The Herd with Colin Cowherd Hoops Tonight - Reaction to EVERY NBA Xmas: Spurs/Thunder, Nuggets/Wolves, Lakers/Rockets, Dubs/Mavs, Knicks/Cavs
Dec 28, 2025
Jason Timpf dives into thrilling NBA Christmas Day action, highlighting the San Antonio Spurs as the best team right now, thanks to Victor Wembanyama's impact. He praises Nikola Jokic's historic performance in a Nuggets win and discusses the struggles of the Lakers and the potential of the Warriors finding their rhythm. Timpf also examines emerging stars like Cooper Flagg and Jalen Brunson, while critiquing the Thunder's defensive issues. It's a jam-packed recap filled with insights on key matchups and standout players!
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Perimeter Advantage Breaks Thunder Defense
- San Antonio's perimeter size and ball-handling depth consistently break Oklahoma City's defense at the point of attack.
- That creates high-quality spot-up and kickout looks which the Spurs are converting at elite rates.
Guarding Thunders' Catch-And-Shoot Is Key
- Oklahoma City's three-point struggles are surfacing when opponents make them take guarded catch-and-shoots.
- They're second-worst guarded but fifth-best unguarded, so defenders who contest change outcomes dramatically.
Jokic's Carry Shows His Value
- Nikola Jokic produced a historic 56-16-15 performance to carry Denver in spite of injuries.
- Jokic and Jamal Murray's elite play masks roster shortfalls when healthy or under duress.