Hour 4: Last Call Crew

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg — "Hour 4: Last Call Crew" (June 10, 2026)
ESPN New York: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Summary of Key Discussion and Moments

---

Episode Overview

This high-energy episode takes place just hours before Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. Broadcasting live from Stout in New York City—and joined by a lively crowd—the hosts dig into fan expectations, the crucial elements that could decide tonight’s pivotal game, New York sports culture, and unique Knicks moments. Guests and call-ins offer passionate opinions on the Knicks, while the hosts banter about celebrities, halftime entertainment, and the current citywide atmosphere.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Mood: Crowd vs. Game 3 (00:28–01:13)

• Don notes that the previous crowd at Game 3 “had a very bougie crowd…it didn’t bring the buzz…” (00:33)
• The team encourages the live audience—emphasizing home court advantage and real fan energy for Game 4.

2. Game 4 Expectations — Keys to Victory (02:01–03:26)

• Alan Hahn highlights three crucial factors:
  • Officiating: Will the refs clamp down on physical play after inconsistent officiating in San Antonio?
  • Karl-Anthony Towns' Impact: “If he has a big game…double-double and five-plus assists and the Knicks win, I would think that he would be easily the runaway favorite to win MVP for the Finals.” (02:18)
  • Crowd Energy: Emphasis on needing authentic Knicks fans to boost morale.
  • Celebrity Factor: “Taylor Swift’s going to be in the building…and she is a Knicks fan.” (03:25)

3. Wu-Tang Clan Halftime — What’s More New York? (03:27–05:03)

• Hosts debate if Wu-Tang Clan’s performance can be considered a “reunion” and go over which members will show up:
  • “I think it needs to be over five.” — Alan
  • “I'm seeing Raekwon for sure…Method Man…GZA…” — Alan scanning social media for sightings (04:21–04:34).

4. Blending Sports with Local Culture & Personalities (05:03–06:14)

• Hilarious juxtaposition between Knicks broadcaster Pat O’Keefe’s style and Wu-Tang’s image.
• “What would be more polar opposite of Pat O’Keefe and Wu Tang?” — Rosenberg (05:10)
• “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” — Don (05:26)

5. Fan Anxiety & the Importance of Game 4 (07:15–09:57)

• Rosenberg references Monica McNutt’s view: “Wemby’s getting better every game and that concerns her.” (07:15)
• Discussion about the pressure on both teams to avoid falling behind in the series, and how the Knicks crowd must stay engaged even if the team falls behind early:
  • “You cannot allow the air to come out of the building if things don’t start great…just keep cheering.” — Alan (09:33)

6. Call-Ins & Fan Sentiment (01:24–02:01, 16:16–16:28, 22:16–24:13)

• William in Hempstead reflects on past calls and the influence of officiating.
• Various callers hype up team spirit: “Doesn't matter the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.” — Nick in Woodbridge (22:24)
• Hosts validate the feeling of unity Knicks’ playoff run has brought to the city:
  • “It's freaking cool when the Knicks win, the whole city, the whole area, the Tri-State area gets around this…” — Don (21:44)

7. Meta-Discussion: The 'Danhausen Curse,' Superstition & Narrative Control (18:14–20:12)

• Banter about Danhausen (wrestling personality) and the idea of stardom, luck, and curses.
• “There’s no reverse jinx, there’s no reverse curse. There’s just a man just trying to get his name out there and it’s worked good for him. I’m not on board.” — Rosenberg (19:57)
• Discussion on how the Knicks’ run transcends all that: “A win brings back a little bit of that magical, mystical, hey, this has been such a fun run.” — Don (21:25)

8. Nostalgia & Perspective: Knicks’ Rare Opportunity (23:30–24:13)

• “That’s closer than you were in 99 when you lost in five. So you got to go back to 94…the last time they were this close to a championship...” — Rosenberg (23:37)
• Don: “These are your good old days…These are your glory days for that generation…” (23:58)

9. Classic Song References & Finale (24:18–25:18)

• Fun, nostalgic banter about which song would best memorialize the Knicks’ current moment:
  • “Should we close the show singing These Are the Days by Natalie Merchant? Is it Natalie Merchant or 10,000 Maniacs?” — Alan (24:18)
  • Alan and Don joke about “Glory Days” and being the Knicks’ golden age.

---

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On celebrity game-night culture:
  “There were some people that were there courtside more to be seen and less to be cheering on the Knicks.” — Alan (02:55)

• On crowd energy at the Garden:
  “It can’t be an anxiety tank, New York. That will be contagious.” — Alan (09:54)

• On the power of city unity:
  “This run has unified the city…where those who disagree on everything can agree on one thing: it’s freaking cool when the Knicks win.” — Don (21:44)

• On ignoring outside hate:
  “Who cares…you’re two wins away from a championship, and that’s closer than you were in 99…” — Rosenberg (23:30)

• Comic relief:
  “Shrimp the size of baby’s feet.” — Rosenberg, on the kind of food celebs get at MSG (16:11)

• Sportswriter nostalgia:
  “These are your good old days. These are your glory days for that generation…” — Don (23:58)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:33 — Don rallies crowd, laments bougie Game 3 atmosphere
• 02:01–03:26 — Alan lays out keys for Game 4 — officiating, Towns, and crowd importance
• 03:27–05:03 — Wu-Tang Clan halftime chat; who's really showing up
• 09:33–09:57 — Alan on the importance of relentless in-arena fan support
• 16:11 — Jokes about celebrity cuisine at MSG
• 18:14–20:12 — Analysis and dismissal of superstition and fan “curses”
• 21:25–21:58 — Don on the urgent need for a win to restore city’s magic
• 22:24 — Nick in Woodbridge with “fight in the dog” call
• 23:30–24:13 — Perspective on this being a generational Knicks moment

---

Tone, Vibe, and Atmosphere

• Spirited, New York-centric camaraderie, deep affection for the Knicks, and irreverent humor throughout
• Authentic radio sports banter—quick, reactive, direct, but always relating events on the court to the wider emotional and cultural pulse of the city

---

For fans and listeners who missed this hour:
This episode is a perfect time capsule of Knicks Final fever—blending nerves, hope, and neighborly New York ribbing as the city waits in anticipation for a game that could define the era.

Transcript

[Commercial Announcer 1]

So good, so good, so good.

[Commercial Announcer 2]

New markdowns up to 70% off are at Nordstrom Rack stores. Now Stock up and save big on shoes, tops, dresses, accessories and more must haves for summer. Join the nordiclub to unlock exclusive discounts. Shop new arrivals first and more. Plus, buy online and pick up at your favorite rack store for free. Great brands, great prices. That's why you rack.

[Don Hahn]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Rosenberg]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Don Hahn]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers. We are here at Stout. Is everybody ready for this game tonight? Can I hear you? I said that Game 3 had a very bougie crowd and it was kind of like it didn't bring the buzz and the energy. So I'm gonna need you to show me what a Garden crowd supposed to sound like right now, please.

[Alan]

That feels close.

[Don Hahn]

That's what I was looking for.

[Alan]

Feels close.

[Don Hahn]

That's what I was looking for.

[Rosenberg]

Now they're still pumped up. They're still feeling it.

[Don Hahn]

Now we got it. Now we've got it.

[Alan]

No, we're getting in the zone. We're under two hours.

[Rosenberg]

Yeah, we're under two hours. 1-800-919-3776. Last call crew take up until 7:00'. Clock. William in Hempstead, you're on ESPN New York.

[Caller]

Yes. Fellas, how are you doing today? I'm glad to call through again. And I actually called last week before game two and I had agreed with what Han had said regarding what he wanted to see in the net game as far as foul trouble and the three point play. And clearly, you know, it showed. And so I'm pretty sure the refs, they're listening to the back, back like a foul that when Miami army did. So I, I don't know. I'm not a betting man, but I gu you.

[Rosenberg]

Oh, no, we lost.

[Don Hahn]

What happened there?

[Rosenberg]

I'm not sure.

[Don Hahn]

Guaranteed something.

[Rosenberg]

He was abducted and he guaranteed. Never got the guarantee out. All right, not guarantees. But, Alan, what do you expect to see tonight?

[Don Hahn]

Well, I mean, I'm expecting like again, I'm watching the officiate. I thought the officiating game three would have been a little tighter. I thought after the first two games in San Antonio we might see it. We didn't. So I'm gonna again gonna see. Will the officiating be a little bit tougher on the extra physicality? That's 1, 2. Will the Knicks get Karl Anthony Towns going early? We haven't talked enough about Townes impact right when Monica was here with us and she brought it up. But don't you guys think that this was a guy that was on. He was on the fast track to being the Finals mvp. If the Knicks were to win this thing and, and if he has a big game tonight or again just goes back to the, you know, the double double and the five assists plot five plus assists and the Knicks win, I would think that he would be easily the runaway favorite to win MVP for the Finals. So those are things to me that are important. And last but not least, aren't you all wondering what the crowd's going to be like? How will it be different? Will there be a better energy versus an awkward energy that we felt? I felt at least in the building in game three where there were some people that were there courtside more to be seen and less to be cheering on the Knicks. I think you'll get more of a Knick crowd for this game. Taylor Swift's going to be in the building and I told you already, she is a Knicks fan. She loves the Knicks.

[Alan]

I mean, Wu Tang is performing at halftime.

[Don Hahn]

How New York is that?

[Rosenberg]

It's.

[Alan]

It's a great call.

[Don Hahn]

We reuniting all of them? I mean, is this what we're getting?

[Alan]

I. People keep throwing the word reunite around.

[Don Hahn]

Not happening.

[Alan]

I mean, they're in the middle of a world tour. Like they toured all last summer. They don't need reuniting at this moment. They've been united, double lp, world excited. The question is, what's the over under on how many members show up tonight?

[Don Hahn]

Well, it's a total number of members.

[Alan]

Well, eight or nine, depending how you look at it.

[Don Hahn]

I mean, shouldn't we get them all?

[Rosenberg]

It's the finals.

[Don Hahn]

It is the final.

[Alan]

ODB is gone, by the way.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. So it's. Well, you said eight or nine.

[Alan]

Well, because I.

[Don Hahn]

That's. I didn't know if you were including ODB or not.

[Alan]

That's like Cap. No, that's like Capadonna. It depends how you look at it.

[Rosenberg]

All right.

[Alan]

But I. I think to the original to call it Wu Tang. I think it needs to be over five.

[Rosenberg]

All right, I think we'll have that.

[Don Hahn]

You getting over five. You taking the over?

[Alan]

I'm looking right now at rehearsals.

[Don Hahn]

Okay.

[Alan]

On Twitter.

[Don Hahn]

Who are you seeing?

[Alan]

I'm seeing Raekwon for sure.

[Don Hahn]

That's good.

[Alan]

I'm seeing Method man for sure.

[Don Hahn]

Excellent.

[Alan]

I think I see Giza.

[Don Hahn]

Okay.

[Alan]

I. I think we're right.

[Rosenberg]

That's gonna be close.

[Alan]

It sounds like, it's gonna be. I think it's gonna be. Oh, I think I see Capadonna. Master Kill. I think we could. It could be everybody.

[Rosenberg]

Oh, you just named five right there.

[Alan]

It could be. I didn't see.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, but it could be everybody when halftime comes. I have to do halftime on radio today, right? I'll be up in the booth. It's going to be tough. Yeah, you got at least Pat O. Keefe. Love him. He'll be asking me questions. Not sure I'm going to really hear

[Alan]

all of the questions, you know, and you got to tell, like, I'm gonna have one.

[Don Hahn]

One like, you know, the headset. You just take the one headset, move it away so you can hear.

[Alan]

You got to tell Pat o'. Keefe songs are being.

[Rosenberg]

I. I'm just gonna say I. I. I'm just trying to think of what be more polar opposite of Pat o' Keefe and Wu Tang.

[Alan]

Oh, that is.

[Don Hahn]

I love. I don't Keeps New York.

[Alan]

Yeah, but still, in terms of his, like, style, the.

[Caller]

The.

[Don Hahn]

Don't judge a book by the sky.

[Alan]

No, no, it's not about that.

[Don Hahn]

Because he means the COVID Yeah, you're going cover.

[Alan]

You know what I mean? Like, you mean the COVID What was that, Jacob?

[Don Hahn]

Pat o' Keefe is Wu Tang.

[Alan]

I don't know what that means. You mean like, he's in Wu Tang, or you mean like Wu Tang's for the children? Pat o' Keefe is Wu Tang.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, yeah.

[Alan]

I'm just saying Pat o', Keefe, the guy, when you talk to him, feel wise, Don, I see what you're saying. A stark contrast.

[Rosenberg]

I. I feel bottle of red.

[Don Hahn]

Bottle of red guy.

[Rosenberg]

He's Billy, he's Bruce.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, but you look at me. Do you think I'm Wu Tai?

[Alan]

But you're more Wu Tang feeling than Pat.

[Rosenberg]

But I've gotten. But it's not like I never met Pat and had conversations with Pat's New York man. Well, there's a lot of people that are in New York that wouldn't like Wu Tang. Michael K. Is New York. He does not know anything about Wu Tang.

[Don Hahn]

Nothing. You think he knows nothing about Wu Tang?

[Rosenberg]

No, because he's also. Who do you think I was thinking about when I was singing the.

[Don Hahn]

Billy.

[Rosenberg]

He's Billy and Bruce. Right.

[Alan]

I think Don is correct. I think Michael knows literally nothing. Could Michael name a member of Wu Tang?

[Rosenberg]

Maybe just. Oh, come on. Me doing my Method Man? Maybe remember it?

[Alan]

Would you remember it? I don't think so.

[Don Hahn]

Text him right now, right now, listen,

[Rosenberg]

he understands the importance of Wu Tang to New York, so he'll claim he knows.

[Alan]

But I remember no member went on center stage, though.

[Rosenberg]

No, that could be a yes thing.

[Don Hahn]

What do you like it though?

[Rosenberg]

It's a bit poor.

[Don Hahn]

Look, it's better than the Baja men, Don. I mean, you know, I'll say me

[Rosenberg]

farting into a microphone is better than the Baha.

[Alan]

Listen, it's a great book. It's a great booking.

[Don Hahn]

That is epic.

[Rosenberg]

Well, that must have been a tough get in 2000. Maybe it was. There were car conventions lining up.

[Don Hahn]

You guys asked me, I'm asking you.

[Rosenberg]

All right.

[Don Hahn]

You guys will be watching from various places. What are you watching for?

[Rosenberg]

Well, something Monica said, something that I thought was very, very interesting where he says when she said that Wemby's getting better every game and that concerns her.

[Don Hahn]

Yep.

[Rosenberg]

McCaller said that the spurs are getting better. I think she was specific to Wemby, so. But I think Wemby can go off and the Knicks could still win the game. Like, I don't think it's a guarantee that if Wemby goes for 35 and 10 that the Knicks lose. I think this could be a classic. I think this is going to be. This might even go to overtime.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, God. I don't know if I could handle that.

[Rosenberg]

Well, I know, but I think. Because I think both teams understand the importance of this game. Right. Because I thought game three was overtime. In game three, as much as the Knicks didn't want to lose, they could lose, spurs couldn't.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Rosenberg]

And now you get to where it's still desperation time for San Antonio because you don't want to go down three 1. But they're still a little desperate for the Knicks 2 because they don't want to all of a sudden go from 13 straight wins and control of this series to it all of a sudden be two. Two. They've now to have a two game losing streak and now to go to San Antonio with a home team still not having one in the final. I think teams Spurs a little bit more desperate. But the Knicks will be desperate as well. I think I'll show on the court. Usually when you have an expectation about officiating ends up not being an issue. I think we're to come on the air tomorrow talking about a classic game and the Knicks win and they break the streak of not being able to have a home team win in these finals.

[Alan]

I think you're right. I feel more comfortable. I put the regular five honey on the Knicks minus One and a half,

[Rosenberg]

which is in effect, it's like money line, right?

[Alan]

In effect.

[Rosenberg]

I've seen this place two and a half. So you got a nice number there.

[Alan]

I got, I bet it yesterday. I bet it right. I bet it, I bet it right away. So I think you're right, Don. But I will say I'm putting a lot on the Knicks fans tonight. You cannot allow the air to come out of the building if things don't start. Great. Because remember, this is a team that is comfortable making a run. Like I don't think the Knicks players are panicking if they're down 10 at halftime. I think that's generally a building. Well, that's what I mean. But it can't be. The building can't let themselves get deflated when you know this is a team that's not going to go away if they're down 10. So if it starts out quick like they did in game three, those two quick Wemby dunks, you blink it at seven, nothing you can, you can't go, oh my God, it's happening again. Let just be there. Just keep cheering. Don't let the air get sucked out of this building.

[Don Hahn]

It can't be an anxiety tank New

[Alan]

York that will be contagious.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, you're right.

[Rosenberg]

New York I think acknowledges when the team needs them. So I think the building will be loud during introductions. They will be in to start. But that first, you know, if all of a sudden the spurs go on a 100 run, it it's nervous time and that may zap the energy but going in, these Knick fans know that they need them and they'll be in on it from the get go. But then the game will eventually dictate how into it they actually are. Now programming alert. Tonight's Mets Cardinals game can be heard on 1050 ESPN. So if you're tuning in thinking getting a Mets pregame, you're not. It's over on 1050 because Game 4 of the NBA Finals Knicks and Spurs can be heard on 880 ESPN. New York tip offset for 830 with pregame starting at 7 o'.

[Caller]

Clock.

[Rosenberg]

Oppad o'. Keefe. All games can be streamed on ESPN, New York's app, so keep that in mind as well. More of The Last Call Crew. 1-800-919-3776. Donald Roseburg till 7 o'.

[Alan]

Clock.

[Rosenberg]

Live from Stout Smalls here.

[Commercial Announcer 1]

If you're heading into summer without a medical emergency kit, you're taking a risk most people don't think about until it's too late. Summer colds turn into sinus infections that last weeks, ruining your perfect vacation getaway. And when you're traveling, finding a doctor and a pharmacy, it's stressful. That's why I ordered a medical emergency kit. It's like having an urgent care and a pharmacy at home. It includes prescriptions like amoxicillin and generic Z Pak to treat a wide range of illnesses. So if you wake up sick at home or on the road, you have what you need. No waiting for your doctor, no hours at urgent care and no pharmacy lines. Also, no co pays. Match your symptoms to the right prescription in your guidebook or call their telemedicine doctor. Start meds sooner and feel better faster. Every home needs a medical emergency kit, so order yours online in minutes. It's shipped right to your door. Save $45 with my promo code [e-mail] smalls that's promo code [e-mail] smalls Prescription required.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

Always consult your doctor to determine if this product is right for you. In today's world, planning ahead isn't always top of mind, but not having life insurance can leave families facing difficult financial uncertainty during already emotional times. In many cases, loved ones are managing expenses, debts or long term obligations without a clear plan in place. Life insurance is one of those ways to help provide financial security and support when it's needed most. That's where Ethos comes in. Ethos makes getting life insurance fast and easy, and it's 100% online. You can get a quote in seconds, apply in minutes and even get same day coverage. There's no medical exam, you just answer a few simple health questions online. And coverage options are flexible, with up to $3 million available and some policies starting at around $30 a month. Ethos has also earned strong customer feedback with a 4.8 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot based on more than 3,000 reviews. Help protect your family with life insurance through Ethos get your instant free', @ethos.com sports that's ethos.com sports application. Times and rates may vary.

[Commercial Announcer 4]

Game day at my place is kind of a big deal. If I'm grilling, chilling and watching hoops, my outdoor patio setup better be ready to play. That's where Wayfair wins. From patio seating and umbrellas to grills and grilling accessories, Wayfair's got it all and it shows up fast. I'm talking championship level fast and easy delivery. So level up your grill game and your outdoor chill game and head to Wayfair.com now to get your outdoor space ready for the season.

[Commercial Announcer 3]

I'm pretty confident talking into a mic. Hey, I'm doing it right now. But home projects, I second guess everything. Is that noise normal? Is that water damage? And who should I even call? That's where thumbtack comes in. Upload a photo or a voice note and their AI powered search helps diagnose the issue and match you with the right top rated local pro. Instead of guessing or searching for hours, you get clarity and can hire the right pro with confidence. For your next home project, try thumbtack. They know homes. Hire the right pro today.

[Alan]

Check engine ABS or maintenance light on. Take the guesswork out of your warning lights with O'Reilly Veriscan. The service is free and provides a report with solutions verified by ASE Certified Master Technicians. And if you need help, we can recommend a shop for you. Ask for O'Reilly Veriscan today.

[Caller]

Oh, oh, oh.

[Don Hahn]

O'Reilly Auto Parts.

[Commercial Announcer 4]

Bus Rolney here for La Quinta by Wyndham Summer work travel can feel like extra innings, long days, late nights, and not a lot of room to stretch out, especially when your hotel room feels more like the dugout than the clubhouse. But when you stay at La Quinta by Wyndham, you can step up to spacious suites that give you room to relax, recharge, and get ready for the next day. I always feel like I need that when I'm traveling on the road covering ball games. Plus, you can earn Wyndham rewards points with every qualified stay because when you've got space to unwind, you're always playing at your best. Tonight, La Quinta, tomorrow you shine. Book your next work [e-mail] Terms and conditions apply.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Alan]

This is Michael being the genius he is. I know they're a clan,

[Rosenberg]

all right. He doesn't know.

[Don Hahn]

I like that answer.

[Rosenberg]

There's nothing wrong with that.

[Don Hahn]

Excellent. Excellent.

[Alan]

I heard them doing cream in rehearsal. It's very clear they're doing cream and I don't. I don't know what else.

[Don Hahn]

Of all days for me to have to do halftime because I'd be right there on the court.

[Alan]

Oh, you can't cancel this.

[Don Hahn]

I know, right? Can I get Wally to do it?

[Rosenberg]

Yeah, can you switch Wally?

[Don Hahn]

What do you say?

[Rosenberg]

Wally doesn't know that.

[Don Hahn]

By the way, I want to sit front and center because all, you know, all the celebs are going to get up, they're going to go in the back, get their bougie food. Yeah, I'm staying out to watch Wu Tang.

[Rosenberg]

Shrimp the size of baby's feet.

[Don Hahn]

Hey, guys. Soccer fans, join us for a live broadcast presented by Milagro Tequila. Another live broadcast. That's right. We love doing these, apparently. So this one's happening on Friday. That's this Friday.

[Alan]

Where, though?

[Don Hahn]

At Plato out on Long Island. Franklin Square, you know, like right in my backyard. Get there early, of course, Everybody. Starting at 3pm is the show. You can grab a Mila Gross a cocktail with me and we can talk some matchup storylines while you're part of the live passionate soccer atmosphere. Don't miss the special live event with Don, Peter and myself on Friday. That's this, of course, Friday, June 12th at Platt Doge playing Franklin Square on Long Island. It's all brought to you by Milagro Tequila. We are at Stout right now. The crowd is rowdy. They're feeling it, right, everybody? We are feeling it tonight. We are ready for this game.

[Alan]

I didn't hit the way I did

[Don Hahn]

not hit a lot better last segment.

[Rosenberg]

They spent it all.

[Don Hahn]

The last of energy already.

[Alan]

Why did he go back to the. Well, he. He does that.

[Don Hahn]

I wanted to.

[Alan]

I wanted one more pop, but you. It's not like that loud. We're not that loud.

[Don Hahn]

You don't think we're that loud here?

[Alan]

You have to make like a real effort, I think.

[Don Hahn]

All right, can I do it? Turn me up.

[Caller]

There you go.

[Don Hahn]

Turn me up.

[Alan]

He wants to be on in the house now. It wants to be loud in the house.

[Don Hahn]

Turn me up. Turn me up.

[Alan]

See how this goes? Here we go.

[Don Hahn]

That's what we're talking. So as I just said a moment ago, everybody here, are we ready for the Knicks game four tonight?

[Alan]

Oh, yeah. You bet your ass. You bet your ass. Alan.

[Don Hahn]

Han. That's the. That's the pop. Now can I get. Charlie Ward was here with us a few minutes ago. He gave us a Go, New York, go. Can I get one here, please?

[Rosenberg]

That's not what he asked for.

[Don Hahn]

No, Come on. Ask for a Go, New York. Go, New York, go.

[Rosenberg]

All right.

[Alan]

No, you know what it's feeling right now?

[Don Hahn]

I'm satisfied.

[Alan]

All right, good.

[Don Hahn]

I'm satisfied. Go, Nicks. No, we did not need.

[Alan]

So you guys gotta stop. Stop waving your. Not Alan as much Don's so quick. What do you mean? They've. They've been A different team since he uncursed them.

[Rosenberg]

No.

[Alan]

And now you're just. You're just done with it.

[Rosenberg]

He has nothing to do with this at all. And I don't. And I don't know how much he's paid ESPN for all this promotion. You can't get more promotion.

[Alan]

I don't think he's benefit.

[Caller]

Nothing.

[Rosenberg]

In no way he's benefiting from.

[Don Hahn]

I'll tell you what. He's on notice, though, if this. If everything. It starts going wrong.

[Alan]

Well, why would that be his fault? He didn't change anything.

[Don Hahn]

He's full of.

[Rosenberg]

I'm not on board with him, by the way.

[Don Hahn]

He's got to pay this off now. It's just a bad look.

[Alan]

It's a shame. He's very entertaining.

[Don Hahn]

I just.

[Rosenberg]

I don't like. I told you. I don't like him being like the. The Grimace and the Hawk tool girl.

[Don Hahn]

We don't exactly.

[Rosenberg]

They're playing nobody's.

[Don Hahn]

Not that Nobody's embracing it other than himself.

[Alan]

No, that's not true. Wrestling fans and Nick fans. That the. The diagram. They're enjoying it. But no one's treating him like he's.

[Don Hahn]

This is not hot.

[Alan]

It's all tongue in cheek. No one's actually like, oh my God. Ever since it. It's more a fun.

[Rosenberg]

Well, I don't find it fun because

[Don Hahn]

he's a Mets fan and he knows this stuff's bad.

[Alan]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

I think you're bad juju.

[Alan]

I think you're broken. It's only the Mets would take it seriously and actually start making Hawk to a T shirts in the building. And the juju is so bad, it ended her public life. The Mets ended her public. They killed her. The Mets killed Hawk Tuiger.

[Rosenberg]

Right.

[Alan]

She went from being a worldwide phenomenon. She throws out a first pitch, a T shirt gets made. She gets involved with some Ponzi schem. She literally no longer exists. You can't find a current picture of her. That's the Mets. You don't have to worry about that with Danhausen and the Knicks. It's not that.

[Rosenberg]

Yeah, because the Knicks are changing the narrative because they're playing well. They've. They finally figured it out. There's no mysticism to this. There's no reverse jinx. There's no reverse curse. There's just a man just trying to get his name out there and it's worked good for him. I'm not on board.

[Don Hahn]

Fair point. I didn't know who he was in until all this.

[Alan]

I just don't like Don's negativity.

[Rosenberg]

It's just, oh, I'm being positive. I'm giving the Knicks respect. I'm not. I'm not disrespecting him like the Mets with their stupid little antics.

[Don Hahn]

But you said something earlier that I think is. Is. Is probably the truest thing you've ever said.

[Rosenberg]

Thank you. Wow.

[Don Hahn]

And. And that is there's suddenly a greater importance on this win that goes beyond a series.

[Rosenberg]

What's that?

[Don Hahn]

It's kind of getting the Knicks. The Knicks getting a win calms down what has been at the start of this week. It's been a bit. It's been hectic, right. And the emotions have run high and frustrations have run high. You've got restrictions around the arena. You've all of a sudden got these barricades up now. No one's allowed to have those celebrations out front of the Garden tonight that we're so used to seeing. It's become a ritual for Knick fans. You, you. Everybody meets at the Garden, and we all jump up and down for about an hour and celebrate a playoff win that's taken away. So it just feels like, again, the end of the innocence came after, like, Friday night. And this week hasn't felt like what the last two months has felt like. Am I right?

[Rosenberg]

Right.

[Don Hahn]

And so a win brings back a little bit of that magical, mystical, hey, this has been such a fun run. And look at now. They're one win away. That's how important now this is. It's almost like we forget this run has unified the city, has brought people together where those who disagree on everything can agree on one thing. It's freaking cool when the Knicks win, the whole city, the whole area, the Tri State area gets around this, and we've lost that for a couple of days. You need to get it back. A win does that. So it goes beyond just a series in a basketball game.

[Alan]

I couldn't agree with you more. There has been a series of things that have happened over the last 48 hours that just don't relate to the game.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Alan]

And it even happened more today. The Knicks need to handle this. The players themselves need to turn the narrative back into, this is a magical season and it happens with a win tonight.

[Rosenberg]

Get back to work. Time for one last call. Nick and Woodbridge, you're on. Don, Han and Rosenberg. What's up, man? Last call, crew.

[Caller]

Hey, guys, thanks for taking the call. I'll keep it short and swimple simple. Doesn't matter the size of this. The dog in the fight. It's the size of the fight in the dog. So I don't care how big Wemby is. I don't care how tough he wants to act. The end of the day, the Knicks are the better basketball team. I stand by that. People want to doubt Jalen Brunson, 82 points on 81 shots, whatever that metric is. Keep doubting them, because he's going to bring us a championship. Let's go, Knicks.

[Rosenberg]

Well, nobody's down him in New York, that's for sure. Now, what's happening outside of New York? Who cares, man? Like, honestly, Alan and I have conversations all the time about, like, ignoring the haters on Twitter and the negativity and all that. Dude, this is. This is about us. This is about the team that you've rooted for your entire life. So if people in LA and Chicago and Dallas, you know, all think that this is a fugazi run, that they're not going to be back, who cares?

[Don Hahn]

It's not for them.

[Rosenberg]

It's not for them. It's for New York. And it's the one thing that can really unite everybody. So, you know, you brought up, you know, a couple of weeks ago, maybe you want the Thunder over the Spurs. People can't disrespect that. They got the easier.

[Alan]

Who cares?

[Rosenberg]

Honestly? Who cares? You're two wins away from a championship, and that's closer than you were in 99 when you lost in five. So you got to go back to 94. The last time they were this close to a championship, Honestly. Yeah, so. And that's a lifetime ago. There's a lot of people in this building right now, in the sound of my voice, that weren't alive for it or too young to remember it. That's how long you've gone. And then forget the last time they won a championship. That's 53 years ago. You'd have to be in your 60s the last time, you know, you. You could remember.

[Don Hahn]

These are your good old days. These are. These are your glory days for that generation that you're just talking about that doesn't really remember as far back as 99 or 94 that has only heard about the 90s from your uncle or your dad or your. Whoever it is, your older brother.

[Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

And you don't really know it. And the only thing you say is, yeah, but they didn't win. They didn't win it.

[Alan]

Should we be saying, should we. Should we close the show singing these Are the Days by Natalie Merchant? Is it Natalie Merchant or 10,000 Maniacs?

[Rosenberg]

What what song are you talking about?

[Alan]

These Are the Days.

[Don Hahn]

These are the days. These are. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. We'll remember.

[Rosenberg]

Oh, I thought the other one. What's her name? These Are the Days, my friends.

[Don Hahn]

Isn't that from the seventies?

[Rosenberg]

Forever and today.

[Alan]

I don't know what the hell you're talking about.

[Don Hahn]

This. I thought you were gonna do Bruce Springsteen, Glory Days, because that too, like you hear about glory days.

[Alan]

Everybody days.

[Don Hahn]

Donald get upset because he hates that song. Oh, he's a baseball player. What was the word?

[Rosenberg]

He threw that speedball. I'm sorry, were they throwing drugs around? Bruce, what are you talking about? Oh, he's a big baseball. Michael said he's a big baseball fan.

[Don Hahn]

You know what? Take it out with another.

[Alan]

Come on.

[Don Hahn]

Come on.

[Rosenberg]

Donna Rosenberg, ESPN New York.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know.

[Caller]

It's good.

[Don Hahn]

Hear more of Don Allen and Peter Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.

[Commercial Announcer 2]

Your next chapter in health care starts at Carrington College's School of Nursing in Portland. Join us for our open house on Tuesday, January 13th from 4 to 7pm you'll tour our campus, see live demos, meet instructors and learn about our associate degree in nursing program that prepares you to become a registered nurse. Take the first step toward your nursing career. Save your spot now at Carrington. Edu Events. For information on program outcomes, visit carrington. Edu Sci Fi.