Hour 3 - The Best For Last

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Hour 3 - The Best For Last
Release Date: May 2, 2025

Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Colin Cowherd delves deep into the tumultuous end of the NBA season, focusing primarily on the Los Angeles Lakers' disappointing playoff exit. Joined by analysts Alex Curry, Jason McIntyre, and Yovan Buha, the discussion offers insightful critiques, player evaluations, and future outlooks for the team and the league.

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1. Lakers' Playoff Performance

Disappointing End and Lack of Closure

The episode kicks off with a critical analysis of the Lakers' unexpected exit from the playoffs. Alex Curry expresses surprise over the Lakers' inability to close out their series, highlighting the repetitive failures in the final minutes of multiple games.

Alex Curry [03:07]: "After that game five loss, just another depressing close one, did the Lakers really address what the hell happened in the final four minutes of the last three games?"

Coach JJ Redick's Strategy Under Scrutiny

Colin Cowherd scrutinizes Coach JJ Redick’s decisions throughout the series, particularly his heavy reliance on key players during crucial moments.

Colin Cowherd [03:21]: "They were outscored 127 to 85 in the five fourth quarters in this series... they just ran out of gas in all four fourth quarters."

Player Performance and Health Concerns

The conversation shifts to the physical and mental states of pivotal players like LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Cowherd points out that factors such as Luka's calf strain and overall conditioning may have contributed to the Lakers' struggles.

Colin Cowherd [08:19]: "He needs to get in better shape and the defense needs to be better."

Colin Cowherd [09:02]: "I don't think they were ever fully right mentally."

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2. Analyzing Clutch Performance in the NBA Playoffs

Identifying the Top Clutch Players

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the most clutch players remaining in the NBA playoffs. Alex Curry presents a ranked list, highlighting Jamal Murray, Anthony Edwards, Jason Tatum, Steph Curry, and Jalen Brunson as the top performers.

Alex Curry [37:31]: "Number one, the most clutch player left in the playoffs. It's Jalen Brunson."

Colin Cowherd's Insights on Clutch Shooting

Cowherd emphasizes Steph Curry's unparalleled ability to perform under pressure, despite some recent physical challenges.

Colin Cowherd [18:11]: "I think there's some, like, Luca gets his back taken out by Dante DiVincenzo."

Jason McIntyre [38:29]: "Steph Curry is still like the most clutch shooter in the league. Hands down, if it's game on the line, if there's one person I'm going to trust, it's Curry."

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3. Assessing Team Strategies and Future Moves

Strategic Shortcomings and Suggestions for Improvement

The discussion critiques the Lakers' lack of depth and suggests acquiring more size and athleticism as potential solutions for future seasons.

Colin Cowherd [16:50]: "They need to get bigger. They need more size, they need more athleticism."

Comparisons with Other Teams

The team draws parallels with the Dallas Mavericks' successful roster adjustments, implying that the Lakers require similar strategic acquisitions to enhance their performance.

Colin Cowherd [16:50]: "A big key for Dallas making that finals run was Daniel Gafford and Derek Lively and their pick and roll chemistry with Luka."

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4. Broader NBA Discussions

Detroit Pistons’ Remarkable Season

Jason McIntyre and Alex Curry commend the Detroit Pistons for their impressive improvement, tripling their win total and showcasing significant potential despite a recent series loss.

Jason McIntyre [24:24]: "They put up a great fight. That is a 30 win improvement. That is the sixth best in NBA history."

Future Prospects and Player Movements

The analysts speculate on potential trades and team strategies, including discussions about Giannis Antetokounmpo's possible destinations and the Lakers' off-season plans to integrate LeBron and Luka more effectively.

Colin Cowherd [17:12]: "They need to go out and get a high level starting center who can be a pick and roll partner and protect the rim."

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5. NFL Segment: Eagles' Offseason Moves

Eagles' Defensive Overhaul

Transitioning to the NFL, the conversation highlights the Philadelphia Eagles' extensive off-season changes, particularly on the defensive side, despite their recent Super Bowl victory. Greg McIntyre and Alex Curry discuss the challenges GM Howie Roseman faces in maintaining the team's championship form.

Jason McIntyre [27:13]: "GM Howie Roseman knows he's got his work cut out for him despite the championship."

Durability of Super Bowl Winners

They reflect on the difficulty reigning champions face in returning to the pinnacle, noting that only the Kansas City Chiefs and Tom Brady’s Patriots have successfully repeated in the last decade.

Jason McIntyre [27:31]: "Only two teams have made it back to the Super Bowl after winning in the last 10 years."

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Conclusion

Final Thoughts and Predictions

As the episode wraps up, the hosts share their predictions for ongoing NBA series and the upcoming Kentucky Derby, blending sport insights with personal anecdotes. Colin Cowherd reinforces his trust in the Lakers' core, despite their recent setbacks, while Alex Curry expresses excitement for future games and events.

Colin Cowherd [21:44]: "He is a dunk on LeBron... Jalen Brunson, most clutch player left in these NBA playoffs."

This episode of The Herd offers a comprehensive and candid examination of the Lakers' playoff performance, clutch player dynamics, and broader NBA and NFL landscapes, enriched with expert analysis and compelling quotes.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Yovan Buha]

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[Alex Curry]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Welcome back. This guy was so good. Last time we were on the show, we had to bring him back. Yovan Buha for the Athletic covers. The Lakers totally knows all the ins and outs. He was there at the Reddick press conference where Reddit kind of dropped the mic and left. I. I was asking him during the commercial break, so how heavy is Luca? And he's like, well, you can't. Can't ask a guy his weight. I know, I know, but. All right, Yovon. So disappointing end of the Laker season.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Alex Curry]

Not a lot of people saw it coming. I'm curious, after that game five loss, just another depressing close one, did the Lakers really address what the hell happened in the final four minutes of the last three games? Like, they could not close out any of those.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, they didn't. I mean, I think JJ Redick's comments yesterday at the exit interview of them needing to get into championship shape, what we're telling, and I think there's an element of that. I believe they were outscored 127 to 85 in the five fourth quarters in this series. So an average of about eight points per game in the fourth quarter. Even the game they won, they only scored. It was actually their worst fourth quarter. They scored 13 points and let Minnesota back into it. And like, there were several moments in that game where if Minnesota just hits a three wide open three, they had.

[Yovan Buha]

A lot of them.

[Colin Cowherd]

They win that game or, you know, potentially push it into like a one possession game. So they just ran out of gas in all four fourth quarter or five fourth quarters. And we saw, especially in game four, backs against the wall, facing a three one series deficit. JJ Redick goes with five guys down the stretch. And it was like, I think they just kind of ran out of guys.

[Alex Curry]

So here's my thing. Like, let's say I think they led by 10 or something like that in the third, heading into the fourth of that game, this idea that, like, hey, we could do Gabe Vincent and steal two minutes like that, that's just not realistic, is it? Like, what are two minutes going to do for. For a breather for LeBron or Luca? Do you think. Do you think Reddick botched it? I don't.

[Colin Cowherd]

I. I think it's. It's semi defensible now. When. Whenever you do something that no one has done in NBA history and you lose that, then you got the backlash. But they were 30 seconds away. Remember, Luka gets tripped by Jada McDaniels. And we could debate whether that was actually a trip or not. The NBA ruled that it was a trip. It was a mistake. It was the only incorrect call on the NBA's last two minute report for that game. So if Luca gets tripped, the Lakers don't lose that timeout. They don't turn the ball over on the next possession. He goes to the free throw line for two free throws. They're down one. He makes at least one. I think he probably makes both. Now they're up one. 30 seconds left. They just need to get a stop to even the series at 2. 2. So that was a sliding doors moment for that series. But yeah, I mean, obviously did not go, like down the stretch of that one. They had several. Just game five also.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Minnesota went seven for 47 from three was the worst three point percentage in a win in playoff history. The Lakers still couldn't win that game. So.

[Alex Curry]

So does that lead credence to the point that, hey, JJ messed up and they should have rested their guys, or is it like, hey, man, if they. If they put in Vanderbilt for five minutes, the lead's gonna not only evaporate, they're gonna be trailing anyway.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, I think he probably should have found a spot to get a breather for. For some of those guys. Now, if they play 20 minutes or 21 minutes each, I don't think we're talking about this. We're just saying he played his guys heavy minutes. And. And that typically happened like Tom Thimodeau is known for playing his guys heavy minutes. It's just. He did it and it didn't work. So now we're talking about it. We're looking at it. Also, he's coaching the Lakers, where there's just an extra level of scrutiny. Now. He. He did try to go to Gabe Vincent late in the third quarter. That. That's something that. That kind of doesn't get talked about was Gabe was at the scores table. Then there was no dead ball for a while. So like a minute left, he was like, all right, just go back to the bench. Let's close it out. But I. I think you could have done something where Gabe's in there for like four or five minutes. You're rotating Luka and LeBron and Austin, maybe getting them each like one to two minutes of rest. But I don't know if that ultimately was the difference with.

[Alex Curry]

I mean, we don't want to get too nitty gritty, but with Conley off the floor, who's Gabe Vincent guarding. He can't stay in front of Ant. Yeah, he can't guard. Jaden McDaniels or any Randle killed him. So how much of this is. Hey, the Lakers were hot in the regular season with Luka and LeBron. They killed some bad teams and we got just too excited. Meanwhile, they couldn't execute down the stretch because how many times did Dorian, Finney, Smith, LeBron and Luka share the floor during the season? Like, it couldn't have been that many minutes. Right?

[Colin Cowherd]

So the pushback I'll have with this is just that I think the Lakers that there was some legitimacy, like second best home record in the west, that that matters. Right? Second best record against the conference. Both only behind OKC in terms of home record and conference record. So, like, they had plenty of big wins. They beat okc. Remember that, that double header in OKC they beat. They blew them out the first time and they were up when Luca got ejected, which that was also rescinded. Remember that? The Tech got rescinded. He shouldn't have been ejected. So they have a couple of these losses here where like, something happens with Luca that's a little controversial and it goes against them, but they also had, they beat Houston down the stretch, they beat Memphis, they beat Dallas in the Luca return game. So like, there were some, some kernels there of, of them having some, some statement wins down the stretch. They earn the number three seed. They won 50 games. So like, while I, I think it's easy now in retrospect to, to pick at some of the weaknesses, like they did have a successful regular season. It's just I, I think they ran into a team that had all the things that they didn't have in terms of size, athleticism and depth, and they lost in five.

[Alex Curry]

So a lot of people are making jokes now, hey, LeBron's going to take Luka's passport, cannot go overseas. Got to stay here, be healthy, send him to a fat farm. All these jokes. I, I listen, I don't want to go overboard. He did look a little overweight, but I didn't think his defense was that bad. I mean, it wasn't great by any stretch. Wasn't really boxing out. Is it possible he just wasn't healthy or am I making excuses?

[Colin Cowherd]

I think there's several elements here of, I don't know if he ever got fully right from, from talking to people around him and just around the team in terms of that calf strain that he suffered that caused him to miss six weeks, which is the longest injury he's had in his basketball career. You know, between him going from Dallas to la, I think clearly from a conditioning perspective, he needs to get in better shape and the defense needs to be better. I think J.J. i mean, many people took that championship shape comment at. As a dig at Luka. I think it goes beyond that. I think there are several guys that could have been in better shape. Gonna refrain from Navy any days, but you can watch it. You can watch not LeBron. You can watch it and see. No, I think Rui was Austin.

[Alex Curry]

Ringo.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think Austin's shot was short. Sometimes I think like his legs have sometimes, like last year he struggled in the playoffs in terms of shooting threes. This year, that. That was a bit of an issue. Like, I think with him, he's. His legs sometimes go out later in the season. So. So maybe that was a factor as well. But I also think it's like it goes beyond physical shape. To me, it goes to mental shape and emotional shape. Because winning a championship is not just about being in condition, it's about mental and emotional condition. And I don't think they were right. Like, they were not ready for game one. Game five, you look at the urgency. That first quarter was kind of embarrassing. They came out lackadaisical. So, like, I don't know if they were ever fully right mentally. In this series, be sure to catch.

[Yovan Buha]

Live editions of the Herd, weekdays at.

[Alex Curry]

Noon Eastern, 9:00am Pacific.

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[Alex Curry]

Is he playing Maxi Cleber who hasn't played since January? Well, clearly he doesn't trust Jackson Hayes. A lot of people think Jackson Hayes is going to be playing in China next year. That's how bad he was. Like, he's like unplayable. Reddick doesn't trust him. And I understand that, like Vanderbilt, he can't give you anything offensively. He's just boards and hustle. Did you have an issue with Maxi Cleber getting dusted off five minutes left in a close game?

[Colin Cowherd]

A little bit, I'll be honest. Just because it was more so about he hadn't played in three months and this is an elimination game and it's new team, new city, new system, new teammates, the coaching stuff, all that stuff. So like to throw a guy in in that moment, I think, I think it really was another sign of desperation. Like in back to back games, playing five guys for a full second half and then you play a guy who has yet to play with your team all season. However, I will say like the alternatives weren't great. Jackson Hayes had a rough series and clearly JJ Redick, if anything, I think he should have gone away from him a little bit earlier. I think by game two in that series it was clear it was just not Jackson series. No, I mean that's another thing that I think they kind of botched that situation of. They had a couple two way bigs, Christian Coloco, Trey Jemison.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah, what happened to Joe Coloco?

[Colin Cowherd]

They didn't, they never converted them so they were playoff ineligible.

[Alex Curry]

I mean he looked okay at times, but again, I don't know if he'd have been ready for.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't know if it makes a difference. Like I think the thing even, even with game four, let's say the Lakers win that game, I still think they probably lose the series.

[Alex Curry]

I would, I don't disagree with the.

[Colin Cowherd]

Way that those fourth quarters went.

[Alex Curry]

So let me ask, where are you with LeBron's chances of not being on a Laker next year? Can you put a number on it? 5% chance he's on Golden State or Dallas or whatever. Any percentage that he's not with the Lakers.

[Colin Cowherd]

I, I put it low like 10 to 15%. So I, I think he's going to be back. I think it's probably going to be one of two things. Either he opts into that $52.6 million player option or he signs a one plus one, you know, opts out and then resigns for one plus one to give himself some flexibility and see if he wants to play an additional season. But last year at the Athletic we reported that he was likely going to play two more seasons that would take him through next season when his contract is up. So nothing has really changed on that front in terms of that being the most likely scenario. But of course with Bryce, you never know if he's going to Want to continue to extend his career.

[Alex Curry]

So I think I saw that the All Star game is in LA next.

[Colin Cowherd]

It is, but it is. It's with the Clippers though, so it's adding to it.

[Alex Curry]

So it's an intuit. So it probably wouldn't be some LeBron send off.

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean, maybe, but it could be. But I don't know if it's going to be celebrated the same way as if it was at crypto.

[Alex Curry]

Right, right. That makes sense. So if you're of a below the belief that the Lakers were kind of close, they keep Reeves, keep LeBron, obviously, and Lucas is under contract, is there any way to make this team better? Because the parallel to Dallas is Dallas got Kyrie, missed the playoffs, retooled with Lively in the draft, Gafford, P.J. washington at the deadline, and they went to the Finals. Couldn't the Lakers do something similar to that?

[Colin Cowherd]

I think so. I think so. And a big thing with that too was Luca talked about this after the elimination was that he and Kyrie like didn't really fit together that first half season after Kyrie got traded there, as we saw with them missing the playoffs. And then they needed an off season and they needed a training camp in a preseason to figure out how to play together offensively. And I think there was elements of that with the Lakers and Luka and LeBron and Austin, and I think it just never clicked offensively like we thought when they made the trade, the questions would be on the defensive end. And their defense was not great, to be clear in the series, but they were barely cracking 100 points consistently. And with the firepower that they had offensively, that needs to be better. And again, running out of gas in the fourth quarter, couldn't score. So I think having an offseason with those three to figure things out will be good. So.

[Alex Curry]

But.

[Colin Cowherd]

But I think the big thing is they need to get bigger. They need more size, they need more athleticism. A big key for Dallas making that finals run was Daniel Gafford and Derek Lively and their pick and roll chemistry with Luka. They had that in the regular season with Jackson Hayes, but clearly it was a bit of fool's gold. So they need to go out and get a high level starting center who can be a pick and roll partner and protect the rim.

[Alex Curry]

The physicality in these playoffs, I. I gotta be honest, I. You play some pickup. I play a lot. I didn't like ant just shoving LeBron. That's not basketball. That's impeding someone trying to get to A spot. And we're seeing it around the league. Steve, curse complaint. All the coaches are complaining. I'm just curious. From being on the ground level, it looked a lot more physical than we saw the regular season. I just felt like the pendulum swung too far.

[Colin Cowherd]

I enjoy it.

[Alex Curry]

I'm a bit of a, a dirty 90s NBA guy. Okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, no, because I, I like, I like threes. I like the modern game. I, I like spacing. I don't like these paint slug fests per se, but I, I think there has been it, like, I think they're, they're starting to find a bit of a balance. Maybe it has swung too much in the physicality direction, but I think people complain during the regular season that there's not enough of that, so maybe they still have to swing it back a little bit to find that sweet spot. But you, you give me spacing and three point shooting and, and modern concepts on both sides of the ball. But with the physicality and the toughness of the 80s and 90s, I think that's like the sweet spot for the modern game.

[Alex Curry]

I don't know how much you're able to watch the other series, but like, Curry is getting bodied by Thompson. Brooks every. He's on the floor, he's got this big thing on his hand. They're actually not calling when you release. They're touching his hand every time and they're not really calling that. And Kerr's really irate. I. So you, you don't mind the physicality?

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't like. Within reason. Right. So I, I think there's some, like, Luca gets his back taken out by Dante DiVincenzo.

[Alex Curry]

You don't think that was dirty?

[Colin Cowherd]

I thought that was a flight. I thought that should have been a flag.

[Alex Curry]

First they're like, oh, shoulder.

[Colin Cowherd]

And then he, he checks LeBron. And we got the news right before, right as I'm driving here, that LeBron now has a grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee from that direct hit. So, like, I agree that it can go a little in Steph with his hand, like, it can go a little bit too far. I'm not advocating for, like, no flagrants and injuries and whatnot, but I think in general I'd rather see more competitive, physical basketball than in the regular season. It can be like, like, you know, the antithesis. The antithesis is the All Star Game, right? And the lack of defense, the lack of physicality, the lack of care. Like, feel like this year there's been an extra emphasis with that that I've really enjoyed.

[Alex Curry]

But don't you think that the players now are the most skilled we've ever seen in NBA history? Let them cook. Let them go to work. And I feel like we're not totally letting that happen with the way, I mean, the. The Thompson twins, really great defenders, but, man, what they were doing at Brunson. He's on the ground every time he drives to the basket. Yeah, every single time.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, that I think is just part of Brunson flopping a little bit.

[Alex Curry]

So he's a flopper now. Okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think so.

[Alex Curry]

Did you pay for that billboard in Detroit? Another flopper?

[Colin Cowherd]

No, I'm not a Detroit guy. I just. I think he flops a little bit.

[Alex Curry]

All right, we'll wrap up. Clippers Nuggets, game seven. I don't know how I haven't seen a ton of this series, except the endings have been pretty good. We had Ryan Hollins on earlier saying, hey, probably Kawhi. I don't know. Who do you. Who do you got in this one?

[Colin Cowherd]

It's tough. So my series prediction was Clippers and six. Okay. I think they have been the better team up to this point in the series, but I don't like betting against Nikola Jokic at home. Game seven. Nuggets championship pedigree.

[Alex Curry]

They still have.

[Colin Cowherd]

Last year they did against Minnesota, 15 point halftime. I think they led by as many as 20.15point halftime lead, and then they lost it at home. So I'm probably leading. I'd probably lean nuggets like 52, 48 in terms of percentage, but I think it's pretty close.

[Alex Curry]

Last one. Do you have a hot take for where Giannis is playing at the beginning of next season? Anything's in play.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think anything is in play. I'll say Houston, if I had it. I think they have both the draft capital and the young players to get it done.

[Alex Curry]

Would you give up Aman Thompson in a package? Would you give up Shen Gun?

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean, if it really came down to Aman Thompson, I would strongly consider it, but that would be the one guy I would prioritize keeping.

[Alex Curry]

So Jaylen Green picks.

[Yovan Buha]

Yes.

[Alex Curry]

Interesting. Kevin Durant to the Lakers. Any chance that happened? Zero.

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean, 1%. There's always. There's always. Look, it's the Lakers. I didn't think they were going to get Luca, so there's always a chance, but, I mean, it's almost impossible to do it without giving up. Like LeBron. And for KD, I'd have to consider it. Yeah.

[Yovan Buha]

Oh, but.

[Colin Cowherd]

But I mean the, like the salary, it doesn't work like Katie's a better player but. But obviously with the contract and seems to never be happy anywhere and oh wow.

[Alex Curry]

All right.

[Colin Cowherd]

Y got spicy at the end.

[Alex Curry]

Good stuff. Covers the Lakers for the Athletic. Great stuff as usual. Let's go to Alex Curry with the news.

[Commercial Speaker]

No no, no. Heard on the news.

[Alex Curry]

This is the Herd line news.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, J. Mac, we're going to go back to the NFL and start in Vegas because Ashton Genty became the highest drafted running back since Saquon in 2018 when the Raiders drafted him with the sixth overall pick in the draft. He currently has the shortest offensive rookie of the year odds at plus 230. And we know Pete Carroll likes to, likes to run the ball so we know Genti is going to get the box. They also Raiders don't have a ton of weapons so he's going to be, he should be an immediate impact player. He also has the confidence. Right. We heard him say if you pick me, it's simple. I'm coming to your franchise to do what Saquon did with the Eagles. Which you know, again I said this earlier with Shador Sanders. I love confidence coming into especially a completely new league and if you want to be a leader. But their O line. Yeah, like it's, it's okay. Hey, it's improving. I don't know if it's going to allow him to get rookie of the year.

[Alex Curry]

Cam Ward is going to be slinging it starting for Tennessee. Usually the quarterback has the edge, but Jensey should put up big numbers.

[Jason McIntyre]

He should. He's. I think he's going to be their probably most valuable offensive Bowers, the tight.

[Alex Curry]

End is obviously good but yeah, they're going to, I think they'll lean on him a lot. Interesting that he's favored over Travis Hunter. If he does play two ways, I think that'll bump him up significantly definitely. So you know I like underdog so I would probably go elsewhere besides gentlemen, but he's going to be good.

[Jason McIntyre]

Oh, you want to go with any of these? Any of these?

[Alex Curry]

I would go. I would probably go Hunter on that list +950. I mean I could take another trip to Japan if that thing hits.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, back to the NBA. The Pistons lost a hard fought six game series against journeys yesterday. So a lot of the focus is on New York right now, but we should take a minute to acknowledge Detroit. This team won 14 games last year and this year nearly tripled its win total and made the playoffs. And Kate Cunningham Spoke about the Pistons future after the loss. Okay. So we proved to ourselves that we have what we have in the room works and we can be very successful in the NBA. I think at the same time we proved that to the rest of the league as well that we have come to play. This is a dog fight and we're going to have to come to play the full 48. Like when you think about it, they won 4014 wins last year, 44 this year. That is a 30 win improvement. That is the sixth best in NBA history.

[Alex Curry]

That's ridiculous.

[Jason McIntyre]

It's kind of insane. So they put up, they put up a great fight. I think they have a bright future. There were, you know, depending which side you're on, there were some questionable calls in the game.

[Alex Curry]

That Celtics 42 win team is that when they got Pierce some help in like KG and Ray Allen.

[Jason McIntyre]

So that that was the largest. This is the largest win improvement.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah. Then the Spurs I think would they drafted David Robinson or they were looking.

[Jason McIntyre]

Like there were big. There were big guys who came in to Detroit didn't swing. No.

[Alex Curry]

They didn't have anything. Yeah.

[Jason McIntyre]

No. They just kind of figured it out.

[Alex Curry]

Huh. That's impressive.

[Jason McIntyre]

Right? Were you.

[Alex Curry]

Yes. Okay. 2007-8 was garnet when they got more.

[Jason McIntyre]

Impressive with Pistons than you expected at the start of the series?

[Alex Curry]

Oh, definitely. Now I, I, I get excited about NBA off season. Right.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Alex Curry]

So I'm looking at their salaries. Tim Hardaway Jr. Free agent. They'll let Dennis Schroeder, he's gone watch for him to land in Dallas maybe as like a Kyrie replacement.

[Jason McIntyre]

Interesting.

[Alex Curry]

Malik Beasley's deals up. Is there a world we got a Detroit guy on staff. Martin Isaac, Kevin Durant to the Pistons. Does that make sense? I mean they're close and in the east much easier than the west.

[Jason McIntyre]

But like kind of towards the end of your career going to like you're still like building to get to that point. You think Katie's going to go to a I don't know place that's not like a ready win. Now we can do this.

[Alex Curry]

Well yes. That that might be a tough.

[Jason McIntyre]

That's been his like that that's been his whole career.

[Alex Curry]

When he made the move Jaden Ivey was out injured. He's good Purdue kid. He'll come back. So their backcourt's fine. They just need that. Who's our get a bucket guy like Cade Cunningham's really good. He bricked the lefty layup with the game on the line. 0 for 8 from 3, like they, they could use Kevin Durant in Detroit. And then it's like maybe they're not in the class of Celtics, but they're there with like Cleveland and the Knicks. And then there's. The Pacers are up there as well.

[Jason McIntyre]

Okay.

[Alex Curry]

I, I think I would consider K.

[Jason McIntyre]

They definitely need a, a big star.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah, they need, they're not getting.

[Jason McIntyre]

You need the big start. No, no, no. Giannis is going to go to, I think a big, a big market.

[Alex Curry]

Johan's prediction. Johan's prediction was Houston.

[Jason McIntyre]

What was your prediction? Have you shared that?

[Alex Curry]

I, I had Celtics a couple months ago. I'll stick that. I know a little too hot of a take. Alex.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's.

[Jason McIntyre]

Well, I mean there's a lot of talk with the new ownership. There's going to be a lot of movement coming up this offseason also pending how they do in this run. Yeah. Moves get made after the end of this season. Yeah. Interesting. Okay, last story back to the NFL. The Eagles won the super bowl but have made a ton of off season moves, especially on the defensive side of the ball. And GM Howie Roseman knows he's got his work cut out for him despite the championship.

[Alex Curry]

I see the attitude and the energy. We understand, we understand that we, that 2025 is a new year. We haven't won a game yet in 2025. We're going to have to do our best and work our hardest to have the kind of season that we're looking for. And nothing in the past is going to guarantee future success.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, I mean you now have the biggest target on your back this year. It's the attitude that you have to have last year is like, let me prove you wrong. This year it's like, oh well, you won, so now we're all coming for you. And if you look at the last 10 Super bowl seasons, there's only two teams that have made it back to the super bowl after winning the super bowl in the last 10 years and it's the Chiefs twice and then Tom Brady's Patriots. So it's not an easy feat after you win to even get back.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah, that's hard to the super bowl.

[Jason McIntyre]

And the Chiefs in the last 10 years are the only ones to actually win. That was their back to back win and then obviously missed the three peat this year. But yeah, they're the only ones to actually go back and win it.

[Alex Curry]

So I'm looking at the Eagles depth chart.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Alex Curry]

It looks like to my untrained eye they, they will return 10 of 11 starters on offense, defense. It looks like they're going to have three new two or three new starters.

[Jason McIntyre]

Okay.

[Alex Curry]

So that's returning a lot of talent.

[Jason McIntyre]

And their defense won that game.

[Alex Curry]

They should be in the mix. Who do we have on NFL earlier that it was a Jeff. Jeff Schwartz said eagles back to the Super Bowl. I don't know how you bet against them, but the keep an eye on the Rams. Remember the gambling guy we had on a few. I know you're a Rams girl.

[Jason McIntyre]

Sneaky.

[Alex Curry]

They're gonna be dangerous.

[Jason McIntyre]

Sneaky. Yeah, yeah, they picked up a lot of depth.

[Alex Curry]

All right, Alex Curry with the news.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, that's the news and thanks for.

[Alex Curry]

Stopping by the Herd lie news. All right, so we got a good one next. What is the player in the NBA that you would pick the most clutch? You get a last second shot. Who's taking it? We'll do that list next year on the Herd.

[Yovan Buha]

Be sure to catch live editions of.

[Alex Curry]

The Herd weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.

[Yovan Buha]

Hey, it's Steve Covino and I'm Rich Davis and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino and Rich live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Kobe Noelrich, wherever you get your podcast. And of course on social media, that's Covino and Rich.

[Commercial Speaker]

Hey, so we all make mistakes, but owning up is the right thing to do. You know, Degree Cool Rush deodorant. Well, last year they changed the formula and it did not go well with their fans. Degree's whole thing is it turns up the sweat and odor protection when you turn up the effort. And good thing it does because Cool Rush fans really turned up the effort to bring back the original formula Formula. One guy even started an online petition and degree listened. They admitted they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Ru scent back. And it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. It's back in Walmart, Target and other stores now for under $4. There's a reason why it's been the number one men's Annie purse Sprint for the last decade. It's the same reason why people were not happy when it changed. So if you never tried it, it might be a good time to see what the fuss is about. Head to your local Walmart or Target to try the OG Degree Cool Rush for yourself.

[Yovan Buha]

At the end of the season, there's only one team that can call themselves NBA champs. Only one player that can call themselves the number one pick in the NFL draft. Well, there's only one electric SUV worthy of the title. The Ultimate. The all electric BMW ix. What I love about the IX is that it delivers legendary BMW performance while its sleek design exudes innovative style from the inside out. Not to mention how much space and utility it provides. Over 75 cubic feet of cargo space. The IX is completely changing the game with an all electric suv. The greatest legends of sports never compromise any part of the game. So why would you settle for anything less from your suv? After all, there's only one ultimate the BMW ix. Everything you love about the ultimate driving machine Electrified summer is almost here and you can now get almost any anything you need for your sunny days delivered with Uber Eats. Now what do we mean by almost? Well, you can't get a well groomed lawn delivered, but you can get chicken parm delivered. A day at the lake? That's a no. A Philly cheesesteak? That's a yes. A nice tan. Sorry. A box fan? Happily, yes. What about a day of sunshine? Not happening. How about a box of fine wines? Yeah, that's happening. Delivery's on its way. Okay, how about some clear skies? Nope. Well, how about some french fries? Yeah. So how about a freshly cut lawn? Can't help you there. But a barbecued prawn? Order it and it's on its way. Even throw in some paper towels. Clean up after the feast. So while you can't get fun in the sun delivered, don't worry because you can get pork buns delivered. Uber Eats can definitely get you that. Get almost almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol in select markets. Product availability may vary by region. See app for details. Looking to transform your business through better HR and payroll. Meet Paycor, a paychecks company. The powerhouse solution that empowers leaders to drive results. From recruiting and development to payroll and analytics, paycor connects you with the people, data and expertise you need to succeed. Their innovative platform helps you make smarter decisions about your most valuable asset, your people. Are you ready to become a Better Leader? Visit paycor.com leaders to learn more. That's paycor.com leaders.

[Jason McIntyre]

With just two races left before the Indy 500, the IndyCar Series hits Barber for the Children's of Alabama Indy Grand Prix. The fastest racing on earth continues live from BIRMINGHAM Sunday at 1:30 Eastern on Fox.

[Alex Curry]

Shows just absolutely flown by Alex. I mean, goodness gracious, I can't believe it's almost over. So the staff, you know, we never know we're going to do at the end of the show. It's a grab bag. We could do anything. Alex and I could just rant about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Final eight minutes. However, my guy Scott hands me a piece of paper. Jay rank the players left in the playoffs as your top five closers. Do you get a shot? Final 10 seconds, 15 seconds. That's your guy. Now I did ask, could I put myself on the list because I am clutch. I only drink coffee because I'm a closer. I'm not allowed to put myself on the list. So here we go. Let's start with number five, Jamal Murray. I mean, listen, Murray is super clutch. Lakers fans, remember last year, hit two game winning shots against them to knock them out. He did have a 40 piece, I think 43 against the paperclips. And you know, game seven is going to be big. Obviously it's Jokic Kawhi, but I trust Jamal Murray way more than I do James Harden. You know, game seven, James Harden turns into Jim Harden. So I think Jamal Murray number five left in the playoffs. On my clutch list, number four, let's go with the ant man, Anthony Edwards. Listen, he finished third in clutch player voting this season. Led the NBA in clutch point and clutch threes this season. He's a big time player, man. We saw it in the Lakers series. He's tough to stop when he gets going downhill. I don't know how you stop him. Like you see they put Rui on him. Yep, too slow. Austin Reeves on him. No, too skinny. Like they had no matchup for Anthony Edwards. I know it's gonna be a shocker. SGA did not make my list. Anthony Edwards did so. Anthony Edwards, number four. Number three. This one's easy. Jason Tatum. I don't know how this happened, folks. I've disliked Boston teams my entire life. Born in New York, we are conditioned to dislike Boston sports teams. But I love me some Jason Tatum. Maybe because he went to Duke, maybe because he's a baller. Dunked on LeBron, I think at 19 in the playoffs. Listen, how good are these? He is the second leading scorer in the fourth quarter in the playoffs. Jason Tatum, when it's winning time. Get him the rock. He's awesome. He hit the game winning, cutting, spinning, layup. Everybody remembers that against the nets in 2022. And Tatum has the highest scoring average in the fourth quarter this season. He's clutch. Jason Tatum, number three. Let's go to number two. My goat from shooting territory, Steph Curry. I mean, he's already won the clutch award once. He won it, I believe, last season. Yes. And he leads the NBA in clutch points in the playoffs since 2015. Now you could say, well, he's played in more playoff games. Yeah, because he's great. And when the game's on the line, listen, I can hear an argument for Jimmy Butler, but I think it's gotta undeniably be Steph Curry on the Warriors. Now the thing is the Rockets are roughing him up. Ryan Hollins was reluctant to admit it, but the Rockets are playing there some goony prison rules basketball. And Curry, I don't like that, but I still trust him in the clutch. And number one, the most clutch player left in the playoffs. There's no, there's nobody else, guys. It's Jalen Brunson, by the way. So last night, series clincher, they're down seven. Okay. With like two and a half left and Brunson just takes over. They put Dennis Schroeder on him. What a mistake that was. Brunson cook him for five quick ones and then they bring back on Star Thompson. I'm not kidding, guys. I could work on this move that won the game for the next two months, every day for an hour with any private trainer you wanted. I could never pull that off. It is the, the level of skill. It's just breathtaking. I'm a huge Jalen Brunson fan. I mean, hell, he might be.

[Yovan Buha]

My.

[Alex Curry]

Favorite player in the league. Is Curry number two, Luca or LeBron? I think Jalen Brunson might be three. He is just breathtaking to watch. Won the clutch player of the year award. Leads the playoffs in fourth quarter scoring and clutch time scoring. And, and he's diminutive, you know, he's six one. You're thinking oh, we could get a body out. No, he's too quick and shifty. Gets to the mid range. I mean, what's not to love? You know who it kind of reminds me of? Joe Dumars. Without the defense. Joe Dumars was a big time scorer. I mean you got to go back to the 80s, but a little Joe Dumars. Plus Isaiah Thomas. Although he doesn't have quite the swagger he did. Tell the fans who were cursing him all night say goodbye. Here's a kiss. Jalen Brunson, most clutch player left in these NBA playoffs. I can't wait for the games. Alex, who you got tonight? Warriors, Rockets, Game six.

[Jason McIntyre]

I think I got Warriors.

[Alex Curry]

Well, selfishly I would love a game seven, wouldn't you?

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, everyone loves a game seven, but I think the warriors turn it on and take it at home. You could tell they kind of just like took their foot off the gas in the last game. It was like, okay, that's okay, we'll go win it back at home. And I know you had him at number two, but Steph Curry is still like the most clutch shooter in the league. Like hands down, if it's game on the line, if there's one person I'm going to trust, it's Curry.

[Alex Curry]

Yeah.

[Jason McIntyre]

Hands down.

[Alex Curry]

So. And what about game seven? Paperclips and Nuggets.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, it's so hard just because like Clippers really haven't proven anything in the playoffs and it's back in Denver. Yeah, Denver is just so good in game seven, especially at home. But if again it's going to come down to just Kwai and James Harden show up and have the best game of the season so far because they were getting hot at the right time, they're healthy, which hasn't been kind of years pass for the Clippers.

[Alex Curry]

Well, let's wait to make sure Kawhi plays.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Alex Curry]

You know, like how many times have we seen him in the playoffs? Alec Tor is like, yeah, Kawhi Leonard's out tonight, knee injury.

[Jason McIntyre]

That's what I'm saying.

[Alex Curry]

Like it's like the next day it's an acl.

[Jason McIntyre]

Is he, is he healthy? Is he going to play? Is he going to show up? Yeah, but also like Denver's got a lot to play for right now. Like they've kind of been stepping up since firing their head coach and it's.

[Alex Curry]

The other big sports thing this weekend is the Kentucky Derby. I'm pretty sure.

[Jason McIntyre]

Is that this weekend?

[Alex Curry]

I think it is because I feel like some of my.

[Jason McIntyre]

That's on the bucket list.

[Alex Curry]

You've never been.

[Jason McIntyre]

No, that's definitely on the bucket list because I covered baseball for the first 10 years of my career and it's right in the middle of the season, so I never, never had a chance to go.

[Alex Curry]

Definitely fun. I worked. I've worked at a magazine one a couple times. I became buddies with Jerry O'Connell, the actor.

[Jason McIntyre]

Okay.

[Alex Curry]

Very randomly nice at some party. And then like we started texting and he's just a night. He's a big jets fan, so we kind of commiserate over the crappy Jets.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah. Brutal.

[Alex Curry]

It was a fun show.

[Jason McIntyre]

Brutal.

[Alex Curry]

Pretty quick show.

[Jason McIntyre]

Fun Friday.

[Alex Curry]

Frisky Friday.

[Jason McIntyre]

Frisky Fun Friday. I don't know.

[Alex Curry]

By the way, have you guys picked out a name yet?

[Jason McIntyre]

I'm not sharing that.

[Alex Curry]

Of course. I had to ask. See you Monday.

[Commercial Speaker]

Okay. Have you heard about this? Last year, Degree changed the formula for their Cool Rush deodorant. Their fans rebelled and wanted the old SIM back. And Degree Listen, that doesn't happen often. They admitted that they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Rush scent back. And it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. There's a reason it's the one Manzani Purse Sprint and it's back in Walmart, Target and other stores for under $4. So try it and see what the fuss is about. Head to your local stores to try the OG Cool Rush for yourself.

[Alex Curry]

Since its invention, the TV has been just that, a tv. But what if it could be something more? Meet Samsung Vision AI Whether it's upscaling classic content to look brand new or translating in English broadcast subtitles to Spanish in real time, Samsung Vision AI helps you get more from TV than you ever thought possible. Experience Samsung Vision AI and get a.

[Jason McIntyre]

Music frame on Samsung with a qualifying.

[Alex Curry]

2025 TV and audio purchase.

[Jason McIntyre]

Visit Samsung.com to learn more. Valid 416.5.4 and qualifying 2025 Neo QLED OLED and the frame TVs with Vision AI while supplies last. See Samsung.com for terms and conditions. Vision AI features vary by model.

[Alex Curry]

Upscaling utilizes AI based formulas and results may vary based on source content.

[Jason McIntyre]

Translation accuracy not guaranteed.

[Yovan Buha]

Summer is almost here and you can now get almost anything you need for your sunny days delivered with Uber Eats. Now, what do we mean by almost? Well, you can't get a well groomed lawn delivered, but you can get chicken parm delivered. A nice tan? Sorry, A box fan? Happily, yes. A day of sunshine? No. A box of fine wines? Yes Uber Eats can definitely get you that. Get almost almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol in select markets. Product availability may vary by region. See app for details. Looking to transform your business through better HR and payroll? Meet Paycor, a paychecks company. The powerhouse solution that empowers leaders to drive results. From recruiting and development to payroll and analytics, paycor connects you with the people, data, and expertise you need to succeed. Their innovative platform helps you make smarter decisions about your most valuable asset your people. Are you ready to become a better leader? Visit paycor.com leaders to learn more. That's paycor.com leadership.