Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd Release Date: May 30, 2025

Introduction

In the "Best of The Herd" episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, released on May 30, 2025, host Colin Cowherd, alongside co-hosts Jason McIntyre and NBA insider Rachel Nichols, delves into the most compelling sports narratives of the day. The episode primarily focuses on the NBA playoffs, dissecting the intense Knicks versus Pacers series, the rising prominence of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and defending quarterback Jalen Hurts amidst NFL discussions.

Knicks vs. Pacers NBA Playoff Series

Series Overview and Recent Performance

The episode kicks off with an enthusiastic discussion about the New York Knicks' recent victory over the Indiana Pacers. Cowherd highlights the Knicks' dominance in the latest game, emphasizing their strategic adjustments and defensive prowess.

• Cowherd: "They dominated last night. I don't think there was 1/10 moment in the second half." [03:02]

Key Player Performances

• Jalen Brunson's Impact: Brunson's exceptional performance is a focal point, with Cowherd noting a dramatic shift in his defensive play, which significantly hindered the Pacers' offensive efficiency.

  • Cowherd: "Jalen Brunson was phenomenal. Carl Anthony Towns was excellent." [04:00]

  • Brunson's Turnover Battle: It's noted that the Knicks outperformed the Pacers in forcing turnovers, directly contributing to their offensive success.

    • Cowherd: "The Knicks won the turnover battle. Yes, they forced the Pacers into more turnovers than the Knicks committed." [04:30]

• Rachel Nichols' Insights: Rachel Nichols concurs, emphasizing Brunson's dual role in both offense and defense.

  • Nichols: "If Jalen Brunson is lighting it up offensively and also plays decent defense, that's where you start to be like, oh, could they have a game six?" [33:20]

Strategic Adjustments by Tom Thibodeau

Cowherd praises Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau for his timely adjustments, such as applying full-court pressure on Tyrese Halliburton, which disrupted the Pacers' gameplay.

• Cowherd: "Tom Thibodeau, thank you for making changes. It's a small thing like Tyrese Halliburton had an awful game." [04:15]

Outlook for Game Six

Looking ahead to Game Six, Cowherd draws parallels to historical NBA comebacks, suggesting that the Knicks need a standout performance to secure the series.

• Cowherd: "Nine years ago, Klay Thompson hit 11 threes, 41 points... Who is Klay Thompson Saturday night in Indiana?" [04:50]

• Nichols: "The Knicks are actually ahead. They’ve scored more points in this series than Indiana." [39:20]

Oklahoma City Thunder: A Rising Force in the NBA

Jeff Teague's Take on SGA and the NBA

Jason McIntyre introduces Jeff Teague's perspective that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) is revitalizing the NBA with his mid-range game.

• McIntyre: "SGA saved the NBA because he perfected the mid-range game." [09:47]

Colin Cowherd's Counterarguments

Colin Cowherd acknowledges the importance of SGA but offers a balanced view, stating that while SGA's mid-range prowess is beneficial, it alone doesn't "save" the league.

• Cowherd: "SGA is killing in the mid-range... but he's not quite saving the league." [10:17]

• Statistical Insights: Cowherd provides stats highlighting OKC's defensive efficiency, which compensates for their lower three-point shooting.

  • Cowherd: "OKC is 13th in three-point shooting... because of the defense and the mid-range game, they're able to completely blow teams out." [10:40]

Future Implications for the NBA

The discussion touches on whether other teams will adopt similar strategies, considering the current NBA emphasis on three-point shooting.

• Cowherd: "The NBA trainers who are helping everybody work on threes, are they going to say we got to get back to the mid-range?" [11:00]

• Nichols: "SGA is a good player because he is a good player... he does a lot of things on the court effectively too." [46:27]

Potential for OKC Thunder's Dynasty

Rachel Nichols assesses the Thunder's potential for establishing a dynasty, citing their young roster and strategic contracts as key factors.

• Nichols: "The advantage OKC has is because they are a young team with players on smaller rookie contracts... they will have the chance to keep this team together." [44:27]

• Cowherd: "The second highest paid player on the Thunder is Isaiah Hartenstein… $30 million. Like wow, that is a crazy roster." [44:51]

Defending Jalen Hurts in the NFL

Addressing Criticisms

Colin Cowherd and Rachel Nichols shift focus to the NFL, where Cowherd passionately defends Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts against emerging criticisms.

• Cowherd: "I don't get the bashing of Jalen Hurts. He has proved he can win from the pocket." [25:00]

• Hurts' Resilience: The discussion highlights Hurts' journey from being a second-round pick and overcoming adversity to becoming a Super Bowl MVP.

  • Cowherd: "All Jalen Hurts has done is overcome everything… he had to transfer. But he has overcome everything." [26:00]

Statistical Defense of Hurts

Using Pro Football Focus data, Cowherd presents statistics that counter the narrative of Hurts being a weak point for the Eagles.

• Cowherd: "Jalen Hurts is third in yards per game, fifth in pass rating." [27:00]

Rachel Nichols' Supportive Analysis

Nichols reinforces Cowherd's defense by highlighting Hurts' consistent performance and adaptability.

• Nichols: "He is the best running quarterback in the league… Jalen Hurts is a great player because he is a great player." [45:22]

League Dynamics: Super Teams vs. Parity

Current Trends and Ownership Influence

The conversation explores the NBA's shift towards parity, influenced by league policies and owner preferences aiming to create a more balanced competitive environment.

• Nichols: "Adam Silver's bosses are the 30 owners… they want seven champions in seven years to ensure more teams have a chance." [42:46]

Impact on Fan Engagement

The hosts discuss how the league's push for parity affects fan engagement, contrasting the appeal of dynasties with opportunities for smaller market teams.

• Cowherd: "Do you think OKC is set up for a dynasty?" [43:48]

• Nichols: "It's okay for the Finals to have an authentic basketball team… sometimes that's okay." [47:27]

Future of Team Strategies

Speculation arises on whether teams will adopt strategies like mid-range play to adapt to evolving league dynamics, balancing analytics with traditional gameplay.

• Cowherd: "SGA is making people think and the hot takes are flying about saving the NBA." [10:17]

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd

  • "I'm going to a Yankees Dodgers game. This my first one." [03:02]
  • "They dominated last night. I don't think there was 1/10 moment in the second half." [04:00]
  • "SGA is killing in the mid-range... but he's not quite saving the league." [10:17]
  • "All Jalen Hurts has done is overcome everything… he had to transfer." [26:00]

• Rachel Nichols

  • "If Jalen Brunson is lighting it up offensively and also plays decent defense, that's where you start to be like, oh, could they have a game six?" [33:20]
  • "SGA is a good player because he is a good player... he does a lot of things on the court effectively too." [46:27]
  • "He is the best running quarterback in the league… Jalen Hurts is a great player because he is a great player." [45:22]

• Jason McIntyre

  • "SGA saved the NBA because he perfected the mid-range game." [09:47]

Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the hosts provide an in-depth analysis of pivotal NBA playoff series, highlight emerging strategies within the league, and offer spirited defenses of standout athletes like Jalen Hurts. With insightful commentary and backed by relevant statistics, Colin Cowherd, Jason McIntyre, and Rachel Nichols engage listeners with a comprehensive exploration of current sports dynamics, ensuring both die-hard fans and casual listeners remain informed and entertained.

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