Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: LIVE from Plaza33

Episode Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Host/Authors: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 1: LIVE from Plaza33
• Release Date: May 12, 2025
• Description: Join ESPN New York legends Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg as they delve into New York sports, with a special focus on the Knicks, Celtics, and more.

1. Introduction to the Knicks-Celtics Playoff Series

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics. Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg discuss the series' current standing, where the Knicks lead 2-1, and the implications of upcoming games.

• Don LaGreca [01:49]: "No, no. That's exactly the emotion that you should have. And I imagine that every fan has right now, you know, even the most optimistic fan does have that feeling of must win."

2. Performance Breakdown

The hosts dissect the Knicks' performance, highlighting key players and strategic shortcomings.

• Peter Rosenberg [01:21]: "This is in North Dakota. This is New York."
  (Emphasizes the high stakes and local pride involved in the series.)

• Don LaGreca [03:51]: "The Knicks have not played great basketball. Jalen Brunson hasn't played great basketball. Allen, their offense has not been good except for in those moments when they've made those runs."

• Peter Rosenberg [08:01]: "I think the better odds are Knicks winning up 3:1 because they would have won three out of four against Boston."
  (Suggests the Knicks are in a strong position to take the series.)

3. Coaching and Strategy Insights

Discussion shifts to the coaching strategies of Tom Thibodeau for the Knicks and Joe Missoula for the Celtics.

• Don LaGreca [07:19]: "They need to approach it as an elimination game."

• Peter Rosenberg [26:32]: "This is part of, I think, the Celtics plan. Joe Missoula, the coach of the Celtics, goes beyond like X's and O's and strategy. He goes mental warfare."

4. Player Performances and Leadership

The conversation delves into individual player contributions and leadership dynamics.

• Don LaGreca [01:49]: "Jalen Brunson... is not somebody that is going to be out there giving you headlines, giving you big quotes."
  (Commends Brunson's leadership style.)

• Peter Rosenberg [26:07]: "How concerning is the whole Mitchell Robinson thing? I mean it's really, it's embarrassing."
  (Expresses concern over Robinson's free-throw struggles and its impact on the team's performance.)

5. Fan Sentiment and Atmosphere at Plaza33

The hosts describe the vibrant atmosphere at Plaza33, the Knicks' watch party location, and gauge fan sentiment regarding the series.

• Peter Rosenberg [23:09]: "Starting at 5:30, there's going to be the pregame fest here. You take photos, meet alumni."

• Don LaGreca [11:32]: "The crowd was great Saturday. They really were."

• Chris Canty [15:23]: "I sat here and told you guys... I hope Tibbs goes and gets himself a new apartment on Fifth Avenue, get the biggest penthouse they got."
  (Reflects frustration among fans due to the team's performance.)

6. Critical Moments and Turning Points

The hosts analyze pivotal moments in the series that could determine the outcome.

• Don LaGreca [19:24]: "I did not expect... it was 36 to 20. I did not expect."
  (Refers to a surprising early lead by the Celtics in Game 3.)

• Peter Rosenberg [29:07]: "Every game is attached to the other game. So if you're in his head."
  (Highlights the cumulative pressure of each game on players' performances.)

7. Future Implications and Series Outlook

Looking ahead, the hosts discuss potential scenarios and their implications for the Knicks' season.

• Don LaGreca [35:58]: "It's a big game 1-800-919-3776. The number to call. Let's go to Dave in the car."

• Alan Hahn [33:34]: "I think their hope relies in will and in grit, in spirit."
  (Believes the Knicks can overcome current challenges through determination.)

• Peter Rosenberg [35:04]: "I've got my finger on the pulse because I came in just am I wrong to feel like that sense of urgency?"
  (Emphasizes the crucial nature of upcoming games for the series outcome.)

8. Listener Engagement and Real-Time Reactions

The episode includes live calls from listeners, adding real-time reactions and perspectives.

• Caller Dave [25:50]: Expresses concern over Mitchell Robinson's performance and the overall strategic approach of the Knicks.

• Alan Hahn [42:00]: Shares a personal story about losing bets and his emotional connection to the team.

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The hosts wrap up the episode by reiterating the importance of the upcoming Game 4 and encouraging listener participation.

• Peter Rosenberg [51:03]: "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."

• Don LaGreca [51:03]: "Hear more of Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg weekday afternoons starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers."

Notable Quotes:

• Don LaGreca [03:51]: "The Knicks haven't been winning their entire series. They've just been outmatched."

• Peter Rosenberg [10:10]: "In this day's NBA, everything you just described and by the way you captivated the crowd here, they were totally into it. That should be something."

• Alan Hahn [33:34]: "There's something fundamentally broken? Why do we have to be down to fight back?"

• Chris Canty [35:58]: "Man up and be in this game. They cannot have that happen first quarter again."

Key Takeaways:

1. Series Significance: The Knicks lead the series 2-1 against the Celtics, making Game 4 pivotal for both teams' advancement.

2. Performance Issues: The Knicks have struggled with consistency, particularly in defense and shooting, while the Celtics have leveraged effective three-point shooting to gain advantages.

3. Leadership Matters: Jalen Brunson's leadership is highlighted as crucial for the Knicks to instill urgency and cohesion within the team.

4. Coaching Strategies: Tom Thibodeau's coaching emphasizes elimination-style gameplay, while Joe Missoula employs mental warfare against the Knicks.

5. Fan Impact: The passionate fan base at Plaza33 plays a significant role in motivating the team, though recent performances have tested this support.

6. Player Concerns: Mitchell Robinson's free-throw struggles and overall performance are areas of concern that could impact the Knicks' success in the series.

7. Future Outlook: The outcome of Game 4 will heavily influence the Knicks' confidence and momentum, potentially determining the series' direction.

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provides a comprehensive analysis of the Knicks-Celtics playoff series, blending expert insights with listener engagement to paint a vivid picture of the current state and future possibilities of the teams involved.