Mon. Apr. 6: Nuggets outlast Spurs in a thriller, now tied for #3 seed in West | Avs beat Stars, lose to Blues | NCAA national championship tonight

In this episode of Hot Takes with Goodman and Haertl, the hosts break down a thrilling NBA regular season finale featuring the Denver Nuggets' hard-fought victory over the San Antonio Spurs, which tied them with the Lakers for the third seed in the Western Conference. The discussion centers on the Nuggets' resilience, the emergence of young Spurs star Stefan Castle, and the strategic advantage of facing the Spurs over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round. The hosts debate the MVP race, with Goodman arguing that Nikola Jokic, despite a mid-season injury, remains the best player in the world and a deserving MVP candidate, while Haertl emphasizes Jamal Murray's invaluable role this season due to his health and leadership. The conversation shifts to the Colorado Avalanche, who narrowly lost to the St. Louis Blues despite a strong effort, raising concerns about their inconsistent home performance. The hosts praise goaltender Mackenzie Wedgwood’s dominance and criticize head coach Jared Bednar for not officially naming him the starter. The episode concludes with a deep dive into the upcoming NCAA men’s national championship game between Michigan and UConn, where the hosts express excitement for a high-scoring, competitive game. They highlight the contrasting coaching styles of Danny Hurley and Bobby Knight, praising Hurley’s player connection and adaptability in the modern NIL era, while acknowledging Knight’s legendary basketball IQ and legacy.