Best of The Herd

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd features a deep dive into the NBA playoffs, with a focus on the Lakers' recent blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, which Cowherd uses to question the Lakers' championship legitimacy. He argues that the Thunder's dominant defensive strategy—specifically targeting Luka Dončić—exposed the Lakers' overreliance on their star and highlighted the team's lack of depth and defensive versatility. Cowherd also discusses the broader implications of the NBA season, emphasizing how the long regular season makes it difficult for even great offensive teams to prepare for elite defenses, but that playoff intensity changes the game. The episode transitions into a detailed preview of the NCAA Final Four, where Cowherd praises the diversity and competitiveness of the bracket, especially highlighting the success of underdog teams like Illinois, Michigan, and UConn, and lauds the NIL era for leveling the playing field. He also reflects on coaching, player development, and the changing dynamics of college basketball, citing the importance of player longevity and mental health. The segment concludes with a strong endorsement of the Spurs' potential to upset the defending champion Thunder, driven by Victor Wembanyama's dominance and team depth.