Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" (May 8, 2025)

Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" is known for its thought-provoking and opinionated take on the day's top sports stories. In the "Best of The Herd" episode released on May 8, 2025, Colin Cowherd delivers a comprehensive analysis of the NBA playoffs, focusing primarily on the unexpected performance of the Boston Celtics against the New York Knicks.

1. Boston Celtics' Unexpected Collapse Against the Knicks

Colin Cowherd opens the discussion by expressing his astonishment at the Boston Celtics' performance in the playoffs. Highlighting a historic collapse, Cowherd remarks:

"I have never seen what just happened in Boston. A world champion starts a series at home, heavily favored in both games, has 20-point leads, and not only loses but shows no guts in the clutch." (03:27)

The Celtics, despite their championship pedigree, struggled against the Knicks, losing both games after maintaining significant leads. Cowherd attributes this downfall to the Celtics' over-reliance on analytics, which he dubs "manhlytics"—a blend of analytics and traditional grit.

2. Analytics-Driven Play vs. Grit and Resilience

A central theme of the episode is the clash between the Celtics' analytical approach and the Knicks' resilient, traditional basketball style. Cowherd explains:

"The math nerds will not take over our sport. The basketball gods are pushing back Wall Street, AI tech. It's all being taken over by analytics. Can we just have our basketball?" (06:00)

He praises the Knicks for embodying resilience and toughness, crediting players like Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart—whom he describes as "classic Villanova overachievers"—for their calmness and effectiveness in high-pressure situations.

3. Jayson Tatum vs. Jalen Brunson: A Comparative Analysis

The episode delves deep into the contrasting styles and effectiveness of Celtics' star Jayson Tatum and Knicks' Jalen Brunson. Cowherd is critical of Tatum's performance under pressure, stating:

"Two of his last three shots were fallaways on the baseline. Tatum is really hurting his team." (16:55)

In contrast, Brunson is lauded for his consistency and ability to perform without faltering:

"Somewhere on the floor, Jalen Brunson's making your team better." (07:41)

The discussion highlights how Brunson’s grit and clutch playmaking provide the Knicks with a reliable foundation, whereas Tatum’s occasional lapses become liabilities for the Celtics.

4. The Impact of Team Culture and Player Psychology

Cowherd emphasizes the significance of team culture and player mentality in the playoffs:

"The Knicks are a team that never quits. It's Villanova professionally. That's why they're so easy to root for." (07:41)

He contrasts this with the Celtics' analytics-heavy approach, suggesting that a lack of mental toughness and reliance on statistical models hinder their performance in crucial moments.

5. Broader NBA Trends: Physicality and Possession-Based Games

The conversation expands to broader NBA trends, observing a shift towards more physical, possession-oriented games. Cowherd notes:

"We're finding these teams like New York and Golden State, without Steph, they love grabbing and pushing." (33:54)

Rick Bucher, a guest and seasoned sports analyst, concurs, adding that this shift results in lower-scoring, more strategic games where physicality plays a pivotal role.

6. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Team Building Strategies

The discussion touches upon Giannis Antetokounmpo's role in team dynamics and building championship-contending teams. Cowherd speculates on the Knicks’ potential moves to acquire Giannis, pondering the implications for team chemistry and strategy.

"Giannis would give you leads and Hart and Brunson, ball in their hands, get fouled. So I think Giannis would make them." (45:07)

Bucher adds that while Giannis could infuse aggression and leadership, assembling a team around him requires strategic acquisitions to complement his skill set.

7. Critique of Other NBA Teams: Lakers and Warriors

Cowherd offers critical insights into the current state of other prominent NBA teams:

• Los Angeles Lakers: He describes the Lakers as a team with a "big marquee," led by LeBron James, but lacking the supporting cast necessary for championship success.

  "It's not the Godfather. You could fix that though, if LeBron took the least he's allowed to take." (41:16)

• Golden State Warriors: Discussing the Warriors, Cowherd highlights their defensive prowess despite the absence of Steph Curry.

  "They can double down on physicality. Yep." (36:54)

8. Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

As the episode nears its end, Cowherd and Bucher reflect on the evolving landscape of the NBA playoffs. They anticipate continued upsets and the rise of underdog teams capitalizing on the current trends of physicality and strategic gameplay.

"Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks both are capable of getting to the Finals." (46:37)

Cowherd concludes by affirming the depth and unpredictability of the playoffs, suggesting that traditional powerhouses must adapt their strategies to remain competitive.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Colin Cowherd: "I have never seen what just happened in Boston. A world champion starts a series at home heavily favored both games. Has 20 point leads in both games and not only loses had no guts at the end." (03:27)

• Colin Cowherd: "The math nerds will not take over our sport. The basketball gods are pushing back Wall Street, AI tech. It's all being taken over by analytics. Can we just have our basketball?" (06:00)

• Colin Cowherd: "Two of his last three shots were fallaways on the baseline. Tatum is really hurting his team." (16:55)

• Colin Cowherd: "I'm going to say this, give the Knicks credit, and I don't use this term much, that is an all time choke." (07:00)

• Rick Bucher: "Coach Brown's the best quarterback in the city regardless of what sporty plays easy to root for Villanova guys." (03:22)

Conclusion

In this "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd provides a critical and in-depth analysis of the NBA playoffs, focusing on the Boston Celtics' surprising struggles against the New York Knicks. By juxtaposing analytics-driven strategies with traditional grit and resilience, Cowherd underscores the evolving dynamics of basketball and its impact on championship outcomes. The episode offers listeners valuable insights into team strategies, player performances, and broader league trends, making it a must-listen for NBA enthusiasts seeking a nuanced understanding of the game's current landscape.