Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Pacers-Thunder NBA Finals Game 3 Reaction: Indiana Bench Shines, OKC Gassed"

Release Date: June 12, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Guests: Colin Cowherd and Jason Tatum
Episode Title: Colin Cowherd Podcast - Pacers-Thunder NBA Finals Game 3 Reaction: Indiana Bench Shines, OKC Gassed

1. Introduction to NBA Finals Game 3

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Host Colin Cowherd and guest Jason Tatum analyze the pivotal moments, standout performances, and strategic maneuvers that defined the game.

Key Moment:
"[04:07] Colin Cowherd: Well, the Pacers, you know, and you and I had talked about this, the Celtics this year were better on the road than at home. Denver is the same team. Oklahoma City is not the same team on the road. They're not. They're. They're bench players. Their rotational players are young. That's the downside to youth."

2. Indiana Pacers' Defensive Prowess

A significant focus is placed on the Pacers' defensive strategies, highlighting their ability to disrupt Oklahoma City's gameplay through blocks and steals. Colin emphasizes the importance of these defensive metrics in turning the tide of the game.

Notable Quote:
"[04:54] Colin Cowherd: I thought over the course of the game, just eight, four or five baskets either denied or provided sneaky points. And that's kind of the difference in the game."

3. Standout Performances from the Pacers' Bench

The Pacers' bench players, particularly TJ McConnell and Ben Matheran, receive commendations for their exceptional contributions. Jason Tatum highlights McConnell's 28-point game as a crucial factor in Indiana's performance.

Highlighted Player:
Jason Tatum remarks on McConnell's evolution, stating, "[06:17] Jason Tatum: I had my eye on Matheran and, and McConnell in particular off of the Pacers bench coming into this series. ... that kid. It's him becoming, no question, 25, 26, an All Star level guard."

4. Comparison of Team Depth and Talents

Colin and Jason delve into a comparative analysis of both teams' depth and talent distribution. While acknowledging Oklahoma City's athleticism and offensive capabilities, they argue that Indiana's roster depth and defensive versatility provide a competitive edge.

Insightful Observation:
"[08:18] Colin Cowherd: And, I watched this series. ... Obi Toppin, his dunk, I put him up by seven and then he got a block on the other end. Like, I think the talent disparity here is inches, not feet."

5. Assessing Series Outlook and Future Predictions

The discussion progresses to speculating the series' potential outcomes. Colin leans towards Oklahoma City given their home-court strength, but acknowledges Indiana's resilience and strategic advantage.

Prediction Statement:
"[14:20] Colin Cowherd: Well, you know, game Sevens in Oklahoma City and they're really good at home. ... I think this series has a good chance to go seven. But I would still make Oklahoma City the favorite at this point."

6. Impact of Player Fatigue and Strategic Adjustments

Emphasizing the importance of player stamina, Colin notes Oklahoma City's apparent fatigue in the fourth quarter, which Indiana capitalized on through sustained defensive pressure.

Key Insight:
"[15:10] Jason Tatum: So that's the advantage of ball pressure. ... And so there's no doubt that, like, Indiana played the long game tonight and in Oklahoma City, controlled at various points."

7. The Role of Length and Physicality in Defense

Colin introduces basketball executive Mark Warkentine's perspective on the importance of player length in defense, asserting that Indiana's long players significantly hinder Oklahoma City's offensive plays.

Expert Commentary:
"[16:24] Colin Cowherd: ... Indiana is long when topping Siakam Turner. Halliburton's long. They're tonight just to show you their length."

8. Future Prospects for Key Players

The conversation shifts to the future trajectories of pivotal players like Miles Turner and Ben Matheran, with both Colin and Jason expressing optimism about their development and impact on the team's success.

Player Future Outlook:
"[18:27] Jason Tatum: ... TJ McConnell is unassuming, but he is actually one of the very best guards in the NBA. ... Ben Matheran, same sort of thing. He is capable against a very athletic Thunder team."

9. Strategic Challenges for Oklahoma City

Colin identifies key vulnerabilities in Oklahoma City's gameplay, particularly their reliance on young bench players and their inconsistent performance on the road.

Vulnerability Highlighted:
"[09:55] Colin Cowherd: So Oklahoma City is 2 and 4 on the road in the last three playoff rounds. ... Indiana is a tremendously good home team."

10. Knicks Coaching Conundrum

Transitioning from the Finals, the podcast briefly addresses the New York Knicks' tumultuous coaching search, discussing the challenges and potential fits for the team’s next head coach.

Discussion Point:
"[29:37] Colin Cowherd: ... He's not a creative offensively, he's not. The team got very predictable offensively."

11. Kevin Durant's Potential Team Fit

Later in the episode, Colin and Jason explore a report about Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman seeking new team opportunities, analyzing the suitability of the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New York Knicks as potential destinations.

Key Insight:
"[46:05] Colin Cowherd: ... I think KD fits everywhere. ... He's a good teammate, he's got a good sense of humor. He doesn't need to be the media darling."

12. Final Thoughts and Series Confidence

Concluding the episode, Colin reinforces his belief in Indiana's capabilities to potentially advance further in the series, appreciating the team's depth, coaching, and player growth.

Concluding Remark:
"[50:35] Jason Tatum: Yeah, I agree and I don't see the heat as like an obvious like ... So I think Indiana's pathway is they have to win the two home games. They absolutely can."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Colin Cowherd [04:07]:
  "The Pacers, you know, and you and I had talked about this, the Celtics this year were better on the road than at home. Denver is the same team. Oklahoma City is not the same team on the road."

• Jason Tatum [06:17]:
  "I had my eye on Matheran and, and McConnell in particular off of the Pacers bench coming into this series."

• Colin Cowherd [09:55]:
  "Oklahoma City is 2 and 4 on the road in the last three playoff rounds."

• Jason Tatum [18:24]:
  "He is capable against a very athletic Thunder team of getting to his spots and rising up and knocking down shots because he's a supreme athlete that can handle the ball."

• Colin Cowherd [16:24]:
  "Indiana is long when topping Siakam Turner. Halliburton's long. They're tonight just to show you their length."

• Colin Cowherd [14:20]:
  "I would still make Oklahoma City the favorite at this point."

Conclusions and Insights

The episode offers an in-depth analysis of Game 3 of the NBA Finals, emphasizing the strategic defensive plays and the impactful performances from Indiana's bench players. Colin and Jason provide a nuanced view of both teams, recognizing Oklahoma City's strengths while highlighting the Pacers' depth and defensive versatility as key factors that could influence the series outcome. The discussion extends to broader NBA topics, including the Knicks' coaching search and potential fits for Kevin Durant, offering listeners a comprehensive perspective on current league dynamics.

Overall, listeners gain a thorough understanding of the critical elements that shaped Game 3, Indiana Pacers' rise in the Finals, and the potential trajectories for both teams as the series progresses.