36He's a very accurate
00:52:37shooter.
00:52:37He is, but, you know,
00:52:39oh,
00:52:39speaking of accuracy,
00:52:40he is seven foot
00:52:41and you get right
00:52:42above the arc.
00:52:44Off balance
00:52:45doesn't matter,
00:52:45Devin.
00:52:46He's still able
00:52:47to draw off
00:52:48that soft touch
00:52:49right in the middle.
00:52:50He's double-jointed
00:52:51in every limb.
00:52:53Gillespie.
00:52:54Iguodaro.
00:52:55Goodwin triple.
00:52:58Rebound.
00:52:58And it's an offensive
00:52:59rebound for the Suns.
00:53:02Began the season
00:53:03one and four,
00:53:04then one seven of eight
00:53:05wide of the ship.
00:53:07Past seven games,
00:53:08they've gone three and four.
00:53:10Boyce O'Neal driving.
00:53:11The defense by Holmgren.
00:53:13Punched on the play.
00:53:14Pushed by Goodwin.
00:53:16Foul call.
00:53:16I talked about it earlier.
00:53:18Taking pride
00:53:19in defending one-on-one,
00:53:21but it's also good
00:53:22to have a shot blocker
00:53:23behind you.
00:53:24And that time,
00:53:26Royce O'Neal
00:53:26kind of looked
00:53:27over his shoulder
00:53:28and saw Holmgren
00:53:29and that time Goodwin
00:53:30keeping his eye out.
00:53:32And here it is.
00:53:32Seven foot has
00:53:33his privileges right here.
00:53:34Yeah.
00:53:35Get inside,
00:53:36throw it up,
00:53:37knock it in.
00:53:38And he's thinking about it.
00:53:39Chad Holmgren
00:53:40is still scratching
00:53:41the surface,
00:53:42Kevin,
00:53:42on how good he could be
00:53:43as a play.
00:53:44I mean,
00:53:45we see this part of it,
00:53:47but I just think
00:53:47it's so much more growth
00:53:49with that young man
00:53:50in his game.
00:53:51And she'll make it a move.
00:53:53Brooks is in.
00:53:54Goodwin picked up
00:53:55his second foul.
00:53:56Another turnover.
00:53:57Another turnover.
00:53:58Now that time,
00:53:59it's a unforced turnover
00:54:02by OKC.
00:54:03You give this Suns team
00:54:05some life here
00:54:06because
00:54:06you don't turn it over now.
00:54:09Let's see
00:54:10what they can do
00:54:10offensively
00:54:11to get a good set.
00:54:15On the fly,
00:54:16go Westfield.
00:54:18Out of bounds.
00:54:20It sails.
00:54:21In the first game
00:54:22that these two teams
00:54:22played 12 days ago,
00:54:2420 turnovers forced
00:54:25by the Thunder
00:54:26against the Suns.
00:54:27And they got 29 points
00:54:28off those turnovers.
00:54:30But tonight,
00:54:30turning it over
00:54:31more than they did
00:54:31that first meeting.
00:54:32Yeah, they are.
00:54:33And...
00:54:34Kenridge Williams.
00:54:36This is the thing, too.
00:54:38Gotta shoot the three-ball well.
00:54:39In the last seven
00:54:40to eight games,
00:54:41the Suns have shot
00:54:42under 37%
00:54:44from behind the arc.
00:54:45Brooks,
00:54:46oh, knocked away
00:54:46by Hongren inside.
00:54:48Once again,
00:54:49the defensive prowess
00:54:50that time of
00:54:50Chad Hongren inside
00:54:52being in the perfect
00:54:53position to provide
00:54:54backline health.
00:54:55Iguodaro defending
00:54:57Kenridge Williams.
00:54:59He was patient.
00:55:01It was tough.
00:55:02But you see that
00:55:02little bump with the
00:55:03shoulder?
00:55:03Yep.
00:55:04That time you got
00:55:05Iguodaro just off-balance
00:55:06to create enough space
00:55:08to get that uneven shot off.
00:55:11Brooks, Iguodaro.
00:55:13Brooks has really been
00:55:14thriving at the mid-range.
00:55:16That is where his numbers
00:55:17are huge.
00:55:18And here he is
00:55:18with a mid-range shot.
00:55:19Quick foul.
00:55:22It's called right there
00:55:23on Aaron Wiggins
00:55:24of the Thunder.
00:55:26It is his first.
00:55:27Well, here it is.
00:55:27Chet playing
00:55:28one-on-one defense.
00:55:30And that time
00:55:30he learned from
00:55:31the last occasion
00:55:32where Brooks put
00:55:33that shoulder into him.
00:55:34Stood his ground
00:55:35able to block it.
00:55:36And Kendrick Williams
00:55:38does the same thing
00:55:39that time,
00:55:39able to create the space.
00:55:41I tell you what,
00:55:42in this game too,
00:55:42Dylan Brooks right now.
00:55:45One for six.
00:55:46The thing that OKC
00:55:48is doing against Dylan,
00:55:49Dylan wants to bully ball
00:55:51you, which is okay.
00:55:52Which they're just showing.
00:55:53What they're doing
00:55:54is trying to take away
00:55:55the little gaps,
00:55:56push him out of his
00:55:57comfort zone a little bit more
00:55:58because he hasn't been
00:55:59shooting the three ball
00:56:00as well as late.
00:56:03So he's trying to get
00:56:04a little bit closer
00:56:05to the basket,
00:56:06which I think plays
00:56:07into the hands
00:56:08a little bit more
00:56:09of OKC.
00:56:10Mark Williams
00:56:11back in the middle now
00:56:12for the Suns.
00:56:13Here is Holmgren.
00:56:14Down goes
00:56:15Shea Gilgis-Alexander.
00:56:206.05 here in the second.
00:56:23Royce O'Neal
00:56:24picks up the foul.
00:56:25It is safe to say
00:56:26that the biggest surprise
00:56:27so far in this
00:56:29Western Conference
00:56:30has been the Phoenix Suns.
00:56:31We came out of that break
00:56:32and showed you
00:56:33some of the numbers
00:56:33last year to this.
00:56:35But they are probably
00:56:35the biggest surprise
00:56:36in a very tough West.
00:56:37Well, and they should be.
00:56:38When you have a roster
00:56:39overhaul like the Phoenix Suns did,
00:56:42I think they're justified
00:56:43well, that's justifiable
00:56:46right there
00:56:47when he's wide open
00:56:47and knocking it.
00:56:48But it's justified
00:56:49that you picked
00:56:50a little bit more
00:56:50because you don't know
00:56:51how these new pieces
00:56:53are going to actually
00:56:54work together.
00:56:55That's why you got to
00:56:55play the game.
00:56:56Royce O'Neal
00:56:57got it from Williams.
00:56:59Dillon Brooks.
00:57:01Cason Wallace is there.
00:57:02The bump.
00:57:03Shot put up.
00:57:04Nice.
00:57:05Again, that mid-range
00:57:06there for Brooks.
00:57:07That's not able
00:57:08to clear the space
00:57:09without
00:57:10extending that left arm
00:57:12committing an offensive foul
00:57:14by Brooks.
00:57:19Gilgis Alexander
00:57:20with 12 points so far.
00:57:23O'Neal right there.
00:57:24Longer.
00:57:25Shot clock at 4.
00:57:26Dork the 3.
00:57:28Rebound Brooks.
00:57:29Reels it in.
00:57:30And the Gilgis Alexander.
00:57:40Oh, not the way.
00:57:40Holmgren who comes down hard.
00:57:42Landing on each other.
00:57:46Holmgren was quick
00:57:46to say something
00:57:47to Brooks.
00:57:47He let him know.
00:57:49You're okay.
00:57:49It's not on purpose.
00:57:50But here's the beauty
00:57:51about it.
00:57:52Okay, team defense
00:57:53is all about
00:57:53being in the right place.
00:57:54So by Chet being
00:57:56in the middle of the lane
00:57:57all you had to do
00:57:57is take one step home
00:57:58and he was right there
00:57:59to contest a shot.
00:58:00If he's over
00:58:01a little bit closer
00:58:02to the block
00:58:03he's not going to get that shot.
00:58:05He had to turn over
00:58:06and here comes Wallace.
00:58:08Booyah is there.
00:58:09Oh, look at flying in
00:58:10but can't convert
00:58:11on the play.
00:58:11Wiggins.
00:58:12It's in a defensive transition
00:58:13that time to get back
00:58:14by the Suns.
00:58:16Ready to sit down
00:58:16one outside.
00:58:17O'Neal the triple.
00:58:19And the rebound
00:58:20hauled in by J. Will.
00:58:22Jalen Williams.
00:58:26Aaron Wiggins
00:58:27on top.
00:58:28Jalen Williams
00:58:30Shea Gilgis
00:58:31Alexander
00:58:32now in his eighth season.
00:58:34The move
00:58:35the setup
00:58:35and the gliding too.
00:58:38Just smooth
00:58:39and patient
00:58:40and never
00:58:41herky-jerky.
00:58:45He's got 14
00:58:47leading the champion
00:58:48Oklahoma City Thunder.
00:58:50With plays like this
00:58:51rim protection
00:58:52by Holmgren
00:58:53they can do it all
00:58:54on both ends
00:58:55of the floor.
00:58:57This is the NBA
00:58:57Cup on Prime.
00:59:00No surprise
00:59:01the Thunder do it
00:59:02with defense.
00:59:03In fact,
00:59:03they're trying to be
00:59:04number one alley
00:59:05in defense
00:59:05for two straight years
00:59:07and that has not
00:59:08happened in a very
00:59:08long time
00:59:09in the NBA.
00:59:10It's looking good
00:59:11so far tonight
00:59:12and hearing J-Dub's
00:59:13perspective on their
00:59:14defense, Kevin,
00:59:14you've got to give
00:59:15the mindset aspect
00:59:16credit.
00:59:17And J-Dub said
00:59:17there's no secret to it.
00:59:18Calling it a pride thing.
00:59:20He said the mindset
00:59:20is simple.
00:59:21I don't want my man
00:59:22to score.
00:59:22I don't want my team
00:59:23to have to cover for me.
00:59:24He admitted some nice
00:59:25hook.
00:59:25We're going to get
00:59:26your tail busted
00:59:26in this league.
00:59:27But opponents,
00:59:28they know they have
00:59:29to work for everything.
00:59:29And he said it starts
00:59:30with us today.
00:59:31Setting that tone.
00:59:32He's our leader
00:59:32and seeing him picking
00:59:33up defensively
00:59:34the way he does.
00:59:35He said it trickles down.
00:59:36And look,
00:59:36you guys have talked
00:59:37about this so far
00:59:37with Chet,
00:59:38Hartenstein,
00:59:39and of course
00:59:40J-Will on that back line.
00:59:41He said nobody wants
00:59:42to be the weak link.
00:59:43He said that's who we are.
00:59:44That's how we think.
00:59:45And bottom line,
00:59:46Kevin,
00:59:46they really do,
00:59:47as J-Dub said,
00:59:48have the personnel
00:59:49to do it.
00:59:49You know,
00:59:50the thing,
00:59:50Allie,
00:59:51that we were talking
00:59:51with Mark Dagnalt
00:59:52before the game about
00:59:53is they're taking
00:59:54a quick look to see
00:59:55on that three-point shot
00:59:56by Brooks
00:59:56is that they don't
00:59:57miss any steps.
00:59:58In other words,
00:59:59you've got all
01:00:00the offensive components,
01:00:01but Allie...
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