ESPN analyst Tim Legler was praised for his in-depth look at the Dallas Mavericks’ Game 1 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The former NBA star joined Stephen A. Smith on Thursday’s First Take to discuss the star-studded matchup.
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Dallas took a 1-0 series lead after a gutsy 108-105 victory in Minneapolis.
Luka Doncic starred for the Mavs, scoring 33 points and dishing out 8 assists.
Legler was asked if the T-Wolves were “in trouble” after losing the series opener on their home court.
“I picked Dallas to win the series,” he explained, “And last night just showed me why when you watch the game.”
“Luka Doncic is unaffected by length and quickness,” Legler continued.
“There are guys who are taking their shoulders to the chest – Jaden McDaniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Anthony Edwards.
“When Luka hits them with that shoulder, like he loves to do, these guys are giving in.
“Now Luka can part ways, for that slanted-back sweater.”
Legler added that “strength is the No. 1 attribute you must have to protect Luka Doncic.”
“That’s why I picked Dallas to win the series,” he added.
“Because I think Luka will be effective in and out of the game, he was the key to everything for me.”
“This is why I like listening to Tim. Great opinion,” wrote one fan on X.
“Once again, Legs nailed it and is the only person you should listen to about basketball on ESPN,” said another.
“I still don’t know how MN should adjust to slow down Luka. Resting will help, watching film, staying off the court until pregame warmups. Stop shooting 3s, it’s a lazy game,” said a third.
“What a great observation from Legs,” a fourth added.
First look at the numbers
First Take has grown from strength to strength under the guidance of Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim over the past year.
ESPN’s weekday debate show averaged 496,000 viewers in 2023 — making it the most-watched year in the show’s history.
Its December average of 611,000 represented a 24% annual increase compared to 2022.
The show has also recorded more than 250 million views on YouTube.
First Take was helped by the addition of Shannon Sharpe alongside Smith and Qerim after he left Fox Sports’ Undisputed.
Legler went undrafted in 1988 and joined the CBA, becoming a four-time league All-Star.
He led the CBA in scoring before joining the NBA and the Mavericks in 1993.
The 6-foot-1 guard would go on to play for the Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards.
Legler began a career in sports broadcasting in 2000 and regularly contributes to First Take during the NBA season.
Game 2 of the Mavericks series with the T-Wolves is scheduled for Friday night at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
