Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: "The Best for Last"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Description: A thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
• Episode: Hour 3 - The Best for Last
• Release Date: May 23, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Doug Gottlieb steps in to cover the show, diving deep into the latest sports narratives. Skipping over the usual advertisements and promotional segments, the focus remains firmly on delivering insightful analysis and engaging discussions on current sports events.

Main Discussion

1. NBA Playoffs: Timberwolves vs. Thunder Series

Doug Gottlieb kicks off the discussion by analyzing the intense series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

• Performance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA):

  • Doug: "Shay Gildas Alexander receiving his MVP award... [04:59]"
  • Insight: SGA's leadership and playing style have been pivotal for the Thunder, earning him significant accolades and reshaping the team's dynamics.

• Team Strategies and Challenges:

  • Doug: "The Thunder are scheming with more college-style defense... [05:21]"
  • Mark Stein: Highlights the difficulty of containing SGA, comparing his foul-drawing tactics to legends like James Harden and Kobe Bryant. However, Stein points out the existing frustrations with SGA's frequent fouls and how modern replay technology has made these actions more scrutinized.
    • Mark Stein: "He's amazing at his use of angles... [15:00]"

• Impact on the Series:

  • The Thunder's robust defense and team chemistry are emphasized as key factors in their current success, with Stein predicting them as strong contenders for the championship.

2. Knicks vs. Pacers Game Analysis

The conversation shifts to the recent game between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers.

• Game Breakdown:

  • Doug: Describes the Knicks' collapse after leading by 14 points with under three minutes left, resulting in a heartbreaking loss in overtime. "Final score in overtime... [34:36]"

• Mark Stein’s Analysis:

  • Stein: Discusses the psychological impact of such a loss on the Knicks and questions their ability to recover from this setback. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure and strategic play in high-stakes games.
    • Mark Stein: "Such a loss leaves a scar... [35:43]"

3. NBA Rumors: Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks

The potential future moves of Giannis Antetokounmpo are explored, highlighting rumors and team strategies.

• Giannis's Future:
  • Mark Stein: "We still don't have a firm indication on what he wants... [38:05]"
  • Insight: The uncertainty surrounding Giannis’s tenure with the Bucks is discussed, emphasizing the potential ripple effects on the league's dynamics.

4. Boston Celtics Financial Decisions

The financial intricacies facing the Boston Celtics are dissected, focusing on salary cap challenges and player contracts.

• Salary Cap Issues:
  • Mark Stein: Explains the difficulty in managing high-value contracts like Jrue Holiday's, which poses significant challenges for the Celtics in maintaining a competitive roster.
    • Mark Stein: "Boston might have to attach something to move off Jrue Holiday's contract... [40:25]"

5. Dallas Mavericks Draft Lottery Impact

The aftermath of the Mavericks securing a high draft pick is discussed, focusing on fan reactions and future prospects.

• Drafting Cooper Flagg:
  • Mark Stein: "There's undeniably happiness and joy to have something good happen after three rough months... [41:14]"
  • Insight: While fans are ecstatic about the draft win, lingering frustrations about past trades and team performance remain prevalent.

6. LeBron vs. Michael Jordan GOAT Debate

A segment delves into the ongoing debate about the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in basketball, featuring insights from David Falk.

• David Falk’s Take:
  • Doug: "David Falk says Jordan could have won 15 championships with different team dynamics... [24:11]"
  • Discussion: While acknowledging Falk’s perspective, both hosts analyze the strength of Jordan’s original team versus modern super teams, debating the validity of such comparisons.

7. NFL Discussion: Brock Purdy's Top 10 Quarterback Claim

Transitioning to football, the hosts evaluate Brock Purdy's assertion of being a top 10 quarterback in the NFL.

• Analysis of Purdy's Performance:
  • Doug: "Brock Purdy thinks he's a top 10 quarterback... [48:01]"
  • Mark Stein: Breaks down Purdy's strengths and weaknesses, suggesting that while he's capable of winning games, his consistency may not yet place him firmly within the top tier.

8. Miscellaneous Sports Topics

• Caitlin Clark’s On-Court Confrontation:

  • Jason Stewart: Reports on a mid-court shove incident involving Caitlin Clark, highlighting the increasing physicality in women’s basketball.
    • Doug: "Trying to rally youngen, trying to physical her up... [22:38]"

• Baseball Updates:

  • Angels’ Performance: The Angels’ seven-game winning streak, including sweeping the Dodgers, is reviewed.
  • Rockies' Struggles: The Colorado Rockies' historic poor start to the season is lamented, with only eight wins in 50 games.
    • Doug: "The Rockies are off to the worst start in the history of baseball... [19:03]"

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with final thoughts on the discussed topics, emphasizing the psychological aspects of sports performance and the ever-changing dynamics of team strategies. Doug Gottlieb and Mark Stein provide a comprehensive outlook on where their respective teams and favorite players stand as the seasons progress.

Notable Quotes:

• Doug Gottlieb [04:59]: "We just prioritize what matters... when you win games and you do it together and you have fun out there, everything else comes with it."

• Mark Stein [15:00]: "He's amazing at his use of angles... but it's frustrating and his head coach saying the best thing he did was pass tonight."

• Mark Stein [35:43]: "Such a loss leaves a scar that it will be impossible to recover from. The Knicks need to validate their run."

• Doug Gottlieb [24:11]: "David Falk's take that Jordan could have won 15 championships is a lot to digest, but it opens up an interesting debate."

• Mark Stein [38:05]: "The uncertainty surrounding Giannis's future with the Bucks holds up a lot of the league's strategies."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing valuable insights and analyses for listeners who seek to stay informed on the latest sports developments without tuning into the podcast directly.