The Herd with Colin Cowherd Hoops Tonight - 5 NBA Reactions: OKC still lethal on defense, Celtics contenders, Lakers, Wolves, Nuggets ISSUES
Feb 24, 2026
Five NBA reactions covering OKC's stifling defense and breakout playmakers. Boston's relentless pursuit of small edges to become true contenders. Concerns about Austin Reaves and the Lakers' inconsistent results versus top teams. Minnesota's trouble handling quick perimeter guards. Denver's rocky stretch since Nikola Jokic returned.
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Thunder Defense Can Break Guard-First Offenses
- The Oklahoma City Thunder's defense can completely decompose elite guard-driven offenses.
- Against the Cleveland Cavaliers without Shai and Jalen, OKC's blitzes, rotations, and high-impact plays (e.g., Chet Holmgren's lob interception) forced 10 first-quarter turnovers and a 20-point lead.
Cason Wallace's Interior Passing Unlocks OKC Offense
- Young OKC ball-handlers like Cason Wallace can create offense without Shai by probing and delivering interior passes.
- Timpf highlights Wallace's low, protected dribble and interior passing that found Hartenstein and others in the half court.
Jared McCain Adds Off-Ball Movement Threat
- Jared McCain's off-ball movement provides a secondary way to break defenses aside from dribble penetration.
- Timpf compares McCain's constant movement and corner shooting to a scaled Steph Curry tactic that generates second-wave open looks.