Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
Episode: Hour 1: ECF Predictions
Release Date: May 21, 2025
Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Description: Bringing together the voices of ESPN New York legend Don LaGreca, sportswriter and broadcaster Alan Hahn, and Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg, this podcast delves into New York sports and beyond.

Episode Overview

In this episode titled "ECF Predictions," hosts Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg engage in an in-depth analysis of the Eastern Conference Finals (ECF), focusing primarily on the New York Knicks versus the Indiana Pacers series. The discussion encompasses team performances, key player matchups, coaching strategies, and predictions for the series outcome.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Historical Context and Team Performances

• Don LaGreca reminisces about his early career covering the New Jersey Devils and his experiences during their Stanley Cup run in 2000. He draws parallels between past team performances and the current Knicks' journey.

  "My first year as a pro beat writer... covering the Devils... That season ends. And then they go, all right, well, jump on the Devils... And what a run they had, right, winning the Stanley Cup."
  [02:00] Don LaGreca

• Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg reflect on the Knicks' return to the conference finals for the first time since 2000, emphasizing the city's excitement and nostalgic sentiments.

  "First time since May of 1999... That's the last time the Knicks played in a conference final."
  [01:07] Alan Hahn

2. Knicks vs. Pacers Series Analysis

• The hosts delve into the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. Don advocates for the Knicks, highlighting their improved defense and mental toughness gained from overcoming previous playoff challenges.

  "I really believe this is going to go back to Indiana 11 and then we'll see what happens from there."
  [06:24] Don LaGreca

• Peter Rosenberg counters by emphasizing the Pacers' consistency and robust defensive gameplay, arguing that the Knicks' recent success might be a result of momentum rather than inherent superiority.

  "This Pacers team is really good. Really, really solid basketball team...they are a full half a notch better a basketball team. And they will show it over six games."
  [05:28] Peter Rosenberg

• Alan Hahn expresses his prediction of a six-game series favoring the Pacers, citing their balanced team and strategic depth.

  "I am going to be that guy. I'm going to say Pacers in six and I am."
  [06:39] Alan Hahn

3. Key Player Matchups

• Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns emerge as pivotal figures in the series. Don discusses Brunson's evolution from a burden to a leader, especially after overcoming an ankle injury.

  "Jalen Brunson's dagger right against the Pistons. I think this series is the one where Towns has that moment that 20 years from now..."
  [21:40] Don LaGreca

• Peter Rosenberg highlights Towns' versatility and offensive prowess, suggesting that his performance could be the deciding factor in the series.

  "Carl Anthony Towns owned the Pacers this season... he could have a huge series."
  [17:28] Peter Rosenberg

4. Coaching Strategies

• The coaching battle between Rick Carlisle (Pacers) and JJ Mazzulla (Knicks) is dissected, with emphasis on Carlisle's experience and adaptive strategies.

  "Rick Carlisle's had a heck of a coach... he works the media, he works the refs... he's smart now. He's got a ring."
  [37:54] Alan Hahn

• Peter Rosenberg questions JJ Mazzulla's consistency, reflecting on the Knicks' past struggles to close out games against formidable opponents like the Celtics.

  "Missoula's reputation, the quickness with which it took a hit... Terrible. Amazing. Terrible."
  [38:09] Peter Rosenberg

5. Series Predictions and Outcomes

• The hosts present varying predictions, with Alan Hahn firmly backing the Pacers to win the series in six games, while Don LaGreca supports the Knicks to extend the series to seven, reflecting optimism about their defensive cohesion and resilience.

  "I'm rooting hard for the Knicks... I just have this feeling that this Pacers team is going to be more than I think people are bargaining for."
  [08:00] Don LaGreca

  "I think Kenny's team... we're not going to see seven."
  [06:35] Peter Rosenberg

Listener Interactions and Calls

Q&A Section: Fan Predictions and Concerns

Listeners call in to share their predictions and concerns about the series. Moose in Jamaica suggests a classic "quality versus quantity" matchup favoring the Knicks, while Brian in Sleepy Hollow expresses anxiety over the Pacers' physical dominance and their ability to disrupt the Knicks' gameplay.

"If I was super confident in games and winners, I have the Knicks winning."
[24:16] Moose in Jamaica

"The thing that worries me with this series is the length and the size of the Pacers and the pace that they're gonna put the Knicks on."
[34:01] Caller

"The Knicks weren't really that team... They were built to beat Boston... Indiana is going to give us a real problem."
[34:01] Caller

Technical Glitches and Banter

During the call-in segment, some technical issues arise, leading to humorous exchanges among the hosts about callers being put on hold and handling unexpected interruptions.

"It's right here for us."
[13:08] Don LaGreca

"You never know who's calling in today."
[23:48] Don LaGreca

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "This is a more well-rounded Pacer team. I can't say the Pacers are better than the Celtics because the Celtics had a better record in the regular season and won the championship the year before. But I could certainly say that they were playing as good, if not better than the Celtics down the stretch."

  [08:30] Don LaGreca

• "We know we could beat them. We match up well with them... So their mentality has changed, you hope, completely."

  [13:48] Don LaGreca

• "This could be the series that... Jalen Brunson's dagger right against the Pistons... And Siakam is that for Halliburton, the guy that can carry the offense."

  [21:40] Don LaGreca

Concluding Remarks

The episode wraps up with the hosts reinforcing their predictions and encouraging listeners to stay engaged through calls and further discussions. They also touch upon related sports topics, including brief mentions of MLB teams like the Mets and Yankees, and tease upcoming podcast content.

"Nothing bigger right now than the Knicks first conference final appearance since 2000. Let's jump into."
[43:15] Alan Hahn

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections as per the guidelines. It focuses solely on the substantive discussions and analyses presented by the hosts and their interactions with listeners.