On this episode of the Hoop Collective, Brian Windhorst, Tim Bontemps, and Tim MacMahon dive into key NBA highlights. They discuss the Nuggets' win over the Celtics, Jayson Tatum's impact on the Celtics' playoff chances, the team's defense strategy against Nikola Jokic, and how the Nuggets' bench outperformed the Celtics'. The episode also covers Anthony Edwards' critical block against the Pacers, Karl-Anthony Towns' meniscus surgery, the Bulls' surprising season turnaround, and Steph Curry's ankle injury against the Bulls. 

0:00 Welcome to the Hoop Collective

01:22 The Nuggets beat the Celtics in a thrilling match

11:50 Celtics' Playoff Hopes: The Critical Role of Jayson Tatum

17:58 Breaking Down Celtics' Defense Against Nikola Jokic

27:13 How the Nuggets' Reserves Outshone the Celtics'

38:52 Anthony Edwards Game-Saving Block Against Pacers

46:08 Karl-Anthony Towns to Undergo Surgery for Torn Meniscus

53:06 The Bulls' Unexpected Turnaround

55:02 Steph Curry Suffers Right Ankle Injury Against Bulls

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Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk an upcoming stretch of challenging games for the top teams in the Eastern Conference including the Cavs, Celtics and Bucks. Plus, can Milwaukee beat Boston in a best of 7 series, should the Thunder be concerned about their lack of size against the Lakers and why the Kings have been a roller coaster at times.

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Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Ohm Youngmisuk to talk how the Nuggets & Celtics look to be the clear favorites for the NBA Finals, historic context for Boston’s blowout win, a big win for the Clippers, LeBron joining the 40,000 point club and what current players could reach 30,000.

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Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to a wild installment in the growing Wemby vs. Chet rivalry, what that could mean for the Thunder/Spurs, the Warriors continuing to turn things around, the Knicks needing to get healthy, Embiid’s potential return this season and the Cojones Factor Player of the Month is awarded for February.

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Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to a wild ending to the Mavs-Cavs game, a potentially difficult lineup decision in Cleveland, why Dallas continues to look more dangerous, some difficult rulings from officials of late and what the future of scoring looks like in the NBA including if the league may make some changes to help defenses.

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Brian Windhorst is joined by Andscape’s Marc J. Spears and ESPN's Tim MacMahon to talk the Nuggets locking in after the All-Star break, the log jam of teams in the Western Conference, the Suns’ difficult schedule down the stretch, KD’s interesting postgame interview, Wemby’s curious comments and Trae Young’s future in Atlanta.

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Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk the Thunder’s huge win over the Clippers, a potentially big decision for OKC, the Mavericks’ continued impressive play since the trade deadline, Luka’s case for MVP, the Knicks getting back on track, New York’s injury timelines and how difficult playoff scenarios could be in both conferences.

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Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk how the NBA All-Star Game can be changed going forward, Brooklyn making a coaching change, the significance of Mike Conley signing an extension with the Timberwolves before breaking down the things to watch out for during the final stretch of the season.

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Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Jorge Sedano to talk the highlights of All-Star weekend, if the Warriors can stay hot after the All-Star break, if the Heat can still pose a similar threat in the playoffs this year and if the Lakers’ success before the break is sustainable.

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Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Kevin Pelton to talk if the Nuggets' sluggish play of late is a concern, a wild game in Phoenix, if Tatum can elevate to MVP status, if Boston is prepared for a deep postseason run and how dangerous the Pelicans can be down the stretch of the season at full strength.

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