Hoops Tonight - GAME 4 REACTION: Dosunmu & Wolves up 3-1 vs Jokic & Nuggets + Brunson & Knicks beat McCollum & Hawks
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The Herd with Colin Cowherd delivers a deep, energetic breakdown of Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, focusing on the dramatic shifts in momentum across multiple series. Minnesota’s defense dominates Denver, with Io DeSoonmu erupting for 43 points and the Timberwolves’ physicality dismantling Nikola Jokic’s offense, who is criticized for being 'downright bad' and failing to elevate his team. The analysis highlights a growing trend in the NBA: the increasing importance of physicality, athleticism, and depth over finesse, with teams like Minnesota and Oklahoma City redefining defensive pressure by disrupting offenses before they even reach half-court. The Knicks reverse their fortunes against the Hawks by switching to a more diverse, off-ball-heavy offense and aggressive perimeter defense, forcing Atlanta into poor shooting and turnovers. Meanwhile, the Magic edge the Pistons in a wild game, with Wendell Carter Jr. anchoring a dominant defensive effort. The episode concludes with a fiery critique of player conduct, particularly Lou Dort’s dangerous leg-sticking tactics, and a candid mailbag segment where Cowherd addresses fan questions on player health, team strategy, and the future of Jokic’s legacy. The overarching theme is that the modern NBA is increasingly a war of attrition, where physical dominance and resilience determine playoff survival.
Physicality and defensive disruption are now more critical than offensive finesse in the NBA playoffs.
Io DeSoonmu’s 43-point explosion and Minnesota’s defensive pressure have shifted the Nuggets series to a 3-1 deficit.
Jokic’s poor performance has raised serious questions about his status as the best player in the world.
The Knicks’ offensive diversity and defensive adjustments in Game 4 were key to their comeback against Atlanta.
Wendell Carter Jr. is the defensive fulcrum for Orlando, neutralizing Detroit’s bully-ball strategy.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Podcast Intro & Sponsor Ads
The episode begins with a series of iHeartRadio podcast promos, including The Clifford Show, Learn the Hard Way, Love Trapped, 2%, and Look Back at It, followed by a brief ad for Hard Rock Bet.
Injuries & Physical Toll of the Playoffs
Cowherd opens with a sobering look at the mounting injuries—Dante DiVincenzo’s Achilles, Anthony Edwards’ knee, and others—highlighting how the NBA’s fast pace and physicality are taking a toll on players’ longevity.
Minnesota’s Defensive Domination of Denver
“Minnesota does the same thing to you. I loved the way Tim Legler broke it down on the broadcast talking about how nothing was conceded. What does he mean by that? A lot of teams think of defense as like guarding specific actions. Minnesota and Oklahoma City are like, screw that. We're trying to turn you over before you get to your action.”
Jokic’s Collapse & the Shift in NBA Team Building
“Jokic has fallen completely off the bottom of the spectrum in this series. He was terrible in that second half. There was a play where you could tell Minnesota is literally causing him to lose his composure and rush things in a way that this was literally the most composed basketball player in the league for the last five years.”
Knicks’ Offensive Revolution vs. Hawks
“The Knicks offense has always been at their best when they run off misses and turnovers, which they did tonight, when they play advantage basketball off of the advantages they create in transition, and when they get everybody involved on the ball.”
“Jokic has fallen completely off the bottom of the spectrum in this series. He was terrible in that second half. There was a play where you could tell Minnesota is literally causing him to lose his composure and rush things in a way that this was literally the most composed basketball player in the league for the last five years.”
“What Lou Dort did today sucked. He needs to cut that shit out. It's really that simple.”
“If Jokic loses in this series, Shea will become the unanimous best player in the world. No one will have a case.”
Host
Guest
Colin Cowherd
person
Nikola Jokic
person
Denver Nuggets
other
Minnesota Timberwolves
other
New York Knicks
other
Io DeSoonmu
person
Atlanta Hawks
other
Orlando Magic
other
Detroit Pistons
other
Wendell Carter Jr.
person
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