Summary of Podcast Episode 520: "In The Morning - Jeff Teague REACTS to Thunder COMEBACK WIN vs. Pacers in Game 4 of NBA FINALS, tied 2-2"

Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Release Date: June 14, 2025
Duration: Approximately 26 minutes

Introduction

In Episode 520 of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," the hosts provide an in-depth analysis of Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. The game ended with a thrilling comeback victory for the Thunder, tying the series at 2-2. The discussion spans player performances, strategic decisions, and pivotal moments that influenced the outcome.

Game Recap and Initial Reactions

The episode kicks off with Host 2 recapping the game's final score: Thunder 111, Pacers 104. The hosts express surprise and excitement over the Thunder's ability to overturn expectations and secure the win against the Pacers, who were favored to close out the series.

• Host 2 [02:08]: "We are here to recap Game 4 that took place yesterday in the Bridge Man. The Thunder got a win yesterday against the Pacers, 111 to 104. It was a hell of a ball game yesterday, man."

• Host 5 [02:36]: "No, I like the game. It was a good game."

Player Performances and Key Contributions

The conversation delves into individual performances, highlighting key players from both teams and their impact on the game.

• Host 1 [03:11]: "It was a good game. I thought the Pacers were gonna take it. They were playing well throughout the whole game. Denise Smith did a lot of fouling."

• Host 2 [03:39]: "We got good contributions from both benches this time. Alex Caruso hooped out yesterday, had a smooth 20 piece. Obadiah Dyer was balling yesterday for the Pacers, really showing up for us yesterday."

The hosts discuss the Pacers' offensive struggles, noting Miles Turner's illness and Aaron Nesmith's underperformance.

• Host 2 [04:31]: "Miles Turner was battling an illness, but he has looked like a shell of himself offensively. Aaron Nesmith was 2 for 9 yesterday. A lot of people were calling for Ben Matheran yesterday. He didn't get a lot of minutes."

Strategic Analysis and Rotations

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the strategic decisions made by both teams, particularly the Pacers' rotations and offensive strategies.

• Host 2 [06:48]: "We did not close out, man. Our rotations weren't the best last night, but credit to OKC, they played good basketball in the second half. They were really pressuring the ball."

• Host 2 [07:32]: "Pascal did not have a great shooting game yesterday. He started off hot in the first quarter but fizzled off."

The hosts emphasize the importance of bench strength and consistent offensive contributions, critiquing the Pacers' inability to rely on key players consistently.

• Host 1 [05:22]: "Guys like Andrew Nehar have really good moments, but the Pacers don't have consistent scoring. Benedict Mather can have great games, but we don't expect that from him all the time."

Defensive Stances and Key Plays

Defensive strategies and critical plays that swung the momentum are analyzed in detail.

• Host 1 [10:16]: "Chad Hungram did a good job switching on Tyrese at the end, making him go left. That's good defense by Chad."

• Host 2 [11:15]: "He [Chet] played ball. We are not a good rebounding team at all. But he imposed his will yesterday."

Key defensive plays, including forced turnovers and crucial blocks, are highlighted as pivotal in securing the Thunder's victory.

Viewer Interactions and Super Chat Highlights

The hosts engage with listeners' comments, addressing questions and reactions from the audience.

• Super Chat by Humber Web [12:23]: "Miles Turner is struggling because he's been sick."

• Super Chat by Arian Duchy [12:38]: "Jeff, who would you rather have on your team, Caruso or TJ Nash?"

The responses reflect support for players like Alex Caruso and critique rotation decisions impacting the team's performance.

• Host 1 [21:08]: "Ridge is the best thing to happen to me. I usually keep all my cards in my socks because I don't like bulky wallets."

(Note: Some Super Chat interactions related to advertisements and promotions were skipped to focus on content.)

Future Outlook and Series Momentum

Looking ahead, the hosts discuss the implications of the series being tied and what to expect in the upcoming Game 5.

• Host 2 [23:18]: "OKC by 20 for this Game 5."

• Host 5 [23:28]: "OKC is going to play very, very hard. I expect the Pace to show up, but this has been a good series so far."

The conversation anticipates a challenging Game 5 in Oklahoma City, emphasizing the need for strategic adjustments and consistent performances from key players.

Notable Quotes

• Host 2 [04:31]: "You had a lead, you had everything you needed to win this game."

• Host 1 [10:16]: "Chad Hungram did a good job switching on Tyrese at the end, making him go left."

• Host 2 [07:32]: "Pascal did not have a great shooting game yesterday. He started off hot in the first quarter but fizzled off."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with final thoughts on the Thunder's comeback victory and the challenges that lie ahead in the series. The hosts express optimism for the Thunder's resilience while acknowledging the Pacers' potential to bounce back in the next game.

• Host 2 [26:31]: "This is a legacy game. No, I'm not putting my hands on top of the."

• Host 5 [26:54]: "The game is close. One point, it could be either team up."

The hosts sign off with anticipation for Game 5, emphasizing the importance of maintaining defensive pressure and strategic play to secure a series lead.

This summary captures the essence of Episode 520, highlighting the key discussions, player analyses, strategic evaluations, and listener interactions that provide a comprehensive overview of the podcast's content for those who haven't tuned in.