First Take is content gold. Every morning, Stephen A. Smith and the crew manage to stir the pot with hot takes, hilarious debates, and viral moments. But during a recent episode, things took an unexpected turn. Joining Molly Qerim were NBA twins Marcus and Markieff Morris — and Markieff’s bold prediction ahead of the Thunder-Timberwolves Western Conference Finals left even Stephen A. at a loss for words.
The 2025 Playoffs have already flipped the script. Out East, the Pacers and Knicks stunned the world by crashing the Conference Finals. So, while OKC vs. Minnesota might have a so-called “favorite,” nothing feels guaranteed anymore. Stephen A. has his money on Anthony Edwards and the Wolves. But Markieff? He’s rocking with a very different energy.
The Lakers star crashed the party to make sure his voice was heard. And this is what he had to say: “I’m OKC at five. I like OKC tonight… I told Marcus this, if OKC makes it to the Western Conference finals, they are going to win the championship.” Not just SAS- even Molly was astonished at the cheek of the veteran forward.
Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Molly Qerim couldn’t believe what she’d just heard. She turned to Markieff Morris, eyebrows raised, and repeated it just to make sure: “OKC in 5?” Markieff, standing firm, didn’t flinch — ten toes down on his take. That’s when Stephen A. Smith just about lost it. His body jerked back like he’d been hit with a crossover. “What? Did—did you say five? Did you say FIVE?” he barked in disbelief. Molly, with a smirk, added the cherry on top: “… a championship.”
But to be honest, there should be no surprises to SAS reacting the way he did. He’s been an advocate of the Ant-Man and his pack of Wolves winning it from the get-go. And when Markieff said that, his reaction gave out too much. Do you think it was a harsh reality that Stephen A. Smith was unwilling to accept?
Stephen A. Smith T-Wolves advocacy could go either ways with Minnesota’s H2H record against Thunder
Honestly, Minnesota’s #6 seed seems like a lie. They still managed to trample both Warriors and Markieff’s Lakers on the way to the WCF. And they’ve been in the same position more than the Thunder in the last couple of seasons. So when they made their return to the WCF, SAS didn’t hold back on who he thought would take the series away.
“It’s Minnesota [who have the advantage in Game 1] because OKC had a 7-game series against Denver… In a game like this, rust could play a factor… but I don’t believe that to be the case. I think Minnesota has the advantage in Game 1… primarily of rest. That’s how I view it,” said Stephen A. Smith on First Take.
On that note, he’s right. Both of Wolves’ series so far have been just 5 games. The Thunder meanwhile had to fight tooth and nail against Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets. Could the rest be a factor? Yes. But it’ll be a factor as much as rustiness will be, and for SAS, the rest will trump the rustiness that Timberwolves won’t show in Game 1 at the Paycom Center tonight.
Image Credits: IMAGN
Minnesota are 2-2 in the season against the Thunder. And that was without playing Julius Randle for 3 of those 4 games. Stephen A. Smith believes that a fully fit Timberwolves squad has what it takes to beat the Thunder. Markieff Morris on the other hand? OKC in 5. Which side are you on?
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