Thanks for listening to the Best of the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon to three Eastern nine am to noone Pacific. Find your local station for The Herd at Fox Sports Radio dot com, or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.

Thanks for listening to the Best of the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon to three Eastern nine am to noone Pacific. Find your local station for The Herd at Fox Sports Radio dot com, or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.

This is the Best of the Herd with Colin cowher on Fox Sports Radio.

This is the Best of the Herd with Colin cowher on Fox Sports Radio.

Hello, and welcome to the Herd. A beautiful Friday because the Knicks one last night. Baby, It's me.

Hello, and welcome to the Herd. A beautiful Friday because the Knicks one last night. Baby, It's me.

Jason McIntyre in on a Friday for traveling Colin Cowherd. He's I don't know if I can say parts unknown. I think he's gonna be posting on IG later. I'm joined by Alex Curry. Alex, not only do we have a great Thursday with the Knicks winning, Hey, we have a Yankees Dodgers this weekend.

Jason McIntyre in on a Friday for traveling Colin Cowherd. He's I don't know if I can say parts unknown. I think he's gonna be posting on IG later. I'm joined by Alex Curry. Alex, not only do we have a great Thursday with the Knicks winning, Hey, we have a Yankees Dodgers this weekend.

It's I love when you get a fit slave of games. But you're the first person I thought about last night. I was like, what an awesome Friday show. It's gonna be j Knicks fight to live and see another day.

It's I love when you get a fit slave of games. But you're the first person I thought about last night. I was like, what an awesome Friday show. It's gonna be j Knicks fight to live and see another day.

I was listen.

I was listen.

I gotta say I'm excited. I'm going to a Yankees Dodgers game. This we have my first one was able to secure some tickets. I can't really say. I don't need everybody coming up.

I gotta say I'm excited. I'm going to a Yankees Dodgers game. This we have my first one was able to secure some tickets. I can't really say. I don't need everybody coming up.

To me at the game. Let them know where you're gonna.

To me at the game. Let them know where you're gonna.

By the way, I went to a Kendrick Lamar concert good last weekend with the Fam, and there were some Herd fans who were like J Mack yeah, And I.

By the way, I went to a Kendrick Lamar concert good last weekend with the Fam, and there were some Herd fans who were like J Mack yeah, And I.

Was like, well, love Kelly, he's a family friend.

Was like, well, love Kelly, he's a family friend.

You obviously are close.

You obviously are close.

I won't reveal that stuff, but anyways, life is good out here in La.

I won't reveal that stuff, but anyways, life is good out here in La.

Life is good if you're a Knicks fan. Folks. We have a series once again. Knicks get the win.

Life is good if you're a Knicks fan. Folks. We have a series once again. Knicks get the win.

At home at the Garden last night, pretty convincing, wire to wire. I don't want to overreact, but I think they're actually back in the series. Okay, they dominated last night. I don't think there was one tense moment in the second half. I don't even know if it got to single digits. I know there's gonna be a lot of basic analysis out there today. Hey, the Pacers didn't really try. They had Game six at home, so you could see they were lethargic. You have to watch the game closely guys, and the Knicks actually made some adjustments. Tom Thibodeau, thank you for making changes. I mean it's the small things, like Tyrese Haliburton had an awful game, and we'll get to him later, but it wasn't just he played poorly or he wasn't locked in. The Knicks made adjustments. Again, it's a small thing, but they picked him up full court. You know, as a guy who plays in men's leagues, you got to pick up full court point guards hate that Tyrese Haliburton struggled against the full court pressure, only ended up taking seven shots. And the Knicks defense was so good for the first time in the entire series. Guys, the Knicks won the turnover battle. Yes, they forced the Pacers into more turnovers than the Knicks committed, and it really helped the Knicks offense. Obviously, Jalen Brunson was phenomenal, Karl Anthony Towns was excellent, and listen, I think this is series back on. A lot of people are saying, oh, the Pacers got it. I was mildly surprised to see the Pacers are three and a half point favorites for Game six Saturday night. But the biggest change I saw was Jalen Brunson defensively. Jalen Brunton heard all your criticisms, heard all your Oh Haliburton's better, now, yeah he's better.

At home at the Garden last night, pretty convincing, wire to wire. I don't want to overreact, but I think they're actually back in the series. Okay, they dominated last night. I don't think there was one tense moment in the second half. I don't even know if it got to single digits. I know there's gonna be a lot of basic analysis out there today. Hey, the Pacers didn't really try. They had Game six at home, so you could see they were lethargic. You have to watch the game closely guys, and the Knicks actually made some adjustments. Tom Thibodeau, thank you for making changes. I mean it's the small things, like Tyrese Haliburton had an awful game, and we'll get to him later, but it wasn't just he played poorly or he wasn't locked in. The Knicks made adjustments. Again, it's a small thing, but they picked him up full court. You know, as a guy who plays in men's leagues, you got to pick up full court point guards hate that Tyrese Haliburton struggled against the full court pressure, only ended up taking seven shots. And the Knicks defense was so good for the first time in the entire series. Guys, the Knicks won the turnover battle. Yes, they forced the Pacers into more turnovers than the Knicks committed, and it really helped the Knicks offense. Obviously, Jalen Brunson was phenomenal, Karl Anthony Towns was excellent, and listen, I think this is series back on. A lot of people are saying, oh, the Pacers got it. I was mildly surprised to see the Pacers are three and a half point favorites for Game six Saturday night. But the biggest change I saw was Jalen Brunson defensively. Jalen Brunton heard all your criticisms, heard all your Oh Haliburton's better, now, yeah he's better.

No, no, let's just take a deep breath.

No, no, let's just take a deep breath.

That was one game. Jalen Brunson was locked in defensively. Here he is after the game talking about the dub.

That was one game. Jalen Brunson was locked in defensively. Here he is after the game talking about the dub.

I mean I brashingassed the wall and so I wasn't thinking I need to play better than him.

I mean I brashingassed the wall and so I wasn't thinking I need to play better than him.

I was just thinking I need to help my team win.

I was just thinking I need to help my team win.

And I'm just on minds every time went the court, just helping my team.

And I'm just on minds every time went the court, just helping my team.

One, folks, I got a mind blowing sat for you.

One, folks, I got a mind blowing sat for you.

So in games one through four, the Pacers picked on Jalen Brunson.

So in games one through four, the Pacers picked on Jalen Brunson.

Literally give me him, I want him in the pick and roll, and they attacked him.

Literally give me him, I want him in the pick and roll, and they attacked him.

According to some stats, the Pacers were sixty eight percent from the field sixty eight percent when Brunson was the primary defender in games one through four. So what happened in Game five? Brunson fighting through screens, locked in, getting down. Pacers shot three for fourteen with Brunson as the primary defender.

According to some stats, the Pacers were sixty eight percent from the field sixty eight percent when Brunson was the primary defender in games one through four. So what happened in Game five? Brunson fighting through screens, locked in, getting down. Pacers shot three for fourteen with Brunson as the primary defender.

That's twenty one percent for you, math majors. Out there.

That's twenty one percent for you, math majors. Out there.

Just a fit nominal performance at both ends from Brunson offensively carried him. Carl Anthony Town's obviously was excellent, and specifically Brunson went at Halliburton. I don't know if you guys noticed. They started attacking Halliburton in the pick and roll and Halliburton struggled coming off a one of the games that were they're calling it one of the best performances ever where Halliburton at thirty fifteen and ten with no turnovers, Haliburton had eight points and you know, we'll go after him later.

Just a fit nominal performance at both ends from Brunson offensively carried him. Carl Anthony Town's obviously was excellent, and specifically Brunson went at Halliburton. I don't know if you guys noticed. They started attacking Halliburton in the pick and roll and Halliburton struggled coming off a one of the games that were they're calling it one of the best performances ever where Halliburton at thirty fifteen and ten with no turnovers, Haliburton had eight points and you know, we'll go after him later.

We'll take some jabs at Haliburton later on.

We'll take some jabs at Haliburton later on.

But here he is after the game talking about his lack of intensity and the Pacers kind of getting rolled.

But here he is after the game talking about his lack of intensity and the Pacers kind of getting rolled.

We're a resilient group, you know.

We're a resilient group, you know.

We we always want to respond with things don't go well. You know, after a game like that, we understand what the stakes are and we understand the conversation. Well, it will be around our group, but you know, we're we're fine. We're fine. There's no need to panic, right thing.

We we always want to respond with things don't go well. You know, after a game like that, we understand what the stakes are and we understand the conversation. Well, it will be around our group, but you know, we're we're fine. We're fine. There's no need to panic, right thing.

We're fine.

We're fine.

We'll see a lot of people already like the Pacers to win Game six.

We'll see a lot of people already like the Pacers to win Game six.

I told you the spreads three and a half I do want to point out two things.

I told you the spreads three and a half I do want to point out two things.

Number One, for the first time this year or last year, the pressure is on Indiana. Okay, last year the Knicks got injured in the series despite being.

Number One, for the first time this year or last year, the pressure is on Indiana. Okay, last year the Knicks got injured in the series despite being.

Up three to two.

Up three to two.

Now the Pacers pressures on them, folks, and they have not felt this pressure before. They've got to win this game. You don't want to have to go back to the garden. And for those that are saying, oh, trust me, Jay, Pacers weren't locked in. They didn't care. They were going home for Game six. Look at the last round. Okay, they had to go back to Cleveland on the road Game five, and they smashed the Calves in a let's end the series. So I don't want to hear this. They didn't lay down, or they laid down because they had Game six. And the other point is, so nine years ago this weekend, I moved my family across the country for this job here at Fox.

Now the Pacers pressures on them, folks, and they have not felt this pressure before. They've got to win this game. You don't want to have to go back to the garden. And for those that are saying, oh, trust me, Jay, Pacers weren't locked in. They didn't care. They were going home for Game six. Look at the last round. Okay, they had to go back to Cleveland on the road Game five, and they smashed the Calves in a let's end the series. So I don't want to hear this. They didn't lay down, or they laid down because they had Game six. And the other point is, so nine years ago this weekend, I moved my family across the country for this job here at Fox.

It's been fun or having a blast.

It's been fun or having a blast.

But something else happened nine years ago this week, and that was Golden State lead trailing. Ok see three to one. You remember, Okay, he was up three to one. They go to Golden State for Game.

But something else happened nine years ago this week, and that was Golden State lead trailing. Ok see three to one. You remember, Okay, he was up three to one. They go to Golden State for Game.

Five, they lose.

Five, they lose.

It was similar not quite wire to wire, but Golden State controlled that game. So then they had Game six in OKC. All right, do you guys remember this game nine years ago? Klay Thompson special hit eleven threes forty one points and the Warriors erased the three to one deficit end up winning in seven. My question to the Knicks, who is Klay Thompson Saturday night in Indiana? Somebody's got to blow up? We know what brunts is gonna get his? Is it gonna be Bridges? Is it gonna be Karl Anthony towns og Nnobi?

It was similar not quite wire to wire, but Golden State controlled that game. So then they had Game six in OKC. All right, do you guys remember this game nine years ago? Klay Thompson special hit eleven threes forty one points and the Warriors erased the three to one deficit end up winning in seven. My question to the Knicks, who is Klay Thompson Saturday night in Indiana? Somebody's got to blow up? We know what brunts is gonna get his? Is it gonna be Bridges? Is it gonna be Karl Anthony towns og Nnobi?

Are you gonna be the guy that shows up? Someone has to erupt. They're gonna need a.

Are you gonna be the guy that shows up? Someone has to erupt. They're gonna need a.

Volcanic performance from someone to take down the pacer Saturday.

Volcanic performance from someone to take down the pacer Saturday.

I like the Knicks in that one.

I like the Knicks in that one.

All right, let's shift topics and go to my favorite team in the NBA, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Yes, I know, Jay, you've been banging on them all season. You've been calling SGA the free throw Merchant? Can you put some respect on Okac's name? Well, but first I've got to give a quick shout out to a former NBA player who I thought I saw one of the hottest takes I've seen on OKC, and that's courtesy of Jeff t former Indiana Pacers point guard who played in Minnesota and a couple other stops. He has a podcast, and he went on raving about SGA in the mid range and get this, saving the NBA.

All right, let's shift topics and go to my favorite team in the NBA, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Yes, I know, Jay, you've been banging on them all season. You've been calling SGA the free throw Merchant? Can you put some respect on Okac's name? Well, but first I've got to give a quick shout out to a former NBA player who I thought I saw one of the hottest takes I've seen on OKC, and that's courtesy of Jeff t former Indiana Pacers point guard who played in Minnesota and a couple other stops. He has a podcast, and he went on raving about SGA in the mid range and get this, saving the NBA.

I think SBA saved the NBA. Oh, this is what I'm saying. I'm not saying because of how I perform, but the way he play. He saved the NBA because the NBA is a copycat lead and he perfected the mill range game, right, so he brought back the ability to better shoot meriraane shots. I got crucified in Minnesota for just wanting to shoot a mall range shot if it wasn't a three or ear layer for analytics, and him being the MVP and his go to shot is a mill range shot.

I think SBA saved the NBA. Oh, this is what I'm saying. I'm not saying because of how I perform, but the way he play. He saved the NBA because the NBA is a copycat lead and he perfected the mill range game, right, so he brought back the ability to better shoot meriraane shots. I got crucified in Minnesota for just wanting to shoot a mall range shot if it wasn't a three or ear layer for analytics, and him being the MVP and his go to shot is a mill range shot.

He literally just saved the NBA.

He literally just saved the NBA.

All right, listen, I gotta give my guy's credit here.

All right, listen, I gotta give my guy's credit here.

A couple of producers sent me that yesterday.

A couple of producers sent me that yesterday.

I was like, Damn, that's a good I don't think it's complete and I'm not gonna give Tigue all the credit. I think it's a phenomenal take. I don't think he's totally accurate, and let me tell you why. Yes, SGA is killing in the mid range. He's totally dominant. I saw some stats where he's shooting over fifty percent in the mid range.

I was like, Damn, that's a good I don't think it's complete and I'm not gonna give Tigue all the credit. I think it's a phenomenal take. I don't think he's totally accurate, and let me tell you why. Yes, SGA is killing in the mid range. He's totally dominant. I saw some stats where he's shooting over fifty percent in the mid range.

Now he's not quite saving the league.

Now he's not quite saving the league.

I saw some stats Michael Jordan attempted like twelve hundred or mid range shots or whatever it was in the nineties. SGA's only like around four hundred. So it's not quite what it was with MJ and even Kobe. But the reason they can do the mid range with SGA is because they play phenomenal defense. They're number one in defensive efficiency in the league by a mile. They're calling this one of the best defensive teams in her generation. Well, guys, if you can get stops and they can no denying it, of course you can trade twos for threes. It's not that big a deal.

I saw some stats Michael Jordan attempted like twelve hundred or mid range shots or whatever it was in the nineties. SGA's only like around four hundred. So it's not quite what it was with MJ and even Kobe. But the reason they can do the mid range with SGA is because they play phenomenal defense. They're number one in defensive efficiency in the league by a mile. They're calling this one of the best defensive teams in her generation. Well, guys, if you can get stops and they can no denying it, of course you can trade twos for threes. It's not that big a deal.

Now.

Now.

You can't not play defense and then spam threes and expect to win every game because you're gonna go cold from three. I did look this up. The two best three point shooting teams this year were Boston and Cleveland. Guess what happened to them in the playoffs. Boston shot sixty threes in a game they went cold from three against the next it happens.

You can't not play defense and then spam threes and expect to win every game because you're gonna go cold from three. I did look this up. The two best three point shooting teams this year were Boston and Cleveland. Guess what happened to them in the playoffs. Boston shot sixty threes in a game they went cold from three against the next it happens.

And we all know what happened to Cleveland. They got out shot from three.

And we all know what happened to Cleveland. They got out shot from three.

I believe in every game against Talliburton, and all of a sudden, you go cold from three, you don't have a CounterPunch. So OKASE has won in the mid range game. Now, an amazing stat for OKC is they're three point shooting way down.

I believe in every game against Talliburton, and all of a sudden, you go cold from three, you don't have a CounterPunch. So OKASE has won in the mid range game. Now, an amazing stat for OKC is they're three point shooting way down.

You're not gonna believe this.

You're not gonna believe this.

So sixteen teams in the playoffs, OKAC is thirteenth in three point shooting. Ordinarily that's a death. Now OKAC has been out shot from three in ten of sixteen playoff games. Usually that's like, oh, they're getting bounced. But because of the defense and the mid range game, they're able to completely blow teams out. But we don't see this a lot because nobody's playing defense in the league anymore. You guys know, I love the hey zig when everybody'sagging. So right now, in the NBA, the analytics say, spam threes, fire away. It's a math equation. And we've seen this before, right, So, Billy Bean and moneyball in baseball, okay, hey, we can't compete with the big spenders. So we've got to find obscure stats that matter and kind of build our line up that way. And they did that with the Oakland A's and they had a lot of success. Another analogy, so YouTube comes out and all their videos are horizontal because hey, we want to look like TV. So what does TikTok do? Hey, let's do vertical for the phone. So TikTok goes totally different at Boom, TikTok goes to the moon. Well, guess who starts copying TikTok, YouTube shorts, Instagram reels.

So sixteen teams in the playoffs, OKAC is thirteenth in three point shooting. Ordinarily that's a death. Now OKAC has been out shot from three in ten of sixteen playoff games. Usually that's like, oh, they're getting bounced. But because of the defense and the mid range game, they're able to completely blow teams out. But we don't see this a lot because nobody's playing defense in the league anymore. You guys know, I love the hey zig when everybody'sagging. So right now, in the NBA, the analytics say, spam threes, fire away. It's a math equation. And we've seen this before, right, So, Billy Bean and moneyball in baseball, okay, hey, we can't compete with the big spenders. So we've got to find obscure stats that matter and kind of build our line up that way. And they did that with the Oakland A's and they had a lot of success. Another analogy, so YouTube comes out and all their videos are horizontal because hey, we want to look like TV. So what does TikTok do? Hey, let's do vertical for the phone. So TikTok goes totally different at Boom, TikTok goes to the moon. Well, guess who starts copying TikTok, YouTube shorts, Instagram reels.

Now all verdio videos are vertical.

Now all verdio videos are vertical.

So will we see like Jeff tgue is saying, everybody copy OKC and go to the mid rage. Well, I'm sure the Minnesota Timberwolves Anthony Edwards who led the league in threes and only got layups and dunks, is he gonna pivot and say I gotta work on a mid range or all these NBA trainers who were helping everybody work on threes. So are they gonna say we got to get back to the mid range. I don't necessarily think that's gonna happen. I do think there is the world where other teams can copy. But you gotta play good defense, like the Cabs would make a lot of sense to play.

So will we see like Jeff tgue is saying, everybody copy OKC and go to the mid rage. Well, I'm sure the Minnesota Timberwolves Anthony Edwards who led the league in threes and only got layups and dunks, is he gonna pivot and say I gotta work on a mid range or all these NBA trainers who were helping everybody work on threes. So are they gonna say we got to get back to the mid range. I don't necessarily think that's gonna happen. I do think there is the world where other teams can copy. But you gotta play good defense, like the Cabs would make a lot of sense to play.

They play great defense with Mobile and Allen. But are they gonna say, Donovan Mitchell, let's get to the mid range. I don't know that that's gonna happen.

They play great defense with Mobile and Allen. But are they gonna say, Donovan Mitchell, let's get to the mid range. I don't know that that's gonna happen.

So while I like the take, I don't think this whole saving the NBA is as one hundred percent spot on. I do think Okayc's gonna be favored, obviously heavily against the Pacers or Knicks. But I would wrap up by saying, we saw Okac stop Anthony Edwards fairly easily, and you looked at it and you're like, why didn't the Lakers try that.

So while I like the take, I don't think this whole saving the NBA is as one hundred percent spot on. I do think Okayc's gonna be favored, obviously heavily against the Pacers or Knicks. But I would wrap up by saying, we saw Okac stop Anthony Edwards fairly easily, and you looked at it and you're like, why didn't the Lakers try that.

Let's just put up a picket fence right at the foul line, say you're.

Let's just put up a picket fence right at the foul line, say you're.

Not getting to the lane. We're not gonna let it happen. And he couldn't do that, and Minnesota couldn't make any threes. So are we gonna see the Pacers or Nick say, hey, SGA, we're gonna wall off the pain. No more minis for you, buddy. Let's see what Jalen Williams, Je Dubb and Louke Dort. Let's see what those guys can do from three, because oh look, the analytics say they're not hitting threes in the playoffs, and I think that's what we're gonna see in the finals.

Not getting to the lane. We're not gonna let it happen. And he couldn't do that, and Minnesota couldn't make any threes. So are we gonna see the Pacers or Nick say, hey, SGA, we're gonna wall off the pain. No more minis for you, buddy. Let's see what Jalen Williams, Je Dubb and Louke Dort. Let's see what those guys can do from three, because oh look, the analytics say they're not hitting threes in the playoffs, and I think that's what we're gonna see in the finals.

And I don't think.

And I don't think.

Okay, so he's gonna waltz over the Knicks or Pacers, whoever it may be. But SGA certainly is making people think and the hot takes are flying about saving the NBA. So, Alex, we got a game six Saturday night. I know you're excited. I know I'm fired up.

Okay, so he's gonna waltz over the Knicks or Pacers, whoever it may be. But SGA certainly is making people think and the hot takes are flying about saving the NBA. So, Alex, we got a game six Saturday night. I know you're excited. I know I'm fired up.

I gotta be honest, like I was all in on the Knicks after they kind of blew through Boston and then the start of this series, I was like, okay, maybe that Boston series was their finals and they just kind of blew it out. But what impressed me most about last night was listening to Carl Anthony Towns on his postgame interview with Shaq and Charles, and they were asking him, you know, like, what's the conversation you guys are having, like on the plane, not in front of everybody, and he goes, why not us like that one game at a time, Why can't we do it? Why can't we be the team that does it? And you kind of saw that attitude last night. Yeah, of they played desperate and it worked. They outplayed the Pacers in every part of the game totally. If they can do that and win Game six in Indie tomorrow, anything is possible in the games.

I gotta be honest, like I was all in on the Knicks after they kind of blew through Boston and then the start of this series, I was like, okay, maybe that Boston series was their finals and they just kind of blew it out. But what impressed me most about last night was listening to Carl Anthony Towns on his postgame interview with Shaq and Charles, and they were asking him, you know, like, what's the conversation you guys are having, like on the plane, not in front of everybody, and he goes, why not us like that one game at a time, Why can't we do it? Why can't we be the team that does it? And you kind of saw that attitude last night. Yeah, of they played desperate and it worked. They outplayed the Pacers in every part of the game totally. If they can do that and win Game six in Indie tomorrow, anything is possible in the games.

I'm gonna I'm gonna call joshing.

I'm gonna I'm gonna call joshing.

Is possible in a game seven.

Is possible in a game seven.

But they all have to show up, like Carl Anthony talents has to show up.

But they all have to show up, like Carl Anthony talents has to show up.

No more dumb fouls. Let's dive back to you. Did you hear him call him out? They called him out on that last night?

No more dumb fouls. Let's dive back to you. Did you hear him call him out? They called him out on that last night?

Ye. Stan Van Gundy during the broadcast was it was amazing.

Ye. Stan Van Gundy during the broadcast was it was amazing.

I think the next got a shot.

I think the next got a shot.

Uh.

Uh.

They said, I'm betting them yet.

They said, I'm betting them yet.

But I think they got like after last night, Like.

But I think they got like after last night, Like.

So you're sayer chance that little dub and dumber all right? Coming up next, Jalen Hurts. Can you believe he's getting crushed? I can't believe it. They're saying he's the biggest weakness on the Eagles. Let me just say I totally disagree.

So you're sayer chance that little dub and dumber all right? Coming up next, Jalen Hurts. Can you believe he's getting crushed? I can't believe it. They're saying he's the biggest weakness on the Eagles. Let me just say I totally disagree.

I'll tell you that next here on the Herd.

I'll tell you that next here on the Herd.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays in newon eastern non am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS one and the iHeartRadio.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays in newon eastern non am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS one and the iHeartRadio.

App back here on the Herd, got Rachel Nichols coming up to talk about the Knicks.

App back here on the Herd, got Rachel Nichols coming up to talk about the Knicks.

Probably we'll get into the free throw merchant as well. Listen. I gotta say, if you guys watch the show yesterday, you.

Probably we'll get into the free throw merchant as well. Listen. I gotta say, if you guys watch the show yesterday, you.

Know, Coward and I went at it. I think it was a twelve round that felt like, you know, Foreman Tyson or Foreman Holyfield. Sorry regarding Jalen Hurts, Okay, now I did. Before I moved out here to LA I did live outside of Philly, but I don't really have a super connection to the city. It was a suburban life. But I like the Eagles that I pay attention to them, and for some reason, the bashing of Jalen Hurts.

Know, Coward and I went at it. I think it was a twelve round that felt like, you know, Foreman Tyson or Foreman Holyfield. Sorry regarding Jalen Hurts, Okay, now I did. Before I moved out here to LA I did live outside of Philly, but I don't really have a super connection to the city. It was a suburban life. But I like the Eagles that I pay attention to them, and for some reason, the bashing of Jalen Hurts.

It's just getting under my skin. Okay. I like, you know, I like to defend underdogs.

It's just getting under my skin. Okay. I like, you know, I like to defend underdogs.

I like to defend guys who I think are really good that maybe the market is not up to speed on and this pro football focus on website I go to helps a lot the gambling. They said that the biggest weakness on the defending Super Bowl champion was wait for it, the Super Bowl MVP. They said it was the passing game that was the weakness of the Eagles. So you know, it's not that hard to look up some SATs on the Pro Football Focused website, and you know, let me give you some SATs here.

I like to defend guys who I think are really good that maybe the market is not up to speed on and this pro football focus on website I go to helps a lot the gambling. They said that the biggest weakness on the defending Super Bowl champion was wait for it, the Super Bowl MVP. They said it was the passing game that was the weakness of the Eagles. So you know, it's not that hard to look up some SATs on the Pro Football Focused website, and you know, let me give you some SATs here.

This is the Super Bowl MVP last year. Passing, which is the biggest weakness from the pocket.

This is the Super Bowl MVP last year. Passing, which is the biggest weakness from the pocket.

Here's Jalen Hurts, you know, second in completion percentage, third in yards per passing yards per game, and then passer rating fifth.

Here's Jalen Hurts, you know, second in completion percentage, third in yards per passing yards per game, and then passer rating fifth.

I think that should be yards per attempt. But bottom line is, it's not like this is a dink and dunk offense.

I think that should be yards per attempt. But bottom line is, it's not like this is a dink and dunk offense.

Jalen Hurts can beat you anyway deep down the field, over the middle, scrambling. The best running quarterback in the league. Sorry, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts are better.

Jalen Hurts can beat you anyway deep down the field, over the middle, scrambling. The best running quarterback in the league. Sorry, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts are better.

He's got the Turst push, which is automatic. I don't get the.

He's got the Turst push, which is automatic. I don't get the.

Bashing of Jalen Hurts, and I think it all comes down to him being drafted in the second round, which, oh man, he's not a first round pick. Stupid and goofy. And then there's the whole saga that happened in Alabama where he gets bench to the national championship replaced by Tua Tua goes on. I mean, that's like, that's historic stuff. You never see that, and he had to transfer. But all Jalen Hurts is done is overcome everything. His height, the benching at Alabama, Remember, he didn't come in as the starter in Philly. He had to win that job. He had a awful and I'm talking. I think they lost their first playoff game with thirty one nothing. People wanted to bench him at halftime. I think me included. All he's done is overcome everything. And now he's the Super Bowl MVP, and they're still disrespecting him. Philadelphia catered the offense to Jalen Hurts and it's working. And oh no, no, the rosters stacked. What do we play that game with Joe Burrow? Hey man, Joe Burrow's got the best wide receiver duo in the league. Probably Higgins and Chase are historically a great wide receiver. Cobo got to be top five six all time. I don't know if it's Rice and Taylor, but it's certainly up there. Okay, we don't play this game with Patrick Mahones. Well, he has a generational tight end in Travis Kelcey and one of the top five coaches, top three coaches in NFL history. We don't do that Lamar Jackson gets Derrick Henry a first ballot Hall of Fame Locke, and we make excuses for Lamar, we don't bash it. So anyways, Shady McCoy was on the facility yesterday. Shady a former Eagles player who I know, great guy, Shady.

Bashing of Jalen Hurts, and I think it all comes down to him being drafted in the second round, which, oh man, he's not a first round pick. Stupid and goofy. And then there's the whole saga that happened in Alabama where he gets bench to the national championship replaced by Tua Tua goes on. I mean, that's like, that's historic stuff. You never see that, and he had to transfer. But all Jalen Hurts is done is overcome everything. His height, the benching at Alabama, Remember, he didn't come in as the starter in Philly. He had to win that job. He had a awful and I'm talking. I think they lost their first playoff game with thirty one nothing. People wanted to bench him at halftime. I think me included. All he's done is overcome everything. And now he's the Super Bowl MVP, and they're still disrespecting him. Philadelphia catered the offense to Jalen Hurts and it's working. And oh no, no, the rosters stacked. What do we play that game with Joe Burrow? Hey man, Joe Burrow's got the best wide receiver duo in the league. Probably Higgins and Chase are historically a great wide receiver. Cobo got to be top five six all time. I don't know if it's Rice and Taylor, but it's certainly up there. Okay, we don't play this game with Patrick Mahones. Well, he has a generational tight end in Travis Kelcey and one of the top five coaches, top three coaches in NFL history. We don't do that Lamar Jackson gets Derrick Henry a first ballot Hall of Fame Locke, and we make excuses for Lamar, we don't bash it. So anyways, Shady McCoy was on the facility yesterday. Shady a former Eagles player who I know, great guy, Shady.

I like him.

I like him.

Here's what he said defended Jalen Hurts.

Here's what he said defended Jalen Hurts.

AJ told me, well, players tell me that the offense is really the offense, and CoA point corner is you come over here to fit the Jalen Hurts offense.

AJ told me, well, players tell me that the offense is really the offense, and CoA point corner is you come over here to fit the Jalen Hurts offense.

So think about this.

So think about this.

We know that the top four guys are Mahomes, Josh Allen's a rating MVP, Lamar's got two mvvs at Joe Burrow went to a super Bowl. That's the consensus top four. I don't see why this isn't a consensus top five. It doesn't make sense. Jalen Hurts has to be fifth. You can make a case for Stafford, but he hasn't been to the Super Bowl twice. Okay, he hasn't. And that's what Hurts has done on a short time span. People want to push Jayden Daniels in there. I'm like, guys, one year, one season, like he was historically great. Let's see him do it again, because we saw CJ. Stroud have a great rookie year and then kind of fell off a cliff. It took sixty three sacks last year. Yes, Hurts has a loaded roster, great offensive line, great.

We know that the top four guys are Mahomes, Josh Allen's a rating MVP, Lamar's got two mvvs at Joe Burrow went to a super Bowl. That's the consensus top four. I don't see why this isn't a consensus top five. It doesn't make sense. Jalen Hurts has to be fifth. You can make a case for Stafford, but he hasn't been to the Super Bowl twice. Okay, he hasn't. And that's what Hurts has done on a short time span. People want to push Jayden Daniels in there. I'm like, guys, one year, one season, like he was historically great. Let's see him do it again, because we saw CJ. Stroud have a great rookie year and then kind of fell off a cliff. It took sixty three sacks last year. Yes, Hurts has a loaded roster, great offensive line, great.

Running back to good receivers. But you know who else had it pretty damn good. The second best quarterback in NFL history, Joe Montana.

Running back to good receivers. But you know who else had it pretty damn good. The second best quarterback in NFL history, Joe Montana.

It's funny if Joe Montana were playing now, would he be in the hurt spot? Well, you know, he's got Bill Walsh and Jerry Rice and Roger Craig. I don't know, he's got a stack deck. Maybe he's not in that group. Like the NFL discussion is just lazy and silly. Jalen Hurts has proven he can win from the pocket. And I'm sure there's some people at home saying, oh, well, one year winning from the pocket. Now we've done the homework, guys, let's get on the screen. In the last three years, Jalen Hurts from the pocket? Oh would you look at that? Three years, three different offensive coordinators. Twenty twenty three, they regressed. The offensive coordinator was a nightmare, and he threw a bunch of more picks. But that's three successful years for Jalen Hurts.

It's funny if Joe Montana were playing now, would he be in the hurt spot? Well, you know, he's got Bill Walsh and Jerry Rice and Roger Craig. I don't know, he's got a stack deck. Maybe he's not in that group. Like the NFL discussion is just lazy and silly. Jalen Hurts has proven he can win from the pocket. And I'm sure there's some people at home saying, oh, well, one year winning from the pocket. Now we've done the homework, guys, let's get on the screen. In the last three years, Jalen Hurts from the pocket? Oh would you look at that? Three years, three different offensive coordinators. Twenty twenty three, they regressed. The offensive coordinator was a nightmare, and he threw a bunch of more picks. But that's three successful years for Jalen Hurts.

What more does he have to do?

What more does he have to do?

Can he do any more to prove that he belongs? And I'm sure what you're saying, oh, Jason stack roster.

Can he do any more to prove that he belongs? And I'm sure what you're saying, oh, Jason stack roster.

You know I happen to look it up.

You know I happen to look it up.

Guys, the Ravens had the most Pro Bowlers last year. I mean, what metric do you want to use for stack roster? The Ravens had eight Pro bowlers, Minnesota Vikings had seven, the Steelers had six, the Lions had six, and the Eagles had six. So are they the best roster? What are we saying like they had the most first round picks. It's just people are embarrassed themselves bashing Jalen Hurts. And I'll close out with one more stat because I know you guys are gonna love this. Well, he's got our awesome roster. They just run away with every game. Actually not really, Jalen Hurts has the second best winning percentage in games his team is trailed by.

Guys, the Ravens had the most Pro Bowlers last year. I mean, what metric do you want to use for stack roster? The Ravens had eight Pro bowlers, Minnesota Vikings had seven, the Steelers had six, the Lions had six, and the Eagles had six. So are they the best roster? What are we saying like they had the most first round picks. It's just people are embarrassed themselves bashing Jalen Hurts. And I'll close out with one more stat because I know you guys are gonna love this. Well, he's got our awesome roster. They just run away with every game. Actually not really, Jalen Hurts has the second best winning percentage in games his team is trailed by.

Ten or more points. He's a comeback king. He's the only guy he trails is.

Ten or more points. He's a comeback king. He's the only guy he trails is.

Patrick Mahomes, one quarterback better at comeback wins than Jalen Hurts, and that's Patrick Mahomes now.

Patrick Mahomes, one quarterback better at comeback wins than Jalen Hurts, and that's Patrick Mahomes now.

Lamar Jackson, not Josh Allen. Is Jalen Hurts?

Lamar Jackson, not Josh Allen. Is Jalen Hurts?

So is it the stack roster or is it Hurts? Delivering with and without Saquon Barkley, You make the call.

So is it the stack roster or is it Hurts? Delivering with and without Saquon Barkley, You make the call.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays and noon eastern non am Pacific.

Be sure to catch live editions of The Herd weekdays and noon eastern non am Pacific.

Hey, Steve Covino and I'm Rich David and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio.

Hey, Steve Covino and I'm Rich David and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio.

You could catch us weekdays from five to seven pm Eastern two to four Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and of course the iHeartRadio app.

You could catch us weekdays from five to seven pm Eastern two to four Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and of course the iHeartRadio app.

Why should you listen to Covino and Rich.

Why should you listen to Covino and Rich.

We talk about everything life, sports, relationship, so what's going on in the world.

We talk about everything life, sports, relationship, so 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.

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.

To have the time to discuss.

And the fact that we've been friends for the last twenty years and still work together. I mean that says something, right.

And the fact that we've been friends for the last twenty 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.

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 Planetar. Be sure to check out Cavino and Rich live on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app from five to seven pm Eastern two to four Pacific, And if you miss any of the live show, just search Covin on Rich wherever you get your podcasts, and of course on social media that's Covino and Rich.

I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on Planetar. Be sure to check out Cavino and Rich live on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio app from five to seven pm Eastern two to four Pacific, And if you miss any of the live show, just search Covin on Rich wherever you get your podcasts, and of course on social media that's Covino and Rich.

All right, let's bring in Rachel Nichols, NBA insider. She's covered the league forever. I was a young guy picking up the newspapers from the driveway for school, and I would read the Rachel Nichols byline with like Ja Donde, Wilbon, Corneiser.

All right, let's bring in Rachel Nichols, NBA insider. She's covered the league forever. I was a young guy picking up the newspapers from the driveway for school, and I would read the Rachel Nichols byline with like Ja Donde, Wilbon, Corneiser.

You read me and I when I was a kid in the Washington, DC area, red Weilboughe and cortinized, and I was like, this is why I want to get into the business. And here we are. Yeah, we do for us, we did, we did, okay.

You read me and I when I was a kid in the Washington, DC area, red Weilboughe and cortinized, and I was like, this is why I want to get into the business. And here we are. Yeah, we do for us, we did, we did, okay.

Right, we did? Okay? Well, okay, I don't want to say I've made it.

Right, we did? Okay? Well, okay, I don't want to say I've made it.

You certainly made it. I'm trying still to make it. But I see you were is that Nick's blue?

You certainly made it. I'm trying still to make it. But I see you were is that Nick's blue?

Well look it's all the blues, right, I mean, you got the thunder.

Well look it's all the blues, right, I mean, you got the thunder.

Blue, so many blues it's not Thunderblue.

Blue, so many blues it's not Thunderblue.

So many blues, so little time.

So many blues, so little time.

So I guess, because I don't want to be too negative, I just crushed the cheese. Tyre's Halliburton was kind of sort of bad last night.

So I guess, because I don't want to be too negative, I just crushed the cheese. Tyre's Halliburton was kind of sort of bad last night.

What was going on? Yeah, passive for sure, right, I mean, look, he is not a fifty points a game guy typically, So it's not like, oh man, he didn't score fifty, but he should not be taking seven shots in thirty two minutes. That should never happen, and by the way, he missed five of them. I would not expect any of that to happen. Again, I don't know what was going on with a lot of the pacers sort of rhythm the other you know that they're not paying at the pace they normally play at. One thing I like to listen for on a Knicks broadcast is can the organists get into the like defense? Right? It's that that chant? And if he can get into the whole defense chant, that means the pacers are not playing at their correct style and pace of play, because he should be. It should be so fast to the other end that he can't even get into the like the whole thing. And so we were getting a lot of organ last night, and if you have a lot of organ that does not favor Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers, I'm interested to see when they get back to their own court. You are not going to have all five starters only totally what thirty seven points like? Right? I mean, that's not going to happen. The Knicks force twenty turnovers. I don't expect that to happen again. So it'll be interesting to see if the scale is even out and it really does become a brawl, who's going to come out of game set?

What was going on? Yeah, passive for sure, right, I mean, look, he is not a fifty points a game guy typically, So it's not like, oh man, he didn't score fifty, but he should not be taking seven shots in thirty two minutes. That should never happen, and by the way, he missed five of them. I would not expect any of that to happen. Again, I don't know what was going on with a lot of the pacers sort of rhythm the other you know that they're not paying at the pace they normally play at. One thing I like to listen for on a Knicks broadcast is can the organists get into the like defense? Right? It's that that chant? And if he can get into the whole defense chant, that means the pacers are not playing at their correct style and pace of play, because he should be. It should be so fast to the other end that he can't even get into the like the whole thing. And so we were getting a lot of organ last night, and if you have a lot of organ that does not favor Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers, I'm interested to see when they get back to their own court. You are not going to have all five starters only totally what thirty seven points like? Right? I mean, that's not going to happen. The Knicks force twenty turnovers. I don't expect that to happen again. So it'll be interesting to see if the scale is even out and it really does become a brawl, who's going to come out of game set?

So let me ask what took Thibodeau so long to pick up Haliburton full court? It feels kind of basic TIBs.

So let me ask what took Thibodeau so long to pick up Haliburton full court? It feels kind of basic TIBs.

What was going on? Well, look there's a lot there too. What took him so long to play more of his bench?

What was going on? Well, look there's a lot there too. What took him so long to play more of his bench?

Here you go?

Here you go?

Okay, that's another thing I listened to on the broadcast. I heard Landry Shammitt cheers from the garden, faithful, do you know what has to happen for there to be Landry Shammit cheers down? Twenty Landry Shammitt has to play. That's what has to happen, and so we are seeing him go deeper into his rotation. We're seeing him pick up Halburton. As you said, he's getting a little tweaky an tickery there, which is not the TIBs style. But you know, look, we said the first couple of games of the series, it felt like he was being out coached by Rick Carlisle. And there's no shame in that. Rick Carlisle is a champion, a Hall of Fame coach. Tom Thibodeau obviously an exceptional long tenured coach, but it's nice to see him also tinkering and sort of seeing what he can do with this team because it's a fascinating series as we go.

Okay, that's another thing I listened to on the broadcast. I heard Landry Shammitt cheers from the garden, faithful, do you know what has to happen for there to be Landry Shammit cheers down? Twenty Landry Shammitt has to play. That's what has to happen, and so we are seeing him go deeper into his rotation. We're seeing him pick up Halburton. As you said, he's getting a little tweaky an tickery there, which is not the TIBs style. But you know, look, we said the first couple of games of the series, it felt like he was being out coached by Rick Carlisle. And there's no shame in that. Rick Carlisle is a champion, a Hall of Fame coach. Tom Thibodeau obviously an exceptional long tenured coach, but it's nice to see him also tinkering and sort of seeing what he can do with this team because it's a fascinating series as we go.

Yeah, so this is a tough one, but like you know, I know the players and coaches. We don't listen to the media, tune it out. I wonder Tibodau made so many changes. I wonder if he heard like there's been chalk hey, Michael Malone could be the next coach of the next like TIBs wasn't pushing the right buttons. Do you think that there was some outside noise that changed things or DC analytics. I don't know.

Yeah, so this is a tough one, but like you know, I know the players and coaches. We don't listen to the media, tune it out. I wonder Tibodau made so many changes. I wonder if he heard like there's been chalk hey, Michael Malone could be the next coach of the next like TIBs wasn't pushing the right buttons. Do you think that there was some outside noise that changed things or DC analytics. I don't know.

I don't know.

I don't know.

I don't think Tom, I don't think Tibbs really pays a lot of attention to what so and so in the New York Post is saying, like, it's just not.

I don't think Tom, I don't think Tibbs really pays a lot of attention to what so and so in the New York Post is saying, like, it's just not.

How I do.

How I do.

Yeah, look, I do think that players hear it a lot more. You're absolutely right. And look, the thing about TIBs is interesting. When things were looking like Dacey but like rougher than expected in that Piston series, there were people around the league being like, man, if they get upset against Detroit and they lose in the first round, Tom could lose his job. And we are way obviously past that now he will be for regardless of the outcome of Saturday night's game, Tom Thibadeau will be fine and he will be the coach of the New York next All.

Yeah, look, I do think that players hear it a lot more. You're absolutely right. And look, the thing about TIBs is interesting. When things were looking like Dacey but like rougher than expected in that Piston series, there were people around the league being like, man, if they get upset against Detroit and they lose in the first round, Tom could lose his job. And we are way obviously past that now he will be for regardless of the outcome of Saturday night's game, Tom Thibadeau will be fine and he will be the coach of the New York next All.

Right, I want to play some sound here from Pascal Siakam last night.

Right, I want to play some sound here from Pascal Siakam last night.

Take a listen, and I'm curious your thoughts on it.

Take a listen, and I'm curious your thoughts on it.

They played harder than us. I think I think they played harder than us. You know, loose balls, like reboundce like all that. How is that what you mean he's talking about they played harder than us. It's okay, we played harder, but they played Harder's what's your point.

They played harder than us. I think I think they played harder than us. You know, loose balls, like reboundce like all that. How is that what you mean he's talking about they played harder than us. It's okay, we played harder, but they played Harder's what's your point.

I don't get it that happens in the game. Do it as basketball?

I don't get it that happens in the game. Do it as basketball?

You're good?

You're good?

You're good, bro, You're looking for something.

You're good, bro, You're looking for something.

I know.

I know.

I'm damn no, no, But I'm telling you though I told you. What else? Do you want me to tell you? What about you telling me?

I'm damn no, no, But I'm telling you though I told you. What else? Do you want me to tell you? What about you telling me?

So?

So?

Go ahead?

Go ahead?

Who's this guy?

Who's this guy?

Who's this guy?

Who's this guy?

All right? First of all, Rachel, I love that I know the reporter in question, Greg Doyle. I don't want to blast. I got whatever irrelevant. I do wonder, though, is this the first sign that maybe pressure is getting to the Pacers because didn't like the line of questioning that, like we got out played and he was pushing back, and I don't know that Pascal Siakam has showed anything like that in the press conference all season, So I wonder if the pressures maybe getting to them or is this am I reaching here?

All right? First of all, Rachel, I love that I know the reporter in question, Greg Doyle. I don't want to blast. I got whatever irrelevant. I do wonder, though, is this the first sign that maybe pressure is getting to the Pacers because didn't like the line of questioning that, like we got out played and he was pushing back, and I don't know that Pascal Siakam has showed anything like that in the press conference all season, So I wonder if the pressures maybe getting to them or is this am I reaching here?

Well, I like what he said when he said, what do you mean we did play hard? We just played harder? I like that part because like to pretend that these are only level athletes, to pretend that anyone else there in the Eastern Conference Finals isn't trying. Ess I'm saying that's what Greg said, but I mean, it's just such a crazy sort of notion. I hear fans say sometimes, of course they were trying. Interesting was not their night. I do think the pressure is now on them, though, whether it started in the postgame press conference or whether it extends to Saturday night. I know that they played a Game seven in Madison Square Garden last year. I know that I remember that. However, that game was not a pressure game because the Knicks were so battered and bruised. They were wheeling og Anobi out there practically at like a walker under the basket, like everybody was hurt. You knew the Pacers are winning that game. This game, this game six at home, with a Game seven in the garden looming and teams relatively at full strength. That's the pressure. And I think this is where we will see where the rubber meets the road with these Pacers.

Well, I like what he said when he said, what do you mean we did play hard? We just played harder? I like that part because like to pretend that these are only level athletes, to pretend that anyone else there in the Eastern Conference Finals isn't trying. Ess I'm saying that's what Greg said, but I mean, it's just such a crazy sort of notion. I hear fans say sometimes, of course they were trying. Interesting was not their night. I do think the pressure is now on them, though, whether it started in the postgame press conference or whether it extends to Saturday night. I know that they played a Game seven in Madison Square Garden last year. I know that I remember that. However, that game was not a pressure game because the Knicks were so battered and bruised. They were wheeling og Anobi out there practically at like a walker under the basket, like everybody was hurt. You knew the Pacers are winning that game. This game, this game six at home, with a Game seven in the garden looming and teams relatively at full strength. That's the pressure. And I think this is where we will see where the rubber meets the road with these Pacers.

Hundred percent.

Hundred percent.

All right, We're gonna come back from break with Rachel. I'm gonna tell her why I've got the Knicks winning Game six.

All right, We're gonna come back from break with Rachel. I'm gonna tell her why I've got the Knicks winning Game six.

I'm shocking here.

I'm shocking here.

Don't know if they got a better chance to win the finals than the Facers.

Don't know if they got a better chance to win the finals than the Facers.

We'll be back after this.

We'll be back after this.

One. More heard The Herd streams twenty four hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app, search Herd to listen live or on demand whenever you like.

One. More heard The Herd streams twenty four hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app, search Herd to listen live or on demand whenever you like.

Welcome back, Rachel Nicholson Studio talking to NBA Mix.

Welcome back, Rachel Nicholson Studio talking to NBA Mix.

Triumphant last night the Big Game six.

Triumphant last night the Big Game six.

So, Rachel, the last time I can remember a big team coming back from down three to one besides the Cavs Warriors was that Warriors team that won seventy three games.

So, Rachel, the last time I can remember a big team coming back from down three to one besides the Cavs Warriors was that Warriors team that won seventy three games.

They were down three to one to the Thunder.

They were down three to one to the Thunder.

They went on the road in Game six and Clay went for forty one hit eleven threes. Do you think the Knicks have somebody on that roster who can deliver a Clay type performance.

They went on the road in Game six and Clay went for forty one hit eleven threes. Do you think the Knicks have somebody on that roster who can deliver a Clay type performance.

On the road. Look, the series is very close. In fact, if you look at the point differential, the Knicks are actually ahead. I scored more points in this series than Indiana. If Game one had gone differently, we would be having a very different conversation. And ten things had to happen for Game one to go the way it did. And I'm not saying the Pacers got lucky. Seven of those ten things were things the Pacers did, but it still required ten things, right. So that's how close the Knicks are. That's how close this series is. And I don't have any question that it's possible they could win the next two games. I just think it's hard to win three in a row against an evenly matched opponent. They've won the first of those three, but can they win the next two? And I to your point, does it take a Clay Thompson like forty point performance? Someone shoot the lights out? And by the way, the thing we forget about that game in game six, Clay, he still had Steph Curry scoring.

On the road. Look, the series is very close. In fact, if you look at the point differential, the Knicks are actually ahead. I scored more points in this series than Indiana. If Game one had gone differently, we would be having a very different conversation. And ten things had to happen for Game one to go the way it did. And I'm not saying the Pacers got lucky. Seven of those ten things were things the Pacers did, but it still required ten things, right. So that's how close the Knicks are. That's how close this series is. And I don't have any question that it's possible they could win the next two games. I just think it's hard to win three in a row against an evenly matched opponent. They've won the first of those three, but can they win the next two? And I to your point, does it take a Clay Thompson like forty point performance? Someone shoot the lights out? And by the way, the thing we forget about that game in game six, Clay, he still had Steph Curry scoring.

He did next to it.

He did next to it.

Yeah, it's not as if he like he did it all by himself. So it's like, oh yeah, man, jaylen Bruns, you can drop fifty. He can, But then who else is there? And that's where we get back into the Karl Anthony Towns conversation, A conversation I know you have had plenty, both on the show and with your friends in the group chat. And what I loved about what we saw last night from Kat and which would give me hope if I was in Knicks fans, is that he was in full Bodega cat mode. He was scratching and crawl, you know, all the things that you want to see him do, playing so physical face to the basket, being aggressive, if he is that kind of player, if he can be that consistent, If Jalen Brunston not only lights it up offensively but also plays decent defense, which he has not been playing for all of this series, but certainly played last night, That's where you start to be like, oh, could they have a Game six? Could they have a Game seven? That kind of thing.

Yeah, it's not as if he like he did it all by himself. So it's like, oh yeah, man, jaylen Bruns, you can drop fifty. He can, But then who else is there? And that's where we get back into the Karl Anthony Towns conversation, A conversation I know you have had plenty, both on the show and with your friends in the group chat. And what I loved about what we saw last night from Kat and which would give me hope if I was in Knicks fans, is that he was in full Bodega cat mode. He was scratching and crawl, you know, all the things that you want to see him do, playing so physical face to the basket, being aggressive, if he is that kind of player, if he can be that consistent, If Jalen Brunston not only lights it up offensively but also plays decent defense, which he has not been playing for all of this series, but certainly played last night, That's where you start to be like, oh, could they have a Game six? Could they have a Game seven? That kind of thing.

All right, so before we get to oksee everybody's favorite team the New Darling. So you know, there's this whole big small market narrative around the league, and I just wonder, like we've seen changes in the league with the CBA.

All right, so before we get to oksee everybody's favorite team the New Darling. So you know, there's this whole big small market narrative around the league, and I just wonder, like we've seen changes in the league with the CBA.

They want small market teams to thrive.

They want small market teams to thrive.

Right, They've adjusted the CBA so if you draft a superstar, he's incentivized to stay with you.

Right, They've adjusted the CBA so if you draft a superstar, he's incentivized to stay with you.

And now we've got the Aprons, and I'm reading about.

And now we've got the Aprons, and I'm reading about.

The Minnesota Timberwolves apparently like they're not gonna be able to afford everybody Randall, They're gonna lose Alexander Walker, Like this.

The Minnesota Timberwolves apparently like they're not gonna be able to afford everybody Randall, They're gonna lose Alexander Walker, Like this.

Is what the league wants. Seven different champs in the seven years parody. But Rachel, I go back to the twenty tens.

Is what the league wants. Seven different champs in the seven years parody. But Rachel, I go back to the twenty tens.

Or team however you call it. I love the super team era, right, I mean it was like stacked teams. I don't care if they're in Cleveland or Miami or Golden State.

Or team however you call it. I love the super team era, right, I mean it was like stacked teams. I don't care if they're in Cleveland or Miami or Golden State.

Like to me, I love that. I know you've been around the league forever, but like who do.

Like to me, I love that. I know you've been around the league forever, but like who do.

You did you prefer the Super League super teams or do you prefer now with like everybody has a chance.

You did you prefer the Super League super teams or do you prefer now with like everybody has a chance.

It's just important to think back through who's making these decisions. Could you think about what the league wants? It's not really Adam Silver in the league office.

It's just important to think back through who's making these decisions. Could you think about what the league wants? It's not really Adam Silver in the league office.

He has bosses.

He has bosses.

Adam Silver's bosses are the thirty owners, right, and the thirty owners they want parody. Yes, they want more than three or four teams in it, because guess what if there's only three or four teams in it, then twenty five, twenty six the teams they don't have a shot. They want seven champions in seven years because that means more of them have a chance to hoist up a championship trophy. So that is who is making these decisions. That's who's making the rules about the aprons and all of this other stuff. And yeah, they want to incentivize players to stay in markets where they can't necessarily grab and attract free agents. But I just think it kind of it goes in cycle. When we have dynasties, it's frankly good for the league in terms of people outside the game, because that's what attracts non basketball fans. After a few years of Steph Curry and the Warriors winning, your grandmother knows who Steph Curry is, exactly When there's a different champion every year, your grandmother does not have time to learn who Nikolayokich or Sga is. And as I've said on this network, some grandmas know who Nikolaiokich's and I plawed those grandmas, but it's not the same. It's not the same. So I think that's what you're feeling a little bit. If you are a fan, if you are an in it everyday basketball fan, I think you probably like that there is a little more parody because your team might be able to get there.

Adam Silver's bosses are the thirty owners, right, and the thirty owners they want parody. Yes, they want more than three or four teams in it, because guess what if there's only three or four teams in it, then twenty five, twenty six the teams they don't have a shot. They want seven champions in seven years because that means more of them have a chance to hoist up a championship trophy. So that is who is making these decisions. That's who's making the rules about the aprons and all of this other stuff. And yeah, they want to incentivize players to stay in markets where they can't necessarily grab and attract free agents. But I just think it kind of it goes in cycle. When we have dynasties, it's frankly good for the league in terms of people outside the game, because that's what attracts non basketball fans. After a few years of Steph Curry and the Warriors winning, your grandmother knows who Steph Curry is, exactly When there's a different champion every year, your grandmother does not have time to learn who Nikolayokich or Sga is. And as I've said on this network, some grandmas know who Nikolaiokich's and I plawed those grandmas, but it's not the same. It's not the same. So I think that's what you're feeling a little bit. If you are a fan, if you are an in it everyday basketball fan, I think you probably like that there is a little more parody because your team might be able to get there.

And that's so who are we catering to the twenty five billionaire owners who own teams and want a profit or the casual fans, the grandma's or the diehards who are going to watch regardless whether it's a super team or Denver winning the title or a small market.

And that's so who are we catering to the twenty five billionaire owners who own teams and want a profit or the casual fans, the grandma's or the diehards who are going to watch regardless whether it's a super team or Denver winning the title or a small market.

It's and you read the newspaper. We cater to billionaires in this country. That's what we do.

It's and you read the newspaper. We cater to billionaires in this country. That's what we do.

Oh no, I like that.

Oh no, I like that.

So let me ask along that line, like, do you I think OKAC is set up for a dynasty? Because I will say, Rachel, we heard this about Denver when they want oh Murray and Jokichen there prod Yeah, And we heard this about Boston amazing roster.

So let me ask along that line, like, do you I think OKAC is set up for a dynasty? Because I will say, Rachel, we heard this about Denver when they want oh Murray and Jokichen there prod Yeah, And we heard this about Boston amazing roster.

Now we're hearing the same about OKAC. And I'm like, I've heard this before.

Now we're hearing the same about OKAC. And I'm like, I've heard this before.

Look the advantage OKC has and the reason everyone is so excited is because they are a young team with players playing on smaller rookie contracts. Because it will be a couple of years until some of their younger players like Jaylen Williams Chut Holmgren needs to really get paid, they will have the chance to keep this team together. SGA's super Max doesn't kick in right away that kind of thing. Boston was certainly set up, even though they were into the second Apron. They were set up to be a team because they kept their guys who could win a couple of championships. They just had some bad play, first of all against the next and then also some bad luck with the Tatum injury. If the Oklahoma City Thunder continue as they are, and all of the assets that they have, that's the other ingredients all of this drafts. Yes, they are set up for a run. But to your point, this is such a competitive Western co it is ridiculous. And now we're talking about rumors that Giannis is going to now join us. Just getting out of the West is going to be so hard for so many teams, including even the Thunder. Even if they win the title this year, even if they look unstoppable, they will still have to go through such a gauntlet next year.