Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Hour 1 - Duke Let That One Get Away
Release Date: April 7, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Jason McIntyre steps in as host in Colin Cowherd's absence. The show delves into the dramatic Final Four showdown where Duke faced an unexpected defeat against Houston. Additionally, the episode covers a range of other sports topics, including standout performances from the Lakers, Steph Curry’s defensive challenges, Alex Ovechkin’s historic NHL achievement, and the Dodgers' strategic dominance in baseball.

Duke’s Final Four Meltdown

Dramatic Upset:
The centerpiece of the discussion revolves around Duke’s shocking loss to Houston in the Final Four. Despite holding a 14-point lead with eight minutes remaining, Duke’s youthful lineup faltered under pressure, leading to their downfall.

• Jason McIntyre remarked at [03:50]:
  "The scariest movie I’ve ever seen are the final eight minutes of Duke against Houston. I was a wreck, a total train wreck, watching Duke’s offense crumble."

Youth vs. Experience:
Duke’s reliance on three freshmen in the starting lineup is contrasted with Houston’s experienced veterans. The episode highlights how Houston’s 23-year-old LJ Cryer and Roberts made crucial plays that dismantled Duke’s strategy.

• Jason McIntyre at [05:50]:
  "Houston leaned on 23-year-old LJ Cryer with an unbelievable six-point play during that comeback."

Coaching Critique:
John Shire, Duke’s coach, faces criticism for his lack of preparation, specifically failing to have an effective inbound play ready during the critical final minutes.

• Jason McIntyre at [49:55]:
  "Why didn’t John Shire have one inbounds play ready for the final minute when Duke melted down?"

Player and Coach Analysis

Cooper Flag’s Performance:
Despite being the best freshman, Cooper Flag struggled down the stretch, contributing to Duke’s collapse. His inability to maintain performance under pressure is a focal point of the critique.

• Jason McIntyre at [05:20]:
  "Cooper Flag can handle, but he faded away like Anthony Davis. Coach K had RJ Barrett and Zion Williamson, and they still lost in the Elite Eight."

SGA’s Free Throw Struggles:
The discussion shifts to SGA (Stephen A. Smith), highlighting his inefficiency at the free-throw line during a Lakers game against OKC Thunder.

• Jason McIntyre at [24:45]:
  "SGA did not shoot a free throw, proving that he's the kind of guy who gets all the calls."

John Shire’s Future:
While this loss is a blemish on Shire’s coaching record, McIntyre expresses faith in his ability to rebound and improve in future high-stakes games.

• Jason McIntyre at [50:47]:
  "John Shire’s career isn’t defined by this one game. I still believe in him, but this one really stings."

Lakers and Warriors Performance

Lakers’ Resurgence:
The Lakers’ recent victories are discussed, emphasizing Luka Doncic’s exceptional performance against the OKC Thunder, where he dominated defensively and offensively.

• Jason McIntyre at [15:43]:
  "Luka Doncic owns the OKC Thunder. He put on a clinic, stepping back and hitting deep threes that tied a franchise record."

Steph Curry’s Defensive Challenges:
Despite Steph Curry’s historical prowess, the episode highlights a recent game where Houston’s defense successfully limited his effectiveness, marking a significant challenge.

• Jason McIntyre at [24:20]:
  "Houston held Steph Curry to 1 of 10 shooting, a master class defensively."

Warriors’ Future Predictions:
McIntyre expresses skepticism about the Warriors maintaining their standing without Curry leading the scoreboard, suggesting that their performance may decline in the playoffs.

• Jason McIntyre at [26:00]:
  "The Warriors are not good when Curry doesn't lead them in points. I’m not buying the hype that they're the second best team in the West."

Alex Ovechkin’s Historic Achievement

NHL Record Breaker:
Alex Ovechkin shattered Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record by scoring his 895th goal against the Islanders. The moment was celebrated with Gretzky in attendance, symbolizing a passing of the torch.

• John Fanta at [27:32]:
  "Ovechkin scored his 895th goal, breaking Gretzky’s long-standing record. Wayne Gretzky was there to honor him, and it was an incredible moment."

Future Prospects:
The conversation explores potential upcoming records and the impact of Ovechkin’s achievement on the NHL landscape.

• Jason McIntyre at [28:33]:
  "What do you think is the next big record? Hockey's welcoming Ovechkin’s accomplishment positively, hoping other leagues take notice."

Dodgers’ Strategic Dominance in Baseball

Financial Strategy:
The Dodgers’ ability to outspend and attract top talent is lauded, while critics are urged to focus on their own team’s shortcomings rather than complaining about the Dodgers’ success.

• John Fanta at [30:15]:
  "Only losers complain about what the Dodgers are doing. They’re making it a place where superstars want to come play, and that’s how they win."

Criticism of Complaints:
McIntyre and Fanta debate the fairness of criticizing the Dodgers for their financial strategies, comparing it to the Yankees’ long-standing dominance through similar means.

• John Fanta at [31:45]:
  "It's part of the game. There have always been powerhouses like the Yankees. Don't get mad at the Dodgers; get mad at your ownership."

Knicks’ Performance and Playoff Aspirations

Jalen Brunson’s Return:
The Knicks improved their standing with Jalen Brunson’s return from injury, showcasing his contributions in recent wins.

• John Fanta at [33:16]:
  "With Brunson back, the Knicks are in a night-and-day situation. They need him to reach the conference finals."

Playoff Challenges:
Despite Brunson’s return, the Knicks face a tough path ahead with upcoming games against playoff-bound teams like the Celtics and Cavaliers.

• Jason McIntyre at [34:00]:
  "The Knicks have a three-game lead on the Pacers, but they need to win against strong teams to secure their spot."

Conclusion and Future Predictions

The episode wraps up with a mix of optimism and skepticism regarding the future performances of the discussed teams. McIntyre remains hopeful about the Lakers’ trajectory but remains cautious about the Warriors and Knicks facing formidable opponents in the playoffs. The historical achievements of players like Ovechkin are celebrated, while the coaching decisions in critical games like Duke’s meltdown are scrutinized, setting the stage for future discussions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Jason McIntyre [03:50]:
   "The scariest movie I’ve ever seen are the final eight minutes of Duke against Houston."

2. Jason McIntyre [05:20]:
   "Cooper Flag can handle, but he faded away like Anthony Davis."

3. Jason McIntyre [24:45]:
   "SGA did not shoot a free throw, proving that he's the kind of guy who gets all the calls."

4. John Fanta [27:32]:
   "Ovechkin scored his 895th goal, breaking Gretzky’s long-standing record."

5. John Fanta [30:15]:
   "Only losers complain about what the Dodgers are doing."

6. John Fanta [33:16]:
   "With Brunson back, the Knicks are in a night-and-day situation."

7. Jason McIntyre [49:55]:
   "Why didn’t John Shire have one inbounds play ready for the final minute when Duke melted down?"

8. John Fanta [31:45]:
   "It's part of the game. There have always been powerhouses like the Yankees. Don't get mad at the Dodgers; get mad at your ownership."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Herd provides an in-depth analysis of critical moments in college basketball, professional leagues, and individual player achievements. The discussions offer valuable insights into team dynamics, coaching decisions, and the broader implications of financial strategies in sports. Whether you're a fan of college basketball, the NBA, NHL, or MLB, this episode delivers comprehensive coverage of the most pressing sports narratives of the day.