First Take May 1

The Morning Animals host a fiery, emotionally charged episode following a dramatic Game 6 win by the Minnesota Timberwolves over the Denver Nuggets, setting up a Game 7. The hosts, Curtis Fitzpatrick and Kerry Murdoch, dissect the psychological warfare of the series, praising Minnesota’s grit and resilience despite missing key players like Anthony Edwards and Dante DiVincenzo. They highlight Jaden McDaniels’ breakout performance and Terrence Shannon Jr.’s unexpected 24-point explosion as pivotal moments, celebrating underdog heroism. A central theme is the 'chip on the shoulder' mentality, with Fitzpatrick passionately defending the narrative of being chosen as a target—especially by Denver—and using it as fuel. The hosts deliver scathing critiques of Nikola Jokic, calling him a 'fake tough guy' whose recent actions have eroded his popularity, and lambast Chris Finch’s motivational tactics as disingenuous. They also express excitement for the upcoming Timberwolves vs. Spurs series, particularly the defensive matchup between Rudy Gobert and Wemby, and preview a Chet Holmgren-themed pop-up room with Scott Keeney. The episode closes with a heartfelt birthday tribute to listener London, turning a fan call into a moving, celebratory moment.