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NBA 2K15 Gameplay - PS4

2014 Video Game deeveloped by Visual Concepts and published by 2K #PlayStation4 #GamingVideos #NBA2K15
Transcript
00:01And it's the Cavaliers to start out.
00:03All right, let's set the floor, courtesy of Gatorade.
00:06All fueled up and ready to go.
00:08So for Oklahoma City right now.
00:10And outside of the three with Ibaka playing the power of four.
00:14Hustle Westbrook out there with Reggie Jackson.
00:16And it's Perkins in at the center, filling out the middle.
00:19And so it's the Cavaliers getting on the board first.
00:24Ibaka sets the pick for Westbrook.
00:30Left side, Westbrook.
00:33Can't get it to go.
00:34And Cleveland will come the other way.
00:37Here's Irving.
00:39No good.
00:41Great D that time from Westbrook.
00:43Cavaliers on D.
00:45Cavs tried to make a push for the playoffs last season.
00:48In a way, going against the grain.
00:50But instead, a disappointing season.
00:52It was all over.
00:53Coach and front office questioning the team's effort.
00:57Now Irving.
00:58After Westbrook's mystery.
01:01Now Muggins side.
01:02Irving kicks to Veragiao.
01:07Irving passes to Veragiao.
01:10Just five to shoot.
01:12Close up.
01:14That doesn't go in either for Irving.
01:17On defense, Cleveland.
01:22Left side, Durant.
01:25Jackson dishes to Westbrook.
01:29And stolen by LeBron.
01:35LeBron, left shot.
01:36He feeds it to Waiters.
01:40Irving kicks to Waiters.
01:42Cleveland moving the ball around.
01:45Here's Veragiao.
01:47A tad short, but it's good off the front arm.
01:49He typically may not contribute a lot, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have the ability to.
01:55Cleveland on defense.
01:57Four-point game.
01:59Westbrook, a screen on Waiters.
02:01Jackson passes to Westbrook.
02:06And a foul called on the shot.
02:08Got him on the way up that time, so he'll shoot two right here.
02:12So much has been made about whether this is Durant's team or Westbrook's team, but in reality, I think it's
02:19both of their teams.
02:20I mean, Durant does what he does.
02:22He's an elite scorer, as is Westbrook.
02:25They couldn't be the team they are, the Thunder, without both of those guys being excellent and leading the way
02:31they do.
02:36Three-throw good, Westbrook.
02:39Yeah, guys, a lot of people thought that Durant would blossom with more of the offensive focus on him.
02:43But, Steve, the Thunder had showed they're not the same team in struggle when Westbrook was out.
02:48Well, and it really shouldn't be a surprise to anyone because, you know, Westbrook's an elite talent in this league.
02:53If you remove him from any team, it'll hurt.
02:56Really, I think it was people speculating how much Durant could carry this team on his own.
03:00But, you know, the fact of the matter is, Durant needs Westbrook and vice versa.
03:05And he came off that screen.
03:06The defense just couldn't get over the top.
03:09Beautiful play.
03:09Yep, and without a hand in his face, he's going to bury those.
03:13Now here's Westbrook.
03:16Pass to Ibaka.
03:18And again, Oklahoma City, no good.
03:21Still can't get anything going here after three tries.
03:25The drive by James.
03:28Excellent use of the screen.
03:29That's up.
03:29James.
03:30LeBron's got six points.
03:32It's going to be tough for the defense today.
03:34If he's got his A-game rolling here tonight, we'll see.
03:40Here's Westbrook.
03:42Hacks down the step-back J.
03:44Now they finally connect with their fourth shot of the game.
03:48The Cavaliers leading by four.
03:50A moment to check in with Doris Burke.
03:52Doris?
03:53Well, I had a chance to talk to head coach David Black.
03:56He knows one of the hardest parts on scoring against this defense has to do with their prolific shot blocker,
04:03Serge Ibaka.
04:04He told me he's one of those guys who can get in your head a little bit because he's so
04:08mobile.
04:09You often don't see him coming.
04:11And Kevin, you add in his great rebounding and ability to hit from mid-range, and he's always an X
04:17-factor for them.
04:18Back to you.
04:18Thanks, Doris.
04:20And here is LeBron.
04:21Following the three from Kevin Durant.
04:23LeBron dishes DeWine.
04:27James with it.
04:28Guarded now by Durant.
04:30The outside Irving.
04:32Sinks the triple.
04:34Irving's got five points so far.
04:37Coach Scott works at the Thunder.
04:38He's brought great stability to this organization.
04:41A lot of talent on this roster, but he doesn't always fit in terms of their offensive flow.
04:46So, you know, the Thunder like to keep it pretty simple with their X's and O's.
04:50Durant, no good.
04:52Well, those chances are almost always two points for him.
04:55I guess the defense did what it had to do to bother him.
04:58And Scott Brooks, even when the Thunder were really a young team, was pretty open to getting input from his
05:05players, and they liked it.
05:06Yeah, I agree with you, and it's a collaborative style.
05:09And really a credit to Scott Brooks that he's secure enough with himself to allow his players to have that
05:13input.
05:14You know, engaging his players and keeping them against it.
05:17It's not easy for coaches to do when they're expected to always be in control and have the answers.
05:23He's got some great team leaders, too, so it's a nice fit for that collaborative style.
05:28Well, Deion Waiter's a Philly kid, plays with a chip on his shoulder.
05:31Clark, always a ton of confidence.
05:33Yeah, you know, but I think, I like his edge and his chip, but I think sometimes his emotions get
05:37the best of him.
05:38When he gets frustrated, we've seen it affect his play and his demeanor on the court.
05:43Hopefully that's just a maturation thing with him, because it could derail his potential if he doesn't get it under
05:50wraps.
05:51And for Waiters, we've heard the rumblings, he's butted heads with coaches and teammates, and he's dismissed from the practice.
05:57His name has been all over trade talks since he's been with Cleveland.
06:00But on the plus side, he's working hard to improve as a player.
06:03He's very gifted.
06:04And so it's Cleveland with it, following Russell Westbrook's three.
06:09Here's Marion.
06:11That drops, and it comes off an assist from Delvedova.
06:15Marion's got his first two points.
06:16You know, I think when you've got somebody that open on the perimeter, a good shooter, to kick out's the
06:21only choice.
06:22You know, you hear the question marks for Waiters, but still an awful lot of upside for this guy, in
06:27my opinion.
06:28He's got a great foundation offensively.
06:30He can make plays for himself and for others.
06:32I think his ceiling is really high as long as he stays hardworking and hungry.
06:37And that one's good.
06:38He's such a well-rounded offensive player.
06:41He's got a little bit of everything.
06:42Cleveland leading by four.
06:48There's 53 seconds left to play here in the first.
06:54Marion setting the pick for Waiters.
06:58Block at six.
07:02Beyond the arc.
07:03And another three for Cleveland.
07:06They've been hot here early.
07:07Dropping them in left and right.
07:09Let's see how long they can keep it going.
07:11This is quite a start.
07:15Now here's Lamb.
07:17He is guarded by Waiters.
07:18No good from Lamb.
07:20Boy, the effort was there, but he just couldn't quite find his way through traffic.
07:24And Waiters kicks to Delvedova.
07:3016 seconds left to play in the first quarter.
07:34Marion setting the pick for Waiters.
07:36He kicks it to Marion.
07:40Pulls up on the wing.
07:42Rejected by Collison.
07:44Wounds out of bounds to the Cavaliers as Cleveland retains possession.
07:57And they force the shot clock violation.
08:01Great deal.
08:12From half court.
08:17And we've reached the end of the first quarter.
08:20Cavaliers ahead.
08:21Leading by seven.
08:22And back in a moment as we'll get underway with quarter number two.
08:42All right.
08:45The second quarter beginning in just a moment.
08:47And taking a look at the Cavaliers' performance here.
08:50Clark, Steve, what have they been doing or not doing?
08:53And they've done a nice job here offensively to establish a rhythm and a pace to this game.
08:58And I like that they're finding ways to score.
09:00Playing well here, Steve.
09:02What's up, y'all?
09:03I know my hands real high, y'all.
09:06Yeah, get down, y'all.
09:08Left to see you all, y'all.
09:11Lost around to the whole, y'all.
09:131998, y'all.
09:15I get down, y'all.
09:18Trans-capable, y'all.
09:19Feeling the heat up in the street.
09:21Rocking the beat.
09:22Step up in the night.
09:22Take me to my reserve seat.
09:24Coming around on the beach.
09:25It's the way I meet.
09:26It's almost...
09:27To drown me.
09:29Making you feel in the funk.
09:31Stay here with the devil.
09:32We're holding your trunk.
09:33Afraid of us.
09:34You know, it's in the game.
09:35You're strange to us.
09:36That's why we're getting dangerous.
09:38Come on.
09:38This is serious.
09:40We could make you a memory rest.
09:43You should have a healthy mirror.
09:45There's too much of us.
09:46It's dangerous.
09:47So dangerous.
09:48It's so dangerous.
09:50I'm fed most for all.
09:51It's dangerous.
09:52So dangerous.
09:53It's so dangerous.
09:54My whole entire unit is dangerous.
09:57Come on.
10:12Thunder trailing by seven.
10:14You know, Steve, a lot of teams look at this Thunder franchise as a model, you know, of
10:18how to go about building a team that can compete for a title through the NBA draft.
10:23Well, it's a good model to follow, but you need some luck, Kevin.
10:26I mean, Kevin Durant fell into their lap.
10:29If they don't get the second pick in the lottery and if Greg Oden doesn't go first in
10:33Portland, none of this happens.
10:35So, yeah, great planning.
10:36And they've had a terrific effort to put all this together.
10:40But it really comes back to getting Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
10:43On the floor for Oklahoma City getting going here in the second quarter.
10:47Lamb and Durant with a long athletic wing.
10:50Perry Jones out there with Steven Adams.
10:52And it's Jackson in at the point guard.
10:55Kicks to Adams.
10:59Passes to Lamb.
11:01Now the dish to Durant.
11:03Rejected by LeBron.
11:05And he recovers it.
11:07Durant, the pass to Jackson.
11:09Six to shoot.
11:12Oklahoma City needs to get off a shot.
11:14Here's Lamb.
11:16The three-pointer, no good.
11:19You know, going back to touch again on the Thunder,
11:21really you couldn't have asked for a better scenario for a small market team
11:25to put together a roster like this.
11:28I mean, your core pieces, your cornerstone pieces,
11:30Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka,
11:33are all relatively young in their careers
11:35and seem to enjoy playing for each other.
11:38So they're going to be good for a long time.
11:40Every once in a while, he'll show us some pretty good moves around the hoop.
11:47Jackson against Irving.
11:49Marion up top.
11:51On the wing, Thompson.
11:54It's Miller on the wing.
11:58Irving drives in.
11:59The kick out to LeBron.
12:05Steps back and finds.
12:07And there's another one for the Cavaliers.
12:10Well, they did have to deal with some small market repercussions, though.
12:14The Thunder, what I'm talking about.
12:16You know, they couldn't afford to pay James Harden.
12:18They had to make that trade.
12:19But I think they've dealt with it really well.
12:21They've added some nice pieces.
12:23And the Thunder, obviously, still one of the elite teams in the NBA.
12:27Here's Jones following the basket by LeBron James.
12:34It's Jackson with the drive.
12:35And the basket good.
12:38Jackson's got his first points in this one.
12:40Late reaction from the defense.
12:42And he's always going to make good on that.
12:44A chance here to catch up with the fourth member of our crew, Doris Burke.
12:48Hi, Doris.
12:49Well, thank you, Kevin.
12:50And Serge Ibaka, such a big piece of this Thunder team.
12:53Kevin Durant said, I really watched him grow as a man.
12:56And definitely as a basketball player.
12:58He's grown by leaps and bounds.
13:00He's always thought like a champion.
13:02He works extremely hard.
13:04We're just happy to be around him.
13:06And guys, Ibaka, a great fit in the gym rat culture of OKC.
13:10He sure is, thanks, Doris.
13:12Now, Jackson.
13:14Following the three-point attempt by Kyrie Irving.
13:16Shot from free throw range.
13:18Good on that shot.
13:19And with that, the Cavalier lead is cut down now to just five on the bucket from Jackson.
13:24Or Cleveland.
13:25They've gone three of their first five shots to drop here in the second quarter.
13:30Marion, a screen on Durant.
13:34And they double up James.
13:36He dishes it to Marion.
13:40The feed to Irving.
13:46And there's another one for the Cavaliers.
13:50Kyrie Irving, three seasons ago, was the only rookie in NBA history to shoot as well as he did from
13:55the three-pointers, the field, and the free-throw line.
13:58There's no question about it.
14:00He is an elite shooter.
14:01Timeout is called first of the game for the Thunder.
14:10A different look now for Cleveland.
14:12Anderson Berishow's checked in for Johnson.
14:15Love comes in for Sean Marion.
14:17And Deion Waiter's subbed in for Mike Miller.
14:19And a new group in here for the Thunder.
14:22Nick Collison's checked in for Steven Adams.
14:25Baca comes in for Perry Jones.
14:27Anthony Morrow's checked in for Lamb.
14:29And Russell Westbrook has subbed in for Reggie Jackson.
14:33Now here's Durant.
14:34Five points in the game.
14:36Now the pass to Collison.
14:38The kick out to Westbrook.
14:41And again, Oklahoma City, no good.
14:44And now Doris Burke has an update from the sidelines.
14:47Over the last break, Kevin, I got a chance to hear what Scott Brooks said to his team.
14:52He told his guys, when we've got the ball, let's take it right into the teeth of the defense.
14:57Attacking the basket is going to be their M.O.
14:59He also said something you don't hear too often from a coach.
15:02He told his guys they should have a shoot-first mindset instead of trying to be, quote, too cute with
15:08the ball.
15:08Well, Coach, not wasting any time in tweaking the game plan.
15:12We'll see if it makes a difference as we approach halftime, Kevin.
15:15Thank you, Doris.
15:17And so it's Cleveland with it.
15:18The Thunder making the shot.
15:20Love with the screen for Irving.
15:22And they double up James.
15:25Pass to Love.
15:29Yes, and it's LeBron picking up the assist.
15:31Love's got the lead up to nine now for the Cans.
15:34They have repeatedly probed inside in the first half, guys.
15:37And it's paid dividends.
15:39Yeah, it sure has, Clark.
15:41I mean, with as many points as they've gotten in the paint, they really haven't had to do much on
15:45the perimeter.
15:46Now here's Westbrook.
15:47He's got nine.
15:49Ibaka dishes to Durant.
15:53The floater tips it up.
15:55Great positioning on the footband.
15:57Collison's got four this quarter.
15:59Hard work and soft hands, guys.
16:01That's what made that play possible.
16:02No simple offensive rebound there.
16:05Going for the tip-in.
16:06But that's the way you've got to go.
16:07If you have good position, you've got to get after it and go for that second chance opportunity.
16:12Such a difficult shot to defend.
16:14That turnaround.
16:16Thunder trailing by nine.
16:2134 seconds left in the first half of basketball.
16:25Westbrook kicks to Durant.
16:30Westbrook against Irving.
16:32Collison with a sprain on Irving.
16:35Here's Westbrook.
16:37And that one's good.
16:38Westbrook's got 11.
16:40And the field goal percentage now up over 50%.
16:43So the offense coming around.
16:45Yeah, Steve, I think that's a good sign.
16:47I mean, they stumbled out of the gates, but looking to regain some ground right now.
16:52Waiters passes to James.
16:57Waiters dishes to Parajan.
16:59And the layup's good off the glass.
17:01Parajan's got the lead back up to nine now for Cleveland.
17:05Here's Durant.
17:06Shot no good.
17:08And so that brings the first half to a close.
17:11Cavaliers lead by nine.
17:13And now we'll send it down to Doris Burke, who's standing by court side.
17:17Well, Scott, you had other weapons working offensively,
17:20but you specifically asked for more from Kevin Durant.
17:23What exactly are you looking for?
17:25Well, he has to be aggressive in a setup.
17:27You know, Kevin's a terrific offensive player when he plays,
17:30with the lower base, when he attacks off the dribble,
17:32but I thought he did a better job than that.
17:34Coach, thank you so much.
17:36Guys, he wants him to play with force.
17:38Thank you so much, Doris.
17:40Great interview as always.
17:42Don't go anywhere, folks.
17:43We'll be back with the second half of basketball shortly.
17:45Let's go there.
17:46We'll be back with the first half of basketball.
17:48Let's go there.
22:48Here's Irving.
23:20I mean, Kevin, people have no idea the fatigue that can set in during a telecast, and so it's
23:26important for us to stay hydrated all game long.
23:29Clark, you're always hydrated.
23:31Clark, you're always hydrated.
23:31Yeah, I try to be, but it's usually with a combination of H2O and Gatorade.
23:36I love Gatorade.
23:36Look at Steve, guys.
23:38Gatorade.
23:38Sure.
23:38He's gone.
23:39He's really immersed in the Gatorade.
23:42Gotta love it.
23:43Yeah.
23:49The Thunder shooting their fourth and fifth shots at the foul line in the game.
23:53Well, as an 81% free throw shooting team last season, you can't find much fault with what
23:58they were doing from the line.
23:59And you know, a lot of times, guys, in some of their performances last year, their free
24:03throw numbers helped them win games.
24:07Serge Ibaka, the 24th pick by the Thunder back in 2008.
24:11From the start, Steve, his incredible work ethic has shown through.
24:14No doubt, Kevin, he's become one of the best two-way players in the NBA.
24:18Excellent defender in guard fours and fives.
24:22A terrific weak side shot blocker.
24:24And that jump shot, that 17-footer that has given Oklahoma City the spacing that that
24:29offense needs.
24:31And for Ibaka, his off-season trainer also worked with Kevin Garnett.
24:35And he said that's who Ibaka reminds him of with his intensity and attention to detail
24:41in the drill.
24:41And that's something that's overlooked.
24:43Being a perfectionist while you're practicing allows you to perform at a high level.
24:49He's the type that wants to do it again and again until he gets it right.
24:52And the Cavaliers making a change here.
24:55Miller's checked in.
24:56And then for Oklahoma City.
24:59Steven Adams, he's checked in for Perkins.
25:01And Jeremy Lamb's subbed in for Reggie Jackson.
25:05Shot clock at five.
25:07Now, Levenson.
25:09It's rebounded by Oklahoma City.
25:12Ben, you know, you think about Ibaka's development.
25:14Part of his adjustment to the NBA initially was just learning the language.
25:18When he first was drafted, he barely spoke a lick of English.
25:21Now it's become his fifth language.
25:24Now here's Westbrook.
25:25He's got 13.
25:28Durant attacking.
25:30Pulls it from the elbow.
25:31And he hits the jump shot.
25:33Durant's got nine.
25:34That's a clean look they gave him there, fellas.
25:37And he drains those.
25:39The Cavaliers leading by four.
25:45Shots under three and a half minutes point here in the third quarter.
25:49The screen from Thompson.
25:50They set the screen.
25:52Thompson sets the pick for Miller.
25:58Miller right side.
26:01The rebound by Ibaka.
26:03Ibaka.
26:03Ibaka's got his third rebound on the ninth.
26:07Durant kicks to Ibaka.
26:10Here's Lamb.
26:11And here's Westbrook from the arc.
26:14Ibaka with the ball.
26:15Picked up by Love.
26:17Adams not as good.
26:18A sensational run has them on the brink.
26:21Tying it up or taking the lead all of a sudden.
26:24Steve, quite a turn of events here.
26:26I mean, they really snapped into focus in a hurry and tighten up their game at both ends.
26:30Timeout is called first of the game for the Cavaliers.
26:35Steven Adams, he was taken 12th overall by the Thunder in the 2013 draft.
26:40You know, viewed as more of a project, but what an impressive start in his rookie season.
26:45I think he's the future in terms of the center position for Oklahoma City.
26:49Nick Collison's checked in for Oklahoma City.
26:52Morrow comes in for Kevin Durant.
26:54Delvedova, the pass to Miller.
26:59Delvedova kicks to Miller.
27:04Left side, Miller.
27:07Out to Marion.
27:11And misses it off the right side of the rim.
27:13Here's Oklahoma City.
27:15They're on a 14-4 run right now.
27:18Foul call that time on the way up.
27:20That'll give them two chances at the free throw line here.
27:23The Thunder were the second best road team in the NBA last year.
27:27Normally a jump shooting team might have trouble on the road, but they are just that good.
27:34When you can shoot like this, Thunder team can.
27:37You can play on door, Steve, and still find a way to win it, Steve.
27:41Yeah, I mean, playing on the road or on the moon, it wouldn't faze them regardless.
27:46Their 25 road wins is a testament to just how unflappable this club is.
28:12And he's good on the second.
28:14The Cavs were an all-out mess last year, and a lot of that was because of their depth.
28:18They just did not have the punch off the bench to keep leads and bring them back into games.
28:23Let's go now to the sideline and catch up with Doris Burke.
28:26Hey, Doris.
28:27Well, guys, the Cavs' David Blatt, the first ever NBA head coach directly hired from the international ranks.
28:34Though he grew up near Boston, a die-hard Celtics fan, he represents all the aspiring NBA coaches from abroad,
28:41saying, quote,
28:42I feel a great sense of responsibility.
28:44I feel like I've got to do a good job.
28:47Kevin, he's certainly got the personnel to do it.
28:49A roster loaded with talent, Doris. Indeed. Thank you.
28:53Kyrie Irving, he's checked in for Mike Miller.
28:56Jones checked in for the Thunder.
28:58And with the Cavs, their score differential for their reserves really tells the story.
29:02Just way too many points given away when that second unit came onto the floor.
29:06It was something they needed to address in the offseason, and they did.
29:10Now here's Westbrook.
29:12He's got 13. That's good.
29:19Cavaliers leading.
29:22Feeds it to Adela Bidova.
29:27Irving against Westbrook.
29:29Marion setting the pick for Irving.
29:31Marion outside.
29:33Pass to Adela Bidova.
29:37Irving from long range.
29:39That was good.
29:41Irving's got 10 points.
29:44And for the Cavs, Jets certainly won't be an issue this time around.
29:47A lot of changes and growth for them.
29:50Resulting in a much deeper and talented roster.
29:53And you know, Kevin, people still underestimate the importance of having a strong bench.
29:58The Cavs really struggled with that last year.
30:00But with LeBron starting and pushing former starters to the bench,
30:03they'll be in a much stronger position.
30:10Marion, right side.
30:18So he gets the whistle, contact on the way up, and two shots coming up.
30:24That is his first personal foul.
30:30The Cavaliers shooting their third and fourth free throw attempts to the game.
30:33Well, this is a club that shot 75% as a team from the free throw line last season.
30:52A free throw drop for Sean Marion, and the Cavaliers making a change here.
31:18And Sean Marion fronts them both.
31:31And that's it for the third quarter.
31:32Both teams scoring well as we head to the fourth.
31:36Cavaliers ahead, up by four.
31:38And we'll have the start of the fourth quarter for you as soon as we get back from this short
31:42break.
31:47Now let's take a look at our assist of the game presented by State Farm.
31:51How about the creativity, guys?
31:53Terrific vision to pick out that pass and set up the basket.
31:57Some serious creativity.
32:23So the Thunder 5 right now.
32:25Maka at the 4 with Perkins at the pivot.
32:28Edgy Jackson out there with Russell Westbrook.
32:31And it's Durant in at the 3.
32:33This game has been very close in a lot of areas,
32:36but rebounding is one thing that they've been able to dominate.
32:39Yeah, they've chased down that pumpkin often.
32:42Now, here is Irving.
32:44LeBron drives in.
32:49Irving against Westbrook.
32:51Irving kicks to Raiders.
32:53Here on the clock.
32:54Good.
32:55And the assist goes to Irving.
32:5712 points for Deion Raiders.
32:59They are killing them with that 3 point shot here in the second half.
33:03Well, the defense fully stretched out trying to stop that shot and still not able to get it done.
33:08Now, here is Westbrook.
33:11Ibaka, this is to Westbrook.
33:13He feeds it to Jackson.
33:16He kicks it to Durant.
33:18And they wasted no time getting those 3 points back.
33:21Right back at you.
33:23They immediately get those 3 points back.
33:25Trading punches.
33:26That's how you answer.
33:31LeBron against Birkins.
33:33Shoots from the elbow.
33:34And Cleveland again with the bucket.
33:36What a display of offense we've seen today.
33:39And it's only getting better.
33:40Well, both defenses have been on their heels all day.
33:42And it's begun to take its toll.
33:44Time call here.
33:45The Thunder decide to talk it over.
33:49The other question you have to wonder as we watch LeBron play in his prime.
33:53Should we be more in awe, Clark, of him from a historical standpoint?
33:57He has a chance, as many people think, to be the best of all time when he hangs them up.
34:04He's right in that discussion.
34:05He's arguably already in the top 10.
34:07Actually, in my opinion, he is in the top 10.
34:09Clearly, right now, if he stopped playing, he'd be in the top 10 with a chance to be on some
34:14people's top 5 list.
34:16He's a once in a generation kind of player, but so too were other.
34:26Well played.
34:30Well played.
34:32Doris Burke has an update for us.
34:33Doris?
34:34Hi, guys.
34:35I had a chance to find out what Scott Brooks was discussing with his players.
34:39He let his players know that they've got to do a better job on defense.
34:42He said, they're scoring any way they want.
34:45We've got to show some pride here.
34:47Let's make a stand defensively, get a stop and get on a run of our own.
34:52Do they have it in them, Kevin?
34:54You know, I'm thinking about if we should actually be more in awe of LeBron.
34:58I mean, it's just hard to imagine what he does almost on a nightly basis.
35:02Just some incredible things out on that court.
35:05And fans and media have grown somewhat inured to LeBron's amazing play.
35:10Look that one up, folks.
35:12But I think deep down, we all realize that we are watching something truly special when
35:17he plays and how he comports himself between the lines and outside of them.
35:21It's just a matter of really being able to recognize how he fits into the NBA's history
35:26books.
35:28Anderson Barajal, a quality defensive center.
35:30Great rebounder.
35:31Moves his feet well.
35:33Anticipates.
35:33Plays with a ton of energy.
35:35And he's one of those irritants.
35:36He gets under a lot of guys' skin.
35:38Heads up.
35:39Aggressive play right there.
35:40He saw the smaller man on him.
35:42Took it straight to the basket.
35:46It's a pick by Love.
35:49Irving attacking.
35:53James the best to Irving.
36:00Fires for three.
36:02Shot is no good.
36:03So the Thunder will take it the other way.
36:07And Barajal coming in to the league primarily as a defensive energy gap.
36:11He's expanded his offensive skill set and has made great improvement as a passer.
36:17From his rookie season to now, he's more than doubled his rate of assists.
36:22And Barajal a good decision maker, Steve, for a center.
36:24A two-to-one assist to turnover ratio last year.
36:27And he had a terrific season as a two-point jump shooter.
36:30You know, able to spread the defense out a little bit and operate from the high post.
36:35That free throw, no good.
36:37Russell Westbrook returning last season from a torn meniscus suffered in the first round, Steve, of the 2013 playoffs.
36:44Yeah, and you know, the injury ended up requiring three different surgeries over an eight-month span.
36:48So a real scare for the Thunder.
36:50Fortunately, you know, he came back and looked fantastic in the playoffs.
36:54And so there's less concern now over Westbrook's long-term health.
37:02And he sinks the seconds.
37:05And Westbrook is a player not only known for his explosiveness, but also his durability.
37:10He hadn't missed a game due to injury ever.
37:12Heading back to high school with a freak accident.
37:15That collision with Patrick Beverley really took it out of his hands in terms of his consecutive games played streak.
37:20Now here's Jackson after LeBron James' miss.
37:27Outside Jackson.
37:31In low to Ibaka.
37:32Out of bounds.
37:33Cleveland will take possession.
37:36And for Westbrook, the prognosis from his meniscus repair is supposed to be good.
37:40But he certainly looked explosive.
37:42Here's hoping that knee remains healthy.
37:44You'd love to see a great player at his best.
37:46And the Cavaliers call time here.
37:49Reggie Jackson is really strong and athletic.
37:52An excellent driver and finisher.
37:54Especially when working off the pick-and-roll.
38:00The Cavaliers call go!
38:19Around three minutes gone here in the fourth quarter.
38:25Baca against Irving.
38:27Waiters gets a wide-open look.
38:29The Cavaliers again can't hit.
38:33And Jackson, a good three-point shooter at Boston College.
38:36But it seems, Steve, he's still adjusting to the NBA three-point range.
38:40Well, last year he shot about three of them per game, Kevin.
38:44Made a little more than a third of his attempts.
38:46So he needs to shoot a better percentage from the corners in particular.
38:50But as a ball handler, he's a good set-up man, good assist man.
38:54A really good all-around guard.
38:56Now, here is Irving following the shot by Kevin Durant.
39:00Look, tries again.
39:02And, oh, there's a whistle.
39:04He was going up for a layup.
39:05And while it looked like there was some contact,
39:08I wasn't sure they were going to call a foul shot or not.
39:10But sure enough, they have.
39:12So he'll head to the free-throw line.
39:17And some stats here, guys.
39:18The scoring breakdown for the Cavaliers.
39:20How about the three-point shooting we're seeing so far, guys?
39:24Amazing.
39:25The number of second chance points they've gotten is also impressive.
39:28I mean, they've kept so many possessions alive with offensive rebounds.
39:32Wow, this game just a commanding performance.
39:34For Vergeau, he has nine points.
39:36And he's added to his totals by picking up three points at the line as well.
39:40Yeah, and that's something that's important for him and his team.
39:43And getting a few extra points and knocking those free-throws down
39:46and helping your team any way you can.
39:49And here are the Cavaliers now, following the score by Oklahoma City.
39:56It was on the wing.
39:58Guarded by Jackson.
39:59Six to shoot.
40:03And here's LeBron outside.
40:06And that one's good.
40:08LeBron's got five points now in the group.
40:10Oh, you've got to like the shot selection today.
40:12He's set a good example for the rest of his teammates.
40:15Now a timeout called by Oklahoma City.
40:18They trailed by seven.
40:21146 left in the fourth.
40:391.46 left here in the fourth quarter.
40:44Westbrook kicks to Durant.
40:49Again, Oklahoma City.
40:51They'll be counting on even more points from him.
40:54That's essential if they're going to pull this game out.
40:59Irving dishes to LeBron.
41:02And there's the call on Durant.
41:04That is his first foul of the game.
41:06Yeah, you know, these calls can be some of the toughest in the game for the officials.
41:10It all happened so fast, but I really think that was the right call.
41:14The defender was not really set in that situation.
41:21Irving passes to James.
41:27Irving kicks to James.
41:30Five on the clock.
41:32And they double-on-off with LeBron.
41:34Front pass, the arc.
41:36He has not had the same focus he had in the first half.
41:39He was struggling here in the second.
41:42Durant dishes to Westbrook.
41:46Duran!
41:47Passing kicks to Durant.
41:51Left side, Durant.
41:53It's good!
41:54What a beautiful shot to bring him to within three.
41:57And that shot sucked the life out of the whole building.
42:00That was a big one, Clark.
42:02You could hear it.
42:03Yeah, that was a gut punch right there.
42:04These fans, oh, man, they're struggling.
42:07Now, here is Irving.
42:11He's on the wing.
42:12Off the screen.
42:14Connects!
42:15They can't afford to give him that kind of look.
42:17Well, it came off a good screen, but still, as a defender, you have to fight over the top of
42:22that.
42:25Near the three-point line, it's Westbrook.
42:28Good!
42:28What a beautiful shot to bring him to within three.
42:32Man, there's been zero effort defensively by both these clubs tonight.
42:35And don't let that high score fool you.
42:38I mean, it's a product of poor defense more than great offense.
42:42About seven seconds separating the shot and game blocks.
42:48James kicks the line.
42:51Wants to get it to Verja.
42:53And does.
42:54And LeBron with the best at the assist by Verja.
42:57And the Cavaliers lead by six.
43:00Well, that just adds to what's probably already insurmountable lead.
43:04I think they'll be walking out of here with a pretty easy victory.
43:07Steve, I think that's a gift.
43:09Power timeout called by Oklahoma City.
43:12They're down by six.
43:15There's ten seconds left in the fourth quarter.
43:18Guys, what's your take?
43:19I think they have to go for a three right now, don't you, Clark?
43:22Yeah, I don't think they have any choice but to go for the three, Steve.
43:26For three, Durant carries it from outside.
43:29Incredible.
43:30Only took them a few seconds to answer the three ball with one of their own.
43:33Let's keep this thing going, guys.
43:35I love seeing a three-point battle like this.
43:57And so they foul intentionally.
44:00That's right.
44:01No other option but to foul and hope for some misses.
44:03Yep, you've got to extend the game here.
44:05Try to keep that clock from moving.
44:07And the Cavaliers, LeBron James, two shots.
44:23And he cannot get the first one to drop.
44:26Tough one to miss.
44:37And he ends up missing both free throws.
44:39And a chance here to send it into overtime.
44:42Knee to three.
44:44So it's a narrow win for the Cavaliers.
44:46Pulling it out.
44:47And Clark-Kinor was quite a nail-bomb.
44:49That was tight.
44:50Their guys were able to come up with big plays down the stretch,
44:53and that's the difference.
44:55And a chance now to send you over Doris Burke, standing by on the sideline.
44:59Doris?
44:59Yes, I'm here with Kevin Love.
45:01And, Kevin, a very big effort to come away with this game.
45:04What does it mean to the resiliency of this team to pull out a win like this?
45:09We're just giving ourselves a chance to win.
45:11So I've been really just grinding it out as much as we possibly can.
45:14We're getting better every day.
45:15So if we're happy we've got this win, I've got to get it all to my teammates and my coaches.
45:18Hard work pays off, Kevin.
45:20Great job.
45:21Guys, back to you.
45:22Thank you, Doris, for that.
45:24And now for Clark Kellogg, Steve Kerr, and Doris Burke.
45:26This is Kevin Harland saying see you next time
45:29as we present our Jordan Player of the Game, LeBron James.
45:33We'll see you next time.
45:37We'll see you next time.
45:38We'll see you next time.
45:42We'll see you next time.
45:43We'll see you next time.
45:45We'll see you next time.
45:45We'll see you next time.
45:47We'll see you next time.
45:48We'll see you next time.
45:50We'll see you next time.
45:50We'll see you next time.
45:50We'll see you next time.
45:51We'll see you next time.
45:51We'll see you next time.
45:52We'll see you next time.
45:53We'll see you next time.
45:53We'll see you next time.
45:53We'll see you next time.
45:54We'll see you next time.
45:54We'll see you next time.
45:55We'll see you next time.
45:58We'll see you next time.
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