Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

ESPN New York | February 2, 2026

Episode: Hour 1 — "Knicks Back on Track"

Episode Overview

The first hour of this episode centers on the New York Knicks’ resurgence, their six-game winning streak, and what it means for the team's near future. The hosts—Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg—dissect the Knicks’ improved play, speculate about possible trades (notably around Giannis), and passionately debate whether the current squad deserves a real playoff chance without major changes. The trio also sprinkles in lively banter about aging, Knicks broadcaster Michael Kay’s birthday, music, and Super Bowl halftime history, giving the episode its signature blend of sports insight and New York attitude.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reunion and Personal Catch-Up (00:25–03:15)

• The hosts highlight being back together after a few weeks apart.
• Light conversation about travel woes, jet lag, odd dreams, and winter weather.

Memorable moment:
Peter Rosenberg recounts a bizarre dream involving Jon Gruden at a golf tournament:

“Jon Gruden was in the golf tournament. Something went wrong. He threw his club. He badly maimed a person on television. It was horrifying... Woke me up out of my sleep.” (02:07, Rosenberg)

2. Michael Kay’s 65th Birthday (03:15–10:00)

• Good-natured teasing and reflection on Michael Kay turning 65.
• Discussion about how perceptions of age have changed.
• Debates what milestone birthdays mean post-60.

Notable quote:

“65 is definitely not what it used to be. In our parents’ age... now, someone drops dead at 65, it’s like, ‘Oh my God. Tragic.’” (05:37, Rosenberg)

• Playful talk: if a single Michael Kay were on the dating scene at 65, what age range would be "acceptable" for his rotation.
• Lively exchange about Bill Belichick’s relationship drama and how media/fans judge personal choices.

3. Knicks’ Winning Streak & Trade Landscape (12:45–21:00)

• Don leads into the Knicks' six-game streak, describing it as a “quiet six in a row.”
• Knicks have “overcome that little problem” from weeks prior, dominating the Lakers on national TV.
• Alan Hahn analyzes the upcoming schedule (Washington, Denver, Detroit, Boston) and sees Friday’s game in Detroit as a “litmus test.”

Insightful observation:

“Friday night feels to me like a real litmus test... you go back there where you were most embarrassed this year.” (13:32, Hahn)

• Trade deadline speculation:
  • Chase for Giannis feels “a lot more smoke and a lot less fire.”
  • The idea that big, earth-shaking moves may be less likely mid-season.
  • Small "maintenance" trades could still matter.

On standing pat with the current roster:

“Hasn’t this team done enough last year and so far this year to at least show, to give a chance at it without having to blow it up? Because that’s what you’re doing [if you trade for Giannis].” (16:54, Don)

4. Knicks’ Chemistry, Identity & Playoff Hopes (18:45–24:27)

• Alan and Don argue the merits of letting the team gel and see how far it can go as-constructed.
• The impact of recent defensive improvements: Knicks’ defense held opponents under 100 points in five of the six recent wins.
• Skepticism toward the notion that the team “must” make a big addition now.
• Parallels drawn to last season when the Knicks defied expectations.

“This winning streak might have saved the season when it comes to blowing up the roster or [triggering] anyone in the front office... to say, damn it, we have to do it.” (18:36, Hahn)

• The hosts discuss the unpredictability of the NBA, with references to injuries and playoff surprises, arguing that no one should crown a champion in February.

5. The Value of Practice & Schedule Effects (27:13–29:10)

• Alan stresses the role of a less hectic schedule and being at home in the recent turnaround:

“After the NBA cup, the next 19 games, 10 were on the road. They were never home for more than one day...” (27:13, Hahn)

• Practice time and home routine have allowed the Knicks to regroup and implement needed adjustments.

6. Callers Weigh In: OG Anunoby’s Importance & Coaching Choices (30:06–34:44)

• Callers highlight OG Anunoby’s impact: Knicks are 90–46 when he plays.

“When he’s out, it kills them... It hurts. His record in uniform with the Knicks is insane.” (31:18, Hahn)

• Discussion about coaching changes (giving credit to Mike Brown for tough decisions and improving the defense/rotation).
• Importance of players like Jalen Brunson in setting a defensive tone.

7. Music, Tributes & Super Bowl Halftime Shows (36:23–47:14)

• The hosts dissect the previous night’s Grammy tributes (Post Malone, Lauryn Hill, D’Angelo, Roberta Flack), with candid takes on their performances.
• Playful debate on the difference between “record of the year” and “album of the year.”

“Record of the year is the best music recording of the year. Song of the year is the best written song of the year.” (40:18, Rosenberg)

• Musical tastes and halftime show nostalgia — from “Up With People” to Bad Bunny’s rise and the competitive birth of the modern halftime show (“In Living Color” special vs. football).

8. Final Knicks Thoughts and Cat’s Role (44:00–46:14)

• Another caller spotlights Karl-Anthony Towns (“Cat”) and how, when he’s engaged in defense and rebounding, the team’s energy lifts.

“They kind of gravitate to that. When that's his game...he could go eight points, 20 bounds and is defending hard and diving on the floor... I just see them [playing differently].” (45:16, Caller Steve)

Alan affirms that behind the scenes, players feel the same—Towns' “elite player” effort in intangible areas inspires the group.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Knicks’ big-picture outlook:

  "The narrative won’t go away with this team until they really prove themselves." (26:47, Don)

• Alan on trade temptation:

  “Blowing it up for Giannis doesn’t seem like something they are motivated to do anymore because they’ve gotten their footing again.” (22:42, Hahn)

• On OG Anunoby’s value:

  “He might be one of the guys that goes in a deal... To me, that’s the non-starter. I don’t think the Knicks have any interest in that.” (31:29, Alan Hahn)

• On music at the Super Bowl:

  “Friday should be a Bad Bunny day, right?” (41:50, Hahn)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Knicks winning streak & schedule analysis — 12:45–15:35
• Giannis trade talk/strategy for trade deadline — 15:36–18:46
• Defensive improvements and playoff context — 18:47–24:27
• Schedule and role of practice in team turnaround — 27:13–29:10
• Callers on OG’s impact & coaching adjustments — 30:06–34:44
• Cat’s intangibles transforming team chemistry — 44:00–46:14
• Music/Grammys & Super Bowl halftime show chat — 36:23–43:40

Episode Tone & Style

Consistent with the show’s identity: sharp, funny, opinionated, but always rooted in deep New York and basketball knowledge. The banter oscillates between serious hoop talk (capable of impressing die-hard Knicks fans) and lively cultural riffing (music, age jokes, pop culture), making it engaging even for casual listeners.

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

This episode offers a pulse check on the Knicks at a potential turning point. The hosts break down not only what’s working on the court but also how off-court factors—like practice time, team chemistry, and organizational patience—can make or break a season. Their skepticism about a midseason "superstar" trade is rooted in both basketball logic and respect for what the current roster has built. If you want to catch up on the state of Knicks fandom, front office thinking, and a dose of New York-style pop culture, this is essential listening.