Unc, Ocho & Iso react to Lakers-Rockets, Celtics beats Sixers, Wemby returns in Spurs win | Nightcap

The Lakers' Game 4 loss was attributed to a lack of effort and excessive turnovers, with LeBron James having 8 turnovers to 10 points. The hosts suggest the Lakers were 'chilling' to extend the series for financial reasons. Conversely, the Rockets played with desperation, exhibiting aggressive defense, crashing boards, and forcing 17 steals, which directly contributed to the Lakers' struggles.

LeBron had nine assists, eight turnovers, and 10 points. The Lakers had 23 turnovers. The Rockets had 17 steals. Joe Johnson stated, 'Everybody else seemed a bit lethargic today.' Chad Johnson suggested the Lakers were 'chilling' because 'corporations, sponsors, they had bills to pay.'

Despite his adaptability over his career, LeBron James is described as a 'rhythm guy' who needs to see shots fall early to maintain his offensive flow. When he prioritizes facilitating from the start, it becomes difficult for him to 'pick it up' later in the game, especially when the team is already down.

Joe Johnson explained, 'LeBron is a rhythm guy. If you notice LeBron games when he's going good, he'll be able to keep it going. But he's not one of those guys that can not that that doesn't get it good going early and then be able to pick it up.'

Wemby's return from concussion protocol saw him deliver a sensational performance, highlighting his unique ability to alter and block shots while keeping them in play. His defensive impact is so profound that the hosts predict he will win Defensive Player of the Year for the next five to seven years, despite concerns about his falling technique due to his height.

Wemby recorded 27 points, 11 rebounds, seven blocks, and four steals. He is the first player with 25+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 10+ 'stocks' (steals + blocks) in a playoff game since Tim Duncan in 2003. Joe Johnson stated, 'He going to win defensive player of the year for the next five, seven years.'

The Celtics' strategy involves overwhelming opponents with three-point shooting and defensive pressure. Their ability to consistently hit a high volume of threes, combined with star players like Jayson Tatum facilitating and playing hard defense, makes them incredibly difficult to beat in a seven-game series.

The Celtics made 24 three-pointers (45% efficiency). Peyton Pritchard scored 32 points off the bench with six threes, and Jayson Tatum had 30 points and 11 assists. Joe Johnson noted, 'If they shooting from an efficient clip like that and the other team don't have them kind of sharp shooters behind the goddamn arc, you going to fall behind so fast.'

Joel Embiid's extensive injury history, including missing nearly 50% of his career games, makes his large contract a significant liability for the 76ers. The hosts argue that despite his MVP-level talent when healthy, his consistent unavailability and lack of playoff success make him a risky asset, questioning why a team would trade unprotected picks or an All-Star for him.

Embiid missed his first two years in the league and has missed 485 regular season games, playing roughly 50% of available games. He signed a 4-year, $193 million extension. Chad Johnson stated, 'Let that car break down in somebody else's yard, not in mine.'