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First Take

Author: ESPN, Stephen A. Smith, Shae Cornette

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First Take is always a heated discussion as Stephen A. Smith and guests debate about the day's top stories.
3297 Episodes
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First Take resumes with a potential playoff rematch! Would the Knicks or Celtics have the edge if these Eastern Conference foes faced off again? (0:00) Then, the Nuggets ride a 10 game win streak into their highly anticipated matchup against the Thunder. Can the Joker carry Denver past the West's best? (15:45) Next, is Wemby unguardable? (25:05) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take begins with the Knicks "big" win over the Celtics. Should we put any stock into this drubbing since Jaylen Brown sat out? And, did the Knicks find something 80 games into the season with the heroic Brunson/KAT two-man game? (0:00) Then, can LeBron carry the Lakers through the first round sans Doncic and Reaves? (14:30) Next, Joel Embiid underwent successful surgery for appendicitis. How will we look back at the former MVPs career once it's all said and done? (23:10) And, is Travis Hunter better off at CB or WR? (40:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take resumes with Jayson Tatum's first game back at MSG since his Achilles injury. He's "not thrilled" about going back. What can we expect from the Celtics superstar? (0:00) Then, Kevin Clark thinks the Cowboys are a draft pick away from Super Bowl contention. Should they add to their already stacked offense, or needy defense? (13:50) Next, are we in favor of judging draft picks based on their favorite ice cream flavor? (24:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take begins with Cade's glorious return! The Pistons star point guard dropped 13 pts and 10 ast in his first game back after missing a month with a collapsed lung. Should the rest of the Eastern Conference look at the Pistons as free eats, or tenacious contenders? (0:00) Then, who's more likely to win the West: Thunder or the field? (17:40) Next, the Texans exercised their stars 5th year options and Lamar is participating in offseason workouts. Kevin Clark and Jason McCourty have all your offseason storylines covered! (25:00) Finally, star's legacies are suffering because of the NBA's 65-game rule. Players will miss All-NBA teams because of freak injuries. Season's will be misremembered. Will the NBA change the rule? (39:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take resumes with JJ Redick calling out his team! Vando can't make free throws, Ayton can't even catch a ball! It's complete dysfunction In LA with no Luka and Reaves! (0:00) Then, would you rather have KD or Ant in the playoffs? (15:00) Next, Mad Dog is fired up about the Marlins babying their catchers, NBA games during the NCAA Championship game, and valet service on Easter! (25:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take begins with a sight not seen since Jaylen Brown had hair: Mad Dog and Stephen A. in studio together! They react to a bench clearing brawl in LA, the Celtics steamrolling an upstart Hornets squad, and more egregious tanking! (0:00) Then, Shams takes us inside the fractured relationship between Giannis and the Bucks! (26:00) Next, do you really believe Mike Malone and the Tar Heels can compete with Duke? (43:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take resumes with Michigan's best basketball team ever...maybe? Is it possible the GOAT UMich team is one that never even won the championship? (0:00) Then, what is Giannis's trade value right now? Is it worse or better off than what it was at the trade deadline? (16:20) Next, Mike Malone looks to lead UNC back to the glory days of Jerry Stackhouse, James Worthy, and Brady Manek! (30:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take begins with the Victorious Wolverines! A dominant run for the ages capped off with a nail biter against the dynastic Fightin' Danny Hurleys. Stephen A. and Sean Farnham break down how Dusty May's squad got it done in Indy! (0:00) Then, Stephen A. gives Mike Malone some advice as he prepares Chapel Hill for the long road back to Blue Bloodism. (18:00) Next, fresh off of a national championship, and one hour of sleep, Dusty May talks with Shae and Stephen A.!! (27:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take resumes with the ailing Lakers... How far can LeBron carry a Luka-less and Reaves-less LA squad? (0:00) Next, Troy Aikman discusses his role with the Dolphins, where he feels empowered making personnel decisions. Subtle shot at Jerry Jones? Why is the Cowboys legend not helping Jerry with free agent decisions? (14:00) Then, BREAKING NEWS!!! Angel Reese traded to the Dream??? What??? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take begins with Steph's Return! 29 points off the bench wasn't enough to take down the streaking Rockets in a pivotal seeding matchup. Are the Warriors good enough for Steph to risk injury in a return? (0:00) Then, Geno and Dawn have beef? Chiney breaks down where the Handshake Fiasco really started... (12:00) Next, what's more important in tonight's title game: coaching or player talent? (28:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hour 2! The crew is discussing both the men's and women's Final Four, will UConn reign supreme in both? Meanwhile, Pirates top prospect Konnor Griffin making his debut today, is it too soon? Hear what Stephen A has to say. Then we talk about who in the NBA can ACTUALLY win a championship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A much anticipated battle between the 1 and 3 seeds in the west quickly turned ugly last night, we discuss which team the result said more about. We also have Coach Calipari here to give his thoughts on the Final Four and his 2nd season at Arkansas. Then we discuss if the NBA's 65-game rule will end up devaluing postseason awards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hour 2: MVPTake

Hour 2: MVPTake

2026-04-0247:05

The Raiders shake things up by signing Kirk Cousins—but with the No. 1 pick likely bringing in Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, is this a bridge move or a brewing QB controversy? In Boston, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown put on a show, combining for a huge night as the Celtics erupt for 147 against Miami. And Wemby’s confidence keeps growing—after his latest performance, could “Why not?” turn into an MVP and championship reality? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hour 1: Trade Away

Hour 1: Trade Away

2026-04-0250:32

Kirk Cousins heads to the Raiders—but with the No. 1 pick and Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza waiting in the wings, what does it mean for Vegas’ future under center? Wemby keeps asking, “Why not?” After another big night, is an MVP and title run really within reach? And in the East, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown power a dominant Celtics performance—dropping 147 on Miami in a statement win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take begins with Lebron's uncertain future. Would a deep Lakers playoff run bring him back to The City of Angels for one last hoorah, or does the Kid From Akron already have one foot back in Cleveland? (0:00) Then, which Promised Land is Aaron Glenn referring to when mentioning Geno Smith? Mount 5-12 ? Arch Manning Island? (13:40) Then, Mad Dog is MAD at Carlos Boozer celebrating too early, the NFL for not agreeing to a new deal with their referees and playing an Australia game! (23:40) Finally, 3-time Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin joins First Take! (35:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take begins with two teams headed in opposite directions. The Lakers continued their winning ways with a stomping of Harden's Cavs, and the Knicks fell deeper into the pit of despair after losing a blowout to Amen's Rockets. (0:00) Then, a crossroads for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles. We finally sort out who is to blame in this debacle of a franchise in Philly. Next, Amar'e Stoudemire was officially inducted into the Hall of Fame! As a founding member of the 7 seconds or less Suns, and the prototype for many power forwards of today, does this NBA legend really deserve to be in the HOF? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take resumes with a battle for MVP! Will SGA secure his second, or can Wemby steal it from his cold blooded 55 fg% hands? (0:00) Then, WWE Superstar Trick Williams joins First Take! (15:40) Next, the Bulls waived Jaden Ivey after making homophobic remarks. Stephen A. comments... (26:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take begins with yet another SGA MVP-esque performance. 47 points on 63% shooting?? Shades of Michael and early Stevie Franchise... Was this a finals preview? (0:00) Then, Cowboys drama is heating up! George Pickens may not report to OTAs if Jerry fails to deliver a long term deal. Can the Cowboys afford to pay him and Ceedee? (24:30) Next, are you more surprised with the Hawks shocking midseason turnaround post Trae trade, or the shorthanded Celtics surviving Jayson Tatum's injury to stick as the East's two seed? (40:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take resumes with a Final Four full of storylines! Can UConn really win it all, or is Arizona-Michigan the real title game? (0:00) Then, The UConn Women made mincemeat of their competition on the way to another Final Four trip. Is anyone stopping this god squad? (12:00) Next, is Jayson Tatum officially back after a 32 point performance against the streaking Hornets? (23:55) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
First Take begins with Jay Will facing the music! How can a Blue Blood like Duke suffer two of the worst tournament losses in back to back years? With all of those first round draft picks and brand recognition? (0:00) Then, after another loss to a top team, can the Knicks be trusted in the playoffs? (26:20) Next, what statement did Michigan make with a massive win over Tennessee? (40:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Comments (209)

Adam Balogh

the Ukrainian girl lesson... NEVER EVER LET A NIGGER SIT BEHIND YOU ...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nov 20th
Reply (2)

Brian Davis

stop talking about interrupting this is FIRST TAKE hello.

Oct 28th
Reply

Troncon-montage nl

All this talk about NBA teams reconfiguring their rosters got me thinking — building a championship team isn’t so different from upgrading your home. You need the right pieces in the right places. That’s why more fans are turning to smart living solutions like slimme verlichting installeren — it’s not just tech, it’s about creating an environment that fits your rhythm, just like the Thunder building around SGA. Whether it's lighting up your game room for tip-off or setting the mood post-win, smart lighting is the real MVP at home! https://troncon-montage.nl/

Jul 3rd
Reply

koolpop jones

Mad Dog rocks 😡🐶

Feb 8th
Reply

koolpop jones

🐈🌍🏟️🏈⛽🦮🐕🐩

Feb 5th
Reply

Curtis Seals

l m l k. h m m 12616

Aug 28th
Reply

ID39343579

If LeBron James go to the Warriors that would be boring. You might as well stop watching basketball.

Feb 21st
Reply (1)

Aakash Amanat

I just watched the latest episode of "First Take," and I have to say, it's always an adrenaline rush! Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman bring such passion and expertise to the show, and their debates are absolutely electric. https://pr.business/houston-packaging-solution-houston-texas Today's discussion about the upcoming NBA playoffs had me on the edge of my seat. Stephen A.'s insights are always on point, and Max's analytical approach adds a unique perspective to the conversation. It's the perfect balance of entertainment and sports analysis. https://www.dealerbaba.com/suppliers/packaging/paper-products/houston-packaging-solution.html

Sep 20th
Reply

Randel Granger

just wait stay patient the cowboys will let you down it's just who they are 😅😅😅

Aug 7th
Reply

Woman

Thanks

Dec 28th
Reply

Trevor Chinembiri

2:39 Bart blames Tom Brady Rodgers struggles.

Nov 20th
Reply

Randel Granger

Happy birthday, Stephen A

Oct 17th
Reply

Randel Granger

That should not be Kevin Durant problem at all

Jun 28th
Reply

Randel Granger

James Harden does not need no more money that’s gonna make him worse

May 20th
Reply

Randel Granger

James Harden does not need no more money that’s gonna make him worse

May 20th
Reply

Randel Granger

James Harden does not need no more money that’s gonna make him worse

May 20th
Reply

Debbie Bilka

So he threw an object into the stands, missed his target, BUT, he apologized. It’s just a little piece of plastic, no dammage, you say! Get a fine, don’t miss any games. Wow! Did anyone ask the girl how she felt. At a game, cheering for her team, and some vey well paid man throws something into the stands that hits HER! Wonder if it was her first time at a game? Will she want to go again? I am assuming it has been shown all over social media. TV? Poor kid. Just having a good time. He can’t apologize that away!

Apr 15th
Reply

Anthony Lentz

Can you guys post "First Take Her Take" somewhere else? sick of deleting it every week.

Nov 10th
Reply

Gil Ben-Artzy

Thank of 0

Aug 23rd
Reply

Trevor Chinembiri

22:52

Aug 11th
Reply
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