First Take

[digiskunk]

For pretenders, I got the T-Wolves, the Knicks, and the Hawks. Look, I've been a Knicks fan my whole life. I KNOW they are ALWAYS either losers or PRETENDERS! That's what the Knicks do! The Hawks are too old in the front and back courts. For the first time in years they didn't pull off a heist of a trade so they're pretending. The Wolves, man, I love that that Wiggins Porter combo but that ain't gonna enough when the goin' gets tough.

For contenders, I got the Pistons, Kings, Clipps, and Spurs. Why, you ask? I got four answers for you. Anthony Davis, Derrick Rose, Kevin DURANT, and RUSSELL WESTBROOK. If you make the playoffs and have those guys on your team, you're contending.

No offense Stephen A, but I think you're greatly mistaken if you don't think the Hawks are going to go all the way. We're talking about one of the most memorable franchises and GMs in the history of PBSL, and you're throwing their names in the same group as the KNICKS? What? Are you kidding me?That's absolutely ridiculous! Don't get me wrong, the Knicks are a tremendous franchise, but they're no Hawks or Spurs — they're PRETENDERS, just like the Magic and Pistons. If you want to talk about competitive playoff teams, let's not forget the KINGS who had to win all their games the HARD WAY this year. They didn't have an ANTHONY DAVIS to carry their team; they won the good old fashioned way, by paying off the referees. That's what competitive basketball is all about! So come playoff time, you bet your ass you'll be seeing me sitting in the stands with either a Hawks or Kings jersey on — it all depends who's trending more come playoff-time.

[NOLa.]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kucoach7]

There is no question that the Rudy Gay injury is the biggest injury this year. I know Ish is great. I know he's out forever. I know he's a double double guy. But look The Knicks were arguably contenders before the Gay injury. Not in my book. But in the book's of others. Now they're not. The T-Wolves were never really contenders and they are still going to win their division. On the other hand the New York Knicks have the Philadelphia 76ers breathing down their necks. So I'm going to say that the bigger injury is undeniable and incontrovertibly, the Rudy Gay severe concussion.

[digiskunk]

For pretenders, I got the T-Wolves, the Knicks, and the Hawks. Look, I've been a Knicks fan my whole life. I KNOW they are ALWAYS either losers or PRETENDERS! That's what the Knicks do! The Hawks are too old in the front and back courts. For the first time in years they didn't pull off a heist of a trade so they're pretending. The Wolves, man, I love that that Wiggins Porter combo but that ain't gonna enough when the goin' gets tough.

For contenders, I got the Pistons, Kings, Clipps, and Spurs. Why, you ask? I got four answers for you. Anthony Davis, Derrick Rose, Kevin DURANT, and RUSSELL WESTBROOK. If you make the playoffs and have those guys on your team, you're contending.

Stephen A, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with you 100%. In this league, you're either a winner or a loser, and I think that definitely rings true for teams like the SPURS, who have been nothing short of amazing this season despite playing in such a highly-competitive conference. Of course, you can't ignore other division powerhouses such as the Knicks, Pistons, Timberwolves, and Tani's own KINGS, but when I take a look at those teams, I don't see winners, I see LUCK. Yes, that's right, I said it: Teams like the Knicks and Hawks have an easier path to the Finals than the Spurs. ... And it's true, isn't it? I mean, sure, the KNICKS have been good for the past few seasons, but they still have a lot to prove if they want to change my mind. Maybe if they pick up a bonafide star such as LEBRON JAMES, people will begin to take them seriously. But until the Knicks or Pistons add a superstar of LEBRON JAMES' caliber to their roster, I don't think anybody will take them seriously. At least not on this network...

[Inner_GI]

Rudy Gay:

Screen Shot 2017-11-15 at 8.44.00 AM.png (58.12 KiB) Viewed 3845 times

Lebron James:

Screen Shot 2017-11-15 at 8.43.52 AM.png (56.65 KiB) Viewed 3845 times

Says Knicks need a superstar...

[TheSyndicate]

What about Jrue doe.

[digiskunk]

Rudy Gay:
Screen Shot 2017-11-15 at 8.44.00 AM.png

Lebron James:
Screen Shot 2017-11-15 at 8.43.52 AM.png


Says Knicks need a superstar...

I'm just trying to be like Skip and say outrageous things

[Inner_GI]

Rudy Gay:
Screen Shot 2017-11-15 at 8.44.00 AM.png

Lebron James:
Screen Shot 2017-11-15 at 8.43.52 AM.png


Says Knicks need a superstar...

I'm just trying to be like Skip and say outrageous things

I'm just trying to be like the audience that makes skip look like a dumbass.

[digiskunk]

Stephen A, I know it's our day off but I just wanted to take a moment to discuss the progress that the Philadelphia 76ers have made these past few seasons, as I feel they've become one of the more interesting and compelling franchises in PBSL. See, when I take a look around the league, I see teams that are either overpaying for old stars or relying too much on one superstar (see: ANTHONY DAVIS) to lead their team ... the 76ers, however, have dedicated themselves to building their team from the ground up around pieces such as Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons—who, might I add, is in contention for the Rookie of the Year award this season, which is destined to be a great race ... If I had to pick a team in the east—in that particular division—I think it's gonna be the Sixers that lead the division next season. I can just feel it in my nuggets. They have so much money to spend and a myriad of rising talent to build; it'll be damn near impossible to stop them once they get going. Not even the world-renowned BOSTON CELTICS will be able to slow them down, which is something I'm still struggling to comprehend. Can you imagine that, Stephen A? Just imagine the Terminator but in basketball form, and that's the Sixers in the Atlantic Division come next season. And you can take that to the bank!

[kucoach7]

Stephen A, I know it's our day off but I just wanted to take a moment to discuss the progress that the Philadelphia 76ers have made these past few seasons, as I feel they've become one of the more interesting and compelling franchises in PBSL. See, when I take a look around the league, I see teams that are either overpaying for old stars or relying too much on one superstar (see: ANTHONY DAVIS) to lead their team ... the 76ers, however, have dedicated themselves to building their team from the ground up around pieces such as Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons—who, might I add, is in contention for the Rookie of the Year award this season, which is destined to be a great race ... If I had to pick a team in the east—in that particular division—I think it's gonna be the Sixers that lead the division next season. I can just feel it in my nuggets. They have so much money to spend and a myriad of rising talent to build; it'll be **** near impossible to stop them once they get going. Not even the world-renowned BOSTON CELTICS will be able to slow them down, which is something I'm still struggling to comprehend. Can you imagine that, Stephen A? Just imagine the Terminator but in basketball form, and that's the Sixers in the Atlantic Division come next season. And you can take that to the bank!

First of all, let me say that Catching Fire is the best book of the Hunger Games series, okay? It's got me hooked. Didn't sleep last night because I just wanted to reread Catching Fire. Now. The 76ers. They're a great team. They have one of the best GMs and coaches to ever participate in this prestigious and illustrious league. But when I look at THEIR FUTURE. WHEN I TAKE A STEP BACK AND LOOK AT THEIR FUTURE, I am simply scared. Why am I scared? Because I'm a New York Knicks fan and we're about to get OUT BUTTS KICKED FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS!!! So yeah, they're great and they're going to be even better.

[Darth Vegito]

Stephen A, I know it's our day off but I just wanted to take a moment to discuss the progress that the Philadelphia 76ers have made these past few seasons, as I feel they've become one of the more interesting and compelling franchises in PBSL. See, when I take a look around the league, I see teams that are either overpaying for old stars or relying too much on one superstar (see: ANTHONY DAVIS) to lead their team ... the 76ers, however, have dedicated themselves to building their team from the ground up around pieces such as Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons—who, might I add, is in contention for the Rookie of the Year award this season, which is destined to be a great race ... If I had to pick a team in the east—in that particular division—I think it's gonna be the Sixers that lead the division next season. I can just feel it in my nuggets. They have so much money to spend and a myriad of rising talent to build; it'll be **** near impossible to stop them once they get going. Not even the world-renowned BOSTON CELTICS will be able to slow them down, which is something I'm still struggling to comprehend. Can you imagine that, Stephen A? Just imagine the Terminator but in basketball form, and that's the Sixers in the Atlantic Division come next season. And you can take that to the bank!

First of all, let me say that Catching Fire is the best book of the Hunger Games series, okay? It's got me hooked. Didn't sleep last night because I just wanted to reread Catching Fire. Now. The 76ers. They're a great team. They have one of the best GMs and coaches to ever participate in this prestigious and illustrious league. But when I look at THEIR FUTURE. WHEN I TAKE A STEP BACK AND LOOK AT THEIR FUTURE, I am simply scared. Why am I scared? Because I'm a New York Knicks fan and we're about to get OUT BUTTS KICKED FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS!!! So yeah, they're great and they're going to be even better.

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

[ballsohard]

Stephen A, I know it's our day off but I just wanted to take a moment to discuss the progress that the Philadelphia 76ers have made these past few seasons, as I feel they've become one of the more interesting and compelling franchises in PBSL. See, when I take a look around the league, I see teams that are either overpaying for old stars or relying too much on one superstar (see: ANTHONY DAVIS) to lead their team ... the 76ers, however, have dedicated themselves to building their team from the ground up around pieces such as Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons—who, might I add, is in contention for the Rookie of the Year award this season, which is destined to be a great race ... If I had to pick a team in the east—in that particular division—I think it's gonna be the Sixers that lead the division next season. I can just feel it in my nuggets. They have so much money to spend and a myriad of rising talent to build; it'll be **** near impossible to stop them once they get going. Not even the world-renowned BOSTON CELTICS will be able to slow them down, which is something I'm still struggling to comprehend. Can you imagine that, Stephen A? Just imagine the Terminator but in basketball form, and that's the Sixers in the Atlantic Division come next season. And you can take that to the bank!

First of all, let me say that Catching Fire is the best book of the Hunger Games series, okay? It's got me hooked. Didn't sleep last night because I just wanted to reread Catching Fire. Now. The 76ers. They're a great team. They have one of the best GMs and coaches to ever participate in this prestigious and illustrious league. But when I look at THEIR FUTURE. WHEN I TAKE A STEP BACK AND LOOK AT THEIR FUTURE, I am simply scared. Why am I scared? Because I'm a New York Knicks fan and we're about to get OUT BUTTS KICKED FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS!!! So yeah, they're great and they're going to be even better.

Glol


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Inner_GI]

Capture.PNG (65.92 KiB) Viewed 3821 times

[ballsohard]

Capture.PNG

???


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[NOLa.]

By far my favorite article of the year and it keeps getting better.

[digiskunk]

Well Stephen A, I'm sorry to have to say this, but I fear that I was right all along. I know it, you know it, the producers of this show know it, everybody knows it. Last week on this program, I told you that the Pistons were relying too much on one superstar — Anthony Davis — and guess what? They essentially proved me right by piggybacking on his multiple 40-point playoff performances this weekend. Anthony Davis must have heard what I said last week, took a look around the locker room and thought to himself, "Oh sh*t, Skip was right, this team is trash, I'm going to have to do all the work myself." And he went out there and got the job done, throwing up 81 points in 2 games. But what are they going to do when the Nets figure out this strategy and begin double-teaming Anthony Davis? Or what if they take him out, Happy Gilmore style? Then what are they going to do? Because I don't know if the Pistons have an answer for BUDDY PEDRAZA if Anthony Davis is out of the picture. If the Nets can manage to dislocate Anthony Davis' hip, or make him less effective on the basketball court, then they have a chance. But until that happens, Anthony Davis is going to single-handedly take this undeserving team of Pistons to the PBSL Finals. You can take that one to the BANK, Stephen A.

[kucoach7]

Well Stephen A, I'm sorry to have to say this, but I fear that I was right all along. I know it, you know it, the producers of this show know it, everybody knows it. Last week on this program, I told you that the Pistons were relying too much on one superstar — Anthony Davis — and guess what? They essentially proved me right by piggybacking on his multiple 40-point playoff performances this weekend. Anthony Davis must have heard what I said last week, took a look around the locker room and thought to himself, "Oh sh*t, Skip was right, this team is trash, I'm going to have to do all the work myself." And he went out there and got the job done, throwing up 81 points in 2 games. But what are they going to do when the Nets figure out this strategy and begin double-teaming Anthony Davis? Or what if they take him out, Happy Gilmore style? Then what are they going to do? Because I don't know if the Pistons have an answer for BUDDY PEDRAZA if Anthony Davis is out of the picture. If the Nets can manage to dislocate Anthony Davis' hip, or make him less effective on the basketball court, then they have a chance. But until that happens, Anthony Davis is going to single-handedly take this undeserving team of Pistons to the PBSL Finals. You can take that one to the BANK, Stephen A.

Skip. I literally disagree with every single word that just came out for your mouth. Your argument is riddled with lies, falsifications, and fictions. Number one! You're not RIGHT! I'll tell you what everybody knows. Everybody knows that you're always WRONG! Two. You really think Anthony Davis won those games? Really? Are you that blind? That biased? That misled? Was Anthony Davis out there guarding Tryreke, who's shooting 34% from the field? Or Gallinari, who's shooting 33%? You want to know who the real stars of the Pistons are? Try Lance Stephenson! Try Banjo Kazooie or whatever that dude's name is! Those are the dudes out there taking care of business, not the primadonna with one eyebrow. THREE! That's right, you bet there's a three. You really think AD listens to you? No chance. NO CHANCE. He only tunes into First Take to listen to yours truly. I have it from him PERSONALLY, that he mutes the TV every time you open your mouth. Called me up while he was taking a dump just to tell me that. FOUR! You want an answer for Buddy? Try Taj Gibson. FIVE! I could do this all morning. If you think the Pistons can make it past the Sixers? The Hawks? The Bucks? The New York Knicks? I'm here to tell you are WRONG!

[digiskunk]

Stephen A, you know what they say: "Get it right, get it tight." Last night, the Brooklyn Nets began their colossal comeback against the Detroit Pistons with some efficient offensive on one end of the court and some stellar defense on the other. After limiting Anthony Davis to a pathetic 48 points and 13 rebounds, the Nets were able to march to victory thanks to MVP-caliber performances by players such as Buddy Pedraza. Stephen A, If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times. We all knew it was going to happen! I tried telling you, "Listen, Buddy has Davis' number, it's only a matter of time.." but you wouldn't listen. Well look who's laughing now, playboy. The Nets are only down 3-1 now; they practically have the title in their hands!

But now that I've gotten that out of my system, I want to take a moment to discuss the Grizzlies and Spurs, who are currently playing a highly-competitive brand of PBSL basketball. Stephen A, you know me better than anyone: I like a winner—especially an underdog— and that's exactly what I see when I take a look at the Memphis Grizzlies. The last time that I was down in Memphis for a basketball game, I was brought to tears by the level of athleticism and talent on their ballclub. It was like poetry in motion. I was simply in awe of their abilities, and I can't help but wonder if the Spurs feel the same way, too. If the Grizzlies can maintain this momentum that they have, and rely on key role players such as Matthew Dellavedova and Alec Burks, they're going to be a problem for the Spurs.

[kucoach7]

Stephen A, you know what they say: "Get it right, get it tight." Last night, the Brooklyn Nets began their colossal comeback against the Detroit Pistons with some efficient offensive on one end of the court and some stellar defense on the other. After limiting Anthony Davis to a pathetic 48 points and 13 rebounds, the Nets were able to march to victory thanks to MVP-caliber performances by players such as Buddy Pedraza. Stephen A, If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times. We all knew it was going to happen! I tried telling you, "Listen, Buddy has Davis' number, it's only a matter of time.." but you wouldn't listen. Well look who's laughing now, playboy. The Nets are only down 3-1 now; they practically have the title in their hands!

But now that I've gotten that out of my system, I want to take a moment to discuss the Grizzlies and Spurs, who are currently playing a highly-competitive brand of PBSL basketball. Stephen A, you know me better than anyone: I like a winner—especially an underdog— and that's exactly what I see when I take a look at the Memphis Grizzlies. The last time that I was down in Memphis for a basketball game, I was brought to tears by the level of athleticism and talent on their ballclub. It was like poetry in motion. I was simply in awe of their abilities, and I can't help but wonder if the Spurs feel the same way, too. If the Grizzlies can maintain this momentum that they have, and rely on key role players such as Matthew Dellavedova and Alec Burks, they're going to be a problem for the Spurs.

Hey, Skip! You should join me when I take up LaVar Ball on his invitation to his house for pancakes because you are flip floppin' all over the place. Maybe he can make some waffles for you! You are quite simply vacillating on this Nets-Pistons series. Now, I like the Grizzlies. I like the Spurs. They are both great organizations and I have only the utmost respect for both of them. Now. With that being said, I don't think the Grizzlies have a snowball's chance in the SAHARA at winning this series. Russ is about to take over. Russ and the immortal Josh Smith. You can mark my words. If the Spurs don't win this series, I'll make you pancakes, Skip.

[kucoach7]

I just have to say these playoffs have been disappointing for me. Disillusioning if you will. The Knicks and Wolves go down in the first round because of injuries. That is just plain disgusting. Come playoff time, you want to see the best teams playing the best teams at full strength. It's sad. And, look, I could start talking about how disappointed I was in the Orlando Magic laying an egg in the first round but they have a young coach and that kind of thing matters this time of year unless you have a demigod named Anthony Davis that steamrolls everything in sight. But instead I just gotta say the Spurs really let me down. Made me look like an idiot, which never has happened in the history of my career before now I might add. Now I have to eat pancakes with Skip. They are the defending champions, get a huge upgrade at center, bring in Dudley, and choke away the series. That was the icing on a disappointing postseason cake for me.

[digiskunk]

I just have to say these playoffs have been disappointing for me. Disillusioning if you will. The Knicks and Wolves go down in the first round because of injuries. That is just plain disgusting. Come playoff time, you want to see the best teams playing the best teams at full strength. It's sad. And, look, I could start talking about how disappointed I was in the Orlando Magic laying an egg in the first round but they have a young coach and that kind of thing matters this time of year unless you have a demigod named Anthony Davis that steamrolls everything in sight. But instead I just gotta say the Spurs really let me down. Made me look like an idiot, which never has happened in the history of my career before now I might add. Now I have to eat pancakes with Skip. They are the defending champions, get a huge upgrade at center, bring in Dudley, and choke away the series. That was the icing on a disappointing postseason cake for me.

Stephen A, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm wholeheartedly disappointed in the comments you just made. One of the things that makes this league so special is knowing that an underdog can win the title any given year. It has been nothing short of a thrill to watch talented teams like the Grizzlies and Bobcats topple top teams such as the Knicks and Spurs. You simply have to give credit where credit is due. But with that said, I must admit that I too was disappointed in the Spurs' playoff showing. When I look at the Spurs, I see a team built on the foundation of unselfish basketball — a team built to succeed in this league. Like you said, they made all the right moves but it just didn't transpire — and that's just the nature of the game. For once, Josh Smith wasn't able to get the job done like we're so used to seeing. This kid has proven us time and time again why he still ranks as one of the best forwards in the game today. In game 6, however, Josh Smith was limited to just 9 points — even though he also had 10 rebounds and 8 assists — and ultimately I feel that it was the lack of offense that lead to their demise. The Grizzlies were able to outscore the Spurs, which is why they won the game, and which is ultimately why they advanced to the second round of the playoffs. The game has been, and always will be, about buckets. The Grizzlies simply had more buckets than the Spurs and it was a delight to watch them meticulously pick apart the Spurs the way they did: play by play, second by second, moment by moment. I was on the edge of my seat with popcorn in hand, Stephen A. It was great. And on the subject of food, let me just say that those pancakes you made me were delicious. They totally alleviated my week-long hangover! You're a miracle worker, Stephen A Smith.

[digiskunk]

Stephen A, I want to take a break from talking about the almighty Pistons for a second to discuss this miraculous Kings/Clippers series which has really been heating up. In last night's sim, we got to watch two incredible games and let me tell you Stephen A, this may be the best series the playoffs have produced thus far. In game 5, you had an overtime victory for the Clippers which saw Roy Hibbert leading the way with 25 points. And then in game 6, the Kings came back thanks to an incredible performance by Iman Shumpert — who, you may recall, the Kings acquired earlier this season for defensive purposes. If the Kings can shut down Kevin Durant in game 7, like the incredible NETS did to ANTHONY DAVIS earlier in the playoffs, then I think they have a legitimate shot at advancing. And why not? The Kings have made all the right moves thus far, aside from the ones they didn't make. But it's going to be hard to deny Kevin Durant, who will have the ball in his hands most of the time in game 7. If you were to ask me, I'd tell you the Kings will win game 7 by a margin of 4 points — and it'll be all thanks to Derrick Rose. What do you say about that, Stephen A?

[kucoach7]

Stephen A, I want to take a break from talking about the almighty Pistons for a second to discuss this miraculous Kings/Clippers series which has really been heating up. In last night's sim, we got to watch two incredible games and let me tell you Stephen A, this may be the best series the playoffs have produced thus far. In game 5, you had an overtime victory for the Clippers which saw Roy Hibbert leading the way with 25 points. And then in game 6, the Kings came back thanks to an incredible performance by Iman Shumpert — who, you may recall, the Kings acquired earlier this season for defensive purposes. If the Kings can shut down Kevin Durant in game 7, like the incredible NETS did to ANTHONY DAVIS earlier in the playoffs, then I think they have a legitimate shot at advancing. And why not? The Kings have made all the right moves thus far, aside from the ones they didn't make. But it's going to be hard to deny Kevin Durant, who will have the ball in his hands most of the time in game 7. If you were to ask me, I'd tell you the Kings will win game 7 by a margin of 4 points — and it'll be all thanks to Derrick Rose. What do you say about that, Stephen A?

You think Derrick Rose and the Kings are going to win!?! Derrick Rose? And the Kings? Well I have a little history lesson for you, John Edward Bayless the third, so listen up! Do you know who ruined Derrick Rose's chance at a championship the two times he has advanced to Western Conference Championship? Outside of Ron Artest, that is. We're not going to bring that up right now. Not in present company. Do you know who stopped D-Rose from achieving championship glory in Portland? Take a guess. It was Kevin Durant and the Los Angeles Clippers. Won the two series by a combined 8-1. May be this is the year D-Rose takes down D-Rant. But I'm not betting against that kind of history.

[digiskunk]

You think Derrick Rose and the Kings are going to win!?! Derrick Rose? And the Kings? Well I have a little history lesson for you, John Edward Bayless the third, so listen up! Do you know who ruined Derrick Rose's chance at a championship the two times he has advanced to Western Conference Championship? Outside of Ron Artest, that is. We're not going to bring that up right now. Not in present company. Do you know who stopped D-Rose from achieving championship glory in Portland? Take a guess. It was Kevin Durant and the Los Angeles Clippers. Won the two series by a combined 8-1. May be this is the year D-Rose takes down D-Rant. But I'm not betting against that kind of history.

Quick Stephen A, guess who I'm pretending to be. Can't figure it out yet? I'm pretending to be your boy Kevin Durant shooting bricks in game 7, because that's exactly what happened tonight. Iman Shumpert and Harrison Barnes put the defensive HURT on your boy KD and forced him to jack up unnecessary shots all night long — they were simply too much for KD to handle! You know what they say, Stephen A: if you play with fire, you're bound to get burned — and that's exactly what happened to the Clippers tonight. They put too much pressure on Kevin Durant to perform and he had a good game, but couldn't get the job done. I could go on and on about how right I was and how WRONG you were, but I think I'd prefer to just sit here and let you munch on those words I just made you eat. /mic drop

[kucoach7]

Quick Stephen A, guess who I'm pretending to be. Can't figure it out yet? I'm pretending to be your boy Kevin Durant shooting bricks in game 7, because that's exactly what happened tonight. Iman Shumpert and Harrison Barnes put the defensive HURT on your boy KD and forced him to jack up unnecessary shots all night long — they were simply too much for KD to handle! You know what they say, Stephen A: if you play with fire, you're bound to get burned — and that's exactly what happened to the Clippers tonight. They put too much pressure on Kevin Durant to perform and he had a good game, but couldn't get the job done. I could go on and on about how right I was and how WRONG you were, but I think I'd prefer to just sit here and let you munch on those words I just made you eat. /mic drop

Look, we could talk all day about how I was wrong about this. I was wrong. I admit it. BUT! I will also note that I have said on this program in the recent past that as long as you have Derrick Rose on your team, you're a contender. What we saw in game 7 was what happens when an UNSTOPPABLE FORCE meets an UNMOVABLE OBJECT!!! And what exactly is that? I'm going to quote Shaq, who used to be an unstoppable force but is now an unmovable object. It's all about the OTHERS! When two superstars square off in the playoffs, it is all about the other players on the team and in this case, the others of the Kings showed up and the others of the Clippers did not. By the way, the others of the Kings are just getting started. This is a younger squad and what we may have seen last night was a changing of the guard.