Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hoops Tonight Episode Featuring Kevin O'Connor

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Description: A thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
• Episode: Hoops Tonight - Kevin O'Connor on how SGA broke Pacers defense + how Haliburton can succeed vs. Thunder | NBA Finals
• Release Date: June 10, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Hoops Tonight, host Jason welcomes NBA draft expert Kevin O'Connor to discuss the intense and closely contested NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the series tied at 1-1, the conversation delves deep into team dynamics, player performances, and strategic adjustments that could sway the outcome of the championship.

Series Overview

Jason opens the discussion by highlighting the early phase of the Finals, noting the Pacers' recent performance that led to an 11-game matchup. He expresses his admiration for Kevin O'Connor, mentioning past appearances on his show and emphasizing Kevin's expertise in covering the NBA draft.

Jason [06:00]: "I've been lucky to come on his show a couple of times. First appearance here on Hoops Tonight, one of my favorite people covering the game, Kevin. How are you, man?"

Kevin O'Connor [04:49]: "I'm doing excellent, Jason. It's an honor to be on your show. What you've built is so awesome."

Player Performance: Shaed Giloder (SGA)

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Shaed Giloder's (SGA) impact on the Pacers' defense. Kevin counters Doris Burke's criticism of SGA being overly aggressive in Game 1, arguing that his approach was necessary given the team's shooting struggles.

Kevin O'Connor [09:59]: "I felt like he was playing a bit more to his speed in game two, but I disagreed with Doris Burke's view on his aggressiveness in game one."

Jason and Kevin analyze SGA's shot generation between the two games, noting improvements in team shooting percentages and passing efficiency in Game 2.

Jason [08:35]: "I thought Shay just in general made a bit more of an effort to kind of keep the ball popping around some quicker decisions."

Team Strategies and Defensive Tactics

The conversation shifts to defensive strategies, specifically how Indiana can contain SGA and the Thunder's versatile offense. Kevin discusses the challenges of guarding SGA, emphasizing that traditional man-to-man defenses are insufficient.

Jason [20:00]: "Whenever we're having these discussions, we have to lead with saying there is no good way to guard Shay."

Kevin explores the potential pivot to zone defense as a solution, weighing its pros and cons against the Thunder's three-point shooting prowess.

Kevin O'Connor [26:48]: "I'm not going to rule out Indiana winning the series, but OKC is just special... it's really like that's you don't have a lot of choice against the Thunder."

Tyrese Halliburton Analysis

A pivotal part of the episode delves into Tyrese Halliburton's (Halliburton) performance and his need to adopt a more aggressive scoring approach. Both hosts agree that while Halliburton excels as a playmaker, his reluctance to take decisive shots early in games hampers Indiana's chances.

Jason [33:00]: "Halliburton is not Jokic. Tyrese Halliburton is one of one. He's himself."

Kevin highlights Halliburton's potential to evolve into a top-tier superstar by embracing a balance between playmaking and scoring.

Kevin O'Connor [39:13]: "Halliburton needs to feel a moment and say, okay, it has to be me tonight."

Predictions for the Series

Looking ahead, both Jason and Kevin predict a challenging path for Indiana against the formidable Thunder. They anticipate Indiana securing a win in Game 3, followed by a decisive Thunder victory in the subsequent games, potentially leading to a Game 6 showdown.

Kevin O'Connor [47:42]: "I think we're going to see a split this week. That means we're going to at least see a Game 6, and at that point in the series, who knows?"

Jason echoes the sentiment, emphasizing Oklahoma City's resilience and depth, which make them a formidable opponent even in extended series.

Jason [55:17]: "Otherwise, they just keep coming through. I would remember this Pacers team very fondly regardless of what happens."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections on the unique strengths of both teams. Kevin reiterates his confidence in the Thunder's ability to sustain their championship run, while acknowledging Indiana's tenacity and strategic gameplay. The hosts express mutual respect for the Pacers, ensuring listeners of an enthralling continuation of the Finals.

Jason [57:53]: "We'll have a mailbag coming out tomorrow, and then obviously we're gonna be live on YouTube after the final buzzer of Game 3 on Wednesday night."

Kevin O'Connor [56:59]: "All that stuff over at Yahoo Sports or wherever my social channels are, wherever you get your stuff."

Notable Quotes:

• Jason: "Shay is not the most vertical, poppy athlete that you'll ever watch, but his ability to change direction and go from stopped to full speed is truly remarkable." [29:13]

• Kevin O'Connor: "Sometimes you need to take those B minus shots rather than always look for the A plus play." [33:16]

• Kevin O'Connor: "Halliburton is not Jokic. Tyrese Halliburton is one of one. He's himself." [39:13]

Key Takeaways:

1. SGA's Defensive Impact: Shaed Giloder's aggressive approach in Game 1 was necessary due to the Pacers' shooting inefficiencies, and his adjustments in Game 2 improved team performance.

2. Defensive Strategies: Indiana may need to adopt zone defense to better contain Oklahoma City's versatile offense, though this comes with its own set of challenges.

3. Halliburton's Role: Tyrese Halliburton must increase his scoring aggression to elevate Indiana's chances, balancing his playmaking with decisive shot-taking.

4. Series Predictions: A competitive series ahead with Oklahoma City Thunder favored to advance, but Indiana Pacers possess the resilience to challenge expectations.

5. Team Dynamics: Oklahoma City's depth and defensive prowess make them a formidable team, while Indiana's strategic gameplay and tenacity provide a strong counterbalance.

Conclusion

This episode of Hoops Tonight offers an in-depth analysis of the NBA Finals between the Pacers and Thunder, enriched by Kevin O'Connor's expert insights. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal factors influencing the series' outcome, from player performances to strategic defensive adjustments. Whether you're a die-hard fan or casual observer, this discussion provides valuable perspectives on what could be one of the most memorable Finals in recent history.