Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 1: All-Time Knick
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Overview
In this episode of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the New York Knicks' thrilling playoff series against the Boston Celtics. With the Knicks on the brink of advancing to the conference finals for the first time since 2000, the discussion navigates through pivotal game moments, standout player performances, the significant impact of Jayson Tatum's injury, and the fervent reactions from the passionate Knicks fanbase.
Knicks vs. Celtics Series Update
The conversation kicks off with Alan Hahn highlighting the Knicks' impressive position in the series. [00:30]
Alan Hahn: "If last night was the game of the century, then I would... the Nick fans have not been this happy in, like, 25 years. You're on the verge of going to the conference final for the first time since 2000. Up 3:1 on the Boston Celtics. How you living?"
The Knicks hold a commanding 3-1 lead, setting the stage for what could be a historic advancement.
Key Game Highlights
Peter Rosenberg recounts the chaotic atmosphere on 7th Avenue post-game, painting a vivid picture of the fans' exuberance and the ensuing street festivities. [00:54]
Peter Rosenberg: "I walked out after the post-game, walking out onto the sidewalk, and 7th Avenue was starting to finally dissipate... there was a couple of young traffic cops just trying to restore order."
Jalen Brunson's Stellar Performance
A focal point of the discussion revolves around Jalen Brunson's exceptional play. Peter Rosenberg emphasizes Brunson's pivotal role in turning the series around. [05:00]
Peter Rosenberg: "This was vintage Jalen Brunson... he's becoming the next great Nick."
Don LaGreca adds depth to Brunson's impact, noting his ability to carry the team in crucial moments. [05:30]
Don LaGreca: "Jalen Brunson has truly finally entered the chat in this series... you cannot stop this guy, Alan."
Impact of Jayson Tatum's Injury
A significant portion of the episode addresses the devastating injury to Celtics' star Jayson Tatum. The hosts deliberate on the implications of his injury on the series narrative and the overall competitiveness of the Celtics. [02:56]
Don LaGreca: "But don't make it. There should be no narrative that the Knicks won that game because Tatum got hurt."
Peter Rosenberg elaborates on how Tatum's injury altered game dynamics without undermining the Knicks' performance. [03:07]
Peter Rosenberg: "The Knicks had done so much... but Jayson Tatum, he was unreal in this game. 42 points, nine threes. He was insane."
The hosts agree that while Tatum's injury is a pivotal moment, attributing the Knicks' success solely to it would be unfair.
Historical Context & Rivalries
Alan Hahn reminisces about classic Knicks rivalries, drawing parallels to iconic matchups like the Michael Jordan-era Bulls vs. Knicks. [08:14]
Alan Hahn: "Do you realize if the Pacers and the Knicks win their respective series and they're both up 3:1, this will be the fourth time that they would meet in the conference final."
Peter Rosenberg adds historical weight by comparing the current series to past battles, emphasizing the rarity and significance of the Knicks facing a defending champion. [36:49]
Peter Rosenberg: "This is the first time since '94 the Knicks have faced a defending champ."
Betting Odds & Future Outlook
The discussion shifts to the broader implications of the series on playoff odds. Peter Rosenberg highlights the fluctuating betting lines, underlining the unpredictability of the postseason. [10:16]
Peter Rosenberg: "The Knicks are plus 125. That's the favorites... championship OKC is minus 105. Clearly runaway favorites."
Alan Hahn underscores the rapid changes in team fortunes, pointing out how injuries and performances can swiftly alter betting landscapes. [11:14]
Alan Hahn: "Things turn so fast."
Fan Reactions
Engaging with fan sentiments, the hosts reflect on social media backlash and support. Don LaGreca shares his experience of receiving criticism on Twitter for his nuanced take on the series, particularly regarding Brunson's emergence. [04:49]
Don LaGreca: "I get roasted by a lot of Knicks fans who were angry at me on Twitter... I'll take the blame for it."
Listeners’ perspectives are further explored through caller interactions, where fans express their exhilaration and cautious optimism about the Knicks’ postseason journey.
Elbowing Out the Narratives
A recurring theme is the delicate balance between celebrating the Knicks' achievements and acknowledging the unfortunate circumstances of Tatum's injury. The hosts emphasize maintaining respect without diminishing the team's hard-fought victories. [12:44]
Peter Rosenberg: "It's a moment to be embraced by the Knicks and their fans. But there's a dark cloud hanging over this."
Don LaGreca and Alan Hahn agree on the importance of savoring the Knicks' successes while avoiding attributing their wins solely to adversities faced by the Celtics. [13:00]
Alan Hahn: "Say this guy's an all time great. By the way he's playing."
Final Thoughts
As the episode draws to a close, the hosts express their unbridled enthusiasm for the Knicks' prospects, urging fans to stay grounded yet hopeful. Don LaGreca underscores the remarkable turnaround and the potential for a historic conference final appearance. [23:00]
Don LaGreca: "That's what matters. That's the attitude that everybody's got to have."
Alan Hahn reiterates the significance of the upcoming Game 5 in Boston, emphasizing the need for the Knicks to maintain their momentum and secure their spot in the conference finals. [23:19]
Alan Hahn: "Get it done tomorrow and then rest up and get ready for, believe it or not, a conference final appearance for the first time since 2000."
Conclusion
This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" offers a comprehensive analysis of the Knicks' playoff run, celebrating their potential breakthrough while thoughtfully addressing the complexities introduced by injuries and high-stakes competition. Listeners are left with a sense of anticipation and optimism for the Knicks' journey towards a possible conference final appearance, bolstered by strong performances and unwavering fan support.
Note: Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the substantive discussions of the podcast.