Hour 1: Knicks Win Game 4

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary

Episode: Hour 1: Knicks Win Game 4
Release Date: April 28, 2025

---

Introduction and Series Overview

Timestamp: 00:30

The episode kicks off with a light-hearted exchange among the hosts, Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg, briefly touching on topics unrelated to sports before delving into the primary focus: the New York Knicks' victory in Game 4 of their playoff series.

---

Knicks vs. Pistons: Current Standing and Performance

Timestamp: 03:00

Don La Greca leads the discussion by highlighting the Knicks' advantageous position, being up three games to one against the Detroit Pistons. He emphasizes the Knicks' potential to close the series swiftly, stating, “I would think the Knicks would take care of business and win in five” (04:00).

Peter Rosenberg raises concerns about the competitiveness of the series, noting the close nature of the games and questioning the Knicks' ability to dominate as expected: “They were never supposed to be like, quick work. This was just going to be you out, veteran them, out experience them” (06:08).

Alan Hahn offers a balanced perspective, reassuring that while the games have been tight, the Knicks are a higher seed and inherently deserve their leading position. He states, “I think the fact that they're up three one is exactly where they're supposed to” (06:08).

---

Key Player Spotlight: Jalen Brunson

Timestamp: 09:00

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Jalen Brunson's pivotal role in the Knicks' success. Don la Greca praises Brunson's clutch performances, stating, “Jalen Brunson has played 248 minutes in the fourth quarter of this series... He's averaging over 13 points a game, shooting 62%” (10:39).

Peter Rosenberg echoes this sentiment, highlighting Brunson's ability to deliver under pressure: “This guy is as clutch as a player that New York has had on a basketball court or maybe any other surface of sports that we have seen in a very long time” (11:45).

Don further delves into Brunson's significance, comparing him to legendary figures and underscoring his influence: “He's a guy that can hit home runs and not strike out. It is amazing what the abilities that he has” (33:27).

---

Strategic Analysis and Team Dynamics

Timestamp: 12:00

The hosts analyze the Knicks' strategy and team dynamics, particularly focusing on the Pistons' physicality and its impact on the series. Don La Greca comments on the Knicks' resilience against the Pistons' aggressive playstyle: “This is what they are. Maybe I was hoping... But I don't. I'm not feeling that” (13:25).

Peter Rosenberg critiques the Knicks' coaching decisions, especially concerning bench performance and game management: “The reason why this has been too close is the Knick bench has given you nothing” (07:22).

Alan Hahn emphasizes the importance of maintaining key players' health, particularly Jalen Brunson, expressing concerns over his potential fatigue: “Extra bonus points for getting out of this series completely healthy. That's my biggest fear” (14:37).

---

Comparative Discussions: Jalen Brunson vs. Other Sports Figures

Timestamp: 31:00

In a spirited segment, the hosts engage in a debate comparing Jalen Brunson's clutch performance to iconic figures in other sports, notably Derek Jeter and Aaron Judge.

Don La Greca asserts Brunson's superiority in clutch situations over baseball stars: “If you take away the rings, then I guess the Clutchness doesn't matter” (49:17).

Peter Rosenberg counters by emphasizing the numerical prowess of Aaron Judge: “They do realize the numbers tell you he might be the greatest hitter in the history of the sport” (46:53).

The debate intensifies as Don defends Brunson’s continued performance and versatility, while Peter highlights the statistical achievements of Judge: “Jalen Brunson is a better Knick than Carmelo Anthony” (34:15) and “He can hit home runs and not strike out” (33:27).

---

Caller Interactions and Insights

Timestamp: 24:00

Throughout the episode, callers engage with the hosts, providing their perspectives on team strategies and player performances. Notably, Dave shares his thoughts on defensive strategies against key Pistons players: “Cunningham got a good look at that last. That last shot there, but I think he should be getting a lot of credit” (28:37).

Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg address these inputs, offering rebuttals and reinforcing their analyses on optimal player utilization and defensive matchups.

---

Injury Concerns: Jalen Brunson’s Ankle

Timestamp: 41:40

As the discussion progresses, attention turns to Jalen Brunson's recent ankle injury. Peter Rosenberg expresses minimal concern based on Brunson's post-game demeanor: “He was walking around after the game outside the locker room because his family was there... it didn't feel like, you know, major concern” (41:32).

Don La Greca adds, “He's such an important piece to the puzzle that you just want to make sure he's as close to 100% as possible” (43:32), emphasizing the importance of Brunson's health for the Knicks' continued success in the playoffs.

---

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: 49:00

In the closing segments, the hosts reiterate their confidence in the Knicks' ability to conclude the series in favor of New York. Don La Greca sums up his stance: “They are passing a lot of tests, and they should be able to finish it off tomorrow at the Garden” (30:17).

Peter Rosenberg concurring, underlines the team's resilience and readiness for the challenges ahead: “This is their run. They got to win Tuesday. You don't want to mess around, go back to Detroit” (13:55).

Alan Hahn concludes with a positive note on the team's toughness and strategic positioning: “I feel really good about that” (15:28).

---

Notable Quotes

• Don La Greca: “I would think the Knicks would take care of business and win in five.” (04:00)
• Peter Rosenberg: “They were never supposed to be like, quick work.” (06:08)
• Don La Greca: “Jalen Brunson has played 248 minutes in the fourth quarter of this series.” (10:39)
• Peter Rosenberg: “This guy is as clutch as a player that New York has had on a basketball court.” (11:45)
• Don La Greca: “If you take away the rings, then I guess the Clutchness doesn't matter.” (49:17)
• Peter Rosenberg: “He might be the greatest hitter in the history of the sport.” (46:53)

---

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers an in-depth analysis of the Knicks' playoff performance, spotlighting key player contributions, strategic considerations, and engaging debates that provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the team's current trajectory and future prospects.

Transcript

[Don La Greca]

Fellas, you know degree Cool Rush deodorant, right? Well, last year they changed the formula and guys were mad about it. One dude even started a petition. So guess what? Degree heard us, admitted they messed up and brought the original Cool Rush scent back exactly how it was. And it's in Walmart, Target and other stores now for under $4. So grab some and remember why its cool, crisp and fresh scent made it the number one men's antiperspirant for the last decade. Degree Cool Rush is back, and it smells like victory for all of us.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don.

[Don La Greca]

I had never seen holes like that before.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Han, I'm not comfortable touching it. I'm not. No. And Rosenberg.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm not breastfeeding.

[Don La Greca]

No, but I.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's too bad.

[Don La Greca]

This is in North Dakota. This is New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is Don Hahn at Rosenberg. The best threesome I've ever heard on 8 80, ESPN and the ESPN New York app.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, it's 302 in the big city. Don, Han and Rosenberg. Why isn't it 3:00? Because Michael K. Keeps cutting into our show.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The hell?

[Don La Greca]

What's he doing getting on our property? He's trespassing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Does he want a third hour? I mean, we could. We can defer.

[Don La Greca]

We'll start at 4.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You want that third hour? Go ahead, Michael. Take it three to four. We'll see at four.

[Don La Greca]

I'm not renegotiating.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, well, no, certainly not.

[Don La Greca]

He would be the one that probably would be upset, you know?

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, Michael.

[Alan Hahn]

Michael's not the kind of guy, if there was a change like that, that he would need more money.

[Don La Greca]

No, I mean, there's no history of.

[Alan Hahn]

He knew the extra time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sure.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. Not at all.

[Don La Greca]

Got registered in an ATM at the Citibank for his wedding, so. No, money's not. Money doesn't phase.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Guys, this social media thing today that's going around, you know, the hundred men versus a gorilla thing?

[Don La Greca]

Oh, I did. What is that about?

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's amazing how things just catch fire and then everybody just has. And then every entity has their own version of it. You know, every brand and every. It just gets ridiculous. Like, who cares? I don't care.

[Alan Hahn]

I just saw it referenced, like, as if it was something I should know about and I didn't know about it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You didn't need to know.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't need to know.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. It would take 100 people to bring down a gorilla. 100 people?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, that's what I said when they asked me over at Seaport this morning. Like, you know, they wanted me on social Media ads. And so he asked me, he's like, you know, do you think 100 men could beat a hundred? And I said, well, what A hundred men? Because if it's 100 of me. No, if I get 100, like, you know, some, like get some shots in there. Well, Damien Woody was in the, in the green room at the time. And then Chris Kenny I just talked to, I said, you give me 100 of those dudes, I mean we got a fighter's chance.

[Don La Greca]

I mean, but you might get the wrong hundred men and they'd just be beating on each other. And the gorilla just walk off, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean that's just gives up. But somebody's getting their arms torn off. But while he's getting his arms torn off, somebody else now gotta jump the gorilla.

[Don La Greca]

There's. That would be sacrificed. But I do think 100 people would finally be able to figure it out. Gorilla. Yeah, but there might be only like four left by the time it's all over.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But those four would have a story to tell.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, there is so much to discuss. The last I checked, yep, not this Shador was drafted. It was about five minutes ago. Oh my God.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Our long national nightmare is over.

[Don La Greca]

I've got so, so much to say about it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So, so much, so much so.

[Don La Greca]

So now when your team gets really good, you have losses that just seem to hurt more. And that's what happened to the Mets. And if you're listening to us on 880, get ready because we're going to be on 1050 in about 30 minutes because we've got the Mets Nationals in there. Remember Peter, the wraparound series.

[Alan Hahn]

I love it with the Nationals. Anytime we end up on 1050, I'm always thrilled.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The wraparound makes it sound like it's like a fast paced weekend. We got this wraparound series with the Nationals.

[Don La Greca]

There's a couple other things that come to mind as well that I'm not gonna.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, that's a different around but it's.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, let's not reach. But now we got.

[Alan Hahn]

That's part of it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He did it.

[Don La Greca]

We've also got the Yankees having a decision on a closer. Boy, it's so easy to become a villain in New York. I tell you what, Devin Williams signed here, thought it was gonna be great. It lasted about two weeks and everybody wants him dead, but that'll be talked about.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a good thing though. Hey, at least he's got a beard.

[Don La Greca]

At least you got a beard.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don't worry about it.

[Don La Greca]

But we start with the Knicks and They're up three games to one, and it looks like everything is kind of going according to plan. Right. They're coming back home. We're going to be at Stout tomorrow. So definitely swing by, do the broadcast leading up to our coverage of Game 5 between the Knicks and the Pistons, and I would think the Knicks would take care of business and win in five. And at a glance, at least to me, you know, the people will look at it and go, all right, well, listen, they took care of business. They won in five. That's what Alan predicted. I thought the Knicks would win, move on. This has been a lot harder, guys, than I thought it would be. So be happy if you're a Knick fan. You're up three games to one. You should be able to wrap it up tomorrow, move on and take on eventually, I would think. The Boston Celtics are also up 3:1 on the Orlando Magic. I don't like how this has gone down. I don't. They've shown a bit of toughness. I don't want to hear about the officials. There were bad calls on both sides. But, guys, am I wrong to say I thought it'd be a little bit easier, that maybe they would cruise a little bit more? Am I wrong to be nervous that three of these four games were nail biters?

[Alan Hahn]

I would say there are specific things that I think it's worth being concerned about or having questions about. I don't. I'm curious to see what Alan will say because he, He's. He's there every day. In my opinion, guys, the fact that the games have been close and you're up 3:1, the Knicks are a higher seed. The Knicks are a better team. I don't know that they're the kind of better team that we're supposed to blow them out in every game. Allen. I think the fact that they're up three one is exactly where they're supposed to. I'm not overly concerned with the fact the games have been close.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They were never supposed to be like, quick work. This was just going to be you out, veteran them, you out experience them, which they've done every fourth quarter. Yeah, they have won the game when it mattered. Did they get called? Did they get a call? Yeah, of course they got a call. They got a call. Yes. Could it be. Should it be 2:2? Well, that's the fallacy of the predetermined outcome. Meaning that Hardaway Jr. Would have made at least two free throws there. We're saying he would have, but we don't know. But still, the whole point of the matter is, is that it's, it's. They don't ask you how, they ask you how many. And in this situation, by the way, can I point out one thing? It should be four. Oh, this should have been a sweep. They should have won game too. Now, like that's a giveaway game. They gave that game away. That's the only thing. If you want to come up with something like what, what makes you uncomfortable? What makes me uncomfortable is they actually could have gotten out of this thing in four. Because the Pistons, every fourth quarter they're right down their leg. Absolutely. Just piddling right down their leg. They cannot close. You had them in your building in game two and you couldn't and get a call, whatever it was. So I'm looking at this as this is what they were supposed to do against a hard playing team in a series that they're letting anything go. It's awful, awful basketball and they're surviving it.

[Don La Greca]

But, but the way I look at what you just said is that if the Pistons had a little bit more experience, they don't win this series. But they don't. But I'm saying I still think you're a better basketball team than them. I didn't look at it and say, well, the only reason you should beat this team is because they're inexperienced. I think you're a better basketball team, but you are. And yet they had to wet their leg in order for you to be able to win. I mean, you're down 11 in the fourth quarter, man, you're playing with fire. Because you play the exact same four games in the next round against Boston, you will be swept.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah.

[Don La Greca]

So that's the way I look at it. So no, I don't believe in that analysis of or the saying of. They don't ask how, they just ask how many. I'm sorry. When you fancy yourself to be an elite team and they were a top five team all year and you're going in the first round, well, then I think it's okay for me to look at it and go, I want to see how it looks. Because I'm pre scouting what you're going to do in the next round.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let me ask you a question and I, I'm not trying to embarrass you.

[Don La Greca]

Please, I don't want. No, no, no.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Honestly. Because I also know you are following closely the hockey playoffs and I know you're following baseball. I know you probably haven't checked in on the Celtics in the Magic series. Right.

[Don La Greca]

I Watched a lot of yesterday.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right, you're going to tell me that the Celtics are just blowing them off the court. That has been a knockdown, drag out as well. They're batting the bunny against that.

[Don La Greca]

But, you know, but that's what they're doing. Because the defending champions.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But it doesn't look good. Ask any Southern fan. Right now, they're annoyed that. Here they go again.

[Don La Greca]

They're making this too hard. I agree. Listen, that happens.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're going to get hurt. If they play another game. They're going to get hurt.

[Don La Greca]

I think the Winnipeg Jets, I picked them the win the Stanley Cup Final, they just got embarrassed in two games in.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think this happened in the first.

[Don La Greca]

Round, but I also think that. But not to the Knicks. Because here's the thing with the Knicks. Alan, what's that? Is that the. The Knicks, they don't do load management. They don't bat the bunny, right. They play as hard as they can all the time. All right, The Boston Celtics, the defending champions, they've got nothing to prove, okay? They're going to bat the bunny. They're going to play with their food, whatever, because they know they're winning this series and they've got nothing to prove to anybody. All right, but the Knicks, who are they? Well, I think they came into this series to try to prove to everybody that they are among the elite teams.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And when it's winning time, that's what they've been doing, right?

[Don La Greca]

And when it's winning, Boston's gonna win in five. Right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, that's the whole idea, is they're making the plays that matter. The reason why this has been too close is the Knick bench has given you nothing. Nothing.

[Don La Greca]

But we knew that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But we knew, right? We knew that. But those are minutes you're trying to steal. And to their credit, the Pistons guys come in the game and they're difference makers. They're playing with a bravado. And all the stuff that I'm talking about, they are trying. Here's the thing. I think Bickerstaff's doing a terrible job. Two games at home. He's too jacked up emotionally. His team was not focused. They were too busy trying to live up to this. This idea of Bad Boys 2.0 and all that stuff instead of just play. And that to me, that's part of the reason they got themselves too caught up in all that garbage instead of just playing. And while calling out the Knicks about how we don't think they can handle this in the physicality, what the Knicks have shown you is that they have a mental toughness that maybe we haven't given them enough credit for. And then they have one of the best closers in the sport, Jalen Brunson. Here's a stat. Listen to stat. Jalen Brunson has played 248 minutes in the fourth quarter of this series, okay? He has 248 points.

[Don La Greca]

That's crazy. He's got 40 total points in the fourth quarter of the four.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You got to be kidding me.

[Alan Hahn]

So wait, that's where that's at again, I didn't understand.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I will read it directly from Himbo, okay? Because he sent it to me this morning, and I just said to myself, like, that's unreal.

[Don La Greca]

While he's doing that, I just watched Stephen A. Shoot somebody on General Hospital.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, my God.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, it was very funny.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Here's the step. I don't think we're supposed to be Jalen Brunson. Fourth quarter in playoff. Playoff career with playoff career. Fourth quarter, playoff career. 248 minutes, 248 points.

[Alan Hahn]

That. That's.

[Don La Greca]

Okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's.

[Don La Greca]

I'll tell you, he's amazing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What he's done. What he's done in this series is averaging over 13 points a game, shooting 62%. Like he is. Like. I know we want to talk about the Knicks as a whole, but for a minute, I think we should just look at this player and what he's become for this franchise and what he is.

[Don La Greca]

Have to prove anything to me, which.

[Peter Rosenberg]

To me is going into the series. How many people are like, well, Kate Cunningham is the best player in the series, guys.

[Don La Greca]

Wrong.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This guy is. Is as clutch as a player that New York has had on a basketball court or maybe any other surface of sports that we have seen in a very long time.

[Don La Greca]

No, no question. And.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And toughness.

[Don La Greca]

And instead of maybe resting that ankle in the fourth quarter, he's got beast and come back, change his shoes and all that, because you're down 11. You desperately need him to be the man.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, when he got rolled up on, that was like, everybody just. Everybody thought, series is over.

[Don La Greca]

But wouldn't it be nice to have a little bit of a cushion so you don't have to push him to that point? Or didn't we talk about in analysis, in the analysis of how far this Knicks team can go? You know, you don't want to get Brunson hurt in the process.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Everybody wants you to be up by 15 in the fourth quarter, but that's. It's not the playoffs. Especially when they can do what they're doing, Don. What they're getting away with is insane.

[Don La Greca]

Well, this is the problem, which is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Why it's ironic that JB Bickerstaff is complaining about officiating. When he said going into these two games, when he left New York, game two, his whole thing was how we like the way it's being officiated. We could play through the contact. We can handle it. He had his chest out, and he was talking about the officiating as if we're built for this. And then what happened in two games in his building? They complained about the officiating for two games because they didn't get whistles all of a sudden.

[Don La Greca]

Well, this is the problem with the people, the whole. The crowd of, oh, let them play. Because this is what you get when you let them play basketball, is you just get bad basketball and you get it really affecting the game to that level. Guys, I'm happy they're up 3:1. They deserve to be up 3:1. I'm just saying I kind of look at it a little deeper because you'd like to think that this team is built for a run. I just feel it's confirming me that I don't think there's any run in them beyond the first round.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, this. This is. This is their run. This is their run. And then it's going to be, can they get one on this? I honestly think all you've got left, if they can get through this series, they got to win Tuesday. You don't want to mess around, go back to Detroit. But I don't know how you guys feel. And again, I know, Peter, you're a Celtics fan, but all I would be thinking about going into a series with Boston is can they get one and can they get one in Boston to make the games in New York interesting?

[Don La Greca]

So we're all saying the same thing. I think, in essence, who they are is that I'm just getting the reminder that that's what they are. And maybe I was hoping going in that things would be a little bit more impressive to give me belief that maybe, just maybe it wouldn't just be two and done again. But I don't. I'm not feeling that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How do we feel about.

[Don La Greca]

Go ahead, Peter.

[Alan Hahn]

No, I just. I feel like. I don't necessarily totally disagree with Don, but Alan, I think you. And I do disagree with how he's getting to the conclusion. Like, I. If you look at the Celtics series now, the Celtics were killer in clutch time, lose on Friday night. In Orlando never truly pulled away yesterday.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, yesterday was a terrible game.

[Alan Hahn]

Like, yesterday was a slog.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And it was scary because there was a minute there where it's like. Or I thought, oh, I might get this. And if they get this, it's 2:2. They just couldn't make shots when it mattered, which is, again, a young team can't do.

[Alan Hahn]

Celtics were that close, don, to being 22 with Orlando. I just don't know how much I look into, like, how close these games are and more about whether or not they find a way to get it done. If they finish this series off and win 4 1. I'm not saying you're expecting them to go on and win the next series, but, Alan, I feel really good about that. And then you never know what happens in the next series and matchups. By the way, extra bonus points for getting out of this series completely healthy. That's my biggest fear, is the fact that Jalen Brunson has to leave every game and come back. That's what freaks me out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. I guess again, we're all saying the same thing. I just. I don't like the comparison to the established winning teams already.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I get. I get it.

[Don La Greca]

And Tatum, obviously not 100%. They won the game that he missed Drew Holiday, you know, so this is. I get it. But you kind of figure that that's going to be the case, and now that you got the Lakers, who are in legit trouble, down three one, they are in trouble. So I get all of it. I just think that I feel like with the Knick fans that I'm talking to, and we're going to take Your calls at 1-800-919-3776 is that sometimes you're a little less equipped or prepared to just embrace what this basketball team is. And that is, yeah, the third best team in the conference, but at times they were the fourth best team in the league. Fifth best team in the league. And maybe I just expected it to look a little bit different because this team doesn't bat the butt. That's what I love about the Knicks. They play hard all the time. They never look past anybody. Right. I think they are giving you the best basketball they can give you. And there happens.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, their offense has been clunky. They haven't made shots that should make.

[Don La Greca]

But that's not lack of effort.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, no, no.

[Don La Greca]

It's not them daydreaming about the Celtics. I mean, you could take a look.

[Peter Rosenberg]

At game two was their bad game. The game three was a phenomenal game that just had a bizarre ending because of just some strange circumstances. But they weren't. Remember, they were up seven. They were in control. And then crazy things happened in the last minute. I called the game.

[Don La Greca]

Nothing but crazy things are happening.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yesterday was a. They had to mount a comeback because you had a desperate Pistons team. Now, now I want to ask both of you guys this. The fact that the officials acknowledged that that should have been a foul after the game was over, how do we feel about that?

[Don La Greca]

I told you, I like the accountability. Because if they don't say anything, but.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If you can't get it right, what's the.

[Don La Greca]

Hey, I.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If you can see it 5 minutes, 10 minutes after the game to a pool reporter, there's. There's no way to watch that on a review. There's nothing to watch.

[Don La Greca]

Listen, if you want to. If you want to get into that. But I'm just saying that there's a level of accountability.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's a whole series of game that's a big deal.

[Don La Greca]

When there's deadly silence that tells me that maybe the NBA agreed with the call, right? And then there's no accountability. We know who the officials are. We know who blew the call, and it's there. I understand it frustrates you. You can't go back in time and change it, but all we ever ask for is accountability when mistakes are made.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Imagine the NFL, right after the game, they come out and they say, yeah, we blew that.

[Don La Greca]

Well, what the NFL does is they send the letter of apology, right? And usually the coach will then make it public. They don't have. But it's the same thing in the NFL, don't you feel? Sometimes it's like, well, that egregious call when the NFL doesn't say any. It's like, oh, they must think it's okay. They're not doing anything about it. They're not holding these officials accountable. Well, they are. No, they are letting you know and the NBA's letting you know. What's the matter with full disclosure?

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's just to me, in that moment, that's a tough way to walk out of a building, right? Like, how do you just. Well, nothing. We can do it on the case show, Peter.

[Don La Greca]

Right? Michael thought, it's ridiculous. Why are they saying anything? Where did you fall on that, Peter? I don't remember. Were you with me or with Michael?

[Alan Hahn]

What was. Michael said what?

[Don La Greca]

Michael, why are you saying anything? Why. Why would you admit you made a mistake? Don't say anything. I.

[Alan Hahn]

To me, it depends on the situation. Like in this case, I think they had to on account of the fact that when you saw the replay you could tell it was understandable to me why the original angle didn't make it clear. The angle of the referee. I could see why you thought Hart avoided it. But when they showed the other side you could clearly see contact. I think you're better off being honest about it. I personally do.

[Don La Greca]

I just think you want to get out in front. But I understand the frustration of all right, we're sorry but can't do anything about it. But that's kind of what you're going to do.

[Alan Hahn]

Go back and take three free throws right now.

[Don La Greca]

1-800-919-3776 Baritone in Queens gets us started here on Don on and Rosenberg.

[D]

Guys, what's going on? What's going on?

[Peter Rosenberg]

What's up now?

[D]

What's going on? Alan? I'm not a delusional Knicks fan. It was some good and it was some bad. Five bench points is not going to get it done long term. Also a lot of people is not talking. The tough shots that Brunson Cat took and the back to back threes that what's his name Bridges made, that was key.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Huge.

[D]

That was. That was amazing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Towns is that turnaround jumper on the baseline behind the backboard with Duran's hand in his face. That's Ewing esque like that. That kind of a shot was. That's big boy like that. Him taking that with the confidence he took it with and swishing that in that moment. Nevermind the 30 foot 3 step back 30 foot 3. But that turn, that move on the post with Duran bumping him in the hand was literally in his face. When you watch that back, that's breathtaking shot making. And then right Bridges had. Bridges shot poorly but made two big threes. Yeah, they made shots that mattered. When the Pistons couldn't make shots in the fourth quarter, which is the difference between a team that's experienced and a team that isn't. And Orlando Boston. That ending was the same exact situation. Franz Wagner had a terrific game. Couldn't make a shot in the fourth quarter. Bunch Arrow couldn't make a shot in the fourth quarter and all Tatum did was make shots. All White did was make shots. Brown like they all knew when it was winning time. They were confident with their shooting and the young teams rarely are. Race the rudders. Raise the sails.

[Don La Greca]

Raise the sails.

[Alan Hahn]

Captain, an unidentified ship is approaching.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Over. Roger.

[Don La Greca]

Wait.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is that an enterprise sales solution? Reach sales professionals, not professional sailors with LinkedIn ads. You can Target the right people by industry, job title and more. We'll even give you a $100 credit.

[Don La Greca]

On your next campaign.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Get started today at LinkedIn.com results, terms and conditions apply.

[Don La Greca]

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 date. Duramax 3 liter turbo diesel engine. Where other trucks call it quits, you'll just be getting started. Visit chevy.com to learn more. Nordstrom brings you the season's most wanted brands. Skims, Mango Free People and Princess polly. All under $100. From trending sneakers to beauty must haves, we've curated the styles you'll wear on repeat this spring. Free shipping, free returns and in store pickup make it easier than ever. Shop now in store stores [e-mail].

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don La Greca]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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

[Alan Hahn]

Oh yeah.

[Don La Greca]

Game time is brought to you by teleporter Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, it's Mets and Nationals this afternoon. That game can be heard on 880 and the Yankees and the Orioles have a game tonight at 6:35 Tullamore due the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Irish Whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew. Honey, during tonight's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. Some news about the stout remote. Tomorrow before game five, talk to me at the Garden. Confirmed in the 4:00 hour. Monica McNutt.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes. Oh yeah, love Monica.

[Don La Greca]

And then around 5:30, does the name Larry Johnson resonate with anybody?

[Alan Hahn]

All right.

[Don La Greca]

Hello.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. Talk about somebody that knows how to get fouled on a three pointer.

[Don La Greca]

That's right. That's.

[Alan Hahn]

That's Grandma Mata, you and me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right.

[Don La Greca]

That's one of those. You know where you were when that happened? No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, I do.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I was in.

[Alan Hahn]

I was at my friend Jody in Indy's apartment in College Park.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I was the great stories of all time.

[Don La Greca]

I was at Jerry Recko's wedding in the parking lot listening to it on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The radio draw in the parking lot.

[Don La Greca]

That's amazing.

[Alan Hahn]

You win, Don. That's good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is also. They think about it too. The stories that he can tell. Remember him and Alonzo Morning going, throwing haymakers and then Jeff Van Gundy ending up on the floor hanging on to Morning's leg. Oh yeah, what a story that is. Again, we talk 90s basketball. That's LJ. He'll be able to tell us some stories.

[Don La Greca]

But right now the Knicks on the table. 1,800-9193776 at 430. We've got the NFL binge at 6 o'clock. We've got an ENN vehicle. But right now we're talking Knicks and we're talking Pistons and we're talking to Jerry in Manhattan. You're on ESPN New York. Hi, Jerry.

[D]

How you guys doing?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Good.

[D]

Yeah. I'm just wondering why Troubledor ain't playing Ochua at all. You know, he could defend a little bit against Kate Cunningham and like I said, that bench been awful. I don't know what's his love affair with McBride? I think giving extra minutes off to Bridges and playing him with a second union when. When Brunson ain't there will probably help him score more. What do you guys think about that?

[Peter Rosenberg]

So who did you instead of. And I'm not, I'm not denying what you're saying about McBride. He has had a tough series. He. He is. They're picking on him. But if you don't play him and they have him out there a lot for defense who should play well.

[D]

That's what I'm saying. I don't think McBride providing much very good defense. And I think with a. A guy like Cunningham, I think. I'm sure, like I said he could defend.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's not a guard. Achua's not a guard. Achu is a 68 forward center.

[D]

I understand but you're looking for McBride to be a guarded that scored you points. A guy like Cunningham.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, he can't. No, he's a. No.

[Don La Greca]

Yes.

[D]

He's an active player.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You believe that persons Achua can guard.

[D]

Kate, you think could do a better job?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Two different things.

[D]

Small forward.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But he really wasn't guarding him. He's. He's not guarding him much at all.

[D]

What I'm saying Achua could play the 3 and 4 spot and like I said, Mitch Robinson gave you one good game the first game and he's really not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Jerry, if you're telling me that you'd rather and I love Precious but if you're telling me you'd rather play him instead of Mitchell Robinson. That I, I got a completely disagree.

[D]

The first game I get. I give you, I give you. I totally agree. He played, he played very well. He played, he probably played the best.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yep.

[D]

Since then he has given you nothing. Basically, to me yesterday he gave, I.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thought his defense in game three was phenomenal. Mitchell Robinson, phenomenal defense in game three.

[D]

I think Richmond, he gives you 15 minutes and it's overrated defense. Like I said, when I see him play good, it was that first game. Anything else? He's providing. Really. He should be getting much more rebound with a small team here he's, I don't think he's really providing much. I think, I'm not saying that true was going to be give him 10, 15 minutes so you, you could rest up. I mean Bridges and OG on the defensive side, you know, you don't have to give him like 25, 20, 30 minutes, especially if your guards ain't providing you with nothing. Yeah, I, I don't, I don't see where you, you can't fit him in a True. Remember against the Sixers last playoff series, he did a pretty good job against. If you remember, he was scoring 18 points, getting double figure rebound. And I think he's an active, active big. So, you know, like I said that the bench, I understand the bench ain't providing you nothing, so you got to try to play somebody else for activity and defense.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You made your case, Jerry. I'm not, I'm not buying it. You know, again, I, I, I think precious Achua has moments, but I don't know if we're talking about like him as an answer, especially moving him ahead of a guy who's 7:1 with a 7:3 wing shot.

[Don La Greca]

That doesn't make sense.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You need, you need as much size you can get and Mitchell Robinson and.

[Don La Greca]

Sometimes fans don't appreciate the defense. They kind of just think about.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He told me about stats which, you know. Yeah, okay, so he's not putting up double doubles and stuff. I get it. And he's not really an offensive threat. So, you know, here's the problem. Like you said, Don, when it doesn't look right, like then you start thinking of how can you make it better. What if we use this guy? What if you, we do that a lot to bench players and we kind of gas them up and you don't, you have to understand that I think the coaching staff, it's not just one man. I think there's enough people on the coaching staff that kind of have an idea of what they have on this team.

[Don La Greca]

Muhammad on Long Island. You're on espn, New York.

[D]

What's going on, guys? Thanks for taking my call, man. Don, when you said it's one of those, you remember where you are? I do. I remember being at my aunt's crib. I think I can't remember why we were there. It was some kind of celebration. But at the end of it, everybody, all the men wound up in the living room watching the Knicks game. And when LJ Hit that shot, man, the whole living room just erupted. Children in that way, even people that didn't know what was going on.

[Don La Greca]

Well, that. I just will let you get to your point. But that one shot they took from the ceiling, where you just see everybody, in unison, just jump up after that shot went down, I'll never forget that moment.

[D]

Neither will I. And I was probably maybe nine or ten at the time, so. Yeah, I never forgot that moment either.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you are a young man. You just made us all feel old.

[Don La Greca]

And it would never get any better.

[D]

I just want to say, when it comes to the. When it comes to the Knicks and Pistons series, I think, you know, everyone always says the intensity Ratchet is up in the playoffs, right? And I just think it's. The games aren't. They are as close as they are because the Pistons are just a more physical team than the Knicks. That's just my assessment of what I'm watching. Like, do you see how they're mauling Steph Curry over there? And that's in that series. I mean, hugging them, grabbing them. So it's so physical. And I think the Pistons are the more physical team. The Knicks are better, hence why they're winning. But I just think it's a close game because of that physicality. Thanks for taking my call, guys.

[Don La Greca]

No, you got it, man. Thanks a lot.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Physicality was going to be a big story in the series. It was what the Knicks were going to be tested about it. And that's also something to think about, too. Is. Is. Are they answering the test? Are they. Are they passing the test? They are, Peter. I mean, this is what has been there with all the callers we got going into this. Going into the playoffs was all about how last year's team had more grit. Last year's team was tougher. Last year's team, this and that. The players, by the way, they've heard all this stuff from. From talking to them, like, they've heard all of it. They know what everybody's saying about them. And after four games, are they passing this Test, at least.

[Don La Greca]

And Town says, too.

[Alan Hahn]

That's an interesting question. I feel like the toughness test, they're absolutely passing. I mean, listen, have they done everything right in this series? No, sure. Of course not. But overall, when it comes to toughness, I think this is what you wanted. They. They played a team that essentially everybody in the league said, you don't really want to play, and they're sitting at 3:1. And by the way, from a point total standpoint, keeping the points down for the Pistons, I don't think you can be unhappy with where they're at from that standpoint.

[Don La Greca]

I am just judging them at a higher grade that I think sometimes Nick fans aren't willing to do because they don't want to embrace the madness of what their team is. So I just feel like sometimes listening to the calls, looking at social media, it's almost like we're judging the Knicks like they're the Sixer, they're the Pistons, they're the six seed. No, no, man. You're better than that. Now, you might not be Boston or Cleveland, and I understand in certain circles that's disappointing, but at the same time, you're better than this team. And I just expected or hoped for a little more. But they are passing a lot of tests, and they should be able to finish it off tomorrow at the Garden. Chauncey and Westwood, you're on espn New York.

[D]

Hey, what's up, guys? Very excited about where the Knicks are right now. And, you know, this kind of brings me back to Philly. Last year, I thought they were going to close it out at home, and then they ended up. They had to do it on the road. I don't know. I kind of expect that to happen again, but still confident nonetheless. But this argument comes up every couple months here on the station. Who's more beloved, Brunson or Aaron Judge?

[Don La Greca]

Yep.

[D]

I don't think it's even a question anymore. Because if the question was who's better at their sport, okay, it's Judge. But when you look at Clutch. I'm sorry, Judge has never done anything like this in the playoffs before. And it's just. And Brunson's been doing it for three years now, and somehow during the regular season, every year, he's still underrated. No other superstar is just taking over games like this. It is. It is beautiful to watch, and I want to hear what you guys have.

[Don La Greca]

To say about that. There's a bunch of things at play. All right, first of all, it's really difficult to compare baseball to Basketball. Because, like, literally, to compare Judge to Brunson.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But clutch is clutch.

[Don La Greca]

Judge would have to, like, bat more than four times in a game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, no, Don.

[Don La Greca]

No, no.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Clutch is clutch, man.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, but how many? And you're up in a situation four times.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're up in a playoff situation to come through for your team.

[Don La Greca]

But not all.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What does he do in the playoffs? Aaron Judge.

[Don La Greca]

All right, but in a big spot, you might get one crack added after the seventh inning. Like the baseball fourth quarter. Yeah, but Brunson can miss five shots. But if he hits the game winning three. Then he celebrated as a clutch guy where judge can go 1 for 4. But his single came in the first inning.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But he's not just going 0 for 5 and making one shot. He's averaging 13 a game on 63% shooting.

[Don La Greca]

All I said was that it's difficult to compare the two. Okay, Clearly, Brunson's more clutch than Judge, but Brunson's got control more than Judge does.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Fair.

[Don La Greca]

But here's why he's right. Because I asked Peter, I got beaten with a baseball bat by Yankee fans when I suggested that Judge was a.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Better player than G. Oh, this was last Wednesday.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This was a complete.

[Don La Greca]

Beaten up by the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He was listening on the plane.

[Don La Greca]

Where they will not have it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yep.

[Don La Greca]

They will not have the truth. So that's part of being beloved. Right? Is that, yeah, you love Judge, but you keep him at arm's length because he hasn't won you a championship and he hasn't been clutch. So you really haven't embraced the madness with him as much as Brunson, who hasn't won a damn thing either. But still you love him because he took less money.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Here's the computer.

[Don La Greca]

He's been clutching the fourth quarter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Here's your comp. Ready for your comp. Jalen Brunson. This is gonna be controversial because I'm talking about somebody I love.

[Don La Greca]

This is what I need today.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Jalen Brunson is a better Knick than Carmelo Anthony.

[Don La Greca]

I was going to. When I was trying to think of comps.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Think about it. He's had a bet in three years of making the playoffs. And Melo had three years of making the playoffs. Who was more clutch? Who is a bigger impact player? He's averaging 30 a game. I love Carmelo Anthony. One of my favorite people to ever cover. I hate doing this, but it's a reality thing.

[Don La Greca]

And why. And fans love Melo because Bronson's so.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Clutch, because he's come up with big.

[Don La Greca]

Moments he carries his team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Don La Greca]

And I just think it's now go this far.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Patrick Ewing. Patrick Ewing had one big moment which.

[Don La Greca]

Was the more clutch than Patrick. Patrick. He's not as great as Patrick.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I love Patrick. Well, Patrick's had moments before the big years. He had a. He had a big turnaround. Three to beat Boston.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He had in early playoffs in 90, 92. Phenomenal against the Pistons to knock them out, but never could get it done against the Bulls. Never. Like it's one of those things that was a bugaboo for Ewing. Was always in the big spot. He had the one play which was the put back dunk against the Pacers. That was the big one. But after that, there really hasn't been much to talk about when it comes to big moments. So Jalen Brunson is playing himself into these conversations that is just like Judge.

[Don La Greca]

And Jeter, because it's all just about. It's really about the setup and the perception. If you're one of the greatest Yankees of all time and God loved Dom Mattingly, but he's not at that level. And you don't have a ring, it's. It's not going to work with Yankee fans. Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's a great point when. But Judge could be the greatest hitter in the franchise's history.

[Don La Greca]

No, absolutely. But. But again, when you're one of the greatest and don't have a ring, that's a problem.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right. Nobody wants to put you on that pedestal.

[Don La Greca]

And then it's like expectations. When Alex Rodriguez came here, it's not whether they're going to win a championship, it's how many championships and you didn't win right away. Same thing with Giancarlo Stanton. You know Michael Caine. Yes. They're doing the commercial leading into that season where Michael's walking in slow motion going, oh, yeah. All right. Still waiting for the ring. Right. So when Ewing came, when the busher's jumping up and down when they win the lottery, he's not like two final appearances and no championships. He's jumping up and down going, oh, my God, we're gonna win. We're gonna win. And he didn't win.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That was 13 years after winning a championship. Thirteen. That's all it was.

[Don La Greca]

Right. And that's crazy. Right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nuts.

[Don La Greca]

What was the anticipation when Brunson signed? A lot of people didn't like it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah.

[Don La Greca]

So there was no expectation when Brunson got here. This is the big guy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is the big move, right? Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

No expectations. He's exceeding expectations. Now He's a God. When you exceed expectations, you walk on water. When you don't reach expectations, you're hated. And that's the problem with Judge. That's the problem with a Rod. That's the problem with Giancarlo. Stan, is that the problem with Melody.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is that the problem with Melo, too, is that that trade was so gigantic that it was. The expectations went through the roof, and they only got out of the playoffs out of the first round once.

[Don La Greca]

The problem is, is that he was, I guess, the plan B to LeBron. Yep. And people made him into LeBron.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yep. Yep. Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

The biggest problem is the people, though. The expectations come from the fan base, Peter. And the fan base for the Yankees is the. Is the worst one in the town.

[Don La Greca]

Because the expectations will be through the roof because MVPs, no hitters, batting titles, home runs. Oh, these things we not want. It's about rings, man. It's all about the expectations. That's why Brunson is loved. And Brunson can get. They can get bounced against the Celtics, but if he comes and brings it, man, they're still going to love the guy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But he was getting killed after game two, though. How quickly he turned that back around. Remember game two? He was selfish. Hero ball. Remember the calls we were getting? I remember seeing a headline, do the Knicks have a Brunson problem? I was like, a Brunson.

[Don La Greca]

We even here in New York, we do sometimes dabble in hyperbole. Well, yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You think?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, we don't want to keep it 100%. 95. Then there'd be that 5%.

[Alan Hahn]

But can my man. Can my man stop pulling a Willis Reed every game, though?

[Don La Greca]

Well, I'm worried we're going to talk about that. I'm worried about that ankle. Michael had a great line. He's like, what, does he go into locker room and get another ankle? Like, what's going on with him?

[Peter Rosenberg]

People are donating ankles.

[Don La Greca]

Take mine. But, you know, we'll dive into all of that. Peter has got an exquisite. We're talking off the air. NFL bench. Oh, there's. I don't know if.

[Alan Hahn]

You know, there's a lot of it. Maybe two segments. I mean, this. There's a lot of NFL.

[Don La Greca]

You know what? I would not mind that after a draft.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah.

[Don La Greca]

Too many headlines. It's all. It's all happening right here on ESPN New York and the ESPN New York app.

[Alan Hahn]

And I'll tell you guys that FanDuel is the best place to find all your favorite player props. And now you can make a heads up play with player performance trends. That means whether you want to bet on a player to score 30 points or put up a triple double, you could check out the latest stats and see who's hot without leaving the app. Plus, after the game tips off, you can even combine live prop bets into a same game parlay for a chance to win big. If you don't already have FanDuel playoff time is the perfect time to join you. Get started with $250 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins. So just visit FanDuel.com Peter to join today. Make every moment more with FanDuel official sports betting partner of the NBA 21 and over and physically present New York first online real money wager only $5 first deposit required. Bonus issue is non withdrawable bonus bets, which expires seven days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See [e-mail] for help with a gambling problem, call 8778-Hopeny or text Hope NY 467369 There are people out there all.

[Don La Greca]

Across the country pushing boundaries to grow the game of golf, like champion speed.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Golfer Lauren Kupp, who plays faster than.

[Don La Greca]

Anyone else, and Will Lowry, whose work.

[Peter Rosenberg]

In the golf community inspires more kids to get into the game as a.

[Don La Greca]

Champion partner of the Masters, bank of America supports everyone determined to find out what's possible in golf and in life. What would you like the power to do? Bank of America bank of America NA Member FDIC Copyright 2025 bank of America.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Corporation all rights reserved.

[Don La Greca]

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.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Even reach a real person when you.

[Don La Greca]

Need to talk to someone. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This episode is brought to you by Peloton. Everyone has a reason to change. Growing old, heartbreak, a fresh start. Whatever it may be, Peloton is here to get you through life's biggest moments with workouts. The challenge and motivation that keeps you coming back. Peloton's tread. An all Access membership helps you set your targets, track your progress and get stronger, making your fitness goals a reality. Find your push. Find your power. Peloton visit1peloton.com thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don La Greca]

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 La Greca]

So how concerned are you about the Brunson act? How much of a thing is, especially since there's just the one day off and then right back at it tomorrow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm not, here's why I'm not overly concerned, because I know there's this sense of, well, the next day, you don't know, does it blow up and all this stuff. I don't think it was the ankle. I think it was like his when he got rolled on, it was more like the upper leg, like the calf muscle. Like, did it get crushed under the weight of it? Did it get, like, turned? I don't know. The one thing, I didn't talk to him, but he was walking around after the game outside the locker room because his family was there. His wife was in Detroit for this, and they have their daughter, their newborn, and he was holding her and just walking around like there was no, it didn't feel like, you know, major concern. Got him in a boot, you know, wheeling him out, like, it wasn't like that. And I mean, if you watched him in the fourth quarter when he first came out, there was a little bit of a limp. By the end of the game, there was no limp.

[Don La Greca]

Well, I don't think anybody is concerned he's not going to play. Yeah, it just that is this going to be something that is going to creep up every game going into the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Next round where isn't it always?

[Don La Greca]

And then come back and listen, everybody's banged up at this time of year. Get it? But he's just such an important piece to the puzzle that you just want to make sure he's as close to 100% as possible.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Of course. Yeah. But I, I, I don't think there's any major concern about him. That's, that's, but I, I can't tell you I know anything for sure. The Knicks have not submitted an injury report yet today, so. And they don't have to if they don't practice. So we'll, we'll probably won't get something as far as, like, his status until tomorrow.

[Don La Greca]

Something's brewing on the calls at 1-800-919-3776. You want to get a taste of what's brewing?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's go.

[Don La Greca]

All right, let's go to Dave in the car. You're on espn, New York. What do you got? Dave.

[D]

Hey, how you guys doing?

[Don La Greca]

Good.

[D]

Cunningham got a good look at that last. That last shot there, but I think he should be getting a lot of credit. We know what Brunson's doing. We know what Cats do. But I thought he did a really good job defensively so far in the series against, you know, against Cunningham.

[Don La Greca]

I really do.

[D]

Or Cunningham will be. His stats are good. Cunningham, but he has to work hard.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He has seven turnovers, Dave. He's have. He's averaging six turnovers a game. And that's a young player in his first playoff series. And that's been the problem for the.

[D]

I mean, if you put somebody else on Cunningham, though, he's going to go.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, no, no. Anunoby has been phenomenal.

[D]

I mean, I. I give. I gave the Knicks no chance. I think if you play Cat and Robinson at the same time, I give him a slight, slight chance now. I give him a chance to win this thing. But I got one thing to say to Don. There's nobody, not a Yankee fan you could find anywhere on earth that's ever gonna think that the Judge is better than Jeter. Never. It will not. And it's not because of rings. I don't care if Jeter had zero rings at all. Hang up the phone and say he's got five rings.

[Alan Hahn]

No, without the rings.

[Don La Greca]

I will, Dave. I will give you. He's more clutch. Aaron Judge a better baseball player. Oh, my God.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Don La Greca]

It's not even close.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes, he. I think Derek Jeter would say it.

[Don La Greca]

Jeter's a better. Jeter is a winner. Yeah, Jeter is.

[D]

You've got to do something. Both times he's done zero in the playoffs.

[Alan Hahn]

But why don't you understand?

[Don La Greca]

Don't you hear us.

[Alan Hahn]

Dave? Why did you hear this, Dave, for the love of Christ, why can't you hear this? We understand. We're giving you clutch. Yes. We're talking about ability to play baseball. Who has the gift. Judge is a more gifted ballplayer. Why is that so hard?

[D]

I don't believe it. No, I don't believe it.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, don't believe it all you want.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They do realize the numbers tell you he might be the greatest hitter in the history of the sport. The numbers. Look at the numbers.

[D]

I don't care if it has numbers.

[Don La Greca]

Dave, I can't argue with you if you just don't. If you just want to create your own stuff, man, baseball's legit about numbers. You kept saying, take away the rings. Well, if I take away the rings, then I guess the Clutchness doesn't matter then. So you want to conclude the rings. I'm just saying any general manager, anybody who knows baseball had a chance to pick Derek Jeter or pick Aaron Judge. They're going to pick Judge just based on the skill set. He's a five tool player, man. He can hit for power. He can actually steal some bases. He's an A plus defender. He can hit for average. He lives on base. All the things. He's a guy that can hit home runs and not strike out. It is amazing what the abilities that he has. Jeter was amazing. But even when he played, people said he didn't have the range of most shortstops. He made every single play that he could make and he was clutch. But in an era where it's about the power and he can get on base, he's clicking all the boxes. Yes, Jeter is a better winner and he's more clutch. I will give that to you. But the better baseball player is Aaron Judd.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes, I completely agree.

[Don La Greca]

And you, we kept hurting your argument because you started. We'll take out the rings. Well, if I'm taking out the rings.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Then what the hell is clutching? Clutch. Doesn't matter.

[Don La Greca]

You don't care about the numbers. The numbers are eye popping, man. You know how hard it is to go out there and hit 60 home runs and still hit over 330? Do you know how many guys have hit, actually won a Triple Crown? And this guy is going to win a Triple Crown? What do we have one shot of it?

[Peter Rosenberg]

How many days from May are we now? What are we. What are we at?

[Don La Greca]

3.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Three days from May. He's over. He's still hitting over. 400 right now.

[Don La Greca]

He's not going to hit. 400.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, probably not.

[Don La Greca]

But he's a power hitter that could go out there and is it possible he's gonna hit like 345 and hit 60? Homer. Did you see?

[Peter Rosenberg]

With a gigantic strike zone, everybody. Just the idea that he has the largest strike zone in the sport.

[Don La Greca]

Dude, here's the deal. They talked about it this morning. Over the last 158 games, he is batting.363 with 60 homers and 158 RBIs. Come on, what more do you need?

[Peter Rosenberg]

What's his bat? Bip. Whatever.

[Alan Hahn]

His bad.

[Don La Greca]

Bip. His bad.

[Alan Hahn]

What's his whiff rate?

[Don La Greca]

What's his whiff right now? If you tell me, if you tell me I need a. I need a single to win the World Series. I am going to pick their 10 out of 10 no question about it. But if I'm drafting a player to play for the next decade and a half, for me, I'm going to pick Aaron Judge. And don't worry, as they make the playoffs, those playoff numbers are going to get better. They're going to. It's been so far.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's been seven years.

[Don La Greca]

I get it. But you know what? Even if they don't, the better baseball player. Because you wouldn't be saying that if Derek Jeter played for the Milwaukee brewers his entire career because he wouldn't have five rings and you wouldn't notice it because nobody notices ground balls up the middle. They're important because he wouldn't have gone.

[Peter Rosenberg]

To the playoffs that many times to have that ability to show up.

[Don La Greca]

Well, he would have done it in a game. His team was down 10, 4. There's only so much you could do in baseball. That's why I didn't like the comparison between Brunson and Judge is because in basketball, you can will your team in by playing 43 of the 48 minutes of taking every shot.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I love this. I love this conversation. It's a good one.

[Don La Greca]

I'm very opinionated today.

[Alan Hahn]

Do it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Do it with. Let's continue to. The Judge Jeter one is more like the Brunson versus whomever. Brunson has reached that point, too.

[Don La Greca]

Here's the problem with Dave. Because I said so is not an argument. Because that was kind of what he's like. I take the rings out. I'm not talking about numbers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't care about the numbers.

[Don La Greca]

I don't know why you love your wife. You do. All right? But I know why I love Aaron Judge. And I'm gonna explain to you why. Bing, bang, boom, bang, bang, bat, bip. And you know what? And I know he's got the five rings, but Dave, you said take the rings out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

Which then takes your entire argument out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. 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.