First Take is always a heated discussion as Stephen A. Smith, Max Kellerman and guests debate about the day's top stories.
ESPN, Stephen A. Smith, Max Kellerman, Molly Qerim
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The First Take podcast is an entertaining and informative show that provides strong opinions about sports. It features hosts Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharp, Molly Qerim Rose, and a variety of guest hosts who bring different perspectives to the table. The addition of Shannon Sharp has been a great move for the show, as his NFL analyses have gained him a dedicated fanbase. Overall, the show is fun to listen to and keeps listeners engaged with its serious discussions.
One of the best aspects of The First Take podcast is the dynamic between the hosts. Stephen A. Smith brings his trademark charisma and passion to the show, while Molly Qerim Rose does an excellent job of keeping things flowing smoothly. The variety of guest hosts adds new voices to the conversation and provides fresh insights into sports topics. Additionally, the show covers serious subjects in a way that is both entertaining and informative.
However, there are also some drawbacks to The First Take podcast. Some listeners may find that they always agree with Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharp, which can make it less interesting when other hosts or guests have differing opinions. This lack of diversity in perspectives may detract from the overall experience for some listeners.
In conclusion, The First Take podcast is an excellent show for fans of sports analysis and strong opinions. While there may be some drawbacks in terms of limited perspectives at times, the overall entertainment value and informative nature of the show make it a top choice for sports enthusiasts. Whether you love or hate Stephen A. Smith's takes, there's no denying that this podcast delivers engaging content on a daily basis.

First Take begins with Perk, SAS and Windy waxing poetic about the Nova Knicks. Years of bonding, team building, and ribbing have culminated in one of the greatest playoff runs of all time. What worked so well about the Knicks game 1 plan, and how can the Spurs adjust? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Knicks-Spurs game 1!! MVP like performances from Brunson, KAT, and Hart led the Knicks to a tight victory in San Antonio! First Take is live from The Alamo breaking down all of the finals angles! Is this one already over? Is Wemby finally getting fatigued? How exactly did KAT's pregame mindset lead him to dominating Wemby in and out of the paint? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The biggest names, the biggest moves, and the biggest stage in sports! One NFL superstar is packing his bags and heading west in a move that could reshape the league's balance of power. Another is trading one iconic stop for another, looking to help launch the Patriots back into contention. And on the hardwood, the Finals are finally here. So whether you say hello or bonjour, get ready for one of the most anticipated championship matchups we've seen in years! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's time for First Take, and we've got blockbuster headlines everywhere! Garrett is done in Cleveland and headed west, joining what could be the NFL's next super team! Brown is moving on from Birdie and bringing his talents to New England, where the Pats are looking to make a serious statement! And finally, the wait is over—bonjour to an NBA Finals matchup that's been years in the making and has the entire basketball world talking! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take rolls on into the second hour, and the crew discuss Draymond Green's comments on the Knicks. (0:00) Then, First Take reacts to breaking news of Serena Williams returning to professional tennis. (14:52) Next, Stephen A and Chiney Ogwumike debate who more built to run the west long term, Spurs or Thunder? (27:50) Lastly, the crew share their Finals picks. (41:07) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals over the weekend; does OKC deserve a pass because of injuries? (0:00) Then, Stephen A and Perk debate who has more pressure to win their first title; Jalen Brunson or Victor Wembenyama. (26:25) Next, the First Take crew discuss if it's the right move for the Patriots to trade for AJ Brown. (37:05) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Mitchell Robinson's broken pinky. The Knicks' backup center is expected to play in game 1 of the Finals, but what if he has to go against Wemby with a broken finger on his shooting hand? How will Mitch hit his patented 12 ft middie? (0:00) Then, do NCAA teams need a salary cap? (11:00) Next, Gunther trashes Cody Rhodes ahead of their WWE Clash in Italy! Gunther! (26:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the Spurs game 6 THUMPING of the Thunder! Wemby showed out, SGA shot tour dates again. What's going on with the back-to-back MVP? (0:00) Then, former Pro Bowler Steve Smith Sr. is appalled by the idea of the Eagles being better without A.J. Brown. (26:10) Next, the draft lottery is changing to help middling teams! Your last place finishing team has no stars or young talent? Too bad! What's the point of this change? (40:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with fast rising assets. If you hold any Brunson, SGA or Wemby stock, do NOT sell now, even though it may be tempting. Hold, hold, hold. These gainers are only going to grow more! (0:00) Then, SAS lampoons UnSportsmanLike's (6AM-10AM on ESPN2/ESPNU) own Chris Canty over his blasphemous SGA take! (17:40) Next, every Knicks' role player from Mikal Bridges down to Deuce McBride took media heat all throughout the regular season! Which one has redeemed themselves the most in the playoffs? (26:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the WCF! Game 6 could see an SGA explosion, sending the Thunder to their second straight finals. Or, a Wemby mauling, bring us an epic game 7 in OKC. Do the Thunder NEED to finish off these pesky upstart Spurs tonight? (0:00) Then, at the start of the playoffs, every pundit said the East was wide open! It's anyone's year! Now, the narrative is "this was a super easy path for the Knicks." What changed? (25:35) Next, Kirby smart suggested the SEC seceding from the NCAA. Is this a SMART move? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the Knicks facing two juggernauts. Which WCF team should they prefer to see in the finals?? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SGA Dominates Wemby & Spurs! Is this Series Over? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frist Take resumes with the Knicks 11 straight playoff wins. They carry the league's highest point differential in NBA playoff history, and officially surpassed the 2017 Warriors for league adjusted aura+ after OG's put back slam. Are the Knicks the most impressive playoff team in NBA history? What sparked this tremendous run after mediocre play for large portions of the regular season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Stephen A feeling like it's '99!!! The Knicks sweep the Cavs, officially making it back to their first finals since the days of Allan Houston and Latrell Sprewell. How did Leon Rose build the East's biggest juggernaut? How did Jalen GOATson lead the Knicks out of the pits of despair, constantly dwelling at the bottom of the East with Damyean Dotson and Kadeem Allen, to now representing the NBA's finest conference in the Finals just 6 short years later? Stephen A. and Cam'ron break it down!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Takes resumes with the fast falling Cavs! Should they go all in on LeBron? (0:00) Then, Mad Dog and Stephen A. dive deep into the Giants locker room issues with Jaxson Dart introducing Trump at a recent rally. (13:30) Next, we've trashed the Mikal Bridges trade more than any other show... With his recent historic playoff shooting numbers, was trading five first round picks actually worth it for the Knicks? (24:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a raucous and rowdy WCF! Wemby dunking over everyone. SGA making All-NBA defenders fall. Devin Vassell proving he's one of the top tier two-way guys in the league... Heading back to OKC, are the Spurs in control of this series? (0:00) Then, with the Knicks on the verge of their first finals appearance since '99, we NEED to look back on the Greatest Knicks of all time! Does Brunson surpass Frazier and Ewing with a ring? (24:00) Next, what can the Thunder do to stop the menacing Frenchman who reigned supreme over OKC in game 4? (41:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Kendrick Perkins talking analytics. Josh Hart understands their importance, but doesn't think they should be solely relied upon for lineup decisions. Perk has some thoughts on these comments and math invading sports in general. (0:00) Then, Chet has become somewhat of a joke to Wemby. He views him the same way a senior in high school looks down upon a freshman. Should we be criticizing him for failing to stop the phenomenal Frenchman? (17:15) Next, did LeBron sneak in a trade request during a recent podcast appearance? (32:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with nine straight Knicks playoff wins! Brunson passed with the poise and finesse of CP3, shot with the touch of Curry, and led with the adaptability and strategic vision of LeBron. Are the Knicks on the verge of a sweep? (0:00) Then, SGA's flailing and flopping playstyle is at the forefront of conversation again! After falling on nearly all of his shot attempts in game 2, is this something the league needs to address? (21:10) Next, Lebron thinks the Lakers were "out-talented" by OKC. Is this a secret trade request? (40:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the game AFTER the game! Coming off an all-time comeback against the Cavs, Jalen Brunson looks to put the Knicks up 2-0. How many points does KAT need for the Knicks to head to Cleveland in control of the series? (0:00) Then, it's been three years since Joe Burrow threw a playoff pass! Is this the year the drought ends for Cincy's gunslinger? (10:10) Next, The Kid Mero ponders the greatest Knicks of all time! Ewing, Reed, Frazier? Does Brunson pass all of them with a 2026 title victory? (22:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Thunder victory! Zay Hart successfully kept Wemby out of the paint, limiting his post touches and tip ins! Is this a sustainable strategy? (0:00) Then, let's revisit Aaron Rodgers' illustrious career. One Super Bowl, 4 MVPs, countless McAfee appearances. How will you remember The Baaaaaaaad Man? (26:10) Next, would expanding the CFP to 24 teams ruin college football for good? (41:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with playing the Knicks long game. We've seen them win defensive battles, high intensity offensive games, and everything in between. Could they hang with the Spurs or Thunder? (0:00) Then, Jason Kidd is OUT in Dallas. Who should replace him? (14:40) Next, Mad Dog is MAD at Alex Caruso, NFL fans, and his own MRI saga! (25:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Orange and Blue Skies! Jalen Brunson is a god walking amongst men. Mikal Bridges possesses the accuracy of prime Hawkeye. James Harden may have suffered the worst isolation beatdown of all time! Lets go Stephen A!!! (0:00) Then, Thunder-Spurs game 2 is upon us. What's the biggest key for the Thunder to bounce back? (25:50) Next, P.K. Subban breaks down Golden Knights-Avs. (40:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with concern over the 2x MVP. SGA's struggles have widely flown under the radar due to the Thunder's dominant series wins. Is it time for one of the greatest guards of all time to step up? (0:00) Then, which Knick needs to play the best tonight? Does KAT need another triple double? Four 3s from Mikal? Brunson 30 bomb? (13:20) Next, Stephen A.'s top 5 pivotal players in each conference finals! (21:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with an all-timer from Wemby. Dominance in every sense of the word. Motivated by a second place MVP finish, willing to put his body on the line for his squad, Cam'ron can't even believe it! (0:00) Then, Aaron Rodgers is back in the Steelers building prepping for another playoff run! Were the Steelers right to bring him back? (24:00) Next, which NBA player needs a ring the most? (36:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Stephen A. going OFF on Jaylen Brown! Come on the show, JB!! (0:00) Then, who are you more excited to watch: Wemby or SGA? (22:40) Next, WOLFvestigative journalists! We're reading deep into some seemingly innocuous but potentially deadly player quotes from the Wolves. Are they talking about Julius Randle? (28:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a legacy redefined! Donovan Mitchell finally reaches the Conference Finals after an epic game 7 win in Detroit. Is Donovan Mitchell now better all-time than Embiid? (0:00) Then, any issue with Ant-Man shaking hands with 8 minutes to go in the 4th, seemingly giving up while the game was ongoing? (25:10) Next, P.K. Subban gets us ready for Habs-Sabres game 7!!! (40:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Harden narratives. What will the media say if the known playoff choker chokes again? (0:00) Then, Kenny Smith weighs in on whether the Lakers have taken LeBron for granted... (17:20) Next, the Knicks willl have had a full week off by the time the ECF rolls around, while the Cavs/Pistons winner will carry major momentum... Which team would you rather be? (32:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with a fiery pair of Friday night game 6's! Ant can strengthen his already impressive playoff resume and force a game 7, while Harden looks to continue his hot streak! (0:00) Then, NFL schedules are out! Let's predict the Cowboys record! (25:50) Next, J-Will's and RC's Top 5 players (NBA & NFL) you'd want in a must-win game! (37:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Knicks fans! Should they want the Cavs to wrap it up in Cleveland, or Detroit to push it to a winner take all game 7? (0:00) Then, HOFer Lisa Leslie joins the show! (12:30) Next, should the Lakers focus on appeasing LeBron or Luka? (25:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with STRAIGHT ROBBERY! An all-time classic game 5 between the Cavs and Pistons marred by a late 4th quarter no-call on Ausar Thompson. Harden dropped 30, Cade fell asleep during OT, Mt. Mobley grows taller by the day! (0:00) Then, have the Lakers taken LeBron for granted? (24:10) Next, Steve Sarkisian is accusing SEC schools of not being academically inclined, especially when it comes to student athletes... Is he right? (41:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with the NBA's two hottest teams. Who has the upper hand in a potential Knicks vs. Thunder finals battle? Then, Alfonso Ribeiro dishes on the GOAT debate. Next, Mad Dog is MAD at Wemby not understanding flagrant fouls, hotel rooms still using televisions from the early 90s, and carpool lanes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with another confirmed alien sighting. An ET dropped into Frost Bank last night, dropped 25/15/5, and left the Wolves SHOOK heading into an elimination game 6. Then, has LeBron played his last game as a Laker? If not, where will he play? Next, should Tyrese Maxey want out of Philly? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Stephen A.'s List! Top 5 landing spots for LeBron. (0:00)Then, does a Giannis for Jaylen Brown trade make sense for either side? And, should the Knicks be in on the Greek Freak sweepstakes after their flawless march to the ECF? (12:30) Next, Draymond is SHOCKED that Wemby wasn't fined or suspended for his elbowing of Naz Reid. (26:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins and Cam'ron is BACK with an overview of LeBron's time in LA. One title, 7-8 playoff series record, and only missed the playoffs twice. Success? (0:00) Then, Wemby is serving no suspension and paying zero fines. Perk has a MAJOR problem with this decision! He was fined just for shoving Jae Crowder! Fine that man!!! (23:30) Next, we revisit some shocking clips from just a couple of week ago when the skies were red and yellow, not blue and orange... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a suddenly eerie Sixers offseason. A week ago it was butterflies and rainbows celebrating a game 7 victory over the Celtics. Just one week later, we have questions about Embiid's health, front office malfeasance , and general atrocious vibes! (0:00) Then, should Wemby be suspended for elbowing Naz Reid? (13:40) Next, how would a sweep change LeBron's legacy? Does Kareem pass him all time? (24:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with STAND UP NEW YORKKKKK. The Knicks are headed to the ECF, again! Back-to-back. DOMINATION. Stephen A. is HYPED! (0:00) Then, Wemby is throwing hands! What got into The Alien last night? (15:30) Next, The Thunder boast a +128 pt differential through seven playoff games. They're steamrolling the West. Is this dominance good for the NBA? (25:15) Finally, should the Wizards take AJ Dybantsa? (43:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Skip's egregious, blasphemous, abominable Top 10 list. Check out how many guys he has over LeBron! (0:00) Then, Seth Rollins ROASTS Skip for all of his atrocious LeBron takes! (15:00) Next, Defend Your Take! Stephen A. and Skip look back on some of their craziest takes of all time! (22:00) Finally, we're going back to Skip's Top Ten! Stephen A. can't get over LeBron being ranked nine. Skip won't budge. The bubble championship was "Mickey Mouse." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with SKIP BAYLESS! For the first time in ten years, Skip and Stephen A. are together again. Like recent divorcees, fireworks erupt anytime these two old foes reunite! Skip brings the heat with LeBron, Luka and James Harden takes! Are the Lakers actually better without Luka Doncic? (0:00) Then, would you rather be a Knicks fan, or a Cowboys fan right now? Guess which one Skip picks... (25:15) Next, Skip defends Wemby! (37:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with The Kid Mero, and he's drinking all of the Knicks Hype Juice!! (0:00) Then, would a game 3 loss be more detrimental to Ant's or Wemby's Championship hopes? (14:45) Next, The Miz joins! (27:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with another Knicks win! The Positive: New York's finest are two games away from another Conference Finals. Negative: OG may be hurt. Could the Knicks still advance without him? (0:00) Then, the Spurs showed their championship potential in a thumping of the Wolves! Who has the edge now in this battle of young stars? (25:20) Next, another Jaylen Brown livestream! He's blaming refs, Embiid, and teammates for anything and everything!! (37:55) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with a third straight day of crazy Jaylen Brown comments. T-Mac has sources saying JB is not happy with the Celtics! Could Beantown's second banana get traded? (0:00) Then, Paul Heyman breaks down Bron Breakker vs. Seth Rollins! (14:45) Next, Mad Dog is MAD at Kentucky Derby Pageantry, Knicks fans choosing the Met Gala, and the Magic for blowing his parlay! (22:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with another OKC win. LeBron balled out, SGA took a back seat to Chet. Who is going to step up on the Lakers with Luka still out? (0:00) Then, Stephen A. has thoughts on James Dolan's latest crazy comments! (25:30) Next, are we sleeping on Ant-Man and the Wolves? (39:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with 76ers-Knicks. We're wondering if this series may already be over after just one game! (0:00) Then, did game 1 of Wolves-Spurs change your outlook on the series. Plus, a special announcement from Stephen A! Old foes reunite! (12:10) Next, Jacob Fatu takes down Roman Reigns! (26:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take is live with Cam'ron! Welcome to New York City! Sixers and Down and Out! A dominant Brunson game 1 performance lifted MSG's finest over Philly. Who had the most impressive performance? Who needs to step up in game2? (0:00) Then, was Ant-Man's surprise bench scoring barrage or Wemby's block party the bigger game 1 story? (20:30) Next, Cam'ron sounds off on Jaylen Brown. (41:45) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with an old school matchup in the East. Embiid's Sixers take on Brunson's Knicks. Overall, which team is more talented? (0:00) Then, Jaylen Brown enjoyed this year more than when he won the championship? Huh?? (11:20) Next, Charlotte Flair joins the show! (24:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with Jaylen Brown taking out his Sixers frustrations on the refs and Joel Embiid. Was Brown right to blame the first 3-1 blown lead since 2020 on everything and everyone but himself? (0:00) Then, old foes reunite in MSG as Embiid and KAT face off for a chance at the conference finals! Who needs to show out more in this series? (23:00) And, is the GOAT conversation officially over if Bron pulls off a miraculous upset over the reigning champion Thunder? (37:15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Eastern Conference Chaos! The Knicks look like the '17 Warriors. Jaylen Brown looks exactly like he has all year, dragging the Celtics into the dirt with his poor play. The Cavs are in a rock fight with the upstart Raptors. Who's winning this conference? (0:00) Then, can the Rockets be the first NBA team to complete the unthinkable 3-0 comeback? (13:20) Next, boxer David Benavidez preps us for his monster matchup vs Gilberto Ramirez on Saturday! (25:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take begins with the Big Apple Beatdown! The Knicks CRUSHED, DEMOLISHED, DESTROYED, and EMBARRASSED the Hawks. A 51 point loss at home? C'monnn Dyson Daniels?? OG Anunoby hit how many threes? Kat ANOTHER triple double?? New York forever baby!!! (0:00) Then. Jokic is toast! Best player in the league belt? Gone! Legacy? In the gutter! (23:50) Next, Suns owner Mat Ishbia wants Devin Booker to retire with the Suns. Is he telling the truth, or upping Booker's trade value? (39:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with Kenny Smith serves a Lakers panic entrée with a cup of Austin Reaves settle down juice. (0:00) Then, does Jokic fall out of top-10 all time discussions with a first round loss to a decimated Wolves squad? (9:15) Next, who's more dangerous right now: Knicks or Celtics? (17:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Takes begins with the sputtering Lakers! From 3-0 to 3-2, the vibe shift in this one is immense. You can almost feel the general public clamoring for LeBron to be the first to blow a 3-0 lead. Imagine the GOAT debate if it happens? Without KD, is it feasible? (0:00) Then, should Shedeur Sanders feel slighted by the latest Deshaun Watson news? (25:50) Then, John Wall is the President! Howard University is in good hands! (37:35) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First Take resumes with 40 straight minutes of the GOAT debate + Mad Dog is MADDDD!!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices