THE HERD - Hour 2 - NBA analyst Frank Isola joins The Herd

The Herd with Colin Cowherd42mJune 11, 2026
AI-Generated Summary

The New York Knicks' improbable run in the NBA Finals isn't just about talent—it's about a rare, almost mystical cohesion that transcends individual brilliance. As host Colin Cowherd and NBA analyst Frank Isola dissect the series, they argue that the Knicks aren't a historically great team, but they’ve become a historically great *moment*—a unit defined by situational IQ, hustle, and emotional intelligence. The defining play? OG Anunoby’s game-tying tip-in in Game 4, which Cowherd calls a 'Willis Reed moment'—a defining act of will that redefined the series. Isola emphasizes that this isn't just about players like Jalen Brunson or Victor Wembanyama; it's about the Knicks making smarter, more disciplined decisions in crunch time, while the Spurs—despite leading every game late—crumble under pressure due to coaching missteps, fatigue, and poor in-game adjustments. The episode reframes the narrative: this isn’t a dynasty in the making, but a team that thrives not because of talent, but because they want it more, think faster, and play with a collective soul. The conversation then pivots to the U.S. men’s soccer team ahead of the World Cup, where coach Greg Berhalter expresses cautious optimism. Despite defensive concerns and a lack of 'Dempsey-level' toughness, Berhalter believes the team’s maturity, European experience, and growing confidence from recent wins against Senegal and Germany give them a real shot. Cowherd and Isola agree that the U.S.

Key Takeaways
1

The Knicks' 3-1 lead isn't due to talent alone, but to a rare, high-IQ cohesion that makes winning plays in clutch moments.

2

OG Anunoby’s game-tying tip-in in Game 4 ranks among the top five moments in Knicks Finals history, comparable to Willis Reed’s 1970 comeback.

3

The Spurs’ collapse despite leading every game late is due to poor coaching decisions, especially in managing Victor Wembanyama’s minutes and defensive rotations.

4

Chris Richards’ return gives the U.S. men’s soccer team a crucial aerial threat and defensive anchor for the World Cup.

5

The U.S. team’s confidence is growing, but they still lack the 'Dempsey toughness'—a gritty, scrappy edge that defines elite underdog teams.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
3 min

Podcast Intro & Sponsor Breaks

The episode begins with standard iHeartRadio sponsor messages for Family Secrets, Body by Jake Radio, Drink Champs, and Rebel Spirit, promoting various podcasts and health content.

2:35
3 min

World Cup Kickoff & Super Six Goals

Cowherd kicks off the World Cup coverage with a countdown of the top six goals in history, including Ronaldinho’s magical strike and Maradona’s legendary solo run.

5:36
4 min

Greg Berhalter on U.S. Soccer’s Momentum

I think the pressure is a good thing in this case. And the reason why I say that because along with the pressure comes the potential, the potential for amazing fan support, amazing momentum being created in this tournament.

Highlight
9:26
6 min

Knicks’ Coherence vs. Spurs’ Collapse

The Knicks come across as the smarter team in those winning moments, making the plays, and that's the difference, Colin.

Highlight
15:24
6 min

The Rise of OG Anunoby & Knicks’ Identity

He can do so many different things. Brunson can't defend, Cat's a little inconsistent, Wemby's offense isn't refined. So that deal by the guys that run in the New York Knicks to get him from the Raptors and they had to give stuff up, but he has been a huge find.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
That shot last night. I mean, that is a Willis Reed moment. That's Jerry West hitting the half court shot against the Knicks.
Frank Isola48:10
Why do the Spurs have two small guards? You know the Knicks are going to try to shoot the thing with time on the clock and then get a tip in. Why do the Spurs have two small guys on the floor?
Frank Isola49:57
The Knicks, to me, come across as the smarter team in those winning moments, making the plays, and that's the difference, Colin.
Frank Isola44:16
Speakers

Host

Colin Cowherd

Guest

Frank Isola
Topics Discussed
nba finals95%new york knicks90%team cohesion88%victor wembanyama85%frank isola80%u.s. men's soccer75%world cup 202670%coaching decisions65%
People & Brands

frank isola

person

15xPositive

iheartradio

organization

15xNeutral

nba

organization

14xNeutral

colin cowherd

person

12xNeutral

og anunoby

person

12xPositive

jalen brunson

person

11xPositive

victor wembanyama

person

10xNeutral

greg berhalter

person

10xPositive

world cup

organization

10xPositive

de'aaron fox

person

8xNeutral

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