Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 1 - "Knicks Do It Again"

Release Date: May 8, 2025

In the inaugural episode of "Knicks Do It Again," hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks playoff series. With the Knicks leading the series 2-0, the trio provides comprehensive analysis, heated debates, and insightful commentary on the strategies, performances, and underlying factors influencing the outcome of the games.

1. Series Overview

The episode kicks off with Peter Rosenberg expressing his astonishment over the Knicks' resurgence against the Celtics:

Peter Rosenberg [00:51]: "App 2O next to Celtics 0. Carbon copy of what we saw from game one in game two, coming back from 20 points down. What is going on?"

Don Hahn labels the situation as "mass hysteria," setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on the unexpected turn of events in the series.

2. Celtics' Strategy and Arrogance vs. Stubbornness

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the Celtics' gameplay, which the hosts attribute to either arrogance or stubbornness. Peter Rosenberg vehemently criticizes the Celtics' refusal to adjust their strategy:

Peter Rosenberg [02:01]: "Sheer unadulterated arrogance. The Celtics are an arrogant team that thinks they don't have to play hard."

Alan Hahn counters by suggesting that the issue lies more in stubbornness and laziness rather than outright arrogance:

Alan Hahn [03:30]: "I think it's stubbornness of this is what we do."

Don Hahn agrees, highlighting specific instances where the Celtics failed to adapt, such as their overreliance on three-point shots despite missed opportunities:

Don Hahn [04:29]: "They just stop and chuck all day long."

3. Knicks' Mental Toughness and Resilience

The hosts commend the Knicks for their unwavering determination and mental fortitude. Don Hahn emphasizes the Knicks' ability to maintain energy levels and fight back from significant deficits:

Don Hahn [06:35]: "The Knicks have shown you the toughness that no one said they had. Because mental toughness is a toughness, fellas."

Alan Hahn adds that the Knicks' consistency in bringing full effort every night sets them apart from other teams that engage in load management:

Alan Hahn [06:43]: "They bring it every single night."

4. Key Game Moments and Tactical Analysis

Analyzing pivotal moments from the games, the hosts dissect the Celtics' critical errors and the Knicks' opportunistic plays. Don Hahn breaks down a crucial play involving Jayson Tatum:

Don Hahn [05:59]: "On the last play, he was like, it was in his head, I cannot take the step back three."

Peter Rosenberg points out the Celtics' inability to execute under pressure, citing missed shots and forced plays:

Peter Rosenberg [07:05]: "They kept taking him. Go ahead, take him."

5. Historical Context and Implications for Future Playoffs

Drawing parallels to past playoff performances, Don Hahn provides historical context to the Celtics' current struggles:

Don Hahn [05:58]: "And since 2019, no defending championship has gotten beyond the second round every single year."

This historical perspective underscores the significance of the Knicks' current performance and raises questions about the Celtics' ability to defend their title.

6. Impact of Home Crowd Pressure

A recurring theme is the influence of the home crowd on the Celtics' performance. Tim Legler, joining later in the episode, corroborates the idea that the intense environment of venues like Madison Square Garden amplifies pressure:

Tim Legler [32:31]: "The crowd is projecting their anxiety onto the floor. So to think that that's not a factor, I think would be crazy and absolutely affected them."

Don Hahn adds personal anecdotes, noting that both teams experience heightened emotions during critical moments:

Don Hahn [32:57]: "Every time they miss an open three, there was like this groan that everybody could hear."

7. Predictions and Future Outlook

As the series progresses, the hosts speculate on potential outcomes and strategies. Alan Hahn expresses cautious optimism about the Knicks maintaining their momentum:

Alan Hahn [17:05]: "This is a dangerous team."

Meanwhile, Tim Legler highlights the unpredictability of the NBA playoffs and the importance of upcoming games:

Tim Legler [39:22]: "I think the Pacers are in a great spot because of how banged up the Cavs are."

Don Hahn reinforces the need for the Celtics to capitalize on their opportunities and avoid complacency:

Don Hahn [18:19]: "We gotta start from the start and finish the game that way. 48 minutes."

8. Closing Thoughts

In the final segments, the hosts reflect on the broader implications of the series and the potential for both teams moving forward. Peter Rosenberg emphasizes the significance of the Knicks' determination:

Peter Rosenberg [28:38]: "This is about the Knicks and what they've accomplished."

Don Hahn and Alan Hahn conclude by encouraging fans to stay engaged and anticipate the upcoming games:

Don Hahn [43:35]: "Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Peter Rosenberg [00:51]: "App 2O next to Celtics 0. Carbon copy of what we saw from game one in game two, coming back from 20 points down. What is going on?"

• Don Hahn [06:35]: "The Knicks have shown you the toughness that no one said they had. Because mental toughness is a toughness, fellas."

• Peter Rosenberg [02:01]: "Sheer unadulterated arrogance. The Celtics are an arrogant team that thinks they don't have to play hard."

• Tim Legler [32:31]: "The crowd is projecting their anxiety onto the floor. So to think that that's not a factor, I think would be crazy and absolutely affected them."

Conclusion

"Knicks Do It Again" offers a thorough and passionate examination of one of the NBA's most intriguing playoff matchups. Through expert analysis and candid discussions, Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play, the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, and the potential trajectories as the series unfolds. Whether you're a die-hard Knicks fan or simply a basketball enthusiast, this episode delivers valuable insights and engaging commentary that encapsulate the excitement and unpredictability of the NBA playoffs.