Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Knicks Stunning Win
Introduction In the May 6, 2025 episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into the New York Knicks' impressive victory over the Boston Celtics. The discussion is lively, engaging, and enriched with insights from both the hosts and their listeners, providing a comprehensive analysis of the game and its implications for the playoff series.
Game Recap The episode centers around the Knicks' unexpected win in Game 1 of their playoff series against the Celtics. Don Hahn opens the discussion by highlighting the significance of the Knicks surviving a challenging start:
- Don Hahn [01:15]: "But at least it's not short to over, which is, again, you lose game one. And then the way that was looking, there was this sense of this could be quick."
Alan Rosenberg adds context by painting the Celtics as a team that could be "had" due to injuries and fatigue:
- Alan Rosenberg [02:05]: "Number one. You have some version of an injury to three of their best players... They could be had. This is a year where maybe they could be had."
Key Players and Performance The hosts dissect individual performances and strategic plays that led to the Knicks' success. Peter Rosenberg emphasizes the mental toughness and grit of the Knicks:
- Peter Rosenberg [02:41]: "They just kept taking them because that's what they do. So what do we say before the series starts? They're going to need help to beat the Celtics from the Celtics."
Don Hahn praises the Knicks' resilience and ability to capitalize on the Celtics' poor shooting:
- Don Hahn [03:52]: "We have to win this game. And they did. You saw it. So that's what shows you the difference from what Boston has had to face last year... This team is not going to melt down."
Strategic Analysis The discussion delves into the Celtics' flawed strategy of excessive three-point attempts, which were both uncontested and poorly executed:
- Don Hahn [05:13]: "The Celtics couldn't hit a three to save their life. 15 for 60."
- Peter Rosenberg [07:06]: "And they missed 32 of them. They were 32. That's ridiculous."
The hosts analyze how the Knicks managed to exploit these weaknesses by maintaining defensive pressure and not giving up easy shots.
Fan Interactions Listeners contributed their perspectives, adding depth to the analysis. A caller from Connecticut appreciates the Knicks' ability to seize the moment:
- Caller [16:50]: "I was watching it on my phone... everybody just staring at me because I'm yelling three pointer."
Another caller from East Meadow highlights Josh Hart's energy and the team's collective effort:
- Caller [19:55]: "Reggie kept pointing out over and over, Josh Hart's energy... he's an animal last night."
Injury Impact The conversation touches upon the impact of injuries on the Celtics' performance. Key players like Porzingis had to leave the game prematurely:
- Alan Rosenberg [02:12]: "Porzingis got sick. So sick he had to leave a playoff game."
Don Hahn notes that the Celtics' injury woes echo their struggles from previous seasons, making them vulnerable:
- Don Hahn [07:54]: "They gave you one."
Statistical Breakdown The hosts provide a detailed statistical analysis of the game, emphasizing the Celtics' poor shooting percentages and turnovers:
- Don Hahn [06:39]: "Brown 1 for 10. Tatum, 5, 4 for 15 from 3. White 5 for 16."
- Peter Rosenberg [06:52]: "They missed 32."
This numerical insight underscores the Celtics' inefficiency and the Knicks' defensive prowess.
Future Implications Looking ahead, the hosts discuss the potential trajectory of the series. With Knicks holding a 1-0 lead, the pressure mounts on the Celtics to perform better in upcoming games:
- Alan Rosenberg [08:24]: "You get one."
- Don Hahn [09:12]: "First time they've won four straight on the road in the playoffs since 1999."
Closing Remarks and Upcoming Segments As the episode nears its conclusion, the hosts tease upcoming segments and interactions with guests like Spike Lee. They also reflect on their ongoing analyses and the broader implications for the Knicks' playoff journey.
Notable Quotes
- Peter Rosenberg [02:02]: "The Knicks are up one nothing in this series because the Celtics couldn't hit a three to save their life."
- Alan Rosenberg [35:11]: "You don't want the players to say that, but from a fan base, I think just revel in it, man."
Conclusion This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers a thorough and passionate examination of the Knicks' Game 1 victory, blending statistical analysis with spirited commentary. The hosts effectively engage with listeners, providing a multifaceted perspective that underscores the Knicks' potential in the playoffs while critiquing the Celtics' vulnerabilities. Whether you're a die-hard Knicks fan or a casual basketball enthusiast, this episode delivers valuable insights and entertaining discourse.
