The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hoops Tonight

Episode: NBA Cup Reaction: Jalen Brunson & Knicks beat Wemby & Spurs w/ GRIT & efficient offense
Date: December 18, 2025
Host: The Volume (Lead: Jason Timpf)

Episode Overview

This episode delivers an in-depth breakdown of the NBA in-season tournament game where the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 124–113. The discussion highlights Jalen Brunson’s leadership, the Knicks' half-court execution, the resilience of San Antonio’s young core led by Victor Wembanyama, and the overarching themes of poise, experience, and development on both sides. The episode mixes tactical analysis, player evaluations, and big-picture insights for where both franchises are headed, all through an energetic, accessible tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Knicks’ Comeback & Offensive Execution

• The Spurs controlled much of the game, leading by 11 with two minutes left in the third quarter, following a Victor Wembanyama three-pointer.
• A pair of crucial threes from Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek on consecutive possessions rapidly cut the lead from 11 to 5, flipping the momentum.
  Quote:
  “They were pretty high level bits of shotmaking. And again, they just cut that lead from 11 to 5. Completely wiped out any of that momentum that San Antonio had.” (03:47)
• The Knicks' domination on the offensive glass—32 second chance points, with an 11–2 advantage in the fourth quarter—was vital.
  Quote:
  “The Knicks had 32 second chance points in this game. One of the big stories of the game.” (05:12)
• As the game slowed into a halfcourt slugfest, it favored the poised Knicks:
  Quote:
  “Once the Knicks had a little lead in the fourth quarter, it kind of devolved into that classic half court style slug fest which favors the Knicks heavily.” (06:08)

Key Players & Defining Moments

Jalen Brunson

• Efficiently worked for “short jump shots and floaters” in the halfcourt, exploiting Spurs’ defensive lapses in crunch time.

Carl Anthony Towns & Mitchell Robinson

• Towns’ physical defense on Wembanyama was credited for disrupting the rookie’s balance and shot rhythm.
  Quote:
  “He was super physical with him. He was beating him to spots, was not letting him get close to the rim… If you can disrupt the power at the bottom of the shot, it makes the top of the shot look very different.” (04:52)
• Robinson’s relentless activity on the glass kept Wemby from second-chance opportunities.

Josh Hart

• Delivered a game-changing two-way sequence: blocked De’Aaron Fox, stripped him, and then nailed a clutch three at the other end.
  Quote:
  “Josh just goes to a pull up three over De’Aaron Fox and just nails it… Massive, massive sequence.” (08:27)

OG Anunoby

• Scored 28 points with zero turnovers, including pivotal threes off offensive rebounds and clever actions within the Knicks’ offense.

Tyler Kolek

• Provided a critical spark off the bench with shotmaking and smart passing during the Knicks’ turnaround run.

Knicks’ Team Identity: Continuity & Maturity

• The podcast lauds New York's roster for its veteran core, playoff experience, and newfound offensive creativity (crediting assistant coach Mike Brown).
• Familiarity breeds confidence late in games:
  Quote:
  “That combination of continuity and big game experience…gives them a real advantage over some of the younger teams in the league.” (11:25)
• The addition of Towns and Bridges boosts both skill and playoff pedigree.

Notable Stat

• Knicks' halfcourt offensive rating in the 4th: 100
• Spurs’ halfcourt offensive rating in the 4th: 68
  (13:58)

Spurs: Upside & Growing Pains

• The tournament run, including wins over established contenders (Nuggets, Lakers, Thunder), signaled major long-term upside.
• San Antonio’s halfcourt struggles in crunch time revealed their youth and development stage, but the host is bullish on their trajectory:
  Quote:
  “In many ways, I thought this tournament was an announcement...they flashed a clear upside, a potential on both ends of the floor. That’s going to be a huge problem…for years to come in this Western Conference.” (22:32)

Steph Castle

• Drawing high praise as a “hybrid guard version of Jimmy Butler…a two-way superstar who can do a ton of damage on defense but also is…a matchup problem.”
  (24:22)

Victor Wembanyama

• Noted for a “pretty bad” night relative to his standards, but flashed highlight moments. Biggest areas for improvement: rim protection consistency and handling physicality on the drive.
• Comparison: More likely to become a “deadly short range over the top guy” (like Durant), rather than a frequent rim slasher in the LeBron mold.
  Quote:
  “I think a lot of his paint attempts…are going to be like really efficient short range shot making...those are the kinds of things that I think are going to turn into super reliable shots for him in the long run.” (28:15)

Takeaways & Big Themes

The In-Season Tournament’s Value

• Host is a big fan—calls for potential tournament expansion in future years.
  Quote:
  “These games produce some really high level basketball that’s really fun to watch on television. I really enjoyed the in season tournament again this year.” (30:52)
• Sees it as a vital “tent pole” that keeps the NBA regular season engaging.

Caution for Knicks Fans

• History suggests a post-tournament letdown:
  • Lakers: lost 10 of 13 after their IST win
  • Bucks: went 3–5 over their ensuing 8 games
• Knicks must avoid “complacency and building bad habits” during the upcoming lower-stakes stretch.
  Quote:
  “That’ll be the challenge for the Knicks...like stay focused, stay disciplined. Don’t start establishing bad habits now after you get a massive win like this.” (20:39)

Memorable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• “[Those] two threes on the immediate following possessions from Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek...changed the complexion of the game.” (03:40)
• “If you can disrupt the power at the bottom of the shot, it makes the top of the shot look very different.” (04:52)
• “Josh just goes to a pull up three over De’Aaron Fox and just nails it… that was a big shot that kind of iced the game.” (08:27)
• “That combination of continuity and big game experience…gives them a real advantage over some of the younger teams in the league.” (11:25)
• “In many ways, I thought this tournament was an announcement… they flashed a clear upside, a potential on both ends of the floor.” (22:32)
• “Steph Castle...I think [he] has the potential to be even better than Jimmy [Butler] was at his peak.” (24:22)
• “I think a lot of his [Wembanyama’s] paint attempts...are going to be like really efficient short range shot making...those are the kinds of things that I think are going to turn into super reliable shots for him in the long run.” (28:15)
• “These games produce some really high level basketball that’s really fun to watch on television. I really enjoyed the in season tournament again this year.” (30:52)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:36 – Show proper begins, game setup & opening Knicks/Spurs analysis
• 03:40 – Pivotal threes from Clarkson/Kolek shift momentum
• 04:45 – Knicks’ offensive rebounding and Towns’ defense on Wemby
• 06:08 – Knicks establish control in the 4th quarter; halfcourt slugfest
• 08:27 – Clutch Josh Hart plays
• 11:25 – Knicks’ continuity and playoff experience
• 13:58 – Statistical comparison of Knicks/Spurs halfcourt offense
• 16:42 – Knicks’ offense evolution; team movement around Brunson
• 20:39 – IST let-down risk; need for Knicks’ focus
• 22:32 – Spurs’ emerging upside
• 24:22 – Steph Castle’s future two-way stardom
• 28:15 – Wembanyama’s developmental focus
• 30:52 – Value and future of the NBA in-season tournament

Final Thoughts

The podcast offers an in-depth, tactical analysis while celebrating both the present achievements of the Knicks and the bright future of the Spurs. The host’s optimism for New York’s title chances in the East is tempered by the warning of post-cup contentment, while the Spurs are described as a future juggernaut once their young stars gain reps and experience in pressure moments. The praise for the in-season tournament as a showcase for evolving contenders and high-stakes basketball is a unifying thread throughout.