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.