ESPN analyst sitting in for Stephen A. Smith makes bold NBA MVP claim as fans gasp 'this is getting out of hand' | 9517T53 | 2024-04-14 02:08:01
But a variety of NBA fans have been left unconvinced by the arguments introduced by the ex-NFL vast re
ESPN analyst Harry Douglas has stated it's arduous to guess towards Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic in the 2023-24 NBA MVP race.
But a variety of NBA fans have been left unconvinced by the arguments introduced by the ex-NFL vast receiver, who crammed in for Stephen A. Smith on Thursday's First Take.
Jokic, 29, put his MVP credentials on show within the 116-107 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves that put the Nuggets in a cushty spot within the battle for the No. 1 seed within the Western Conference.
The 6-foot-11 middle registered his 25th triple-double of the season on Wednesday night time, logging 41 factors, 11 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.
Notably, the Serbian shot an outrageous 80% from the sector (16-for-20) towards the top-ranked protection in the NBA.
After his excellent performance, the First Take panel — with out each Smith and full-time host Molly Qerim — mentioned whether or not Jokic must be a lock for the MVP award.
NBA analyst Monica McNutt gave an affirmative answer although she'd been rooting for Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the race.
Gilgeous-Alexander is having an outstanding season, averaging 30.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and a league-leading 2.1 steals that coincide with OKC's greatest season in years.
Douglas echoed McNutt's sentiment before diving deeper into Jokic's benefit over rivals to the award based mostly on his dominant show towards the Timberwolves.
"Nikola Jokic. Once you drop 41 in a pivotal matchup final night time," the ESPN analyst stated.
"And time and time once more in crunch time, once you're capable of get it executed they usually play via Nikola Jokic.
"They usually belief he's going to make the most effective cross, the perfect shot, or get one of the best shot.
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> "Or do what's greatest and throw an alley-oop to Aaron Gordon slashing down the baseline.
"When you will have a guy like Nikola Jokic, who's your piece I should say… you'll be able to't guess towards him.
"I needed to return here such as you Monica and argue for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but Nikola Jokic last night time — and even earlier than last night time — he was the favourite.
"However whenever you drop 41 in a pivotal recreation like he did final evening, I can't argue it."
<!--googleoff: all--> <blockquote class="article__quote"> </blockquote> <!--googleon: all--> However Douglas' analysis did not resonate with many ESPN viewers — they usually made their emotions recognized on social media.
A large group additionally identified the shortage of recognition for Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, who's also been the focus of his staff whereas logging 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 9.eight assists, and 1.4 steals.
"Bruh the glazing is getting outta hand… Like Luka ain't CARRYING Dallas," one wrote.
"Don't know who needs to listen to this. Denver wasn't dominating till Murry got here back from his damage," another added.
"Luka clears," a third stated.
"More clueless analysts, think about if Dallas didn't have Luka where would they be???" one asked.
Jokic did all of it for Denver towards Minnesota — that features entertaining those that watched the sport at Ball Area and in front of the TV.
He amusingly attempted to win the tip-off towards Timberwolves middle Rudy Gobert 5 occasions, hopping across the referee in a second that went viral on social media.
The Nuggets star, who's a two-time MVP, is averaging 26.6 points, 12.four rebounds, 9.0 assists, and 1.3 steals in 2023-24.
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