The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode Summary: "Hour 1 - The Knicks Can Win This"

Release Date: May 30, 2025 | Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Knicks' Dominant Playoff Performance

Jason McIntyre and Alex Curry kick off the episode with exhilarating news: the New York Knicks secured a convincing victory against the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of their playoff series. The Knicks showcased a "wire-to-wire" dominance, leaving little room for the Pacers to mount a comeback.

• Defensive Adjustments: Coach Tom Thibodeau made pivotal changes, particularly in defensive strategies. A notable adjustment was applying full-court pressure on Tyrese Haliburton, significantly hindering his performance. McIntyre highlights, “The Pacers shot 3 for 14 with Brunson as the primary defender” (04:00), emphasizing the effectiveness of this strategy.

• Jalen Brunson’s Impact: Brunson emerged as a key player, not only offensively but also defensively. His ability to "fight through screens" and apply consistent pressure was crucial. After the game, Brunson remarked, “I wasn't thinking I need to play better than him. I was just thinking I need to help my team win” (05:42), underscoring his team-first mentality.

• Carl Anthony Towns and Team Resilience: Alongside Brunson, Towns delivered an excellent performance, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. The Knicks' ability to force turnovers and control the pace underscored their resilience and adaptability.

Alex Curry adds, “Carl Anthony Towns played desperate and it worked. They outplayed the Pacers in every part of the game” (15:34), highlighting the team’s collective effort and strategic execution.

2. Analyzing Jalen Hurts and NFL Quarterbacks

The conversation shifts to the NFL, focusing on Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback Jalen Hurts. Despite being the Super Bowl MVP, Hurts faced criticism, which McIntyre vehemently disagrees with.

• Statistical Defense: McIntyre presents compelling statistics from Pro Football Focus, noting that Hurts ranks second in completion percentage and third in yards per passing over the past three seasons (24:15). He challenges the narrative that Hurts is the Eagles' weakest link, arguing, “Jalen Hurts has proven he can win from the pocket. He is the biggest quarterback in comebacks, second only to Patrick Mahomes” (24:29).

• Overcoming Adversity: Hurts’ journey from being a second-round pick to Super Bowl MVP showcases his resilience. McIntyre attributes Hurts’ success to his ability to overcome challenges, including being benched during his college career and succeeding under different offensive coordinators.

Alex Curry concurs, emphasizing Hurts’ leadership and determination: “He is a baddie and just understands what it means to be great” (27:27).

3. Oklahoma City Thunder’s Mid-Range Revival

A standout moment in the episode is the discussion on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s strategic pivot back to the mid-range game, inspired by comments from former NBA player Jeff Teague.

• Jeff Teague’s Take: Teague asserted, “I think SGA saved the NBA. He perfected the mid-range game” (09:47). This bold statement suggests that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA)’s proficiency in the mid-range is revitalizing a critical aspect of basketball strategy.

• Host Analysis: Jason McIntyre acknowledges the validity of Teague’s perspective but counters that while SGA excels in the mid-range, it doesn’t singularly save the league. He points out, “The reason they can do the mid-range with SGA is because they play phenomenal defense” (10:17), emphasizing the holistic approach of the Thunder.

• Impact on the NBA: McIntyre debates whether other teams will adopt the mid-range focus, analyzing the current league trends towards three-point shooting. He remains skeptical, noting, “I don't necessarily think that's going to happen” (10:17).

4. NFL Team Updates and Prospects

The hosts delve into updates on various NFL teams, with particular attention to the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets.

• San Francisco 49ers: With the return of Christian McCaffrey and a favorable schedule, the 49ers are positioned for a strong season. Alex Curry highlights, “They have an easy schedule and just locked in Brock Purdy. They can be sneaky” (29:07), suggesting that strategic advantages could propel them back into contention.

• New York Jets: Justin Fields’ transition to a new environment is discussed, focusing on his potential under coach Aaron Glenn. Jason McIntyre remarks, “This is his make or break opportunity. This is his third team” (32:37), underscoring the high stakes for Fields to establish himself.

5. Baseball World Series Preview: Yankees vs. Dodgers

A thrilling segment previews the World Series matchup between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, featuring star-studded lineups.

• Key Players: The Yankees boast Aaron Judge, Paul Goldschmidt, and Cody Bellinger, while the Dodgers feature Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. The clash of MVP-caliber players promises an offensive spectacle.

• Host Excitement: Jason McIntyre expresses enthusiasm, “It's going to be historic, with multiple MVPs in each lineup” (35:11), highlighting the high stakes and exceptional talent on display.

6. Guest Interview with Ian Begley on Knicks' Strategy

In an insightful interview, Ian Begley, a Knicks' expert since 2011, provides an in-depth analysis of the Knicks' recent performance and future prospects.

• Game 5 Breakdown: Begley commends Mitchell Bridges for his defensive efforts against Haliburton, noting, “Bridges pressured Halliburton and really prevented him from doing much” (45:53).

• Future Outlook: Discussing the ramifications of potentially losing the series, Begley advises stability for the Knicks, suggesting that "running it back and seeing where that gets you" is the best path forward (52:00). He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the current roster and building upon their recent successes.

• Team Stability: Begley posits that the Knicks have reached a point where they should continue with their current strategy, stating, “If you can create that hierarchy where it's Brunson and Towns and everybody else fills in a specific role, this team can be better next season” (52:00).

7. Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

The episode concludes with a teaser for upcoming discussions, including the performance of Jalen Hurts against the Eagles and potential segments featuring personalities like Rachel Nichols.

Colin Cowherd wraps up with energy, ensuring listeners stay tuned for future episodes: “Next hour, we haven't talked Chiefs yet. My favorite team in the NFL” (52:33), setting the stage for continued sports analysis.

Notable Quotes

• Jalen Brunson: “I wasn't thinking I need to play better than him. I was just thinking I need to help my team win” (05:42)

• Jeff Teague: “I think SGA saved the NBA. He perfected the mid-range game” (09:47)

• Jalen Hurts: “I think the sky's the limit for this team, for this offense” (31:16)

• Ian Begley: “If you can create that hierarchy where it's Brunson and Towns and everybody else fills in a specific role, this team can be better next season” (52:00)

Conclusion

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," listeners are treated to a comprehensive analysis of the New York Knicks' impressive playoff performance, insightful discussions on evolving strategies in the NBA, and previews of key NFL and MLB matchups. With expert commentary from Jason McIntyre, Alex Curry, and guest Ian Begley, the episode provides a nuanced exploration of current sports dynamics, highlighting both challenges and triumphs across the board.