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00:00Der Conference Finals continue tonight.
00:01Two points separating these two teams through two games.
00:04Che Gildas-Alexander and the Thunder bounced off the mat fast
00:07after suffering that double overtime defeat in Game 1,
00:10partially because Chet Holmgren responded to improving on his opening performance
00:13and helping Oklahoma City even out the series.
00:16But OKC may have lost a third of its big three.
00:20JW, he left Game 2 early with a left hamstring injury.
00:23He is questionable tonight.
00:25Meanwhile, the Spurs, they are thrilled to be back in San Antonio
00:28where the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, Victor Wimbinyama,
00:31gets to make his Western Conference Finals debut.
00:33He may be without that guy, the rookie, Dylan Harper,
00:36who's dealing with an adductor injury.
00:38He is questionable tonight.
00:39Could we see the return of the year?
00:41And Fox, though, has yet to play so far this series
00:43as he deals with a right ankle injury.
00:45He, too, is questionable.
00:47The thing that is not in question, the energy that's building,
00:49a city chasing its first championship in over a decade.
00:52We've got Game 3, Thunder Spurs from San Antonio.
00:59Welcome to NBA Showtime, presented by AT&T.
01:03Here's your host, Maria Taylor.
01:06So we have made our way to the Frostbanks Center
01:09for the third fiesta night of these playoffs.
01:12Oklahoma City on the road traveling to take on the San Antonio Spurs
01:16in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.
01:18Thank you for joining us courtside for NBA Showtime.
01:21Maria Taylor and two Hall of Famers, Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter.
01:25Tracy McGrady now having to go attend a graduation.
01:28We are a family here, so we're happy for them, for sure.
01:31We're a family of graduates, I would say.
01:32One hundred percent, okay?
01:34Gotta do it.
01:34We believe in education.
01:35We believe in the fiesta, too.
01:36I hope you guys can see our teal and our pink down here
01:39because we have enjoyed this Western Conference Finals so far.
01:42The first two games of it has met the hype that we all expected.
01:46With the series tied at 1-1,
01:47these teams are separated by just two points through those first two games.
01:51And you can see the Spurs with an edge on the glass.
01:54A lot of that because of Game 1.
01:55They out-rebounded OKC by 21.
01:58But you see OKC dominating in the turnovers.
02:00Now, our two reporters also made the trip to San Antonio.
02:04We'll hear from the Spurs' six-man, Keldon Johnson,
02:06with Ashley Shammity at morning shoot-around.
02:08But before that, OKC's big man, Isaiah Hartenstein,
02:11spoke with Zora Stevenson earlier tonight.
02:18Isaiah, after Game 2, you said that you would do whatever the team needs for you to do.
02:21What do they need from you tonight?
02:23They're just coming out again and being physical.
02:24I think, again, they're a great team.
02:26Just got to come out, execute the way we want to, and just go from there.
02:30How do I know you're going to say the word physical?
02:31When guarding Victor Wembanyama, you have used that word,
02:34but guys also talk about doing their work early.
02:36What does it look like to do your work early?
02:38Yeah, I mean, just being physical early.
02:39I mean, you see on the other side, Cass is doing the same thing,
02:42just doing his work early.
02:43So it's kind of how the series is.
02:45I mean, both sides, it's playing really physical,
02:47and I think that's just how the game goes.
02:48I'm sure you all know that the Spurs are going to come out fired up
02:51back in front of their home crowd.
02:52What's the best way to limit that excitement?
02:55Yeah, I mean, just staying even-kill.
02:56I think we've been in a lot of hostile environments,
02:58and so just going back to that, they're going to have runs.
03:02The crowd's going to get loud, but that's how you kind of want it.
03:04You want to be in series like this.
03:06I think it's good for both teams and also just for the NBA in general.
03:09And then in addition to being physical,
03:11what's also important for you all to do tonight?
03:13Yeah, just executing.
03:14I think just doing a little thing, just executing.
03:17That's what comes down to when you have two great teams,
03:19just who can execute better at the end of the day.
03:21And so that's the biggest thing.
03:22Thank you.
03:22Appreciate it.
03:24All right, Kelden.
03:25Obviously, turnover's a big issue these first two games.
03:27How are you guys balancing correcting those mistakes
03:30but also being lenient knowing Fox hasn't been available?
03:34Just continue to trust our habits and trust each other.
03:37You know, we're definitely aware that we turn the ball over more
03:40than we would like in the first two games,
03:42but I think it's correctable mistakes.
03:45I think we will correct those, and I think we'll be a lot better tonight.
03:48Besides the turnovers, what did you notice from the film and game two
03:51that you're trying to work on for tonight?
03:53Just the physicality.
03:54We've got to meet them where they're at in the physicality.
03:57Of course, be smart about it, but, you know,
03:59we've got to stand our ground and hit first.
04:01And then you, of all people, know exactly what it's like
04:03to come off the bench and make an impact.
04:05With a guy like Alex Caruso and what he's done these last two games,
04:08do you treat him any differently moving forward in the series?
04:11We just trust the game plan.
04:13He's made shots.
04:14He's played great.
04:15But we just continue to trust our game plan
04:17and listen to our coaches and the scouting report
04:19and just keep putting that into effect.
04:21Well, thank you so much.
04:22Best of luck tonight.
04:23Thank you.
04:23Have a wonderful day.
04:24Thank you.
04:24All right.
04:25Appreciate it, Ashley.
04:27Meanwhile, there's J-Dub,
04:28one of the guys that's questionable here tonight.
04:31Remember, he missed 26 days throughout the course of this playoff
04:33dealing with that left hamstring
04:34and then he injured it in game two,
04:37was only able to go seven minutes in that game.
04:40We are waiting to see his availability
04:42as a lot of injury storylines
04:44that we're trying to keep a track of here tonight
04:47for game three of the Western Conference Finals.
04:49We've got plenty more to talk about
04:51for this pivotal matchup in game three here in San Antonio,
04:53but you know we like to give out honors here,
04:56and that's exactly what we're going to do,
04:57starting with the all-defensive first teams.
05:00Let's get into it.
05:02An opportunity to crown some more winners.
05:04Y'all ready?
05:05I think that's why Melo's got his suit on today.
05:06Let's talk about it.
05:07Let's start with Victor Wimbanyama.
05:09Step up, unanimous defensive player of the year.
05:11Why not?
05:11You should be the first one.
05:13Listen, he's the first player to be named
05:14first team all defense twice before turning 23,
05:17led the NBA,
05:18and blocked for a third straight season,
05:20and that's just what he's known for at this point.
05:22He called it.
05:24This is his award.
05:25This is going to be his award.
05:27He's going to be part of this team for the years that come.
05:29I would say the next 10 to 20 to 30 years,
05:31Wimbany will be on the all-defensive first team.
05:33Okay, how about another guy who was a finalist
05:35for defensive player of the year
05:36and a guy that we've been watching here in this series?
05:39It's Chet Holmgren.
05:40Please step up to the plate.
05:41I like that.
05:42I like Chet Holmgren.
05:43I mean, obviously, he was second behind Wimbany
05:45when it comes to, you know,
05:47voting and defense first team,
05:50all-defensive first team,
05:51but also in blocks.
05:53The way he leads the league in blocks,
05:54second in blocks,
05:55the way he covers the rim defensively,
05:57the way his agility on the back side,
05:59on the help side,
06:01Chet deserved this,
06:02and that's why he made first team defensively.
06:04All right, another guy that we really enjoyed
06:06watching this postseason,
06:07Asar Thompson for the Detroit Pistons,
06:10creates havoc on the defensive end.
06:11He creates havoc, you know,
06:13at the top of the key, in the paint.
06:14He's a shot blocker.
06:16He's a guy that every time your best player
06:18is bringing the ball up the court,
06:20there's a help sign right there.
06:21Every time your guy is bringing the ball up the court,
06:23he's either getting off it or calling for a screen.
06:25That says a lot about you.
06:27That's a lot of respect,
06:27and Asar Thompson has earned that,
06:29and he will earn that for years to come.
06:31Yeah, he led the NBA in Seals with two per game.
06:34How about a guy who's a nine-time all-defensive player
06:37and a four-time defensive player of the year?
06:39I'm talking about none other than Rudy Gobert.
06:42No, first of all, big shout-out to Rudy.
06:44Rudy had an unbelievable series this postseason
06:47against the Denver Nuggets.
06:48But, I mean, come on,
06:49eight-time NBA all-defensive first team,
06:51four-time defensive player of the year.
06:54He should be on this team every single year
06:57as long as Rudy is in the league.
06:58Congratulations to Rudy.
06:59All right, we got one more name to add to the list,
07:01and it goes to Derek White of the Boston Celtics.
07:05I mean, this guy here has been fantastic.
07:09I thought he was a major add to the Olympic team
07:12before not only his three-point shooting, but defense.
07:15Here's a guy who is willing to take on any challenge in the game.
07:19It doesn't matter who he is.
07:20He steps up, and he brings it for this Boston Celtics.
07:22I think he was a huge reason for their championship for that reason.
07:26He takes a lot of pressure off of their stars
07:29because he'll go out there and guard the best player.
07:30Yeah, let all guards and blocks you saw that last play.
07:33That's exactly what he was doing
07:34and starting the break for the Celtics.
07:36All right, so that was your first team.
07:37Let's get to the second team.
07:39Those five players will be Scotty Barnes, the Toronto Raptor.
07:42That's a good one.
07:43Mason Wallace, Oklahoma City Thunder.
07:44Of course.
07:45Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat.
07:47O.G. Adanobi from the Knicks,
07:48and Dyson Daniels from the Atlanta Hawks.
07:51So congratulations to all of them.
07:52Congratulations to you guys.
07:53Yeah.
07:54Unbelievable accomplishment.
07:55No Dortcher Chamber, though?
07:57No Lou Dort?
07:58No Lou Dort.
07:59Wow.
07:59I'm going to say this, though.
08:01Scotty Barnes I'm excited for
08:02because all year we talked about him possibly winning
08:04defensive player of the year throughout the year.
08:07And, of course, Wimby, things started to happen.
08:09But Scotty Barnes all year has been fantastic.
08:12He's taken the challenge of guarding all five positions.
08:15At one point starting five, guarding centers,
08:17making the difference for them in the playoffs.
08:19So congratulations to Scotty.
08:20He deserves some love for his great defensive play.
08:23Only Wimby and Asar average more blocks per game than Scotty Barnes.
08:26That's what he was able to do.
08:27So congratulations on making the second team.
08:29All right.
08:30Let's give out some more awards.
08:31Next up is the NBA Social Justice Champion Award.
08:34We have five deserving finalists.
08:36Miami, Heath, Macdon, Bam Adebayo also on the second team.
08:39All defense.
08:40Detroit's Tobias Harris.
08:42And Spurs vet Harrison Barnes, who we'll see in our game here tonight.
08:45There's also Cleveland's Larry Nance Jr.
08:47and Celtic star Jalen Brown.
08:50I'm going to allow you to actually open up the envelope.
08:53Let's do it.
08:54Because you were the first winner ever of this award, Carmelo.
08:56Talk to him.
08:57Talk to him while opening it.
08:58Talk to him while opening it.
08:59Listen, he won the inaugural award.
09:00That was back in 2021.
09:01So he knows exactly what this means.
09:03And it means guys being in the community and giving back.
09:07Man, you're the best.
09:08Man, you're the best.
09:08But this year, this year, 2025-26 NBA Social Justice Champion, Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat.
09:18Congratulations, Bam.
09:19You deserve this award.
09:21And again, this award is not about what you do on the court.
09:24It's about the responsibilities that you take on just in your community,
09:28talking to people, mentoring people, giving back to people.
09:32This is what this award is about.
09:34And this is an honor to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on what he's still for in his afternoon.
09:37There he is, Bam Adebayo, joining us now.
09:41Listen, he's a friend of NBA Showtime.
09:43Mela, I'll let you ask the first question to him because you understand the weight of this award.
09:46Oh, absolutely.
09:47Bam, first of all, congratulations on this award.
09:50I understand what it means to receive this award,
09:52especially being that it's Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's name on this award and what he stood for,
09:58especially when it comes to social activism.
10:00What does this award mean to you?
10:02I know I won the award in 2021 as the first inaugural guy,
10:06but what does this mean to you to receive this award?
10:10It just means all the people that I've helped got a voice.
10:15And to have this honor, obviously it's a big deal.
10:19I don't take it for granted.
10:21But this is an award for a lot of people that can't speak.
10:26And I'm happy that, you know, we all got to share this award together.
10:31You've been in Miami for a good little while now.
10:35What was the first thing you wanted to do?
10:37What was one of the first things you did in the community when you decided,
10:41hey, I want to make a difference in the community?
10:43What was one of those first things you did?
10:47One of the first things I did was the camp.
10:54The camp was the number one thing, and then it just snowballed from there.
10:58And I've been helping Miami every day.
11:07I think we might have lost a little bit of your audio towards the end there, Bam.
11:11But if you can still hear me,
11:12I just want to know who are the individuals who push you towards this work
11:15or who you've looked up to in the past
11:17that kind of motivates you to make sure that the initiatives that you serve
11:21are the ones that are pushing the community forward.
11:24It started with my mom.
11:25That's how the foundation started.
11:28It started behind her.
11:29And, you know, my manager, Kevin Graves.
11:33And then my, who's lost along with a shout-out.
11:38My foundation, my foundation manager, who is victorious.
11:42And then UD.
11:44UD is a great help for me.
11:47And obviously he's from Miami, so being able to help his community
11:50and be a part of that.
11:53It's interesting because this award, obviously,
11:56recognizes what you've done,
11:57but I want to encourage you to encourage others to do more.
12:01So what do you have to say to all of your peers and the individuals
12:04that have maybe the same stance that you do,
12:06the same opportunities,
12:07that can do some of the same work that you're doing in the community?
12:10I mean, we have a voice.
12:13And you want to do that for people who don't.
12:15Being able to just give them that light.
12:19I feel like a lot of people that do a lot of great work in this world
12:22don't get credit.
12:23And it's our job to shed that light on them.
12:26We appreciate you joining us, Bam.
12:28You're going to be watching tonight.
12:29Do you want to pick the game?
12:31Do you want to pick?
12:33What's the Bam pick?
12:37Break it down for us.
12:38Come on now.
12:41I'm going to go with the Spurs.
12:42Why?
12:44I feel like they're going to have a bounce back win.
12:46And they're at home.
12:49One of my fellow teammates with De'Aaron Fox.
12:52All right.
12:52Okay.
12:53Bam, I'll call you after.
12:54And then I'm going to ask you that same question offline.
12:57And then you can give them the real.
12:59Congratulations again to Bam Adebayo.
13:01Thank you so much for joining us here.
13:03And his pick is the Spurs.
13:05And he mentioned De'Aaron Fox.
13:06We're still waiting to see.
13:07He's questionable dealing with the right ankle.
13:08We haven't seen him so far this series.
13:11There's Victor Wimbanyama.
13:12First player to be named first team all defense twice before turning 23.
13:15He led the NBA and blocked for a third straight season.
13:18He's also your unanimous defensive player of the year.
13:21Getting set for game three of the Western Conference Finals.
13:30So game two, a marked improvement for Chet Holmgren.
13:33Upticks in shots and points despite having fewer minutes.
13:36He was five of ten.
13:37Scored 13 points in 27 minutes of play in game two.
13:40Ultimately, OKC evens up the series 1-1.
13:44And we're getting you set for game three.
13:45But let's get you caught up on what happened in the East.
13:47We go back to MSG for game two between the Cavaliers and the Knicks.
13:52JB, a superhero in game one.
13:55Remember, they outscored Cleveland 44-11 in the final 12-50 of game one.
14:00Off to a good start with Mitchell and the Cavs, though.
14:03And in the first quarter, that's what you want to do.
14:05You want to, you know, establish yourselves, particularly on the road, on a bounce-back game.
14:10And things were looking up until they weren't.
14:13Until they went down.
14:14And the heart of the garden, as you call him.
14:16Listen, the heart of the garden showed up yesterday, man.
14:19But Josh Hart been doing this all year, man.
14:22He steps up big.
14:23But at some point, at somebody, I get it.
14:26I'll take that, B.C.
14:27They are leaving him wide open.
14:28You know why?
14:28Because they got to concentrate on Cat.
14:30And they got to concentrate on JB.
14:32So, what you supposed to do when you're in the gym?
14:34Work on your craft.
14:35Work on your shot.
14:37And Josh Hart been doing that.
14:38But at some point, a late contestant.
14:40Come on, give me something.
14:40I mean, listen.
14:41We'll talk about that later, man.
14:43The new energy is unmatched.
14:46And I don't think Cleveland have anybody on their team that can match Josh Hart's energy.
14:50So, Josh Hart, keep doing what you're doing out there, man.
14:53Big win for the Knicks, though.
14:54That was a great win.
14:55Now y'all go to Cleveland and take care of Cleveland.
14:57Incredible for the Knicks.
14:58They are a plus 212 points over their nine-game win streak.
15:03That is the biggest plus-minus differential in a nine-game span in NBA history.
15:08More than impressive.
15:09But remember, Cleveland, they were down 2-0 in the conference semis against Detroit.
15:13They came back and won that in seven games.
15:14They'll be so happy to go back home to Cleveland where they're going to be playing game three.
15:18It's official, guys.
15:19J-Dub is out with that left-hand injury.
15:22I was going to go ask him, too.
15:23He was warming up.
15:24Yeah, man.
15:25But all right.
15:26I didn't expect him to play tonight.
15:28Yeah, exactly.
15:28You can tell how he walked off the court, you know, going back in the tunnel.
15:32But when you talk about the injury that he's dealing with, that's not something you want to rush.
15:36Even when it feels better and you think you're 100%, you want to give it another week, another 9 to
15:4110 days,
15:42just to make sure and be perfect, be very confident on that hamstring.
15:46Listen, the Spurs are in a—I'm sorry.
15:47The OKC is in a position where they can rest him because of how they're playing.
15:53They played well without him.
15:54We've seen them.
15:55They're proven without him.
15:57So, at the end of the day, if they so happen to advance, that's what you want him for if
16:03he's available.
16:04Then right now, let's not risk it just to do it.
16:06Yeah, and listen, OKC played 55 games without J-Dub so far this season.
16:10They went 45 and 10.
16:12Remember, he missed 26 days during this postseason and six games during that time.
16:16A.J. Mitchell came in, played well for him in that starting lineup.
16:19We'll let you know who is going to be the starter here tonight as we just found out that J
16:22-Dub is out for the evening with that left hamstring.
16:25Alex Caruso, he's been on a bender two hours and 45 minutes away from College Station.
16:31All the friends and family are going to be in the building.
16:33We'll see what he has for OKC in Game 3.
16:41So Game 1 was an instant classic.
16:44What's in store for Game 2?
16:46SGA, knock it down!
16:48That is a tough bucket.
16:50Kinyama's going to launch and knock down the three.
16:53Wow!
16:53Getting going early.
16:55Physicality right from the opening possession.
16:58Oh!
16:58Oh!
16:59Oh my goodness!
17:01Are you kidding me?
17:04Everybody who's watching know what Stephon Castle's staying right there.
17:07These two teams are like looking in the mirror.
17:09Who's going to blink first?
17:10Caruso!
17:11And words for the Spurs, bitch.
17:14Yes!
17:15On the putback!
17:16Oh my goodness.
17:18Oh no!
17:19That's the only thing.
17:20We are trading punches.
17:22These teams cannot create enough separation from one another.
17:26Isn't that what you want in a heavyweight fight?
17:28This is what you want.
17:29He'll just Alexander on the attack.
17:30Pokes back.
17:31And hits!
17:33You've done it!
17:34It's the highest level of basketball you can find.
17:38Woo!
17:38You're going to get there, bro.
17:40This is what you want.
17:42This is what you mean.
17:44We are just two games into the Western Conference Finals.
17:47It's giving us everything we need.
17:49Listen, we just updated you before we left.
17:51Jalen Williams, he is out dealing with that hamstring since January.
17:54And he's only playing three playoff games.
17:56But the good news for the Spurs, you see it right there.
17:58De'Aaron Fox available for the first time during the Western Conference Series.
18:02And also Dylan Harper.
18:03He is back in.
18:05Remember, he left early during the third quarter.
18:07Did not return to the game.
18:08And he was forced into the starting lineup with Fox out.
18:11Let's get into it.
18:12The difference that is made on the court when a veteran nine-year player like De'Aaron Fox
18:17gets to join back up and tag team in with Wembe.
18:19The difference?
18:20Yeah.
18:21It's scary to me because there's another guy out there who can put the ball in the basket,
18:26who can be a primary threat.
18:28And Wembe doesn't have to be the focal point.
18:31Yes, you're going to put all of your attention on Wembe as you should.
18:34But now there's a guy, De'Aaron Fox, who can navigate and make plays for others as well.
18:40So this is a big addition, getting him back.
18:42I mean, it's a surprise with Dylan Harper.
18:44But I think De'Aaron Fox is a need for them as well.
18:48Yeah, they've been dealing with turnovers bad.
18:5044 turnovers through two games, giving up 55 points to OKC.
18:53That is a big difference, ultimately, for this team.
18:57Yeah, I mean, the Spurs have to take care of the basketball.
18:59Even though Castle is playing extremely well.
19:01But to have that many turnovers in a two-game span, you cannot do that.
19:07That just goes to tell me that you're just playing.
19:10You're not focused on taking care of the basketball.
19:12You're not focused on making sure that we get precise passes.
19:16You're just playing.
19:17And I love that.
19:18And on the flip side of that, he's averaging 20.
19:20He's averaging 20.
19:21He's passing the ball.
19:22He's playing great defense.
19:24He's matching OKC's guard physicality, right?
19:27He's setting the tone from a physicality standpoint when it comes to guarding Shea and guarding everybody else.
19:35So you want to see that aggressiveness by Stephon Castle.
19:38Don't dumb that down.
19:39I want to see another level of that today.
19:41How do you balance that if you're a coach?
19:43This is a guy who's your second leading scorer in the postseason.
19:46He had a couple double-doubles.
19:48Obviously, those 20 turnovers, not what you want through two games.
19:50But you need the aggression and a lot of things that he brings at the same time.
19:54Well, one thing Stephon Castle's going to do, he's going to play physical.
19:57He's going to be aggressive.
19:58He's going to pick up.
20:00He's guarding Wendy.
20:01I mean, he's guarding Chet.
20:02He's guarding Shea.
20:03He's guarding Lou Thornton.
20:05Whoever it is bringing the ball up the court, he wants to challenge.
20:08And that right there.
20:09And he's doing that.
20:10Hey, listen.
20:10The world know what he said right here on this dunk right now.
20:12I mean, that's worth, like, six turnovers in itself.
20:15That's about six turnovers right here.
20:16That's about six turnovers.
20:18Stephon understands the moment.
20:20Even though he's a young player, he understands the moment.
20:22He understands the challenge, what it means to take the challenge.
20:25And he really believed that the Spurs can beat OKC.
20:29And he's carrying it that way.
20:30Getting the opportunity to play in a conference final, in your mind, you're like, we're this close.
20:35And I want to help my team go over the top.
20:37So sometimes you tend to rush yourself and you tend to push the envelope a little too much.
20:41But the beauty of this is this series.
20:44And you can watch film.
20:45And you can see where you can be aggressive and when you need to dial it back a little bit
20:50and just make the right play.
20:52Because, like you said, 20 turnovers averaging 10 a game for, like, 20 to 25 points.
20:58That's something, like, that can be the difference in sweeping this team, which we know that's not going to happen.
21:03But maybe you're up 2-0 instead of 1-1 with the turnovers.
21:07So for him, we just want to settle him down, particularly at home.
21:10Now you're at home with excitement, defend.
21:12We know it's going to be rocking here.
21:13Settle in.
21:14Just make the right play.
21:15But like you said, you don't want him to lose his aggression.
21:18Listen, I see Wimby down here.
21:19He's working out.
21:20He's warming up.
21:21They're body-ing him a little bit in the paint right now.
21:23Listen, we saw a little bit more Isaiah Hartenstein on him.
21:27He played him for about 8 minutes as the primary defender in Game 2.
21:30And it seemed to have made a difference.
21:32There were just different looks that he was getting defensively.
21:33I thought that was the key move and the key adjustment of OKC.
21:40I mean, Wimby, you're talking about the physicality.
21:42Look, Hartenstein understands how to play basketball.
21:45He didn't have no possessions on Wimby first game.
21:49Right here, he just want to keep a body on him.
21:51Keep Wimby, keep him between Wimby and the basket.
21:54I'm going to give up some fouls, but I'm playing hard and I'm playing aggressive.
21:57But I also understand that Wimby, I also know that Wimby, understand what he's up against to do.
22:03Here's what I love about sedentorial staff.
22:05What they were working on right here just now, it's being held and still getting to the weak side.
22:11And now they're playing football.
22:12Yeah, but they worked hard.
22:14They earned it.
22:15Almost, almost.
22:16But that just says a lot about them and how important the details are to win a game.
22:20Now they say, we're not going to cry about it, but we're going to adjust to how you've been played.
22:27And we make it happen.
22:29And they're working on that.
22:30And that's, I love to see that.
22:31That says a lot about this organization and their preparation.
22:34Yeah, for sure.
22:34Listen, Wimby had 26 points in the paint in game one, just 10 in game two.
22:39So obviously under control a little bit more by OKC's defense.
22:43But let's get into what we saw from Shea Gildress Alexander also in game two.
22:47Listen, the two-time MVP, maybe he was feeling it out, trying to figure out exactly how he wanted to
22:52attack the Spurs in game one.
22:53But he found his spots for sure in game two.
22:55He definitely found his spots.
22:56Yes, he had 30 points, but he had nine assists.
22:59And the one thing we've seen Shea all season.
23:01Oh my goodness.
23:02What we've seen all season is his patience and his willingness to get off the ball for guys to make
23:09plays.
23:09And they understand they need to make plays for him.
23:12So when guys are knocking down shots, it makes the second half, fourth quarter for him to be in attack
23:18mode.
23:18So that's what he's starting to see is like, OK, get off the ball, guys knock shots.
23:22I need y'all to knock down shots.
23:23They know that.
23:23Watch me do what I do.
23:24Yeah, nine assists for Shea in game two.
23:27Added in 30 points.
23:29And ultimately, the series was evened up 1-1.
23:32There's the big guy, Isaiah Hardenstein.
23:34Played a huge role.
23:35AJ Mitchell, we'll see if he's the one that's going to get the start alongside Jared McCain, who knocks down
23:40big threes.
23:41Listen, we've got plenty more coming from the Frostbanks Center.
23:44Hey, good fella.
23:48This is in Milan.
23:50Extraordinary Louisville.
23:51U.S. Serving champion.
23:53Big game.
23:54Bigger game.
23:55This is out of here.
23:57A lot of stars for you on Sunday Night Football.
24:05Two games down in the Western Conference Finals, and there's not much separating OKC and San Antonio.
24:10There's your two-time MVP, Shea Gildas-Alexander.
24:13The defending champion, Thunder, they bounced back strong in game two after losing their first game of the playoffs in
24:19game one in double overtime.
24:20But tonight, it's Wimpy and the Spurs turn to bounce back, something they've done very well all season.
24:25San Antonio has the best record in the NBA after a loss and now returns to the comfort of home
24:30where they've lost just ten times all year.
24:33So far, it's been the heavyweight showdown that we've hoped for, and it's only time for game three.
24:55Welcome to NBA Showtime, presented by AT&T.
24:59Here's your host, Maria Taylor.
25:01All right, so we've traveled about 425 miles south, straight shot down I-35, where the Fiesta was waiting for
25:08us.
25:09Game three of the Western Conference Finals at the Frost Bank Center between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San
25:14Antonio Spurs.
25:15The five-time NBA champion Spurs just looking to hang another banner up here in the rafters, something they haven't
25:21done in over a decade.
25:23Maria Taylor, I've got two Hall of Famers with me, Carmelo Anthony and Vince Carter.
25:28Tracy McGrady, he's on dad duty.
25:30He's celebrating a graduation, which we absolutely love to hear.
25:33We're schoolastic on here on this show.
25:35We're here for a fiesta, guys.
25:37It is game three, and so far, it's been an instant classic of a series.
25:41Let's talk about some of the keys already coming in.
25:43We found out that J-Dub, he is out with that hamstring injury.
25:46We saw him go down in game two.
25:48We found out that De'Aaron Fox, he will play.
25:50He is available for the first time during the Western Conference Finals.
25:53He's dealing with the right ankle.
25:54And also the rookie, Dylan Harper, who was forced into starting duty with De'Aaron Fox out for those first
25:59two games.
25:59He's available.
26:00He had an adductor issue.
26:02But what does it mean to have De'Aaron Fox, the nine-year vet, available for a Spurs team that
26:07has struggled with turnovers so far this series?
26:09Just that, to protect the ball.
26:12You ask someone like De'Aaron Fox who's been around, yes, he's a primary guy, a guy who can score,
26:18a guy who can distribute the basketball.
26:20But when things are getting erratic, he can calm guys down and just get guys into position or just get
26:25them shots.
26:26Not saying, I don't, like you said it earlier, I do not want Stephon Castle to lose his aggression.
26:32Just want him to calm down and settle in.
26:34And understand, you have to value the ball in the playoffs, and that's very important.
26:38His high turnovers right now tend to be exact.
26:40But at the same time, you have now De'Aaron Fox, you move him to the off guard and put
26:45him in attack position, attack mode, and just get downhill.
26:49Get into the paint.
26:50Create opportunities for yourself and others.
26:53Yeah, listen, Stephon Castle, 20 turnovers through those first two games.
26:56Ultimately, the Spurs with 44.
26:57They've given up 55 points off of turnovers to OKC.
27:00But they also had to answer the question to the Thunder of how they wanted to guard Wimby.
27:04They changed it up a little bit in game two.
27:06We saw more Isaiah Hartenstein on Wimby.
27:09Only 12 minutes played in game one.
27:10And then we saw 27 minutes in game two, Melo.
27:13And he guarded him for about eight minutes as the primary defender.
27:15Yeah, I want to break this down because this was a chess move by OKC and Coach Dago.
27:20Look how Hartenstein is in a smack.
27:22He's in a smack defense, right?
27:24He's not letting Wimby get behind.
27:25He's not letting Wimby get away from him.
27:28Hartenstein also understands how to guard a pick and roll.
27:31He's a vet.
27:32He understands he got to push up on Wimby.
27:35He got to make Wimby put the ball on the court.
27:38And also, he needed help on the opposite side for the offensive rebound, for the defensive rebound.
27:42Here, his pickup point on Wimby is almost above the three-point line.
27:46Yes, that was a foul right there.
27:48But that call right there allowed Hartenstein to be more aggressive throughout the course of the game.
27:52Look how he's smashing Wimby right here.
27:54Usually, that's a switch right here.
27:56He's letting J-Dub through.
27:58He's staying with Wimby.
27:59He's directing.
28:00He's quarterbacking.
28:01And now, Wimby don't have no room to go anywhere or move.
28:04So, the physicality that Hartenstein brings to this game is very important that Coach Dago made that adjustment in game
28:11two.
28:12And look at here right here.
28:13He understands OKC offense.
28:15He understands what Shea likes to do.
28:17You know what, Wimby?
28:17I'm not going to let you block the shot.
28:19I'm going to hold you off.
28:20I'm going to hold you.
28:21I'm going to grab you.
28:21But you're not getting over here to block Shea's shot.
28:25That's a smart basketball player.
28:27That's an adjustment.
28:28That's coaching.
28:30That's structure.
28:30And that is the epitome of a championship basketball team.
28:34Yeah.
28:34And one of the big things, too, points in the paint.
28:36Wimby had 26 points in the paint in game one and just 10 points in the paint in game two.
28:41Now, one thing for Oklahoma City that we've become very, very used to, Vince Carter, is the fact that they're
28:46going to play 12 players.
28:47We've seen at least 12 players go in in game one and game two.
28:50But that bench has really held up.
28:52If you play for the Thunder, you're going to get an opportunity.
28:54But Shea, who had nine assists last game, yes, he had 30 points, but he had nine assists.
28:58His unselfishness, getting off the ball, and his guys understanding, when I get the ball, I need to make a
29:03play to make the game easier for our superstar.
29:06McCain gets into the paint.
29:07Jump shot.
29:08Caruso, yes, we're going to get you the ball back.
29:09All right, I'm going to clear out for you.
29:11Nope, Wimby's up.
29:12Psych, psych, psych.
29:13I'm going to get it to this guy.
29:15Shea, understand, get it to the guy who shoots 61% for the series right now.
29:20He is hotter than fish grease right now.
29:22And then here's another guy, Kaysom Wallace, who's been shooting well.
29:25And you said, Melo, he needs to make shots for this team to win.
29:29He made threes.
29:30He got off the ball, but made himself available to make the game easier for Shea in the second half.
29:36And their bench was fantastic.
29:38But those guys put themselves in positions to where the double team happens.
29:44Shea did not blink.
29:45He got off it.
29:46Those guys were in attack mode or shot the three and made shots.
29:49So 34 assists from their team.
29:51I mean, that's just fantastic by this team.
29:53Yeah, that OKC bench, listen, they've already outscored San Antonio 107-41.
29:59I mean, more than impressive.
30:00And they're playing well together right now.
30:02There's your guy.
30:02There's Zae Zae.
30:03I've already named him Zae Zae.
30:04Zae Zae.
30:05Isaiah Hart.
30:05I'm not calling him Zae Zae.
30:07Wait, what?
30:09But he had to be one of the primary defenders on Wimby, and it certainly made a difference.
30:13Okay, the adjustment now is how Wimby's going to respond.
30:16What is the best way to respond the way that he was guarded in game two?
30:19For me, you had an opportunity to come out game one, put your team on the back, 41-8.
30:23They didn't know how to guard you in game one.
30:25Game two, OKC made the adjustment.
30:28They're a championship team.
30:29They made the adjustment on Wimby.
30:31Be physical.
30:32Now is San Antonio's time to make an adjustment.
30:36Wimby has to get up on the perimeter.
30:38He has to move Hartenstein around.
30:40He has to bring him out on the perimeter, make Hartenstein move his feet, get downhill,
30:44make plays, because if you stay alongside that paint, you're not going to get nothing.
30:48You're going to have to be extra physical to try to get those buckets down there.
30:51That's exactly what I was going to say.
30:53You want to put Wimby on the move.
30:55If you're going to be physical, let the physicality start from out front where the referees can see it.
30:59Hopefully, you get a quick foul on him.
31:01That kind of makes Hartenstein a little hesitant.
31:04But I think you're getting him in some pin downs.
31:06Make him chase Wimby a little bit.
31:08That means he's a little late, more likely to foul.
31:11So there's a couple of things that you can do.
31:13And I like sometimes bringing him up, let him run the point a little bit.
31:15Now he's in a 5-1, 5-2 pick and roll.
31:19What Hartenstein now has to navigate through picks.
31:22And remember, these are two teams that hadn't seen each other in two and a half months
31:25before they met in the Western Conference Finals.
31:26So the adjustments that we're going to see throughout these series
31:29will most certainly make a difference as they get more familiarized with one another.
31:32All right.
31:33For tonight's McDonald's Round Ball Roundup,
31:35let's get you caught up on the Eastern Conference Finals.
31:37And after a wild comeback in Game 1,
31:40the Knicks, they just kept on rolling in Game 2 against Cleveland,
31:43extending their franchise record nine-game playoff win streak.
31:47Now the game was tied in the third quarter
31:49before New York took control with an 18-0 run.
31:52You guys remember that?
31:52Because there was an 18-1 run in Game 1.
31:54Every Knicks starter scored at least 14 points,
31:58led by Josh Hart, who scored a playoff career high, 26 points.
32:02And the Knicks now have the best point differential by any team ever
32:06in their first 12 playoff games,
32:08ahead of several NBA title-winning teams, including last year's Thunder.
32:12New York, they've also outscored its opponents by 212 points
32:15over this nine-game win streak.
32:16That's the best point differential in a nine-game span in NBA history,
32:20regular season, or playoffs.
32:21But after the win, Game 2, the hero, the heart of the garden,
32:25Josh Hart, had some fun on the microphone.
32:29I'm never a huge analytics guy.
32:32You know, at a certain point,
32:35they're a lamppost to a drunk person.
32:37You can lean on them, but it won't get you home.
32:41So at a certain point, you've got to have a good feel for the game.
32:48I'm not going to lie, that was Gerald Wright, his quote, man.
32:50So, shout-out Jay Wright.
32:55Wait, hold up.
32:55No, we're not moving on from that.
32:58That's a great quote.
33:00Oh, my God.
33:01Analytics drunk.
33:02Is a lamppost to a drunk person?
33:04It ain't going to get you home.
33:05You can lean on it, though.
33:06I was with Cal, so I didn't hear that.
33:08You ain't even go to college.
33:15Now you didn't even go to college.
33:17We just saw Cal Game 2.
33:18He would have said, I had him.
33:20He was on my team.
33:21Listen, Josh Hart enjoying some pizza and a victory.
33:24They're up 2-0 now on Cleveland.
33:26Let's start there with him, because he was 0 for 3 from 3.
33:28He could have stopped shooting.
33:29He was benched toward the end of Game 1.
33:31All he did was go 5 from 8 from there.
33:33Playoff career high, 26 points in Game 2.
33:35Most players would stop shooting in Josh Hart's situation,
33:38because the opposing team, they want you to shoot the basketball.
33:42They're leaving you open for a reason.
33:43So for you to go in this game, too, to knock these shots down
33:46and be aggressive on the offensive end and the defensive end,
33:50he was offensive rebounding.
33:52To me, this is the Josh Hart.
33:54Josh Hart always wins you a basketball game in the postseason
33:57by his hustle, by his heart, and then you look up,
34:00and he 5 from 7, 5 from 8 from the 3.
34:02For the defense, it's one thing being open, but he was open, open.
34:07No, he was like, line them up, take your time.
34:11If you need to dribble, you know, sometimes you need to dribble
34:14to get your rhythm.
34:15That open.
34:18But that's just the adjustment.
34:19That's just JB, like we talked about Shay, JB making the right play.
34:22Yeah, he can take over the game.
34:24He's Mr. Clutch, but at the same time, my guy, one, is making shots,
34:27getting off the ball, trusting his guys, and his guys delivering.
34:30And he had a playoff career-high 14-assisted JB in that game,
34:34so obviously he was making the right decision.
34:36Okay, you're the Cleveland Cavaliers.
34:37You get to go back home where you like to play so far, but you're down 2-0.
34:41What has to change?
34:42You reset.
34:43You go home, you reset.
34:45You sleep in your own bed.
34:46You eat your own food.
34:46You got your own chefs out there.
34:48Your preparation is different at home.
34:50You're in front of your fans.
34:51I think Donovan will continue to do what he do.
34:53James will pick it up.
34:54He's home first game in the Western Conference and Eastern Conference final story in Cleveland.
35:00And I think James is starting to feel the heaviness of what it takes to be James Harden.
35:06They try to go out there to win the championship.
35:08So I do think Cleveland will be totally, totally different in game three.
35:12You have success at home.
35:13Do that.
35:14But the first six minutes are important for the Cleveland Cavaliers, in my opinion.
35:17Okay.
35:18Amina, you're certainly right.
35:19Listen, they've been down 0-2 before.
35:20It happened against the Pistons.
35:21They won it in seven.
35:22All right.
35:23The Eastern Conference finals continue with game three from Cleveland tomorrow night on ABC.
35:27The Knicks, they'll take their 2-0 lead on the road.
35:30We'll see how Cleveland does.
35:31They're looking for a 10th straight win at home.
35:35They're 6-1 at home.
35:36Yeah, they're 6-1 at home.
35:37That's true.
35:38All right, Mel, it's time for your star player parlay on DraftKings Sportsbook.
35:41All right.
35:41Let's see what you're looking for.
35:42We still need a postseason win.
35:43We don't care about them being 6-1 at home.
35:44Here we go right here.
35:44We got three legs here.
35:45Three-leg parlay.
35:47Castle, 18 points.
35:48The Spurs primarily ball handler with Fox banged up.
35:52But Fox is back tonight, so we'll see the average 21 a game in the series, 20 in the postseason.
35:56McCain, two threes.
35:58The kid, listen, the kid shot 63 from three against the Lakers in the semis.
36:02He hit one in game one.
36:04Didn't really shoot many in game two.
36:05But he's due for a couple threes tonight.
36:08And then Devin Vassell, three threes coming off 22 points and six made threes in game two.
36:12He plays his best in big spots.
36:14He's home.
36:15As you can hear this crowd, Fiesta, it's Fiesta night, the Frostbanks Arena, whatever this is.
36:22It's booming right now.
36:23We have it at Frostbanks Center.
36:24Let's go.
36:25So I think this is going to hit today.
36:27Somewhere T-Mac is sitting there like.
36:29Be like, yeah, right.
36:31Yeah, right.
36:31Yeah, right, champ.
36:32We know you, T-Mac.
36:35Watch we hit today.
36:36T-Mac, not here.
36:37Just the one.
36:37Just the one.
36:37It's all good.
36:38Getting set for his 27th career playoff game.
36:41Coming off of 30 points and nine assists in game two.
36:44As OKC tied up the Western Conference Finals against the Spurs.
36:48We're getting you set for game three.
36:56On DraftKings Sportsbook, all customers can get a profit boost every game day during the
37:00NBA playoffs.
37:01Download the app and use promo code DUNK when you.
37:05NBA Showtime is brought to you by AT&T.
37:08Connecting changes everything.
37:14For tonight's AT&T Meaningful Moments, we're focused on the game in front of us here in
37:19San Antonio with the series tied at 1-1.
37:21Take a look at what's at stake here tonight in game three.
37:24You can see OKC's only lost two of the 15 series in which it took a 2-1 lead.
37:31And the Spurs have won just two of 15 series when they trailed it 2-1.
37:36So this is a very big game three.
37:38There is your two-time MVP, Shea Gilgis-Alexander, the defending champ that got off of the mat
37:44in game two after falling in double overtime to the Spurs at home.
37:48And now another opportunity to string together two wins.
37:51Maybe the bad news for OKC is the fact that the Spurs have not lost back-to-back games since
37:57January.
37:57In fact, they've won 11 straight coming off the loss.
38:00And they expect to bounce back themselves here tonight.
38:03Now, we just heard OKC come out to booze.
38:06We just heard the Spurs come out, reigning yays.
38:08And it's fiesta night here at the Frostbanks Center.
38:11Let's get into it.
38:12What we need to see from Stephon Castle here.
38:14Now, he has 20 turnovers through two games.
38:17What is the expectation for him now that De'Aaron Fox is back in the starting lineup officially?
38:21Still be yourself.
38:22Be aggressive.
38:23Just protect the ball.
38:24Take care of it.
38:25The beauty of it is now you have another guy that can carry the load of ball-handling duties
38:31and you can be aggressive.
38:33The one thing I do like is that De'Aaron Fox is back.
38:36Look for Bussell to have a great game because of that.
38:39I think he will be the beneficiary of a lot of open threes.
38:42And depending on how Dylan Harper is feeling, I think he's another guy.
38:46So, those two guys are very important to me in this game now that De'Aaron Fox is back on
38:52the floor.
38:53Dylan Harper, remember, he is coming off the bench as a rookie.
38:56He had 24 points in that double overtime win in game one.
38:59So, he assumes his normal role and he's been poised, Melo, this entire postseason.
39:05He's a different rookie.
39:07He's a much mature rookie.
39:09What he's able to do out there and what he's able to give San Antonio Spurs is somebody who can
39:14control the basketball.
39:16He can control the pace.
39:17He's big.
39:18He's strong.
39:19He likes to play.
39:20He likes to play downhill.
39:21I'm going to say he likes to play downhill today.
39:23And he can finish with both hands at the rim.
39:25And when you're talking about somebody who also loves to body a smaller guard, he can take advantage of the
39:31mismatches out there.
39:32But today, you have De'Aaron Fox back.
39:35You have both of those guys out there.
39:36He don't have to do as much.
39:38He can play off the ball that time.
39:40He can play on the ball that time.
39:41He can play alongside Stephon Castle.
39:44Those guys, he's a very, very, very good offensive rebounded guard.
39:48So, I expect him to attack the offensive glass a little bit more tonight.
39:51Sure.
39:51Listen, he found 60 minutes before game one that he was going to be in the starting lineup.
39:56Didn't matter.
39:57Got his 24 points.
39:58There's De'Aaron Fox.
39:59Welcome back.
39:59We haven't seen you so far in the Western Conference Finals.
40:02Remember, injured his ankle in game four of the semis.
40:04He's played in five and six, and then he's been resting and trying to get back to health.
40:09It'll be good to see him back.
40:11Finally, we got somebody older than 25 in the starting lineup for the Spurs.
40:15The point guard is back, BC.
40:17Absolutely.
40:18I mean, here's a guy who, like I said, he's a veteran.
40:21He's been around.
40:23I just think he just needs to be himself.
40:25Like I said, he's that calming voice and player for this team when things get erratic.
40:30Because, like I said, I would love to see their young guys continue to be their young guys.
40:34But now you have a veteran that can say, hey, let's slow it down.
40:37Let's get into our offense.
40:38We need to get Wimby the ball.
40:39Or we need to get, you know, whoever it is on the floor of the ball.
40:43He can be that guy for them.
40:44Yeah, listen, De'Aaron Fox just playing in his second playoff scenario postseason himself.
40:49Chet Holmgren, part of the defending champs.
40:51A lot of pressure has been on him to show some emotion and to be aggressive.
40:55Vince, you really called him up in game two.
40:57Did you see some improvements?
40:58Yeah, for sure.
40:59I think the win is going to help him.
41:03I'd just like to see more from him.
41:05Because of the double team that Shea is seeing, we showed their guards.
41:09If you notice, that video is the guards.
41:11But I'd like to see Chet be the beneficiary of that.
41:15Because what that's doing is now you're making Wimby have to guard straight up.
41:20And that takes away help side.
41:21Because Chet is very capable of getting off the ball making plays as well.
41:26So I would like to see him get in the attack mode.
41:28Whether it's knocking down the jump shot.
41:30Or actually going through Wimby's chest a couple times.
41:33If he blocks it, he blocks it.
41:34But I'd love to see him attack Wimby a little more as well.
41:37Go finish, Chet.
41:39Hey, Chet, it's loud of him.
41:41Yeah, buddy.
41:42I'll tell you what, though.
41:44Frost Bank Arena, this center, they haven't hosted a conference finals game since 2017.
41:52May 22nd, 17th, to this day.
41:54Nine years ago to the day.
41:55And they got swept by the Warriors back then.
41:58So I think today this building is going to be totally different.
42:01Wimby understands.
42:02Wimby knows.
42:03San Antonio is home.
42:04You got the Jackals.
42:05You got Fiesta.
42:06It's loud in here.
42:08Listen, this place is going to be rocking it down.
42:09I can't wait.
42:10You got the two-time MVP in here.
42:12You've got two games that have been separated by two points.
42:15You got the five-time champ in the San Antonio Spurs looking for their first title in over
42:19a decade.
42:20You got a young and relentless Spurs team.
42:22You've got a team that's been there and done that before, the defending champ.
42:25You got game three coming your way.
42:27Keep going.
42:27Keep going.
42:27You got a team that's been there after this.
42:28You like that, right?
42:29Another one.
42:29And another one.
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