THE HERD - Hour 2 - Rachel Nichols stops by to talk about the NBA Finals

Rachel Nichols, covering her 25th NBA Finals, delivers a visceral account of Game 4’s electric atmosphere—calling it the second-best game she’s ever witnessed, just behind the 2016 Cavaliers’ historic 3-1 comeback. She recounts the Knicks’ fans refusing to leave the arena, singing New York anthems long after the game ended, and shares emotional moments with legends like Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, and Bill Bradley. Nichols argues that while Victor Wemby’s physical dominance is undeniable, his lack of offensive polish and fatigue in the fourth quarter reveal a 22-year-old still developing. She praises Jalen Brunson’s relentless leadership and fourth-quarter heroics as the real engine of the Knicks’ comeback, calling him a 'small guy with a true leader’s heart.' The episode also critiques the NBA’s new CBA, which discourages star-stacking and rewards roster composition over individual talent, making teams like the Knicks—built on depth and fit—more viable than ever. Finally, the conversation turns to the broader cultural moment, with a sharp critique of college sports’ prohibitionist gambling policies, arguing that banning bets on college athletes is unrealistic and counterproductive.