Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary

Episode: Hour 1: Knicks Clinch
Release Date: May 19, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Platform: ESPN New York

1. Weekend Recap and Personal Updates

The episode begins with Don Hahn sharing personal anecdotes about the recent weekend. He mentions celebrating his mother's birthday in Sussex County, highlighting the pleasant weather with temperatures reaching the mid-80s. Alan Hahn adds excitement about Marco's performance, praising his spirited display despite initially hoping Marco would support their side.

Notable Quote:

• Don Hahn [00:29]: “He lives up in Sussex County, so it was a little chilly but in the mid-80s.”

2. Knicks' Playoff Victory Highlights

The hosts delve into the Knicks' recent playoff clinch, recounting pivotal moments that led to their success. Don narrates a heartfelt story about his son, Marco, who was undecided between supporting the Mets or Yankees but ultimately showed genuine excitement for the Mets' win. This personal touch underscores the emotional significance of the Knicks' achievement for families and young fans.

Notable Quote:

• Don Hahn [02:38]: “I have the audio version of it. It's more of a visual thing than it is. Go to social media if you follow me on X or Twitter.”

3. Analyzing the Knicks vs. Celtics Series

The discussion shifts to the Knicks' series against the Celtics, emphasizing the team's resilience and strategic prowess. Alan Hahn highlights the Knicks’ ability to overcome significant deficits, citing a historic 27-point lead at halftime—the largest playoff lead since May 8, 1970. The hosts express admiration for the Knicks' performance, marking it as one of the most satisfying victories at Madison Square Garden in over a quarter-century.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn [09:32]: “The significance of that date, as we all know, that's the NBA championship Game seven. Willis Reed game just blows your mind.”
• Don Hahn [08:29]: “If you're the Celtics, if the Knicks are off as well, and the Knicks weren't, and then it just got out of hand.”

4. Upcoming Playoff Series Against the Pacers

Transitioning to future prospects, the hosts anticipate the Knicks' next playoff challenge against the Indiana Pacers. Don Hahn emphasizes the need to elevate their expectations, insisting that the Knicks are now favorites with home-court advantage. He draws parallels to previous playoff runs, suggesting that complacency is not an option.

Notable Quote:

• Don Hahn [10:10]: “I don't want to hear one time during the course of the series, especially if for whatever reason it goes sideways. Well, hey, objective met, we made it to the conference final. That's not on the table anymore, guys.”

5. In-Depth Analysis of the Pacers

Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg provide a comprehensive analysis of the Indiana Pacers, acknowledging their significant improvement since a rocky start earlier in the season. They commend the Pacers' versatile gameplay, strong defense (ranked top five since January), and the impactful presence of Tyrese Halliburton. The discussion underscores the Pacers as a formidable opponent capable of challenging the Knicks on multiple fronts.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg [13:37]: “Sleep on the Pacers the way, let's be honest, for a major part of the season, everyone did. National media did too.”
• Alan Hahn [15:11]: “The city's caught up in this. It really is.”

6. Knicks' Popularity and Cultural Impact in New York

The conversation broadens to reflect on the enduring popularity of the Knicks within New York City. Don Hahn argues that the Knicks remain the most beloved and relevant team in the city, outshining other franchises like the Nets, Giants, Jets, and Yankees in terms of local support. This segment highlights the Knicks' cultural significance and the passionate fan base that underpins their success.

Notable Quote:

• Don Hahn [16:16]: “The Knicks own the town. And that's no disrespect to the Nets. They have their fans, but Giants, Jets, a lot more... So it's really difficult.”

7. Strategic Insights for the Playoff Series

Don Hahn offers strategic insights into what the Knicks need to focus on to secure victory against the Pacers. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum, avoiding complacency despite their favorite status, and being wary of the Pacers' ability to mount comebacks. The hosts discuss the necessity for the Knicks to enhance their defensive strategies and capitalize on their offensive strengths.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn [21:03]: “See, I've been watching the Pacers like Mickey was watching Clubber lang in Rocky 3.”
• Don Hahn [22:08]: “Don't do it ever. And don't just. If you do fall behind by 20, just think that the Pacers are going to let you back in the way the Celtics did.”

8. Looking Ahead: Emotional and Tactical Preparation

The hosts express enthusiasm for the upcoming series, anticipating it to be a long and intense playoff run. They stress the emotional and tactical preparation required, drawing lessons from the previous series against the Celtics. The emphasis is on sustaining performance, managing stress, and leveraging team strengths to navigate the challenges posed by the Pacers.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn [23:22]: “I'm absolutely fired up for this series. I really am.”
• Peter Rosenberg [19:06]: “Guys, this is as good a chance at a title as you will get.”

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a brief mention of transitioning to Mets and Red Sox coverage, signaling a shift in focus after the Knicks' success. The hosts reinforce the significance of the Knicks' achievements and set the stage for upcoming playoff discussions, maintaining an engaging and optimistic tone about the team's prospects.

Key Takeaways:

• Knicks' Resilience: Demonstrated significant improvement and strategic gameplay against the Celtics, achieving a historic lead and securing their playoff advancement.
• Upcoming Challenge: The Knicks are prepared to face the Indiana Pacers, perceived as a versatile and strong opponent with robust defensive capabilities.
• Cultural Significance: The Knicks hold a central place in New York City's sports culture, maintaining a passionate and loyal fan base.
• Strategic Focus: Emphasis on maintaining momentum, enhancing defensive strategies, and avoiding complacency to navigate the upcoming playoff series successfully.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Don Hahn [00:29]: “He lives up in Sussex County, so it was a little chilly but in the mid-80s.”
• Alan Hahn [09:32]: “The significance of that date, as we all know, that's the NBA championship Game seven. Willis Reed game just blows your mind.”
• Peter Rosenberg [13:37]: “Sleep on the Pacers the way, let's be honest, for a major part of the season, everyone did. National media did too.”
• Don Hahn [22:08]: “Don't do it ever. And don't just. If you do fall behind by 20, just think that the Pacers are going to let you back in the way the Celtics did.”

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the "Hour 1: Knicks Clinch" episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and newcomers alike.