Hoops Tonight - Reaction to Austin Reaves’ 51-Point Game + 5 Most Impressive Teams to Start the NBA Season

Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host: Jason Timpf (The Volume)
Date: October 28, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode of Hoops Tonight, Jason Timpf dives into the biggest NBA stories from the opening week, headlined by Austin Reaves’ 51-point game for the Lakers. Jason gives deep-dive analysis of the Rockets’ early struggles (but why he remains optimistic), discusses crucial developments from the Lakers, Bucks, and other contenders, and shares his picks for the five most impressive teams from week one. The episode is rich with tactical insight, player evaluations, and team outlooks—presented in Jason’s signature, conversational style.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Houston Rockets: Early Season Struggles, Future Upside

Timestamps: [02:47] - [17:41]

• Opening with Houston’s 0-2 Start

  • Jason remains "bullish" on the Rockets despite close losses to OKC and Detroit.
  • Detroit’s physicality exposed Alperen Sengun’s limitations: “He just struggled with Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, Paul Reed… they disrupted his rhythm and forced him into a ton of misses right around the rim.” (03:57)

• Cade Cunningham’s Clutch Play

  • Jason details Cade’s use of screens, rejecting a ball screen, and hitting key pull-up shots against Amen Thompson.
    • “Cade just fends him off… gets to that little short 12-footer, knocked it down. Big time shot against one of the apex perimeter defenders.” (06:10)

• Houston’s Offense and Lineup Uncertainty

  • Kevin Durant (on Houston) draws double teams often; Houston still seeking ways to capitalize on blitzes and improve their closing lineup.
  • Struggles with Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason in the closing group due to shooting and spacing issues.
  • Dorian Finney-Smith is named as an ideal "fifth closer" to add, addressing Houston’s two-way needs.

• Defensive Rotations and Rebounding Issues

  • Houston’s defense under Ime Udoka underperforms expectations despite size.
  • Alperen Sengun often inattentive in his roaming role; defensive rebounding notably poor despite size.
  • “They’ve strangely been bad on the defensive glass, which doesn’t even make sense with how big they are.” (09:48)

• Reed Sheppard’s Rough Start

  • An alarming on/off split: “Plus-8 net so far through two games with him off the floor, minus-18 net with him on the floor.” (11:04)
  • Jason links these struggles to Houston’s need for a veteran guard.

• Big Picture Takeaway

  • Houston “has a million things to clean up, and be much better… not too worked up about their 0-2 start.” (12:54)

Austin Reaves’ 51-Point Explosion for the Lakers

Timestamps: [17:41] - [26:45]

• Historic Performance Context

  • Austin Reaves nearly had a 51-point triple-double in Sacramento, carrying a depleted Lakers team without LeBron and Luka Doncic.
  • Sacramento’s bigs "incapable of switching," allowing Reaves to abuse ball screens and attack downhill.
  • “Austin is not methodical… attack, attack, attack. And when he gets into the teeth of the defense, he can draw fouls, finish at the rim, [and] he’s gotten way better… at making the kickout reads.” (18:09)

• Reaves’ Clutch Heroics

  • Fatigue set in late, but he drilled threes and hit a “ridiculous floater” with defenders draped all over him. (20:05)
  • “Just two turnovers despite insane usage in a damn near 50 point triple double. Just a truly remarkable performance from the Lakers third best player. That’s the crazy thing.” (20:59)

• Role Players Step Up

  • Deandre Ayton: “Got a lot of shit for opening night... he was excellent against Minnesota and Sacramento. He badly dominated Sabonis tonight.” (21:29)
  • Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Jared Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia all praised for key moments.
  • “It was just a really impressive win for an undermanned Lakers team.” (23:30)

Early Thoughts on the Lakers’ Ceiling and Luka’s Absence

Timestamps: [23:30] - [28:57]

• Offensive Potential Even Without LeBron

  • Despite missing superstars, the Lakers ranked third in offensive rating.
  • “They hung a 128 offensive rating in their last two games without any games from LeBron and just two games from Luka.” (25:05)

• The Real Value of LeBron James

  • Pushback against the idea the Lakers are better without him.
  • “He’s a second team All-NBA player… excellent defensive rebounder… the best switch defender in the NBA last year.” (26:25)
  • On LeBron trade talk: “If you trade LeBron for a couple of role players, this team becomes worse. I think that’s asinine.” (26:54)

• Questioning Luka Doncic’s Extended Absence

  • Jason criticizes Luka (and/or Lakers’ staff) for him missing a week for minor injuries.
  • “How does that not act as a demerit for him in the conversation with [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander], Giannis, or Jokic?... It just didn’t seem, it was kind of unbecoming of a 26-year-old superstar at the peak of his powers.” (28:16)
  • Notes Lakers’ upcoming stretch is unforgiving: “You could legitimately have to be digging out of the play-in when you get to March.” (28:05)

Milwaukee Bucks: Early Impressions and Lineup Fit

Timestamps: [31:47] - [35:41]

• Impressive Start Despite Loss to Cavs

  • Bucks fall to Cleveland but show strong two-way cohesion.
  • Notable moments: “Donovan Mitchell showed some really impressive shot making… Lonzo Ball hit a big three… they botched a coverage late and left Sam Merrill wide open.” (32:56)

• Why the Bucks’ Roster Works

  • Giannis and Myles Turner praised as a “really strong defensive foundation” with mobility that Lopez lacked.
  • “Myles Turner, next to Giannis, is a really strong defensive foundation. They’re 10th in defense to start the year.” (36:24)
  • Ryan Rollins emerging as a pick-and-roll playmaker—fitting better than Damian Lillard.
    • “He’s been one of their best assisted-turnover guys… starting the offense for Milwaukee.” (38:20)
  • Credit to Doc Rivers for finding complementary talent and building a “coherent” identity.

• Summary Judgment

  • “Milwaukee looks like the kind of team that’s going to outkick their coverage… because everybody just slots together really well here in the early part of the season.” (40:03)

The NBA’s Five Most Impressive Teams — Week One

Timestamps: [40:25] - [56:45]

1. San Antonio Spurs

• 3–0 start; big wins over Brooklyn, New Orleans, Dallas.
• Wemby averaging “33 points and 13 rebounds with 6.7 stocks per game on 64% true shooting. Just completely outrageous.” (42:23)
• Praises the team’s late-game composure and efficient offense.
• Issue: “They’re turning the ball over a lot and giving up transition points… but otherwise, super impressive.” (44:20)

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

• 3–0 despite injuries.
• SGA averaging “40 points, six rebounds and five assists in the early going.”
• “It feels like they’re starting every game with a 10-0 lead just in points off turnovers.” (47:41)
• Only major negative: defensive rebounding.

3. Philadelphia 76ers

• 2–0 with big wins.
• VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes step up; Tyrese Maxey "one of the best guards in the league."
• “It was kind of cool as a fan to see [Embiid] score 20 points in 20 minutes and make it look super easy.” (52:32)
• Upside if Embiid and Paul George contribute more.

4. Golden State Warriors

• Good wins over Lakers and Nuggets, but struggled on a back-to-back at Portland.
• “They didn’t look slow and old… They looked athletic, smart, and not as Steph-dependent as I expected.” (54:25)
• Praises Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green, and Jimmy for strong starts.

5. Miami Heat

• 2–1, nearly 3–0, with losses only on a blown lead.
• “They play at one of the most hellacious paces in the league… averaging 39 transition points per game, second-most in the NBA behind Portland.” (56:12)
• Jaime Jaquez, Simone Fontecchio highlighted for creative, unselfish play.
• “They’ve been playing one of the more fun brands of basketball that I’ve seen.” (56:44)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Austin Reaves’ Evolution:
  “He attacks with like a ton of speed coming downhill in ball screens… when he gets into the teeth of the defense, he can draw fouls, finish at the rim at a high clip, stop and pop for little short jump shots, and he’s gotten way better… at making kickout reads.” (18:09, Jason)

• On LeBron’s Role:
  “If you trade LeBron for a couple of role players, this team becomes worse. They don’t become better. I think that’s asinine.” (26:54, Jason)

• On the Bucks’ New Identity:
  “Ryan Rollins… his give and take with [Giannis] feels really natural. Aggressive without stepping on Giannis’s toes… keeps getting into the lane and making high level kickout reads.” (38:20, Jason)

• On the Thunder’s Turnover Differential:
  “They’re leading the league in points off turnovers with 26 per game, while only allowing 16 the other way. It’s like they’re starting every game with a 10-0 lead—just in points off turnovers.” (47:41, Jason)

• On the Spurs’ Young Core:
  “Wemby in his first three games is averaging 33 points and 13 rebounds with 6.7 stocks per game on 64% true shooting. Just completely outrageous.” (42:23, Jason)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Rockets Early Analysis: [02:47]–[17:41]
• Austin Reaves 51-Point Game Deep-Dive: [17:41]–[23:30]
• Lakers Without LeBron & Luka: [23:30]–[28:57]
• Milwaukee Bucks Tactical Impressions: [31:47]–[40:03]
• Five Most Impressive Teams Countdown: [40:25]–[56:45]

Final Thoughts

Jason’s energetic breakdowns deliver value for any NBA fan—whether it’s pinpointing why Austin Reaves is emerging as a top offensive option, why the Lakers’ early offensive explosion is “for real,” or which teams are already exceeding expectations. His sharp analysis, strategic breakdowns, and willingness to challenge common narratives (especially around LeBron and Luka) make this an episode worth catching for any basketball junkie.