Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode: Hour 3 - Chris Finch (May 5, 2025)

The Herd with Colin Cowherd delves deep into the current landscape of professional sports, offering insightful analysis and engaging discussions with guest Chris Finch, head coach of the Golden State Warriors. This episode navigates through the intricacies of the NBA playoffs, strategic coaching decisions, player performances, and transitions into the NFL’s evolving dynamics. Below is a comprehensive summary of the episode's key segments.

1. NBA Playoffs Breakdown

Warriors vs. Lakers Series Review

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the recent NBA series between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. Chris Finch provides a critical assessment of the Warriors' performance, highlighting their ability to outplay and outcoach the Lakers despite facing an older, more seasoned opponent.

• Chris Finch: “They not only beat the Lakers, they pushed them around, out coached them, out played them, had so much more dexterity offensively.” (03:04)

Defensive Philosophy and Physicality

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Warriors' defensive strategies, particularly against the physically imposing Houston team. Finch emphasizes the different defensive philosophies and how maintaining a physical yet controlled approach can disrupt high-functioning offenses like the Warriors'.

• Chris Finch: “We have a different defensive philosophy. Of course, there's always things you can learn when you watch a series.” (04:36)

• Finch: “You've got to try to be disruptive and slow them down.” (04:36)

Player Evaluations and Strategies

The conversation shifts to player performance, focusing on Julius Randle’s evolution and the challenges of defending versatile players like Steph Curry. Finch praises Randle’s adaptability and his crucial role in the playoffs, while also dissecting the complexities of guarding elite talents.

• Chris Finch: “He's found his way with this offense and his touches.” (08:17)

• Finch: “Steph does all of that, and he does it with the constant energy and motion.” (11:28)

Notable Quotes:

• Finch: “Everything at one roof. Rocket.com the new home for all things home ownership.” (00:00) – While part of an advertisement, it sets the seamless integration theme relevant to sports team dynamics.

2. Strategic Coaching Decisions

Managing Physicality in Playoffs

Finch and Cowherd dive into the balance between embracing physical play and maintaining control to prevent games from spiraling out of hand. The discussion highlights the fine line coaches must walk to harness aggression without crossing into detrimental behavior.

• Finch: “It didn't feel like, hey, we're just going to allow you to be more physical. While that was certainly going on, what it felt like is that they just decided to not call some amount of foul.” (05:49)

• Chris Finch: “If you don't pay attention to Steph Curry, he's in another continent.” (10:37)

Adjustments and Game Planning

The episode explores how Finch adjusted the Warriors' game plan in response to opponents’ strategies, particularly after Game Four's pivotal moments. Finch details the importance of flexibility and leveraging team strengths to navigate through the playoffs.

• Finch: “We need to be highly flexible with the things we're going to ask you to do through the regular season.” (06:36)

• Chris Finch: “It's okay to admit that this league's a fit league with very few exceptions. When did you know?” (06:00)

3. NFL Insights and Strategies

Shedeur Sanders and the New York Giants Controversy

Transitioning to the NFL, Finch discusses the recent developments involving Shedeur Sanders and the New York Giants. The conversation touches on the implications of a mock playbook with intentional errors and Sanders’ reaction, questioning his readiness and adaptability for the Giants’ quarterback role.

• Chris Finch: “It's the equivalent of what a teacher giving a test with spelling errors and you got to catch them.” (18:29)

• Finch: “Shador Sanders, you're like, listen, this kid's lived a pretty comfortable life. Let's make him a little uncomfortable and see if he catches it.” (21:05)

Player Performance and Team Dynamics

The discussion further delves into how player backgrounds and experiences influence their performance under pressure, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in high-stakes environments like the NFL.

• Chris Finch: “The NFL quarterback is all about discomfort. Hell, practice is hard in the NFL.” (21:32)

• Finch: “If you didn't catch it and then react playing, that is a deal breaker for that position.” (21:32)

Matt Stafford’s Contract and Rams’ Strategy

Finch examines the Los Angeles Rams' recent contract finalization with quarterback Matt Stafford, analyzing its implications for the team's future and the broader NFL landscape. The conversation assesses how strategic financial decisions can bolster team performance and championship aspirations.

• Chris Finch: “44 million to Matt Stafford. That's a team friendly deal.” (24:37)

• Finch: “Matt, let's get you another ring.” (30:44)

4. WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark’s Rise

Caitlin Clark’s Dominant Performance

Shifting focus to the WNBA, the episode spotlights Caitlin Clark’s impressive performance in a preseason game for the Indiana Fever. Clark’s ability to score and lead her team underscores her growing influence in the league.

• Caitlin Clark: “I have a million feet that want to meet.” (28:07)

• Finch: “Star ratings this year. Watch them beat other major sports.” (28:15)

Fan Engagement and Marketability

Clark’s increasing popularity is highlighted through her marketability and the overwhelming fan support, evidenced by sold-out tickets and high demand for her autograph, drawing parallels to iconic figures like Michael Jordan.

• Chris Finch: “The tickets for this sold out in 24 minutes. The average price was $440.” (28:07)

• Finch: “Caitlin Clark is gonna have a million people that want to meet.” (28:53)

Notable Insights:

• Finch: “Indiana Fever are the second-best odds to win the title.” (27:47)

• Caitlin Clark: “Once you get in the flow of it, you knock some rust off and it'll be the same.” (27:17)

5. Additional Sports Topics and Predictions

Upcoming NFL Schedule Release

Finch shares his anticipation for the upcoming NFL schedule release, outlining his approach to making draft predictions post-coaching hires and free agency moves. He emphasizes the importance of adapting strategies based on new team dynamics and player acquisitions.

• Chris Finch: “I didn't love, I got to tell you, a team that I'm just struggling with is the 49ers.” (36:13)

• Finch: “The other thing is, I've got Dak Prescott in Dallas off a second surgery.” (36:45)

Playoff Predictions and Team Performance

The episode concludes with Finch's bold predictions for the upcoming NFL season, including potential Super Bowl contenders and the roles key players will play in their respective teams' successes.

• Chris Finch: “I think the year of the big brands bottoming out.” (41:03)

• Finch: “You don't have to play here. Pittsburgh's got an opening. This is a Super Bowl team. Let's all do this together.” (30:53)

Conclusion

Hour 3 of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a rich tapestry of sports analysis, blending NBA playoffs insights with strategic NFL discussions and highlighting rising stars in the WNBA. Chris Finch’s expertise provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of team dynamics, player performances, and the ever-evolving strategies that shape professional sports today.

Timestamps Reference:

• 00:00 – Introductory Advertisement
• 03:04 – Introduction of Chris Finch and Warriors-Lakers Series
• 04:36 – Defensive Philosophy Discussion
• 05:49 – Managing Physicality in Playoffs
• 06:36 – Game Planning and Player Utilization
• 08:17 – Julius Randle’s Evolution
• 10:37 – Challenges in Defending Steph Curry
• 11:28 – Steph Curry’s Impact Analysis
• 18:29 – Shedeur Sanders and Giants Controversy
• 21:05 – NFL Quarterback Evaluations
• 21:32 – Matt Stafford’s Contract Insights
• 24:37 – Matt Stafford’s Deal with the Rams
• 27:17 – Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Performance
• 28:07 – Fan Demand for Caitlin Clark
• 28:15 – WNBA Ratings and Marketability
• 36:13 – NFL Schedule Release Anticipation
• 36:45 – NFL Player Evaluations
• 41:03 – NFL Playoff Predictions
• 41:07 – Green Bay and Detroit Steelers Discussion
• 41:32 – Draft Strategies and Team Comparisons
• 43:34 – Closing Remarks and Future Predictions

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections were excluded from this summary to focus on the core discussions and insights provided by Colin Cowherd and Chris Finch.