MOLLY Qerim has kicked off First Take in fiery form before being showered with praise for her ensemble.

As always, co-host Stephen A. Smith began the popular ESPN sports talk show with one of his signature cold opens.

First Take host Stephen A. Smith (left) began Friday’s show by claiming he ‘set the standard’ when it came to on-air attireCredit: First Take on ESPN

After back and forth between Smith and Molly Qerim (center), guest Tim Legler (right) said she looked ‘amazing’Credit: First Take on ESPN
Never one to shy away from complimenting his latest sharp outfit choice, Smith pointed out what he felt was the elephant in to room, noting guests Brian Windhorst and Tim Legler were both wearing sleek bright ties while he went without.

“What the hell is up with Stephen A. Smith?” he said on behalf of his guests.

Smith claimed that while he sets “the standards, I don’t necessarily meet them.”

He then went on to tease that throughout the coming weekend as he covers the NBA Playoffs, there is “more is to come.”

Following the subsequent NBA highlight reel highlighting the upcoming rematch between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets, Qerim called out her co-host for what she felt was a blatant lie.

“Stephen A. how could you start a Friday by lying to the American people?” she asked, wearing a peach jacket with a matching skirt and patterned top.

“I set the standard. You’re just trying to nip at my heels.”

Smith then called Qerim out for supposedly having worn that same color palette earlier in the week.

“Stephen A. we do this show year-round, five days a week, I do not remember what I wore yesterday,” she responded.
‘Real cute’, says Molly Qerim as ESPN analyst sits in Stephen A. Smith’s usual chair glowing in on-air outfit choice
Thankfully, Legler was quick to diffuse the tension, saying, “You look amazing Molly.”

To which Smith sarcastically replied, “She’s alright.”

However, it seems fans sided with Legler, with one calling her a “Queen” on X, formerly known as Twitter.

While another said, “You look beautiful as ever.”

Legler joined the show to preview the upcoming NBA PlayoffsCredit: First Take on ESPN
The majority of the show was dominated by talk of the NBA Playoffs which are set to begin on Saturday after the conclusion of the Play-In Tournament on Friday.

Looking at the Game 1 matchups, Legler predicted a number of drawn-out contests are to come.

In the Eastern Conference, the former NBA star picked the New York Knicks to beat the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers to best the Orlando Magic with both doing so in seven games.

Legler also predicted the Indiana Pacers would come out on top against the Milwaukee Bucks in six.

As for the Western Conference, he backed the reigning champions, the Nuggets, to brush aside LeBron James’ Lakers in six games.

He also had the Minnesota Timberwolves beating the Phoenix Suns in seven, with the Dallas Mavericks beating the Los Angeles Clippers in six.

Smith refrained from giving his picks as he wanted to save the surprise for his impending appearance on NBA Countdown.

However, unsurprisingly, he backed his Knicks to win in five.

Legler predicted LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers would lose to the Denver Nuggets in six gamesCredit: Getty