Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe and Monica McNutt join First Take to react to Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns being swept in first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs by Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Timberwolves’ Sweep and Star Performances: The discussion highlights the remarkable performance of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, whose late-game heroics led to the historic first-round sweep of the Suns. Edwards’ explosive scoring, especially his 31-point second half, is emphasized, showcasing his potential as a future superstar in the league.
Suns’ Acknowledgment of Failure: Following the sweep, the Suns’ big three, including Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, expressed disappointment and accepted responsibility for their team’s shortcomings. They acknowledged the need for improvement and vowed to work harder in the offseason.
Critique of Suns’ Defensive Issues: Criticism is directed towards the Suns’ defensive struggles, particularly in crucial moments like the fourth quarter. The team’s inability to maintain defensive intensity throughout the season, despite offensive prowess, is highlighted as a major flaw.
Speculations on Coach Frank Vogel’s Future: There are speculations about the future of Suns’ coach Frank Vogel, with suggestions that his tenure with the team might be in jeopardy. The ongoing defensive issues and the team’s playoff exit raise doubts about his ability to lead the team effectively.
Financial Concerns and Roster Sustainability: Financial concerns are raised regarding the Suns’ payroll, particularly with significant investments in players like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Doubts are cast on the sustainability of the current roster and the potential need for changes to maintain competitiveness.
Impact of Kevin Durant’s Decision: Kevin Durant’s decision to leave the Warriors and join the Suns is analyzed as a self-inflicted situation that could impact his legacy. Leaving a successful team like the Warriors to join a struggling team like the Suns is seen as a risky move that has now come under scrutiny, especially after the playoff sweep.
Point Guard Issues and Bradley Beal’s Performance: Concerns are raised about the Suns’ lack of a consistent point guard to facilitate plays for Durant and Booker effectively. Additionally, Bradley Beal’s performance as the supposed third option is criticized, especially considering his disappointing output in critical playoff games.
Praise for Anthony Edwards and League Dynamics: Despite the focus on the Suns’ failures, there is praise for Anthony Edwards and the changing dynamics within the league. Edwards is hailed as a potential face of the NBA, marking a shift in the league’s landscape.
Emphasis on Embarrassment and Future Implications: Despite attempts to find positives, there’s significant emphasis on the embarrassment of the Suns’ playoff sweep and the potential long-term implications for the team’s future. The sweep is seen as a major setback for the Suns, raising questions about their ability to contend in the future.