Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 1: "Celtics Blow Another Lead"

Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the hosts delve into the shocking collapse of the Boston Celtics, analyzing their recent playoff performances and the broader implications for the NBA. The discussion is rich with insights on team dynamics, player performances, and the evolving nature of basketball strategies.

1. The Boston Celtics' Shocking Collapse

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about the Boston Celtics' unprecedented collapse in the playoffs. Jason McIntyre expresses his disbelief:

"30 plus years watching covering the NBA I have never seen what just happened in Boston. And I thought about it, I thought about it this morning. I've never seen this." ([03:13])

McIntyre highlights the Celtics' dramatic loss of leads, emphasizing their reliance on analytics over traditional playmaking:

"Boston missed 75 threes in the last two games, by the way. 11 for 11 on dunks. How about a few more of those?" ([06:00])

He critiques the team's dependence on three-point shooting, suggesting that stepping away from their analytical approach could have benefited them.

2. The Rise of the New York Knicks

Transitioning to the New York Knicks, McIntyre praises their resilience and contrasts their gritty playstyle with the Celtics':

"This isn't just about the Celtics. Mikhail Bridges and OG on the wing are dudes Brunson and Josh Hart. Classic Villanova overachievers who again are never rattled in the moment they're playing." ([04:30])

He lauds Jalen Brunson's leadership, describing him as the "anti Tatum" and a cornerstone for the Knicks' tenacity:

"Jalen Brunson's the best quarterback in the City regardless of what sporty plays easy to root for villain of guys." ([03:06])

McIntyre underscores the Knicks' culture of resilience, attributing their success to their Villanova-inspired toughness and teamwork.

3. Jason Tatum vs. Jalen Brunson: A Tale of Two Players

A significant portion of the episode focuses on contrasting Jason Tatum and Jalen Brunson. McIntyre critiques Tatum's recent performances, suggesting a lack of aggression:

"At the end of the game when Tatum drove in 18 seconds left, gave Boston lead, dunked it, and my reaction was, whoa, that was aggressive. Because he never does that." ([07:25])

He juxtaposes Tatum's style with Brunson's, highlighting Brunson's work ethic and grit:

"Brunson's pretty talented. Tough as nails, all grit. Villanova tough." ([09:00])

The hosts delve into Tatum's inconsistency in clutch moments, questioning his reliability as the Celtics' cornerstone.

4. The Role of Analytics in Modern Basketball

McIntyre critiques the over-reliance on analytics in the NBA, arguing that it has diminished the human aspect of the game:

"The math nerds will not take over our sport. The basketball gods are pushing back Wall Street, AI tech." ([05:00])

He emphasizes the importance of resilience and human grit over purely data-driven strategies, using the Celtics' downfall as a cautionary tale.

5. Physicality in the NBA Playoffs

The conversation shifts to the increasing physicality in the NBA playoffs. McIntyre and Steve Covino discuss how teams like the Knicks and Warriors capitalize on this aspect:

"New York and Golden State, they are built for what Adam Silver, whatever memo it is. I like watching physical basketball." ([31:08])

They debate the balance between physical play and skill, noting that excessive aggression can lead to detrimental outcomes for star players like Tatum.

6. Other NBA Playoff Highlights

Brief mentions are made of other playoff games, including Denver vs. Oklahoma City, with a standout performance by Shaquille Giddens:

"Denver against OKC… Shay Gilders Alexander had 34 and 8. But this is mind blowing. He was plus 51." ([25:38])

The hosts analyze the significance of such performances and their impact on the series' momentum.

7. NFL Segment: Steelers and Aaron Rodgers

Transitioning to the NFL, the discussion centers on the Pittsburgh Steelers' handling of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the acquisition of George Pickens:

"Mike Tomlin ordered a code red. Mike Tomlin said, I can't handle it. You think Aaron, at this age, wants to babysit players?" ([34:23])

McIntyre explores the dynamics between Rodgers and the Steelers' management, highlighting potential future implications for the team.

8. Quarterback Rankings and Performance Analysis

A detailed segment evaluates NFL quarterbacks, with McIntyre expressing skepticism about Minnesota's choice of J.J. McCarthy:

"He's got a modest arm. He's marginally athletic. He's going into a very good division." ([48:00])

The hosts compare McCarthy to other quarterbacks, questioning his readiness and fit within the competitive NFC North division.

9. Conclusion: The Importance of Team Culture and Resilience

The episode wraps up by reaffirming the significance of team culture, resilience, and physicality in both the NBA and NFL. McIntyre and Covino emphasize that while analytics and star players are crucial, the foundational aspects of teamwork and toughness remain indispensable for success.

"Culture is very, very hard for you to define... The Knicks are five and oh. On the road in the playoffs, and they've trailed in all five of those games." ([42:45])

They conclude that teams with a strong, resilient culture are better equipped to handle the pressures of high-stakes games.

Notable Quotes

• Jason McIntyre ([03:13]): "30 plus years watching covering the NBA I have never seen what just happened in Boston. And I thought about it, I thought about it this morning. I've never seen this."

• Jason McIntyre ([07:25]): "Brunson is sometimes exhausted, sometimes defensively gets, you know, abused a little because of his lack of size, but he is never a detriment."

• Jason McIntyre ([31:08]): "Jalen Brunson is beautiful to watch."

• Jason McIntyre ([48:00]): "He's got a modest arm. He's marginally athletic. He's going into a very good division."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Herd provides an in-depth analysis of the Boston Celtics' recent struggles, the New York Knicks' rise, and broader discussions on player performances and team strategies. The hosts offer a blend of statistical analysis and passionate opinions, making it a compelling listen for sports enthusiasts seeking deeper insights into contemporary sports narratives.