Hour 1: Knicks Game 1 Comeback

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Knicks Game 1 Comeback

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don LaGreca (ESPN New York Voice), Alan Hahn (ESPN New York Sportswriter/Broadcaster), Peter Rosenberg (Hip Hop Vet/WWE Personality)
• Episode: Hour 1: Knicks Game 1 Comeback
• Release Date: April 21, 2025
• Description: The trio discusses the latest sports happenings in New York, focusing on the Knicks' playoff performance, with occasional diversions into other sports and pop culture topics.

1. Episode Kickoff and Initial Banter (0:01 – 1:25)

The episode begins with a brief, off-topic advertisement for the Chevy Silverado, swiftly moving into energetic introductions by the hosts Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg. Don sets the stage by highlighting the current sports climate in New York, mentioning the heated performances of the Mets, Yankees, and notably the Knicks' impressive comeback in Game 1 against the Detroit Pistons.

Notable Quote:

Don LaGreca [00:50]: "It's 3:00 in the big city of New York. Don, Hahn, Rosenberg. Lots to get into."

2. Personal Updates and Pop Culture Discussions (1:25 – 3:01)

The hosts share personal anecdotes, with Peter mentioning a laser light show at Madison Square Garden, and Alan discussing his experience surviving WrestleMania. They touch upon balancing personal life with professional commitments, particularly the emotional strain of being away from family during significant events.

Notable Quote:

Alan Hahn [01:30]: "I survived Wrestlemania. I managed to keep an eye on everything happening and I cannot wait to get home to you guys."

3. Deep Dive into Knicks Game 1 (3:01 – 7:11)

Don LaGreca leads the discussion into an in-depth analysis of Game 1 between the Knicks and the Pistons. He breaks down the game's shifting momentum, emphasizing the Knicks' magical fourth quarter where they overturned an eight-point deficit. The conversation highlights key moments, such as Tobias Harris's strategic rotation and Brunson's offensive surge, culminating in the Knicks taking a 1-0 series lead.

Notable Quotes:

Don LaGreca [03:01]: "Nick Straw, first blood against the Pistons. And it's really a tale of two games, right?... the Knicks are up one game to none, but not the way we thought it was going to be."

Peter Rosenberg [05:34]: "The fourth quarter alone was the show, was the theater. It was incredible to witness."

4. Coaching Strategies and Player Performance (7:11 – 12:31)

The hosts commend Tom Thibodeau's coaching prowess, particularly his ability to adapt during the game by adjusting player rotations and exploiting matchups. They discuss the impact of players like Townsend Brunson and the strategic deployment of the bench, crediting these decisions for the Knicks' strong finish.

Notable Quotes:

Peter Rosenberg [05:47]: "He had Campaign out there with Brunson. Those two are phenomenal together."

Don LaGreca [07:11]: "There's no question about that. The experience of the Knicks showed through."

5. Crowd Influence and Team Morale (12:31 – 17:33)

Peter Rosenberg reflects on the electrifying atmosphere at Madison Square Garden during the fourth quarter, attributing the Knicks' surge to the overwhelming support from the crowd. Don and Peter engage in a light-hearted debate about the sincerity and motivations of fans celebrating outside the arena, with Don expressing skepticism about the authenticity of the celebrations.

Notable Quotes:

Peter Rosenberg [11:18]: "The crowd just kind of picked up from that little energy. They score and then just that avalanche came from there."

Don LaGreca [12:42]: "It's corny. It's corny."

6. Evaluating Future Games and Series Momentum (17:33 – 30:06)

The conversation shifts to the implications of Game 1's outcome on the series' momentum. The hosts debate whether the Pistons can rebound effectively in Game 2 and how the Knicks can maintain their newfound energy. Peter highlights potential vulnerabilities in the Pistons' lineup, such as Anthony Towns' performance and Isaiah Stewart's possible injury, which could tilt the series in favor of the Knicks if exploited.

Notable Quotes:

Peter Rosenberg [30:06]: "If the Pistons lose tonight and the Knicks are more in control, then you look at game one like that was the game you should have had."

Don LaGreca [29:03]: "It's about time that this guy gets some love. It's very fluid. Very fluid."

7. Caller Interactions and Host Dynamics (30:06 – 43:28)

Listeners engage through calls, adding diverse perspectives on the Knicks' strategy and coaching decisions. Monica McNutt, a frequent caller, voices support for Tom Thibodeau, addressing criticisms and emphasizing the necessity of leveraging key players like Mikel Bridges. The discussion also veers into lighter topics, including WrestleMania rants and humorous exchanges about corny fan celebrations.

Notable Quotes:

Monica McNutt [27:55]: "I think Tom Thibodeau deserves some credit here. He outcoached JB Bickerstaff down the stretch."

Don LaGreca [16:39]: "You have to believe this team is going to go on a deep run."

8. Analysis of Player Contributions and Team Depth (43:28 – 51:42)

The hosts continue dissecting player performances, focusing on how individual contributions like Bridges' defense and Brunson's offensive efforts were pivotal in Game 1's outcome. Peter emphasizes the importance of depth and versatile players in a playoff series, while Don and Monica discuss the potential impact of key players being out of the game or underperforming.

Notable Quotes:

Peter Rosenberg [49:27]: "Anthony Towns really was quiet and he did nothing in the first quarter. Very quiet game."

Monica McNutt [50:32]: "Watching that fourth quarter, you can't tell me the Knicks weren't somewhat, if not completely responsible for that meltdown."

9. Final Thoughts and Upcoming Segments (51:42 – End)

As the episode wraps up, the hosts preview upcoming topics, including interviews with Monica McNutt and further analysis of baseball and NFL events. They reiterate the importance of Game 2 and encourage listeners to stay tuned for more in-depth discussions.

Notable Quotes:

Don LaGreca [51:42]: "We'll go to Nick and Woodbridge. You continue the conversation on ESPN New York."

Peter Rosenberg [51:56]: "It's good. Hear more of Don, Alan, and Rosenberg weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN."

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Tom Thibodeau's Coaching: The hosts unanimously praise Thibodeau's in-game adjustments, particularly his use of the bench and strategic rotations that capitalized on the Knicks' strengths in Game 1.

• Crowd Impact: Madison Square Garden's electric atmosphere played a crucial role in energizing the Knicks and intimidating the Pistons, contributing to the dramatic fourth-quarter comeback.

• Player Performance: Key players like Townsend Brunson and Anthony Towns significantly influenced the game's outcome. Brunson's offensive surge and Bridges' defensive efforts were highlighted as pivotal factors.

• Series Implications: The Knicks' win in Game 1 establishes early momentum, but the Pistons remain poised to adapt. The potential injury of Isaiah Stewart and Towns' inconsistent performance could be critical in shaping the series' trajectory.

• Fan Dynamics: The hosts engage in playful debate over fan celebrations, questioning the authenticity of post-game exuberance while acknowledging the passion of Knicks supporters.

• Future Focus: Game 2 is anticipated to test the Pistons' resilience and the Knicks' ability to maintain their offensive and defensive strategies under pressure.

Conclusion

In this episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," the hosts provide a comprehensive and enthusiastic analysis of the Knicks' impressive comeback in Game 1 against the Pistons. Through insightful discussion on coaching decisions, player performances, and crowd influence, they set the stage for an engaging playoff series. Personal anecdotes and caller interactions add depth and relatability, making the episode both informative and entertaining for listeners.

Transcript

[Don LaGreca]

This episode is brought to you by Chevy Silverado. When it's time for you to ditch the blacktop and head off road, do it in a truck that says no to nothing. The Chevy Silverado Trail Boss. Get the rugged capability of its Z71 suspension and 2 inch factory lift, plus impressive torque and towing capacity thanks to an available Duramax 3 liter turbo diesel engine. Where other trucks call it quits, you'll just be getting started. Visit chevy.com to learn more. He fell in love with the sex.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Han sauce was everywhere. And Rosenberg, if you want to stay.

[Alan Hahn]

Up, he's got the energy that matters.

[Don LaGreca]

This isn't North Dakota, this is New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is Don Han and Rosenberg.

[Monica McNutt]

John French Fu Fuqua on 8 80.

[Peter Rosenberg]

ESPN and the ESPN New York app.

[Don LaGreca]

Oh, you bet it's New York. It's 3:00 in the big city of New York. Don Han, Rosenberg. Lots to get into. Mets hot. Yankees red hot. Aaron Boone red hot. Michael K red hot because of a call in the sixth inning that wasn't switched until the eighth inning. But the Knicks are hot. They're one. And oh. Against the Detroit Pistons. They draw first blood. Tibbs survives another day. Hopefully everybody had a phenomenal weekend. Boys, how are we? Great.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Go ahead, Peter, because I'm in a laser light show right now at Madison Square Garden.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, listen, that's interesting that I'm in Las Vegas and you're in the laser light show. I'm fantastic. I survived Wrestlemania. I managed to keep an eye on everything happening and I cannot wait to get home to you guys. And I'm not gonna lie, my baby as well.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, I would think that that would lead.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I would hope that would be first.

[Don LaGreca]

She's trying to make you feel good. No, well, I. But listen, I know lies are being told. I feel the opposite. It should be. Listen, as much as I want to get back in the studio and be with my boys, I got to see my daughter. Cuz that's what cripples you emotionally. Four days away from her must be killing you.

[Alan Hahn]

Realizing two days. Cool. Four. Get me out of here.

[Don LaGreca]

Oh, there's always that. It's nice to get some sleep. It's nice not to have the responsibility. But then that turns into Vegas. I miss her terribly.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hang on a second. Sleep. Listen, I'm somebody that used to do 10 days straight in Vegas for summer league. So it's 150 degrees during the day and the games are. You're done by noon and you got nothing else to do the rest of the day. And we had to do that for 10 days. For about four or five years in a row, I did that. But that second weekend hits, and all these people come in on a Friday night and they're like, woo. And you're just like, settle down, sonny, settle down.

[Monica McNutt]

Patience.

[Alan Hahn]

God, dude.

[Don LaGreca]

We like to call those first world problems, right, Peter? Ten straight days in Vegas. Poor Alan.

[Alan Hahn]

No, listen, listen. But as my therapist always says, you know, what about first world problems? There's still problems and I had a great time, but I am ready to go.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, we got to dissect what happened on Saturday night. Nick Straw, first blood against the Pistons. And it's really a tale of two games, right? There's the first three quarters that left a lot to be desired, but then you saw a magical fourth quarter. I mean, teams do not go on 210 runs normally in the postseason, you know, especially in the fourth quarter like that. And what a role reversal from God. You're down eight points to start the fourth quarter. What's going on here? This Pistons team looks like it's for real. But the next thing you know, Tibbs is using the bench, Brunson goes off, and the Knicks get a one nothing series lead. So we got to where we thought we would, guys, but definitely a kind of a serpentine way to get there. The Knicks are up one game to none, but not the way we thought it was going to be.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The fourth quarter alone, right? Was the show, was the theater. It was. The building was so loud, like. Like I had a splitting headache all day yesterday for Easter. Splitting. I mean, just couldn't get rid of it. Headache. And it started on my way home from the Garden last night because of just how intense and loud the building was. It really was something incredible to witness. And that's why, you know, a lot of times people think that we maybe overdo the whole, you know, mecca of basketball, world's most famous arena and all that stuff. But you could see it. I'm situated in the broadcast. I'm situated by the opposing team's bench. I'm literally like. Like the players walk past me. The players interact around me. Like I'm right there by their bench. And you could see it in their eyes. They were just overwhelmed by the decibel, the intensity of the Knicks picked up. Townsend Brunson took it to another level. There was just something that was happening and you could see it in their eyes that they all were like, what the hell's going on here? Remember what I told you about the floor shaking? Like, that's Their floor is shaken moment. But you can't, you can't depend on that every night. Obviously those first three quarters felt like a regular season game. So that fourth quarter, now they've got to figure out how to bottle and make that a first quarter tonight if they want to take control of this series. But it's interesting to see what you mentioned, Don, what Tibbs did with his rotation. Playing four guys off the bench, not everybody expected that. And then having two guards on the floor to play faster. He had Campaign out there with Brunson. Those two are phenomenal together. These are the types of matchup things and adjustment things that experienced head coaches do. And now how does that carry into game two? So it's a lot to watch tonight.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, let's hear what Tom had to say about Campaign's impact on that fourth quarter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's a great energy guy and every.

[Alan Hahn]

Day he's the same, you know, so it's high energy every day. Sometimes we're, you know, you could be.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Flat in the game.

[Alan Hahn]

And he's a catalyst. He gets in there, he makes things happen.

[Don LaGreca]

And that's what you need, right? You need to have, you know, what he made happen.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He made that five second violation to start the fourth quarter happen. Down 8. No reason in that moment, right. Like you're opening a quarter, you think sometimes you just kind of go through the motions. Like, why is he picking up right away, 94ft? Because he's Campaign. He's a guy, he's energized. They call him Turbo. So he just decided and there was no call for it. When we asked him after the game, he just said, yeah, just, you know, just thought to myself, let me get in front of him and let me just pressure the ball. And it turned to a five second violation in the first turnover of eight in that quarter. And the crowd just kind of picked up from that little energy. They score and then just that avalanche came from there of just off of a very. What seemed like an innocent moment of the game, ended up being the turning point. And so that's why having him out on the floor was a big deal. And sticking with him, trusting your bench, which a lot of people think Tom Thibodeau doesn't always do, but he showed you in this game he was going for matchups, he was finding things that worked. He had guys in foul trouble that he had to shuffle around that this was again, as all the criticism that he's taken. You can give credit to players for the different things they did. Ananobia's defense and Brunson obviously late heroics. Tom Thibodeau coached a hell of a game in game one. The way he adjusted throughout and then into that fourth quarter.

[Don LaGreca]

No, he did. There's no question about that. And the experience of the Knicks, I think shown through that, that that's, that's what we tried to tell the Pistons and all the smack talk leading into the game. All right. Talk all you want about the three wins in four games. And you don't care about the Garden and you don't care about the playoffs. Well, now you got a taste of what it's like. Yeah, the first three quarters you caught a break. It was kind of a pedestrian feel to the crowd and it's that apprehension the start of the playoffs and then it got real. And boy, did they seem to wither under how real it got. So let's see how they adjust tonight because it's going to now it's going to be hyped, Peter from the start because that what happened in the fourth quarter is not going to carry over to the start of game two. Alan and I have been a part of Nixon Rangers of Madison Square Garden, where every game kind of carries over to the next. The series is living, breathing creature. Right. Where every game seems to go into the next game, into the next game after that. So whatever happened to the first three quarters doesn't matter. Fourth quarter is going to carry over into the tip tonight. And if the Pistons get off to a rough start because of how they played in the fourth quarter, they could be down 20 in the blink of an eye.

[Alan Hahn]

I just know I'm glad I came on the air the other day and guaranteed that campaign would be the reason that this team won. I distinctly remember me saying that. You guys don't remember that?

[Peter Rosenberg]

It was somewhere in commercial break probably.

[Don LaGreca]

It must have been before Ena well.

[Alan Hahn]

By the way, definitely. Yeah, you didn't hear it. But listen, we and obviously campaign deserves a lot. But you know, Jalen Brunson starts off struggling, 2 for 13, I think early, really rough start and then goes like 8 for his next 10. You cannot take away what Brunson did. He was the guy all week we heard about, well, Cade Cunningham outshine Jalen Brunson not even close in game one. So give credit where credit is due. They were strong, man.

[Don LaGreca]

This was.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We have seen this too. I'm sorry, Donnie, but like what Peter's saying, though, off the Kate Cunningham stuff, we have seen this and actually there was a time we saw this with the Knicks when you got one star, that's great. In the regular season you got a superstar. When you have one in a playoff series, that's a little dangerous because if you take that guy out, remember Julius Randall? What did the Atlanta Hawks do? They took him out of the series in that series five years ago. And the Knicks had nothing. They had no one else that could give you offense consistently. They had no one else that could carry it. He was everything to them. And the Knicks are sort of employing that same idea of they are putting so much attention. Anunoby was phenomenal against Cunningham. But if you take away the paint by packing it with the big men and all that stuff and you take him out, don't give him anything, beat him up, frustrate him, and then say, we're going to let Tobias Harris beat us, we're going to let Tim Hardaway Jr. Beat us, we're going to let Malik Beasley beat us. And for three quarters, those guys do what veterans do. They get their shots, they make their shots. Those guys went invisible in the fourth quarter. There's a difference with stars. There's just a difference with star players who when it's win in time, raise their game. And that was the difference to me in the game as well. Cade Cunningham, once he got some things going later in the game, it wasn't nearly enough. And if they can continue to just take him out of the series, the Pistons really don't have a second guy that can carry things or be a threat at least, especially in the biggest moments that when the playoffs ask for it, the stars usually are the ones that come through. Yep.

[Don LaGreca]

Now you got to go finish business because all Detroit wanted to do is get a split. So everything goes away if they get the game tonight and now they've got home court and they're going to get their confidence back. But I really think the start of this game is going to be huge. What happened in the fourth quarter is going to carry over and the Knicks take over this game even though all they did was hold serve. I think it just changes. It changes everything tonight. If the Knicks can just put a complete effort, take the two nothing seriously, and I think everybody calms down. Do whatever you do in Detroit, you know, get, get one of the two, come back three, one, finish this thing off. I mean, I really get. Detroit had their chance, guys. They had their chance. They had an eight point lead in the fourth quarter. Boy, everything changes if they hold on to that lead. And not only did they not hold on to that lead, they got blown out of the building.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, what did I tell you in the group chat? I said the Knicks after three quarters were playing to the narrative. Yeah, right. The defense, that really wasn't enough. The inability to stop the three point shot. You know, all the things that were your concern were showing, you know, a little bit of lack of grit in this game and all that stuff. And I said that to play into the narrative. This isn't great. And then Brunson went down, grabbed the ankle and left for a minute from the bench. And boy, that like everybody now was like, oh, no. Like, if he's now, if he re injured that ankle, forget it. But he comes back in the game and was, as you said before, he's just Jalen Brunson, playoff Brunson. And they just were a different team in that fourth quarter. So all of a sudden, what felt like, this is a dangerous place to be, suddenly the Garden became the dangerous place to be. But they can't always rely on that. That's why you're right. Like the. Tonight, the start and everything like that is so important. The building too. I think you're right about that. There is this anticipation. I think there's certain places that you can carry a game over. This is one of them. Because this crowd is going to be sticking. Blood is in the water and they know it. They're going to be rabid like Donnie. Did you see 7th Avenue after the game on Saturday?

[Don LaGreca]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Packed. It was the first game of the playoffs and they're already packing 7th Avenue.

[Don LaGreca]

Dude, it's corny.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What?

[Don LaGreca]

It's corny.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Why don't you like it? Because the kids have fun.

[Don LaGreca]

Listen, I don't want to paint everybody with a broad brush, but when are you going to embrace what you are? It was fun in the Atlanta series a couple of years ago. Knicks back in the playoffs. They won a playoff game. When are you going to embrace the fact that you were in the top five teams in the NBA? This is the first round you're taking to the streets because you won a game against the six seed. Come on, man. It's corny. It's corny.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Seriously, what do you think, Peter?

[Alan Hahn]

I'm fine with it. I understand what Don saying, but I think unfortunately, what Don's including is a little of like, act like you've been there before. And I just don't think they've been there before.

[Don LaGreca]

No, but. No, they have. No. Again, you win game one of the conference final. Now you're talking. I mean, they have been to the second round. What A couple of years in a row here and they're expected to go for a third consecutive year. You were one of the fourth or fifth best teams all year in the NBA. You won 50 plus games. Again, the expectation was going into the season it was conference final or bust and you win a game, the first game against the Pistons who you're a heavy favorite. You take to the streets like you've never been there before. So no, I'm going to stand to that. Act like you've been there before. Stop embracing this team as some Cinderella story, man. This out of nowhere team, you've got to appraise the fact that you are one of the elite teams of the NBA and winning a home game in the first round is not a big deal. Why you got to have a go.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But, but you, but you can't look at this as like a euphoric, I can't believe we won where Cinderella was shocking the world. I think this is just joy. It's like, hey, we're finally at a, at a place where these games now really, really matter and we can now really dive into this. We have been killing Knick fans for being maybe a little too negative or a little too like Yankee fans where if we don't get to the conference final, it doesn't matter. And now we're finally getting a hey, let's enjoy the moment. We don't know how long this is going to last. Let them enjoy.

[Don LaGreca]

I don't want to pay all the Knicks, all the Knicks with a broad brush because at the same time that was going on, there's probably a mob of people at home going, well if Tibbs doesn't win the next four, I want him out of a job. I'm just talking about those select few fans. Let's face it, they're doing it for the viral moment. They want to be the guy. Are you afraid of the Knicks? Like everybody's just trying to get that viral moment. So let's not even make them out to be as passionate as you're making it out to be. Cuz it's just a bunch of mob people hoping that they get caught on camera in the post game at MSG or somebody picks it up on social media and they run with it. But I'm just saying for those fans taking to the streets after a Garden win that you're supposed to win, I think it's corny. I don't think Nick fans are corny. They're the most passionate fans in the world. I think the majority of Nick Fans think like I do, that what they saw on 7th Avenue was corny.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So you think this is for the gram?

[Don LaGreca]

For the what?

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's all that is. It's for the gram.

[Don LaGreca]

Why do you talk to me like I'm 15? You know, I'm a nerdy 57 year old man that has no idea what you just said. For the gram of code. Were they doing it for drugs?

[Peter Rosenberg]

What does that mean?

[Don LaGreca]

Did you say that, Peter? Did he say they did it for the gram?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, that's about five years, Don. You're going to know all this lingo because you're going to hear it in your own house.

[Don LaGreca]

Oh, for the Instagram. I get it. No, you know what? Now, now, if I had any doubt in my mind, now I'm doubling down Corn Pone. Come on, man.

[Alan Hahn]

Listen, I hear you. Listen, the fact of the matter is you should believe this team is going to go on a deep run. So yeah, you didn't. You didn't win the championship. Definitely celebrate. Listen, and I will say this, while we're giving a hard time to some fans, that that place is electric. You could turn on all the playoff games all weekend long. And if you look at particularly the big market teams, you know, I won't include places like okc, where they certainly get up. But like if you compare it to Boston or la, nothing.

[Don LaGreca]

Listen, the places, there's just something special about like where it pops on television, right? Like the Garden pops on television. You know, the white out in Winnipeg. I thought, well, like there's certain things you say, wow, that's really cool, man. And the Garden is, it gets knocked because of the reimagining and it may not have the energy it did way back, you know, 30, 40 years ago. Very corporate clout. But on a Saturday night, Nick fans are passionate. They make that building special. And that was a pretty special night last night. So I'm having some fun. I do think that the, the 7th Avenue mob's corny, but that fourth quarter wasn't corny. Campaign's not corny. And our calls aren't corny at 1-800-919-3776. Although sometimes Peter thinks Tessa is corny. She's in West Caldwell. You're out of ESPN New York. How are you?

[Monica McNutt]

Wait a second, wait a second. I'm all about positivity, Peter. You think I'm corny?

[Don LaGreca]

No, I was starting trouble. I was starting. I know. Do I believe Peter thinks you're corny? Yes, but. Did he say that? No, that was me.

[Monica McNutt]

But I'm not worried about it because Peter would never even say it to my face. So I'm not even worried about that. So he can think I'm corny all he want to, but you're out of control. I love Don. She was like, are you referring to coke? Alan said to Graham, I was drinking water and I just spit it across the room. Thanks, Don. But it's like, you're hilarious. But I just wanted to say this, guys, I'm gonna be honest with you. I know you guys, especially Alan, you guys are excited about the Knicks, all of that. I was devastated on Saturday. All three of my teams off.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What happened to all this bravado test?

[Monica McNutt]

Listen.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Defense.

[Monica McNutt]

Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Listen. Do I think we're going to win in six? Absolutely. Did we get punched in the face Saturday? Absolutely. So my question to you guys is this. Number one, do you think the barrage of freaking 51% of freaking threes shot by Minnesota, do you think that's going to continue on? I don't, but I want to know your opinion. My second thing is this. This when you get punched in your face like that and just your head smashed to the ground, just say, hey, we got our plate. We got out. This when JJ as well as LeBron, who's been in the league for like 55 years, use the physicality excuse. Oh, LeBron, like, you know, sometimes you need like a whole playoff game to get better. Wait, we're in the playoffs. Everyone is important. You freaking bums just freaking lost freaking home court advantage. You got the doors blown off of you. Jj, Like, I didn't think we missed physicality. To me, that's excuses, death excuses. They came in there, punched you in the mouth and you had no excuse. We understand. Lucas defense. But come on, he still scored 37. LeBron, you had 19.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Are you okay? I gotta say something. Boys, Tess is killing my vibe. This is supposed to be Nick stuck right now. She's going all Lakers.

[Monica McNutt]

Okay, okay. You could be a homer.

[Don LaGreca]

No problem.

[Monica McNutt]

No problem. No problem. Just remember that. Just remember that. Just remember that. Whenever the Giants get it together and the jets remember. I want to just talk all Giants, but we can't. We gotta talk jets too. So I'm sorry that I'm a Laker fan, but I'm upset, guys.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know you guys are happy Los Angeles team. Look, I'll give you John E's number. You can call Jon Show.

[Monica McNutt]

No way. This is one of my favorite shows. Stop being a hater, Alan. Everybody here being a freaking hater at the end of the day, Don is right. That is corny about them celebrating. And I'm not even a Knicks fan. But, like, come on, it's one win. Stop. You supposed to win. What are you talking about? Like you were supposed to win. Like, knock it off and sit down. Here you go, making excuses, Alex. But Guy, it's okay. It's not. Alan. It's corny.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Just like Don said, nobody wants that fun anymore, okay?

[Don LaGreca]

Oh, so everything.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Everything's fun. Like, we can't. We. We. Lakers. Like, are we really doing Lakers?

[Don LaGreca]

No, we'll do that later.

[Alan Hahn]

And listen, Mavericks.

[Don LaGreca]

Listen, warriors are way more dangerous than the Pistons. So the Lakers better might be in a little bit of trouble. Well, let's save that for a little bit later on. Let's go to Dave in the car. You're on espn, New York. Hi, Dave.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Come on, Dave.

[Monica McNutt]

Hey, how you guys doing? I'm not one of those guys who thinks this thing is all over with. I think that OG did a great job against Cade. I think this thing's gonna go, you know, really far. Maybe even seven games. Okay? I'm not into the Knicks of doing this sometimes. You ever hear that thing on white men can't jump? Sometimes when you win, you actually lose. Sometimes when you lose, you actually win. The Knicks win this series, and then let's say they play the Celtics really good, but they lose, okay? And everybody's gonna think, including Tibbs, including Leon Rose. You know, we only need like one. One little. One little shooter, one little outside shooter, one little. This one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You don't think.

[Monica McNutt]

You don't think that's lose. Hold on, hold on. Let me just finish. I'd rather have them get blown out by Boston so they know they have to make a big move. I want them to make a big move not to play Boston. Great. I want Kevin Durant. That's what I want. I want Kevin Durant. The only reason the Knicks are going to win this series is because nobody can cover Cat. That's the only reason. That's it. They have nobody that can deal with Cat.

[Don LaGreca]

I don't.

[Monica McNutt]

That's my opinion.

[Don LaGreca]

It's just my guess. I don't think Dave was on 7th Avenue after the game. That's just my guess.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Definitely doesn't sound. I could be wrong.

[Don LaGreca]

But you know, it's funny, Peter, because we were talking about Corny. Speaking of corny, some may say the end of WrestleMania was corny.

[Alan Hahn]

You know what, Don? I appreciate you bringing this up. I did not foresee a world in which Travis Scott, a musician who weighs 165 pounds, sauntered out to the ring for five minutes in the middle of a match and got involved in Cody Rhodes losing the title to John Cena. It was not what everyone expected. Let me say that there were amazing things that happened this weekend. The the main event Saturday was amazing. The women on on Sunday night had the match of the weekend amazing and John Cena delivered a clunky, weird, bizarre match to win now the record setting 17th World Championship surpassing Ric Flair. Very, very weird end to Wrestlemania. I had a great weekend but I did not expect that at all. Ruin rattling he may have ruined wrestling. I posted about on my Instagram he may have ruined wrestling.

[Don LaGreca]

Well I'm sorry to hear that. But you were able to make the most of it. You're still there.

[Alan Hahn]

Not to sound like, not to sound like. What was our last guy's name again?

[Don LaGreca]

Dave.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Dave.

[Alan Hahn]

Not to sound like Dave. I'm not going to poo poo the whole thing. I'm not going to come away from a great win and focus on one remote possibility that could possibly make things better. But yeah, I have some criticisms for Las Vegas.

[Don LaGreca]

We got plenty to do here on Don Hahn and Rosenberg. Take up to 6:30. Then we got Mets, Phillies which is not nothing and it's a lot going on in baseball to dive into. But right now we're focused on the Knicks. 1-800-9193776. It's Don Hahn, Rosenberg, it's all happening right here on 880 ESPN and the ESPN app.

[Alan Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Don LaGreca]

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[Don LaGreca]

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[Don LaGreca]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Don LaGreca]

Monica McNutt's going to join us coming up at 4:00. She had the call with Pat O'Keefe on 1050 ESPN. That's where the game's going to be tonight because the Mets are going to be taking on the Phillies on 880, so we are the place to go. Mets hot on our air. Knicks hot on our air. Draft hot also will be on our air later in the week.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's finally it's happening for the draft. Don't know about you guys finally fired.

[Alan Hahn]

Up for it to be over. Yeah, for sure.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Will you stop it? You see what happens when your team gets a quarterback? You don't. You don't have any.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, he never had much use for it before then, either.

[Alan Hahn]

Thank you. Thank you. I really never did. The way I look, my team used to stink. I didn't care. Now my team's good. I still don't care. But no, either way, at least we'll get some answers. We'll get some answers on these football teams, no matter what.

[Don LaGreca]

I'm just happy it's finally here. All the speculation will be over. We'll actually have players on teams, be able to analyze it in real time. But we got Mets, Phillies, we got Yankees Guardians tonight. Right now, everybody's focused on the Knicks trying to take a 2 oh series lead. 1-800-919-3776, as I mentioned, Monic McNutt coming up at the top of the hour. But let's go to Nick and Woodbridge. You continue the conversation on espn. New York. What's up, Nick?

[Monica McNutt]

Hey, guys.

[Don LaGreca]

How's it going?

[Monica McNutt]

Thanks for taking the call.

[Don LaGreca]

Always.

[Monica McNutt]

So, just, just a couple things. Like, I called, when I called Friday, I said I wanted to see how well OG was going to be able.

[Don LaGreca]

To maintain that offensive production that he.

[Monica McNutt]

Had when Brunson was out a few weeks back. And he was fantastic.

[Don LaGreca]

I mean, he really kept the Knicks afloat until Brunson got going later. But defensively, I mean, he is just absolutely making Cade Cunningham's life living hell. And I'm.

[Monica McNutt]

I love that about him. But, you know, it's funny, I haven't heard anyone talk about the coaching job by Tom Thibodeau on Saturday night, because when he screws up, everybody wants to talk about it. But in my opinion, he out coached JB Bickerstaff down the stretch and was a big part.

[Don LaGreca]

As much as you want to give.

[Monica McNutt]

The campaign and those guys the opportunity to shine, Tibbs absolutely deserves some credit here. He switched up his rotations and down the stretch he had Bridges. Bridges didn't have it.

[Don LaGreca]

At least offensively, he did the right thing. So I feel good about where we're at.

[Monica McNutt]

I think the Knicks take this tonight and go up two oh, heading back to Detroit.

[Don LaGreca]

I'm a little taken aback, guys. I'm not used to hearing Tibbs love.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I'm also not used to hearing somebody say, nobody's talking about it 10 minutes after I talked about it. Well, didn't I literally just say that in the first segment?

[Don LaGreca]

I think he was prepared. He had the bullet in the gun before you said it and he was going to fire it off.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nobody else is talking about. Right.

[Don LaGreca]

You talking sense with the Knicks is not what he's talking about. He's talking about everybody else. Or he just didn't hear it. I don't know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's. He's right. Everything he said was right. It just.

[Don LaGreca]

I'm just surprised we're getting some love.

[Peter Rosenberg]

For the guy over what I said.

[Don LaGreca]

That's all right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, you're right.

[Don LaGreca]

It's about time that this guy gets some love. It's very fluid. Very fluid. We could be here tomorrow this time after a loss and they're. They're killing them and want him out. And all I'll say is this. Like I. Like I say in any best of seven series with this format, all the Pistons wanted to do was get a split. So as great as you feel right now in that fourth quarter and all that, if for some reason you come out the same way you did on Saturday and don't have a 21 to nothing run and lose this game, well, then it becomes the best of five and go into Detroit. I'm not saying they can't win if they lose tonight, but I'm just saying the vibe is going to be completely different tomorrow if this team doesn't take advantage of what happened on Saturday. It's all I'm saying.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're right. Now we all. Before we get to the next calls, we always look at it from our team's perspective. Right now, if we flip it and look at from Detroit's perspective, they have to be concerned because car Anthony Towns really was quiet and he did nothing in the first quarter. Very quiet game. Second half he went crazy. Fourth quarter, he was indomitable. And there was something else I saw while sitting near the Pistons fence in Game 1. Isaiah Stewart, who's like their bully, he's their big toe guy. He's the one that, he's the bad boy throwback. All the other guys are kind of faking it. He's legit. He's the guy that's ready to mix it up. He has a knee problem that he had at the later part of the season. Tried to come back from J.B. bickerstaff only gave him 48 seconds in the fourth quarter and took him right out of the game. And then they were calming him down because he was mad and they were literally telling him, like, we can't. No. Like you're not right. And he's now listed on the injury list. Injury Report as questionable for the game tonight if they don't have him. And Jalen Duran, who's just a foul waiting to happen. Like, he. He's big, strong sets, good screens. Yes. But Stewart has been a big part of what they do physically and also defensively. He's very good in pick and roll where Jalen Duran is not. If they don't have that dude Carlton Towns, they had Tobias Harris guarding him, and all he did was shoot 4 for 5 against Tobias Harris. So that could be also a turning point in this series. If Stewart is injured enough that he's either not capable of playing up to his standard or that he's not playing at all. That's a huge advantage. And that's what the previous caller, Dave was trying to suggest. Like, they don't have anybody that can guard Towns. Knicks kind of figured that out in the second half. So that's also something to watch here in game two. That could also flip the series if all of a sudden they don't have any size.

[Don LaGreca]

Let's go to Caesar and Huntington. You're on espn, New York.

[Alan Hahn]

Caesar.

[Monica McNutt]

Guys. Guys. What's going on, fellas? How we doing today?

[Don LaGreca]

Good. You?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Good.

[Monica McNutt]

All right. Better now because you guys are listening to me. Look, what did I say on Friday when I called, right? Bridges is the X factor. Can we put this nonsense to bed that Thibodeau is gonna get fired? Can we please do that? If anybody else calls with that, can you just hang up on them, please, please? Because they do not know basketball. They're not true New York fans. And I don't want to hear it. It's a Monday morning. I got a broken ankle and I got plenty of time to call in. So with that being said. With that being said, guys, look, Mikel Bridges is the X factor. If he doesn't show up, he's on the hot seat. And like, I. I spoke to K and K agreed. I think they're probably not going to keep him if he doesn't show up for this playoffs. So they're going to trade him next year. What do you guys think? And let's keep going. Nick, let's go lock this down for game two. Later, fellas.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, no matter what was going to happen, guys, right there was going to be the conversation about moving on from Bridges, but he could make it difficult if he has a big series. But that did not happen Saturday.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, he did defense, I got to say, defensively, while OG held Cade to 2 for 8, Bridges played the second most minutes defensively against Cade and He held the two for Fox. Right.

[Don LaGreca]

But it came at the expense of his offense.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, like he did not really give you a lot offensively, but defensively it wasn't like he was a no show. He had a couple of steals. He was, he was involved defensively and you know, ended up not playing. He got into foul trouble as a result of, you know, given his effort defensively. But, you know, he's a game to game guy. He's a gay. He's a guy that tonight could give you 30.

[Don LaGreca]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You just don't know. You have. No. Especially if again, if their paint defense is compromised, he could be a guy that gets hot, whatever it is. So, you know, I'm not, I'm not after one game doing any declaratives either way. But I do not want to say he had a bad first game because defensively he still. He was. He was also. Yeah, it's part of it mattered. But he got into foul trouble. But the money is right this offseason. Can't deny it. That's a huge conversation they're going to have to have when it comes to the extension.

[Don LaGreca]

JJ in North Carolina, you're on. Don, Han and Rosenberg.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, there he is.

[Monica McNutt]

Hey. Hey guys, what's up? Can you hear me okay?

[Don LaGreca]

Oh, easily crystal clear. Oh, good.

[Monica McNutt]

Don, I appreciate a new Alan too. Bringing up Raleigh last week. I'm from. I'm right in Wake Forest. I appreciate you guys shouting that out. We moved down here about like 15 years ago.

[Don LaGreca]

It's a great, great area. Love Raleigh.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh yeah. That whole area again, the whole triangle there is fantastic.

[Monica McNutt]

It's beautiful. Peter, before I get to the Knicks and before that, I don't know if you're watching the press conference when you're doing the after show. I think you'll appreciate that the amount of egregious media laughter from Triple H and whoever. I could only think of what Don would be doing. I've never heard media laughter like that. From the slightest. From the slightest. Not even like he's trying to be funny and any. They just absolutely abrupt into laughter.

[Alan Hahn]

It's hysterical. Yeah. The only thing I'll push back on JJ is that he did have a couple of legitimate very funny lines last night. But yes, you're not wrong.

[Monica McNutt]

That's true. And I just got to know. I can't really call him to cheat.

[Don LaGreca]

Pete.

[Monica McNutt]

I got to know right off the rip. Peter, what in God's name are they doing? How could they not get Rock to show up when he was the main catalyst and the turning point of the biggest heel turn and probably wrestling history, and he doesn't show up at all. And then you have Travis Scott interfere in this lackluster kind of fakta, like, like weird like way. And then he hits him with the title and pins him. It's so I have no. I could go. I could go off like Dave Lagreca, who. Who went on one of the best rants in La Grecka history. That was unbelievable. I love, love Dave and I just can't stand it anymore. I just want to know your thoughts.

[Alan Hahn]

Listen, listen. Because this question could ramble until tomorrow. And I love you, jj. I'll say this, the Rock not being there, I. It completely baffles me. I have no. The guy's the most. He's on the board. He's the pin. He's the major part of the storyline. I was shocked that he was not there. You're not, you're not wrong.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Can we get some of this Dave legreco audio? Could it. Is that better rant than anything Don's ever done?

[Alan Hahn]

No, there's no chance that that's. He said what. He said one of the best, didn't he?

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah, but I'm hearing a lot on social media. It's comparable to me. I'd like to hear some of it. If it's terrible because it's unserious, he might use potty mouth language. But if we can clean it up, maybe it's something that could be used on ENN or a little bit later on.

[Alan Hahn]

I'd like to hear a piece.

[Don LaGreca]

Well, you have to ask Anthony to do the work. I don't want, you know, I'm not doing it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So you're doing it up today.

[Don LaGreca]

So if you want to get it done, Anthony's going to have to get it done. Griffin in Connecticut, you're on ESPN New York. What's up, Griff? How was your weekend?

[Monica McNutt]

My weekend was good. How was your guys weekend?

[Don LaGreca]

Terrific. A nice Easter Sunday. Hopefully everybody that celebrates Easter had a great Sunday. From a sports perspective, it was pretty good. How about you?

[Monica McNutt]

Yeah, well, by the way, Don, when you introduce Monica McKnight, you're supposed to say the great Monica McNutt. You forgot the great.

[Alan Hahn]

And it's a great point. It's a really good point.

[Don LaGreca]

All right, I'm sorry. I'll make up four to four.

[Monica McNutt]

I'm gonna talk about Tom Thibodeau. As much as people don't want to give Tom Thibodeau love, this is coming from not even a Knick fan. And I gotta give Tom Thibodeau credit yesterday. Not yesterday, I mean give credit on Saturday. He did not need to keep campaign in the game in the fourth. He could have easily gone back to his same routine that he normally does. What he saw in that fourth quarter is a campaign is changing it. He's making a difference. I need to keep him in this game to make sure we have a chance to even up or win this game. And he to win this game and take a one off series lead. And he did that. And as much people criticize, he doesn't use his bench. He doesn't well in that fourth quarter he showed you that if you play well he will trust you. You just got to play. Wow. And he'll trust you.

[Don LaGreca]

Well.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He also knows that there are certain matchups that work and he recognizes when a player is making an impact, he's going to go with that player he's big on. Like, like coaching would feel like, you know, so a player go. Because guys campaign wasn't really part of the rotation for most of the game. He came, I think he played under five minutes in the first half. Didn't play at all in the third quarter. Not a minute, not a second in that third quarter. And so it felt like, okay, he's not going to go with him. But then Brunson went in the back and he brings Payne into the game for those couple of minutes and he liked what the energy Payne was bringing. And so when he brought Brunson in, he brought him in for McBride and that was okay. Now we're going to play these two guards together and they were plus 14. It's like seven minutes together on the floor. Like it was. He saw it, he talked about it like I liked what I saw and we might see more of it now in this series because it was something that worked. So it's all about again it's the adjustment thing that everybody talks about when it comes to coaches and managers. The in game thing, what looks right. Let's get with that. Let's stay with this. And now we'll see if this is a series thing or maybe it was just a game one thing.

[Don LaGreca]

All right, Knicks on the table. 1-800-9193776. The great Monica McNutt will join us. Coming up at 4:00 we got an NFL binge at 430, ENN at 6 leading you into the Mets and the Phillies here on 880 and the Knicks and the Pistons. Game 2 on 1050. You want the most for your money. That's why more Mazda buyers choose Ramsey Mazda lease new 2025 Mazda CX30 all wheel drive only 209amonth or buy and get 0.9% APR financing for 36 months. Start shopping now at Ramsey Mazda.com choose wisely. Choose Ramsey Mazda. Call 833-853-2970 for details. Excludes tax, title, registration 0 Security Deposit Fin SM 813320 MSRP 26490 ends 43025 this episode is brought to you by State Farm. You might say all kinds of stuff when things go wrong, but these are the words you really need to remember. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. They've got options to fit your unique insurance needs, meaning you can talk to your agent to choose the coverage you need, have coverage options to protect the things you value most, file a claim right on the State Farm mobile app, and even reach a real person when you need to talk to someone. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Don't miss your chance to spring into deals at Lowe's right now. Get a free 60 volt Toro battery when you purchase a select 60 volt Toro electric mower. Plus buy three 19.3 ounce vegetable and herb Bonnie plants for just $10. It's time to give your yard a grow up. Lowe's we help you Save valid through $4.23. Selection varies by location while supplies last.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Discount taken at time of purchase.

[Don LaGreca]

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[Don LaGreca]

Lowe's we help you save Exclusions More terms and restrictions apply.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Program subject to terms and conditions.

[Don LaGreca]

Details@lowe's.com Terms subject to change thanks for.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Catch this show on demand whenever you.

[Alan Hahn]

Just subscribe to us.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wherever you get your podcasts.

[Don LaGreca]

Game time is brought to you by Tell them or do Irish Whiskey because when it's game time, it's tell it time. That's right. Knicks Pistons Game 2 coverage starts at 7 on 1050. Mets open up a series with the Phillies with coverage immediately following us on 880 at 7:00 and the Mets that take on The Phillies Yankees are in Cleveland to face the guardians at 6:10. Tullamore Dew. The original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast mature and Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew. Honey. During today's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. So Anthony has done the work and he has been able to get a portion of my brother's rant about WrestleMania. Apparently there was a lot of editing to be done because Filthy mouth, which. Which to me, I don't want to sound like a comedian or something, but if you work in blue, it's a completely different rant. If I had the ability to swear.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, hell yeah, it'd be a different world.

[Don LaGreca]

But you know what? I like the fact that I have to kind of editorialize on the fly.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I would love to hear an unfiltered Don McGregor rant one day. Wow. Just completely unfiltered.

[Don LaGreca]

I don't have to be a podcast or something, but here's a portion of.

[Peter Rosenberg]

My do those these days.

[Don LaGreca]

Here's a portion of my brother's rant about WrestleMania on a show busted open on SiriusXM. When it comes to being fans, I get it. I'm a wrestling fan. But I cannot believe the same people that moaned about this guy 15 years ago about this guy 10 years ago. He buries everybody. Never puts anybody over. Now you're surprised by what we saw last night. Oh, it's gonna be okay. Come WrestleMania, we're gonna get the Rock. We got no rock. Haven't seen the Rock since elimination chamber. But we got a lot of Travis Scott. And you want to make Cody Rhodes look weak. Textbook making somebody weak last night at WrestleMania on the biggest stage that there is. On the biggest stage. You just threw everything that you did for Cody last year and you threw it right out the window for what? A guy that's gonna be gone at the end of the year. But I love John Cena. You cuz all I heard was you promote about this mother and now I gotta hear it on Twitter, on Instagram, and people moaning, leaving allegiance. You wanted this. So now enjoy. Enjoy the PG era, part two.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right, you know what? Now I really got here unfiltered. Done. That sounded like that would be you.

[Alan Hahn]

No, I'm gonna say. I gotta say this. I gotta say this. I. I have been forthright before about saying I don't think Dave's rants are like, as good as Don. They sound more contrived. And I I love Dave. His show is gigantic. He's the man, he's a friend. That was the best rant I've ever heard from the, the, the sincere pause into bleep you was. And by the way, I said, I, I said last night on the Official Post show something similar in terms of the fans but I did not, I did not go to the level that Dave just, that was, you know what, that was special. I, I might need drops from that like we, that are we allowed to have a bleep you drop on this show?

[Don LaGreca]

I don't think, I don't think so.

[Alan Hahn]

It was a bleep.

[Don LaGreca]

The first thing that was bleeped. I was thinking that's just us being a little overly cautious. And then he just went and we had no choice but the bleep. He left very little to the imagination there. That was a bikini rant. That was a very, like a string bikini rant. Left very little to the imagination. Very little. I'm proud of my boy. Live from Vegas, he's going to be doing some, there's some event in LA that he's going to be doing this upcoming weekend. So he's got it going on, but the Knicks got it going on. 1-800-919-3776 people wanting to not only analyze what happened on Saturday, but preview what's going to happen in Game 2 tonight of the Garden. Alan is in Westchester, you're on ESPN New York High. Alan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You guys really want me to follow that?

[Don LaGreca]

That's, that's what we're asking you to do.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes. Well, okay, this, I'm not nearly as entertaining but look, I just wanted to.

[Monica McNutt]

Get you guys thoughts on this. To me, I'm watching the game and I thought Detroit just imploded. So we're all celebrating the Knicks win.

[Don LaGreca]

We're all excited but honestly, if Detroit.

[Monica McNutt]

Hadn'T completely just melted, I don't think.

[Don LaGreca]

The Knicks would have won the game.

[Monica McNutt]

Reminds me of an NFL game where you're, your team wins because the receiver runs a bad route or a quarterback or he drops a ball or quarterback throws a bad interception and you go oh, we won, we won.

[Don LaGreca]

But honestly if it had been anybody.

[Monica McNutt]

Decent, you would have lost.

[Don LaGreca]

But was it just the case of, was it just a case of the Pistons going cold or was it the defense? Was it the crowd at the Garden? I mean there's self inflicted wounds and there are times you're watching sports, you're like, my team didn't win, the other team lost. But watching that fourth quarter, you can't tell me the Knicks weren't somewhat, if not completely responsible for that meltdown. So yeah, they melted down, but there's a reason why they melted down. I didn't look at what happened in the fourth quarter as a complete self inflicted wound, did you?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Not at all. That was what you just said. It was a combination of a lot of things which included the Knicks turning it up, the Garden getting just incredibly loud and it just shakes. And you could see that that would really affect. I literally was next to their bench, so I was watching them and you could just see the look in their eyes that the, the first and then second time they had to call a timeout just, just to slow down the run. You could see the look in their eyes like they were, they were, they were, their chests were out, they were doing a lot of trash talking for, for three quarters. And then you had guys that weren't making eye contact with anybody head down and that there's something there. Now you could want to believe what Alan's saying and it could be accurate, but the thing about a seven game series is that when you give a game away, that could be the series.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So even if you say this, you know how you said, you know, they want to get a split, that was the game for them to win, you didn't win it. And so you get the Knicks attention. They found a few things. And if they lose tonight and the Knicks like are in more control and look more like that team that we expect to see four quarters instead of one, well, then you look at game one like that was the game you should have had.

[Don LaGreca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You always got to look at it from the other team's perspective. You can't always look at it from your team's perspective because you're always going to have that concern for your team. You don't want to get too high or feel too confident. But look at it from Detroit's perspective. They might have given away the one game they could have gotten in the split.

[Don LaGreca]

And also, like I said, all's forgiven if you're Detroit, you win game two, all you wanted was a split. But in the back of their minds, even if they win tonight, they'll be like, man, we should be up 2 0. We don't know how much that's going to come back to haunt them. If the Knicks win the next four games, then I guess it didn't matter anyway, they weren't going to win the series. But if this ends up being a struggle and it's over in six or Seven. They're going to be thinking about that Game one. It's costing them the series. So ultimately we'll see how far, how deep that's going to go. But Hal and Austin, guys has a question. You're on ESPN New York. What's up, Al?

[Monica McNutt]

Hey, guys. How are you guys? Calling from Austin, Texas.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Awesome. Nice.

[Monica McNutt]

I spoke to you guys a couple of weeks ago. Being a good Jewish boy from Long Island, I gotta. I gotta reclaim myself for the use of the klempt. I think I was trying to say I was feeling very meshuggah. Meshuggah. That sound. Does that sound right? Did I get it this time?

[Don LaGreca]

Well, if you're the Jewish boy, you should be telling us.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I have no idea.

[Monica McNutt]

I know. Okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Anyway, very Mike Myers. Those are words that Mike Myers uses in his bit. So that's all I know.

[Monica McNutt]

Anyway, I want to step back my comments on what I said about Deuce McGraw, Deuce McBride making a turnover, committing a foul in the last 30 seconds of every quarter. Haven't seen much of them since I spoke to you guys last time. But I did want to ask, did you see that fourth quarter comeback happening? Like, I mean, I know I was sitting on my couch looking at my wife. I mean, I thought, this is it, you know, not feeling too good about this. This. We're gonna lose it here. Did you guys, did you feel that being there? And like, did you. Did you think we had it in us to kind of make that rally? Because I'm very happy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The honest truth, Hal, is then the guys know it, because I put it in the group chat and I said, they're playing to the narrative. I said, this is not good. That, that's, that's how I felt. This is not good. After three quarters, I just stared at that court going, they're playing to the narrative. This is not good. But in the back of my mind, I kept saying, all they got to do, like, this is a veteran team is just wait this out and see if you can out veteran this team. And they did.

[Don LaGreca]

I don't feel like that it was over. I mean, you were concerned. Could they come back and win down eight in their own building in the fourth quarter? I didn't see a 21 nothing run coming. I didn't think they'd win the game by 12 or whatever. It was 11, but I thought winning the game was certainly doable. But all I kept thinking about is, we're in for a death match here. This is going to be a struggle. This is not going to be a pushover, but I'm really interested to see how the Pistons respond. I really think normally you don't put that much stock in the first quarter, first half of a game. I'm going to tonight because I want to see if there's any carryover for the Pistons and the Knicks. I think that's really important, if they're able to take that momentum or or what happened to Detroit on a negative standpoint into the first quarter. What happened in that fourth quarter on Saturday?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but I just want to know. It's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.