Chris “Mad Dog” Russo’s take on whether the 2022–23 Nuggets are officially an all-time great team created some incredible reactions on the First Take set on Tuesday morning.
Russo raised eyebrows when he claimed that the 1986 Celtics led by Larry Bird would have swept this year’s Denver team in a potential series.
“They get mauled [by Boston],” Russo said. “This is not an all-time great team we’re watching here.”
He then closed his monologue by saying “If you want to compare [the Nuggets] to the ‘82 Sixers or the ‘86 Celtics, you’re crazy.”
.@MadDogUnleashed says this is NOT an all-time great Nuggets team 👀
— First Take (@FirstTake) June 13, 2023
"The '86 Celtics would beat this team in four games. ... This is a good team. This is not an all-time team. But Jokic is an all-time player." pic.twitter.com/hRYfrZHXSK
Perhaps the best part of the exchange was JJ Redick’s reaction to Russo’s take, captured perfectly by one Twitter user. Redick can also be heard sighing as soon as Russo mentions the ’86 Celtics.
“The 86 Celtics” @jj_redick : https://t.co/rcBF2fbGs0 pic.twitter.com/syXEJhkUeB
— Beignet Boy⚜️ (@_joshstaylit_) June 13, 2023
Fans also piled onto Mad Dog for the take.
Guarantees in life, death, taxes and @MadDogUnleashed saying something about the 80’s Celtics being able to beat anyone and everyone 😂 https://t.co/qWYiIeHeqz pic.twitter.com/BoEzdYnWX0
— JefeDeJefes - Social Media Influencer (@ManMythandJefe) June 13, 2023
Again.. what does the 86 Celtics have to do with this current team? He’s always comparing past teams 😂🤦🏾♂️ you can see Stephen A and JJ’s face as soon as he does it https://t.co/IodqASjz1w
— Allen. (@killerhandles) June 13, 2023
Why can’t we just enjoy greatness for like two seconds without comparisons? https://t.co/LQtjqoRRzr
— Quentin Corpuel (@quentincorpuel) June 13, 2023
Ouch.
