THE HERD - Hour 1 - Time to give the Knicks credit, Celtics face a game 7, defending LeBron James

In this episode of The Herd, Colin Cowherd dissects the latest NBA playoff developments, starting with the Knicks' surprising resilience in their first-round series. He praises the Knicks for their complementary roster and depth, acknowledging their 65-10 run in Game 6 as a moment of elite execution, though he remains skeptical about their championship ceiling without a star addition. Cowherd argues that the modern NBA lacks dominant 'great' teams, citing the absence of historical dynasties like the Bulls or Warriors, and emphasizes that success now comes from formulaic systems rather than individual brilliance. He contrasts the Knicks’ balanced roster with the Denver Nuggets’ aging core, warning them against repeating Milwaukee’s mistakes by clinging to older players like Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. The episode also examines the Celtics’ path to Game 7 against the Sixers, questioning Boston’s reliance on a shooting formula and noting Jason Tatum’s diminished performance. Cowherd highlights the rise of youth and athleticism in the West, especially with teams like OKC, San Antonio, and Minnesota, and critiques the Lakers’ struggles against Houston’s physicality, particularly the impact of Kevin Durant’s absence on team dynamics. He draws a parallel between the Rockets’ situation and the Kyrie Irving trade with Boston, suggesting that adding a veteran can stifle young players’ development. The episode closes with a mix of sports news, including Fernando Mendoza’s Raiders number change and Cleveland’s quarterback turmoil, reinforcing Cowherd’s theme: in today’s NBA, depth, adaptability, and smart roster construction matter more than ever.