
Loading summary
State Farm Announcer
This episode is brought to you by State Farm. You know, those friends who support your preference for podcasts over music on road trips. That's the energy State Farm brings to insurance. With over 19,000 local agents, they help you find the coverage that fits your needs so you can spend less time worrying about insurance and more time enjoying the ride. Download the State Farm app or go online@statefarm.com like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
Don Hahn
Cross your legs, honey.
Rosenberg
Let's get out of this in it.
Alan Hahn
Han, I didn't know you were a screamer.
Podcast Announcer
And Rosenberg, happy New Jewish New Year.
Rosenberg
Not Newish Jew Year.
Anthony Donahue
This isn't North Dakota, this is New York.
Podcast Announcer
This is Don, Han and Rosenberg.
Spike Lee
The best threesome I've ever heard on
Podcast Announcer
ESPN New York and streaming live on YouTube.
Don Hahn
3 o' clock in the big city. Don Hahn and Rosenberg on a Wednesday. Thanks for joining us as we're still basking in the glow of a Knick championship. Oh, my God. It's crazy to hear every time we've talked to everybody. We're going to talk to more people later on today. Rick Brunson is going to join us at some point a little bit later on in the show. Father of the Year and Father's Day is Sunday.
Rosenberg
Perfect father of the Year.
Alan Hahn
You're talking about the perfect guest father
Rosenberg
of the generation for sure. Think about what he's done. Think about what Rick has given and his wife have given the entire Tri
Alan Hahn
State, what you have delivered.
Don Hahn
I will tell you this, though. We talked a lot about all the celebrities at Madison Square Garden, but the biggest one and the one that is the most die hard and is not there to be seen, but there to root for his team is Spike Lee and we open the show with him. Spike. Congratulations, man.
Spike Lee
What's up, gentlemen? What's happening?
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
What's happening? What's happening?
Spike Lee
Speaking to you from the People's Republic of Brooklyn, New York, for Green, I,
Alan Hahn
I just need to know what you felt the like and when you knew this is going to happen. What moment was it and how did you feel?
Spike Lee
Well, I had an inkling that this team, there was something to this team that was special. But I have to go back. I was, I was at May 8, 1970. I was at the Willis Reed game. Don't say that to Walt Frazier. I was at that game and when we were winning that game, I thought about my father who's no longer here. Great musician, bassist Bill Lee did a lot of scores for my films and he would take me to the old Garden kneedix I love them, these hot dogs. And we couldn't have. We sat in the new garden. We were sitting in blue. Blue heavens, you know, you couldn't afford anymore. So, you know, I was. I was just happy to be in the garden with my father. In the blue seas, you could touch the ceiling. So I was really thinking about my father when I had tears in my eyes, thinking about my father, that I thought that, you know, he's looking. My father's looking down because he was a big Nick fan. And Walt Frazier was this guy. My father used to play this club called West Boondock, and that's where Walt Frazier would always go. It's over on the west side, the jazz club. And that's what. We'll always go there at the game. So my first autograph was a tab for the bar that Willis. Excuse me. That. That Walt signed to me. So I go way back. You know, Coach Red Holzman, Senator Bradley, Dave the Bush, Dick Barnett, Paul Frazier. You know, you had Cassie Russell, stalwart. Come on. Nate Bowman, Bill Hoskin, Donnie May, John Warren. I mean, these are the guys I grew up with. And
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
I.
Spike Lee
You know, stuff happened. I became a filmmaker. And because I was saying, I know. I want to be a filmmaker from the jump. I was saying, in high school, if
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
I make any money, any money, I'm
Spike Lee
gonna get season tickets.
Rosenberg
What year did you end up getting this fight? What year did you get the season tickets?
Spike Lee
Let me tell a story. When Dave the Butcher, no problem. He said, hello, And Dave the Butcher picked the envelope.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
I know it's hot or cold, you know, right?
Don Hahn
The frozen envelope.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
No me down.
Spike Lee
But I jumped, ran to the subway, got off of 34th street, and I slept online. So back then, the Garden, every section had a different color. So my first season tickets were green.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
And then every movie, I would move
Spike Lee
down, it was green, yellow, red, and brown.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
So I was moving down every couple
Spike Lee
of years because I remember I, you
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
know, you know, in New York, you're
Spike Lee
going to see the Lakers every weekend.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
And so I would see Jack Nicholson at the Fabulous Forum.
Spike Lee
I say, yo, Because I. Every time I see Jack, I remind him, like, you're the reason why I got Gore seats. And I got the word, because they weren't selling those seats front row. And I got the word they're selling them. And I said, bet. So I've had season tickets. Not quartz up. A season ticket says Pastor Ewins.
Don Hahn
Wow.
Rosenberg
Since draft night for Packers.
Javier (Caller)
Wow. And also.
Spike Lee
But I was seeing. Back then, the Big east was a You know what?
Alan Hahn
Yep.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
You had. I was at the sweater game. Cole Schwarzenegger, who wore the same sweater as Louis Koniseca.
Spike Lee
I mean, the Big east back then. I mean, it was tremendous. And then they get him. So, you know, I've just been orange and blue. And to have. Man, I had tears in my eyes because I was thinking about my father.
Don Hahn
Yeah.
Spike Lee
And he would have been jumping up and down, too.
Don Hahn
That is so awesome. We're talking to Spike Lee here on Don Hahn and Rosenberg. You know, we have recency bias. So you hear people, pundits. Oh, Rick Brunson or Jalen. Brunson is the best Knick of all time or whatever. You saw them all. Where do you rank Jalen right now among the Knicks of all time?
Spike Lee
To be honest. Be honest. My brothers, I really try to stay on that. That. That rank stuff. And I think it's gone bananas with Michael and LeBron.
Don Hahn
Yeah.
Spike Lee
And so that's called for me. For me. I try to stay away from. And you guys on the radio, really, it's hard.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
We gotta fill four hours in sports. Ra. Who's better, who's number one and that stuff. It's content. I stay out of it.
Alan Hahn
It's content.
Spike Lee
I'll just mess with you. I know, I know, I know. I have something to talk to and
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
people to call in, too. But I'll tell you what, that guy's a bum. That guy's great.
Spike Lee
That guy stinks.
Alan Hahn
I Spike. I saw a video, though, of someone you did call after that game. You know what I'm talking about. After the Knicks won the championship. I don't know if it was performed. None of this. This one the other day.
Spike Lee
Yeah.
Alan Hahn
I saw you make a phone call in the voice of Mars Blackman.
Rosenberg
That's right.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
Well, that was a commercial.
Spike Lee
I'll do a microphone.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
Mike's on his boat somewhere in the Mediterranean. I had to let him.
Rosenberg
Did Michael. Did Jordan call you and congratulate you when they won?
Spike Lee
No, no, that was a commercial.
Rosenberg
Not in real life.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
He's on a boat. He's on a boat in the morning. I don't want to bother him.
Rosenberg
Can you. Can you possibly. Is there a way to sort of put into words your level of affection, not just for the championship, but for this team and the way they.
Spike Lee
And I'm not gonna be the first to say this, people said. And it's true. New York City is a city game. And no due respect to the Brooklyn Nets, who are down the block and Barclays center for my office, but you got the jets and the Giants and the Yankees and the Mets and they don't get along. So if the. And the hockey got three hockey teams, so is the orange blue that has New York united behind them and on top, as I said before, how many basketball courts are in New York City? How many?
Rosenberg
Tons.
Don Hahn
Probably more than baseball fields.
Spike Lee
What's this thing they play now? I mean, there's a lot of the fake tennis. What's it called?
Don Hahn
Oh, pickleball.
Rosenberg
Pickleball, yeah.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
Yeah. Taking over the basketball court.
Alan Hahn
I've seen that Spike. The other night. It was a couple of weeks ago. It was before the. Actually, it was a warm day before the. The playoffs started. And I was driving through somewhere and I saw a basketball court and I saw a pickleball sub. I said, this is. Stop. Like, this is not good.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
Epidemic.
Alan Hahn
Epidemic, this. But then I saw. It was after a nick. I think it was after the Knicks beat the Sixers. And I remember again, driving, and I was in Queens and I saw that the. The courts filled. Filled with kids. There was just no net, of course, no nets. There's no nets on those.
Rosenberg
But specifically, like the way this team plays, though, it just seems like the ultimate Knicks team. Like the kind of leader Brunson is. The role that Hart plays. Everything about it just seems perfect for this city, doesn't it? You have a Puerto Rican and a Dominican on one New York team.
Spike Lee
Yes, it's.
Rosenberg
It couldn't like, could it be any better? It's crazy.
Spike Lee
But this is something I've been thinking about too, gentlemen. I think about the 69, 70
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
Knicks.
Spike Lee
I think about Red Hoseman buying the Open Man. So it's really. You can make a correlation between that team and this team, Spike, you know, so.
Alan Hahn
Yeah, yeah.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
Clyde does 50, you know, 54 years apart. Right.
Alan Hahn
It only took me a long to get back to the way that worked, right to the style of play. It's amazing to me, Spike, because Clyde does. You know, he never will throw around those kind of compliments that easily, but he has said that it reminds me of our championship teams, the way they play Game four. I saw. We made eye contact on the court after that game, and then you came over and started giving me the dissertation about game seven and Willis Reed and because I said to you, where do you put this moment on this Garden Core, that that night will. Will probably be the same. Like we'll. We'll probably live forever. Just like the Willis Reed night. There'll be people talking about the crowd. Pop on that OG Tip. You got to feel that right?
Spike Lee
Yeah, it was. I don't mind.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
I don't.
Spike Lee
You know, I don't remember most of that game,
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
I'm telling you.
Spike Lee
So I'm sitting courtside and I have. And I have the championship ring for 697 and championship ring from 72, 73. And I cupped them in my hands so I looked like I was praying, but the championship rings were inside my hands and it looked. I was.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
I was like, oh, I'm praying because it looked bleak.
Spike Lee
I'm not gonna lie. It's like, I like, damn. But sometimes prayers are answered and we were victorious and we were just a better team. I mean, I don't want to, you know, my brother Darren Fox, but he could dribble that out, you know, so we.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
Everything we need to do, we did everything they need to do, they didn't do
Spike Lee
so. And we.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
We. 53 years, we deserved it.
Don Hahn
Oh, there's no question. You deserved it and we deserved it.
Spike Lee
And like these guys saying, I'm not NATO names. Well, we were the better team and get the F out of here.
Alan Hahn
You know, Spike, politically, this series should still be going.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
Oh, what about the. What's the Cleveland coach? What's his name?
Alan Hahn
Kenny Atkins.
Rosenberg
That was a tough one.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
Omg.
Spike Lee
Well, analytically, we really won the game.
Nordstrom Rack Announcer
What?
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
I've never heard a coach say that in my life. John Wooden would have beat him in the head with a bat.
Rosenberg
Hey, Spike, are you. There was a lot of chatter about the. The other, you know, notables who are at these games. Are you impressed with the level of commitment and fanship of any of these new celeb fans, like a Timothy Chalamet? Any of these people jump out to you, people who you would include in your.
Spike Lee
Here's the thing. Here, here's the thing. And. And this, God's honest truth, I'm there to watch the Knicks. I pay a ton for my seats and. And anything else I'm not worried about. For me, there's no competition. You know, Mr. Doan has dirty. Has to do his team. But I'm there because I love the Knicks. I grew up on the Knicks, and it is a dream, I hoped, praying that one day I would sit on the group, not even knowing what I was. Me, a filmmaker. I mean, you know, but if that didn't happen, I'd still be.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
I would still be in the boosie show, right? Yeah, yeah, I would still be there. You know, you had.
Spike Lee
What was it, the SEO thing in high school? The card. Yeah, yeah. You got this discount. I went to John Duke High School in Coney Island. So I. I'm just elated. I'm. I'm going to the parade tomorrow. Oh, let me tell you. Let me. Let me tell you this. So I get a call the day before yesterday, and it's Rick Munson. And Rick says to me, spike, you got a float?
Don Hahn
He should.
Spike Lee
And he said. And he said, my son wants you on the float. I dropped the phone, so I didn't
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
know if I was going.
Alan Hahn
Well, you're going now.
Spike Lee
Recall.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
I'm going now.
Spike Lee
And he said, I want you to be in my son's float.
Rosenberg
Wow. Man.
Spike Lee
I mean, I felt. I. I mean, that's. Yeah, it's like. Because I didn't know. And another thing, this whole thing about rings.
Rosenberg
Yeah,
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
I got nothing to do with that. I'm not banking on it.
Spike Lee
Look, so I just want to say that. That this campaign, sign a petition, stuff
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
like that, and nothing. N U T T. I had nothing to do with that. V A T Spike, for those of you who don't know, that's Brooklyn ease.
Don Hahn
There are so many storylines to this run.
Movie Trailer Announcer
Yeah.
Don Hahn
13 games.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
Writing the book.
Don Hahn
Well, I was gonna say, is there a movie in there? And would you make it?
Alan Hahn
We need to do a movie, though.
Spike Lee
I think it's a documentary.
Alan Hahn
Yeah.
Spike Lee
You know, I don't. You know, but that might be done already, but that.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
This is
Spike Lee
it also. I don't think it's too early to say, you know, back to back. I don't think it's too early.
Alan Hahn
You're ready to say it.
Spike Lee
You know,
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
why are you waiting for the parade? I'm saying it now.
Spike Lee
Back to back. Why not? Why should I think like that?
Alan Hahn
Think like that.
Google Chrome Announcer
We.
Don Hahn
We were batting it back and forth yesterday because I've been lucky enough to see championships with, you know, with the Giants and the Mets and all that, but, you know, when. When, when.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
Whoa, whoa.
Spike Lee
The Mets never went back to back.
Podcast Announcer
What are you talking about?
Don Hahn
No, no, no, I didn't say back
Anthony Donahue
to back to back.
Don Hahn
How about making a playoffs back to back? That'd be nice. But no, I'm saying is the feeling of when does it kick back in again? Like you're a euphoria right now.
Anthony Donahue
Will.
Don Hahn
Will there be a moment next season where, all right, it's back on again, the Agnes. And then you worry and then there's agony and then there's disappointment if they lose? Or is there a euphoria that kind of carries through for a while where the losses don't bother you as much and not winning doesn't bother you?
Spike Lee
I mean, a loss for me bothers me no matter what, especially losing streaks. But I think that we could ride. Think about it. It's been 53 years since we won, so I don't think it's one and done. We wait another 53 years. No, let's keep it going.
Don Hahn
No, you don't want to wait till 2079. That would be the year if we
Rosenberg
had to wait 53.
Don Hahn
We're not here anymore.
Alan Hahn
Please.
Spike Lee
But I'm just keep. I'm gonna keep it optimistic and enjoy this. Enjoy this and, you know, enjoy this. And I'm not gonna be like, well, what happened? This happens? Or this happened?
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
Let's.
Spike Lee
Let's. Let's enjoy it. Let's enjoy it. And another thing I know I gotta get off with. This has brought new. I mean, this city. Let's leave out the knuckleheads. You know, they're doing that dumb stuff, of course, but New York City is. When I was growing up, the mayor was called John Lindsay and he had this famous line. He said, you called New York City fun city. And I think that we're back there now. New York City is fun city now. And they say that they might have the. This is going to be the biggest tape parade ever in the history of New York City tomorrow.
Alan Hahn
So over a million?
Spike Lee
Yeah.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
The Yankees get a million?
Alan Hahn
I don't believe.
Don Hahn
So.
Rosenberg
This, to me, is as big as it could possibly be because this team unites the city unlike anyone else.
Spike Lee
Like, you know, you know, split up between different teams. You know, this is a New York City. This is the Knicks orange and blues. That's New York. And people who don't even know anything about basketball. They're wearing Yankees. They're wearing orange and blue T shirts that. That you can make a documentary about the. This parade tomorrow. Hopefully, the rain holds off.
Rosenberg
Have you seen. Speaking of T shirts. I know you're a man who appreciates the people on the people on the street who are selling their bootlegs. And have you seen. My wife went out. The number one shirt? She went out. She went to 125th street yesterday to buy it. Have you seen. She went uptown. Have you seen the. Have you seen the Spike Lee bootleg that's moving around?
Spike Lee
There's a bootleg shirt of me.
Rosenberg
Oh, yeah. With your. It's a cartoon, a flattering cartoon of your face.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
All right, we're flattering upon a cartoon,
Rosenberg
but it's a cartoon of your face with Nick's logos all around you. But you're the center piece of the shirt. You got to get one.
Spike Lee
Yeah, I'm not paying for it though.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
I'm not mad, you know, and let these guys, let these, Let them make their money.
Rosenberg
That's right.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
Make your money.
Spike Lee
Make your money.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
Make your money.
Don Hahn
We're so happy for you because we know how genuine a fan you are and, and what a good guy you are. Whenever I'm at the Garden, I see you. You always give me some time and I do appreciate that.
Rosenberg
So good luck with everything.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
It's all love. It's all love. It's all love.
Spike Lee
You know, basketball and competition and the New York Knicks and you guys do a great job on the raid on tv too.
Rosenberg
Thank you.
Don Hahn
Thank you. Thank you so much.
Spike Lee
Are you guys going to cover. You guys can come over from has somebody at the location doing the parade while that you're on air.
Rosenberg
Yes, we're going to have, we're going to have. Chris Carlin and Bart Scott are going to be down there tomorrow and I'm
Alan Hahn
going to be there.
Spike Lee
All right.
Alan Hahn
Spike, I'm going to be.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
I'm looking for you.
Spike Lee
Okay.
Alan Hahn
I'm going to be on this flip.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
I don't know, the oil, the, the, the Brunson. I'll be there.
Alan Hahn
Yeah. Rain or shine, I will find you.
Rosenberg
Thanks, Spike.
Spike Lee
Rain and shine.
Don Hahn
Yes, sir, guys, thank you.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
Love, love, love, love, love, man.
Alan Hahn
Appreciate you.
Don Hahn
That is Spike Lee still euphoric after what happened? And why not? He's going to be on a float with Jalen Brunson.
Alan Hahn
I looked it up. 1441 basketball courts in New York City.
Rosenberg
That's the number.
Alan Hahn
Yeah.
Rosenberg
14.
Alan Hahn
1441.
Don Hahn
Yeah. It's definitely the city's game for sure. And the Knicks are. Right now.
Alan Hahn
You gotta get those pickleball nets off them. Let's go.
Don Hahn
Yeah. Like how many of them have been infiltrated at this point? I think it'll be a lot easier to do it now than would have been two weeks ago.
Google Chrome Announcer
This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome, that's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50 page restoration block. Or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks. Gemini and Chrome is here for it. Ready to make anything online make sense. There's no place like Chrome. Check responses setup required. Compatibility and availability various. 18.
Anthony Donahue
So good, so good, so good.
Nordstrom Rack Announcer
New markdowns up to 70% off are at Nordstrom rack stores now. Stock up and Save big on shoes, tops, dresses, accessories and more must haves for summer. Join the Nordy Club to unlock exclusive discounts. Shop new arrivals first and more. Plus buy online and pick up at your favorite rack store for free. Great brands, great prices. That's why you Rack
Windows 11 Announcer
Study and play come together on a Windows 11 PC and for a limited time, college students
Rosenberg
get the best of both worlds.
Windows 11 Announcer
Get the Unreal college Deal everything you need to study and play with select Windows 11 PCs. Eligible students get a year of Microsoft 365 Premium and a year of Xbox Game Pass ultimate with a custom color Xbox wireless controller. Learn more@windows.com studentoffer while supplies last ends June 30th. Terms at aka mscollegepc thanks for listening
Podcast Announcer
to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.
Rosenberg
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Podcast Announcer
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.
Don Hahn
Before we welcome in our next guest, let's talk to Anthony Pusick because he's got something to say.
Anthony Pusick
Thank you Don. New York Champs Sports has you covered. If you're looking to get your hands on Nick's Championship Gear, head to Champs Sports Fan Central Station at 125 West 33rd street or your local Champs Sports store. The city's celebrating, the parade's coming up and there's no better time to gear up and rep New York.
Rosenberg
Kidding me.
Anthony Pusick
Knicks Championship Gear is available now at Champs Sports Fan Central Station and local Champs Sports stores. I saw it on Instagram. They have Brunson shirts, guys, if you need a Brunson shirt. If you want the Finals MVP on your back before you get to the parade tomorrow, you can get it at Champs. And while you're there, Fan Central Station is still home to soccer jerseys for every national team fan, usa, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and more. All under one roof.
Don Hahn
Thank you Anthony. Well, speaking of Anthony, let's go to another one, Anthony Donahue, who I met back in 2004 when he started working here at ESPN back when it was 1050 and then we went on to be 987 and now 880 and beyond with ESPN New York. I knew him as a Yankee fan as the Yankees were about to blow the three nothing series lead against the Red Sox.
Alan Hahn
He's got to bring that up.
Don Hahn
Got to know him a little bit more because of the fact that he was a big Ranger fan going to the Garden. But above everything else, he was Mr. Nick and he suffered through it all and now he can call himself a champion and we had to have you in studio. How are you, buddy?
Anthony Donahue
Don, thank you so much, man. That was an incredible intro. But, yeah, it's been an incredible, you know, last few days. I dreamed of it my whole life, but now the dream is finally a reality, and I just don't want these days to end. I'm just soaking it all in. Were you there in San Antonio?
Alan Hahn
Did you go?
Anthony Donahue
No, I thought about it. So I wrestled with this throughout my life, even over the last 20 years, where if the Knicks were about to win a championship and I was able to go to that city, if it's not in New York, obviously, if it was New York, I would have been there. Would I want to be on the road or would I want to be in New York? And I was. I thought about going, and I said, no, I need to be in New York City. I went to Cleveland for game four. That was awesome. But I had to be in New York on Saturday night for the championship.
Alan Hahn
Where were you? And like, what was that? That again? I've known you for such a long time, and you and I have talked about this.
Anthony Donahue
Yep.
Alan Hahn
Right.
Anthony Donahue
We talked about when there was no chance that even Ben.
Alan Hahn
Zero chance.
Rosenberg
Right.
Alan Hahn
Of even winning. It's like, what's it going to be? Like, how can you get there? Like, we would do this all the time. And so I just need to know what, like, where were you and when did it hit you? Like, when did you know, like, this is going to happen?
Anthony Donahue
I would say I had a feeling going into the series we were going to win. But as far as Saturday night, with about two minutes left, once we took the lead, and this team just doesn't lose leads. I mean, they are so great. I mean, to go 16, 3 in the playoffs, but with about two minutes left, I'm like, we're really about to win this championship. And I didn't enjoy watching the game Saturday. I was so tense. I was so stressed, but I just. I couldn't believe it. And I was. I was in tears. I was. I was probably actually in more tears after game four.
Rosenberg
Well, I was going to ask you about game four, Game four.
Alan Hahn
To me, that. That's when I take us through game four.
Anthony Donahue
So over the years, in many interviews I've done or people ask me, what's the best Knick game you ever been at? And every time I'll give them a different answer because. But now, for the rest of my life, there's no way another game could beat Game 4 of the Knicks Spurs NBA Finals at the Garden that was incredible. I remember at halftime, so I'm a big Wu Tang fan, but at halftime I left and went downstairs, I went down to the boardroom, got a little something to eat. I didn't even want to see Wu Tang. I was furious. And I was thinking about what's my tweet and what's my Instagram post gonna be saying? Everybody calm down. It's a three game series. We're going back to San Antonio. It's gonna be okay. And then the comeback started. And then when we. I said to someone at halftime, gets a 12 going into the fourth quarter. And I believe it was ended up being 15, it was 15. And I said to Alicia and my fiance was next to me at the game, I said, we can win this game. And then when it got to seven, eight, nine, I said, we're winning this game.
Alan Hahn
That's what everybody, everybody had that emotion.
Anthony Donahue
We're winning this game. And man, when it came down to that last play, Jalen and obviously the whole building knew the ball was going to Jalen Brunson. He gets the rock, got a good look, little deep from three. And then all of a sudden you see OG Anunoby crashing.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
And then.
Anthony Donahue
And then he tips it in. And I saw so many grownups in absolute tears on Wednesday night. It was incredible. I. I was. And then when the buzzer went off and the spurs didn't score, it was just pandemonium. I completely just broke down.
Rosenberg
It's like. It's an amazing play when you think about it, Anthony, because you said you see OG coming through and just him coming through is great. That's half the battle. But we've talked about this. The likelihood of being able to get that tip in, if you were to go do that just for fun 10
Alan Hahn
times with no defenders, you shoot it.
Anthony Donahue
It would be hard.
Rosenberg
I'm run from here and I'm going to time it and tip. Even with no defenders, you're not hitting it that many times.
Anthony Donahue
Exactly. And thankfully, Victor Wembanyama was out on Jalen Brunson. So the lane was open and here came.
Rosenberg
But think about how much it worked out by Victor beating out that far. It forced Brunson to put so much arc on the shot to get it over Wembuyama, which puts it off the rim that high. Everything was meant. That's how you knew the championship was coming.
Anthony Donahue
Yeah. So much had to go.
Rosenberg
Right.
Anthony Donahue
And that wasn't the first win of the series. It wasn't the second win of the series. It was the third win. Of the series and we knew we were about to be champions and it was just incredible. Especially for the fans that have really stuck through it, man. Not the ones that showed up last week. The ones that have stuck through it. The ones that were there for. Whether it's Clarence Weatherspoon or thinking Alonzo Trier was going to be a go to guy or the list goes on
Alan Hahn
for those Fans, man, the 2019 lottery, when we all gathered, waiting for it, you remember that night, we're all sitting there just going, they win this former Pensley. That's right. And they get Zion. This all turned and then it's like they didn't get the one pick. They didn't even get the two pick. They got the third damn pick. But that pick helped you get OG Anunoby.
Anthony Donahue
It did. OG Anunoby is this generation's Dave DeBusher.
Alan Hahn
That's a great call. Great call. You are on a billboard on 34th
Anthony Donahue
street and pretty cool.
Alan Hahn
Like, like, seriously though, this is like, not. This is a larger than life picture of you in your Knicks gear.
Anthony Donahue
You know, just during the whole finals.
Don Hahn
Like it's.
Alan Hahn
Come on, come on, man. Tell me how you. How did you pull that off?
Anthony Donahue
Some Nike hit me up. Nike reached out to me. Jonathan, what's it? Jonathan, what's. You know? Yeah, they reached out to me. This guy shot 8 Jay Z album covers and he shot the COVID for Nas. Godson reached out to me, invited me to be in the photo shoot, and I was one of the first photos to go out. So I was on the billboard the whole final.
Alan Hahn
All right. How long did you stand there? Waiting for you to come back around again.
Anthony Donahue
Not too long. Like.
Alan Hahn
Like you were more than two, but, you know, you ran there to get a picture. Yeah, yeah. Hell yeah.
Anthony Donahue
After game. After game one, I was at the Garden at the viewing party and it was out there, brother.
Alan Hahn
I was walking down the street back from one of our shows, and I look up and I go, holy crap. I was like, what's he doing?
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
Like that.
Alan Hahn
I thought that was.
Rosenberg
You know what's fascinating? Like, there's been a lot of chatter about and loose use of the word Knicks fans, right? Oh, yeah, A lot of loose use of it. And. And seeing the worst clips on social media. And people will say to me, like, you know, how do you deal with Knicks fans? And I'm like, I don't think of those people on social media. I think of Anthony Donahue. You know, I think of people like
Alan Hahn
the definition of a Knicks.
Rosenberg
You are. You are the definition and, you know, at the risk of us all, you know, falling apart here, I gotta ask you about thinking about your sister through this. We all saw what happened with Gianna and how you were there with her from beginning to end. She was such an integral part at the games, saw you guys together at games. Everyone's told their story. We've heard about Carl's mom, all these things just. Did you speak to her through the series? How much did you feel her presence through this?
Anthony Donahue
I felt her. I felt her presence throughout the whole finals, the whole playoffs, and just knowing how happy she'd be for me and just seeing even, like, the billboard and how happy she'd be about that. And I'm so glad. And just now having a daughter and her middle name is Gianna, and to have the year that I've had just in the last six months alone, I became a father. Alicia and I got engaged and the Knicks won a championship, like. And after all that's happened the last five, six years, losing my sister, losing my whole world, never thinking. There was times that I just woke up not even wanting to be alive. And then all that's happened, you know, between meeting my now fiance, Alicia, and Autumn coming to the world and the Knicks winning a championship, man, you can't put a price on any of that stuff.
Alan Hahn
It'd be hard to top 20, 26.
Don Hahn
How old are you? I'm 42 now, so, my God, time flies. So, you know, I met you, you're in your early 20s.
Anthony Donahue
I was 20. Was 20. Exactly.
Don Hahn
And I always used to always think, like, looking at you, that you were just thrown so much at such an early age. It would have been so easy when the Knicks were winning 19 games to just say, man, you know, I got family issues. I've got a career I got to focus on. Like, was there ever a moment you wavered? Was there ever a moment I just don't have time? I'm going to let it slide. I'll get back to it another time. Life is just too busy. What made you hang in with this team, with everything that was going on in your life?
Anthony Donahue
Well, the short answer is no. I never gave up on this team. I never gave up on this organization. Even through a lot of the bad years, I always wanted to feel that feeling I had. The feeling I had being 10 years old with Patrick Ewing putting the dunk back into the John Starks Miss Layup. The feelings I had of beating the Heat three years in a row or getting to the finals in 99, beating the Pacers I wanted to feel that again. And I never gave up. I was searching for that feeling. And finally, over the last four to five years, I felt those feelings again. You know, beating the Cavs in 2023, beating the Sixers in 2024, getting to the conference finals last year, beating the Boston Celtics. I mean, that was incredible right there. And now being NBA champions, I. I never gave up. And there were seasons, it was pretty obvious we weren't going to win more than, like, you know, five games. But I love this team so much. I love this franchise so much. I love this organization so. Eight organizations so much. How could I give up? And you.
Rosenberg
You go to every home game.
Anthony Donahue
Just about 99. I miss one or two a year.
Alan Hahn
He sleeps there. Let's be honest. I've gone into. I've gone in to do my show. Last year when I used to do the show from in the building, I've gone in, there he is. I'm like, what are you doing here? The game's off within three hours. Like, that's. That should be the commercial, by the way, is somewhere you like living in msg, Just living there. But. But for you, though, like, you've named so many players. Rattle them off. All strange pulls. Which is. Which makes it fun. But who is right now your favorite player?
Anthony Donahue
I mean, it's got to be Jalen Brunson. Yeah, without a doubt. And I said this. I was on PIX11 the other day. I mean, I'm not trying to make a hot take here. I mean, Jalen Brunson is the greatest Knick of all time. He's the great. I love Clyde Patrick. Patrick was never as clutch as Jalen.
Alan Hahn
Clyde's got two rings.
Anthony Donahue
I know, but what Jalen does and grant that. I wasn't watching all the Clyde games. I wasn't even born, obviously. But what I've seen Jalen do the last four seasons, especially in big situations, and him being six foot one and how, you know, he's not the fastest, he's not the quickest, he's not the strongest. And seeing what he does live, you know, 40 times a year, Jalen Brunson is absolutely incredible.
Alan Hahn
You relate to him because of this, don't you? The resiliency that he shows, the toughness, the fact that he never gives up when it's easy to. Right. Like, there's something about you and your story that has to. You look at him and that relates to you.
Anthony Donahue
When I play ball, I kind of feel like I'm the Jalen Brunson of Equinox.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
You know, I don't know if I
Alan Hahn
was talking about your game.
Anthony Donahue
Oh, I thought you were talking about my homescape.
Don Hahn
Oh, my God.
Rosenberg
But it's, but isn't it crazy? To Alan's point, no.
Anthony Donahue
But yes, you're right though. Never giving up, being doubted. I, I had people tell me 10, 15 years ago, you know, give up on your career, you know, try to get a day job. Don't, don't do sports. And you know, now, you know, I got a lot of things going on. I got two brand deals tomorrow, I got to work out at the parade. So, you know, it's.
Rosenberg
To see what you've done, transforming this passion into your life is amazing. We were talking the other day about Fife Dog and you know, he's another person like Gianna. We have all these amazing people who are no longer here to see this.
Anthony Donahue
But like Fife, he loved the Knicks. He was a hip hop artist that truly led orange and blue.
Rosenberg
No, he didn't.
Botox Announcer
Just.
Rosenberg
And by the way, I want to say this about Fife, my brother. I love Fife, my guy, a lot of sports, I could argue some fraud. Not when it came to his jets or his Knicks. He loved to root for random college teams. Player here, player there. But he never deviated from that team. And I feel that he would have loved Josh Hart, you know what I mean? There are guys on this team, there are dogs on this team. We're not going to channel Mike Brown. There are dogs on this team who I just think Fife would have really admired. And so who else besides Jalen who is obvious though, who else do you see as like the most definitive Knicks on this team?
Anthony Donahue
I would say OG Anunoby and Josh Hart. I mean, both those numbers are going to go to the rafters, you know, when it's all said and done, especially winning the championship. Kind of like the 94 Rangers. So a lot of those guys up there, Adam Graves, Mike Richter, Mark Messier, Brian Leach, I think, you know, I
Alan Hahn
think the whole five goes up, Josh. I think the whole five goes up. Yeah, yeah, I do too.
Anthony Donahue
We haven't retired in numbers since February 28, 2003, when Patrick Ewing went up there. So I expect Jalen Brunson, Josh, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, call Anthony Town because they all. And maybe Mikel Bridges to go up.
Alan Hahn
But they've all had signature moments. They've all like important, you're right, impactful moments that without them you're not, you're not winning.
Rosenberg
Guys, is it fair to say I said this earlier? I Was talking like extemporaneously and I was like, wait a second. If you had to break it down, OG was MVP of the first series, Cat was MVP of the second series, third series. It started transitioning sort of from Cat to Jalen and then Jalen took them the rest of the way. They really had a best player at every different time. And then fittingly, and Mikhail Jalen with
Anthony Donahue
the iconic finals, 45 points and it closed that game on the road.
Alan Hahn
That's an all timer. Mikhail also had moments he did where without. And again his deep. Nobody wants to talk about his defense in finals. His, his defense in the finals was off the charts. How about Josh eyes after game two where he had that look in his eye. His eyes are crazy.
Anthony Donahue
That was awesome.
Alan Hahn
That's when you're like, how about.
Rosenberg
And how about Josh, who's had his moments where like he'd get open threes and missed them? It feels like he hit every big open three in the playoffs when you
Alan Hahn
had to have it.
Anthony Donahue
And he. And he's done that throughout his Nick tenure. You go back to Game 1 versus the Cavs in 2023. He had a big three when the Knicks were down on the road. Also game Sixers in Philadelphia, 2024. So when Josh Hart needs to make it three, he's gonna knock it down.
Rosenberg
That's my DMV guy right there.
Don Hahn
Well, enjoy it, man. It's gonna be fun. I'm so proud of your success.
Alan Hahn
Most famous Knicks fan.
Rosenberg
Yeah, you're the guy.
Alan Hahn
He's on billboards in New York. Think about you. He's on billboards in New York City.
Don Hahn
You know what's great about him, honestly, is that at this stage, 42 child's gonna get married. There could be a lot of angles that he's working through this to be able to make money, to get some face time. His priority is this team.
Rosenberg
No, he's a crazy person. Also,
Don Hahn
if I saw somebody like Anthony Donahue in the street, I'd be like, this is just a guy that's just trying to get his 15 minutes right. You would trade it all for 15 years. You didn't have to. That is so genuine. And we love you.
Rosenberg
And also for anyone listening, like beyond the Knicks part of this though, it's beautiful. For me, as a friend of Anthony's over these years, to me, it's been watching the personal bounce back and I was, I was truly worried for you after your sister passed. I really, I was like, I don't. I was worried about the bounce back there. As you would with anyone.
Anthony Donahue
I was. I was worried.
Rosenberg
And you're. Not only because of the loss, but because your care for her defined your life right along with the Knicks. So after that, it's such a tough place to be. So for everyone out there listening, I promise you, whatever bad thing you've been through, this guy was going through the worst of it. To see you now with your fiance and your baby. And the Knicks won a championship.
Anthony Pusick
Damn it.
Rosenberg
I'm having a drink for you tomorrow, buddy.
Anthony Donahue
By the way, Autumn's first game officially will be the night we raised the banner.
Javier (Caller)
Wow.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
Yeah.
Anthony Donahue
There is no doubt I'm gonna be holding her in my arms as that banner goes up.
Don Hahn
Incredible. Congratulations.
Anthony Donahue
Thank you.
Don Hahn
Thank you. I know you're on the billboard and everything, but try to stay in touch, okay? Remember your roots. I never have to worry about that. With Anthony donahue.
State Farm Announcer
Chronic migraine, 15 or more headache days a month, each lasting four hours or more, can make me feel like a spectator in my own life. Botox Onobotulinum toxin A prevents headaches in adults with chronic migraine. It's not for those with 14 or fewer headache days a month. It's the number one prescribed branded chronic migraine preventive treatment.
Botox Announcer
Prescription Botox is injected by your doctor. Effects of Botox may spread hours to weeks after injection causing causing serious symptoms. Alert your doctor right away as difficulty swallowing, speaking, breathing, eye problems or muscle weakness can be signs of a life threatening condition. Patients with these conditions before injection are at highest risk. Side effects may include allergic reactions, neck and injection site pain, fatigue and headache. Allergic reactions can include rash, welts, asthma symptoms and dizziness. Don't receive Botox if there's a skin infection. Tell your doctor your medical history. Muscle or nerve conditions including als, Lou Gehrig's disease, Myasthenia gravis or Lambert Eaton syndrome. And medications including botulinum toxins as these may increase the risk of serious side effects.
State Farm Announcer
Why wait?
Carrington College Announcer
Ask your doctor.
State Farm Announcer
Visit botoxchronicmigraine.com or call 1-844botox to learn more.
Movie Trailer Announcer
On June 26, Supergirl arrives in theaters.
Carrington College Announcer
Let's go.
Spike Lee
I don't give a damn about my reputation.
Don Hahn
Your powers are gonna tick in now.
Spike Lee
That's very impressive.
Movie Trailer Announcer
Get ready for a movie event unlike any other.
Nordstrom Rack Announcer
Superman sees the good in everyone. The nice.
State Farm Announcer
See the truth.
Movie Trailer Announcer
Get your tickets now for the most fun crypto and fresh movie of the summer.
Unidentified Co-host (possibly Alan or Rosenberg)
What are you going to do?
Rosenberg
Something stupid.
Podcast Announcer
Now It's a party.
Movie Trailer Announcer
DC Supergirl only in theaters June 26th. Get tickets now. Radio PG13 and it be inappropriate for
Alan Hahn
children under 13 this summer.
Uber Eats Announcer
Soccer is here and so are the watch parties and Uber Eats has your game day essentials covered with 30% off orders from Maldi, Kroger and Dollar General. Everything you need to keep your crowd happy delivered straight to your door. Chips, dips, fresh ingredients and more. Order in so you can lock in for the games. 30% off your grocery order only on UberEats for a limited time.
Podcast Announcer
Thanks for listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.
Rosenberg
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Podcast Announcer
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.
Don Hahn
Golf fans, the biggest names in golf are taking center stage at Shinnecock hills. Join Team ESPN New York and Michelob Ultra tomorrow. That's Thursday, June 18th from noon until 2pm at Union Burger Bar in Southampton. Michelob Ultra will be on site with swag samples and giveaways. So come out and join Team ESPN New York and Michelob Ultra as we kick off the third major of the year. That's tomorrow, Thursday, June 18 from noon to 2pm at Union Burger Bar, 40 Bowden Square in Southampton.
Alan Hahn
We got a lot going on in this area. World cup still happening, right? You got the US Open now beginning out in Shinnecock, out on Long island, the draft next week in Brooklyn. We're in the epicenter right now.
Don Hahn
1-800-919-3776. We heard from Spike. We heard from Anthony Donahue. Let's hear from you and let's dive into those phone calls and talk to Javier in Queens. You get us started off here on Don Han and Roseburg. What's up man?
Javier (Caller)
Hey, what's going on guys? Thanks for having me on. A great show so far. Yeah, this week has been incredible. I just want to shout out Alan. I don't know if it's been brought up or anyone has referred to it. Last season, Alan said the starting five was better than the 94 starting five and he got killed online. People were calling in with so much hate about that. It wasn't for me. I was with you, Alan, and then just kind of dumped. Well, shout out to the chat, but there's some idiots in there. They were talking about how, you know, Houston was so much better than the Knicks and all this stuff. Knicks were evenly matched up with Houston. They just happened to lose that series. But this has been incredible. Shout out to Alan. Shout out to Spike from St. Pete. Shout out to Omar. I hope they get on a floor Afloat, the real ones. I have a question for Don at the end of this, but what I want to say is when it comes to, when it comes to the Mount Rushmore, I'm not a fan of this. I'll throw out four names, but it's just because I am crazy biased. Jeter, Rivera, Cat and Brunson. That's it for me. But that's like just a dumb conversation. I don't like comparing guys from other sports. What's special about like guys like Jeter and Brunson is like, what puts him over the top, Right? Jeter, to be honest with you, what puts him over the top? It's the girls, right? It's the people that he dated. Like his just his Persona beyond the sport. With Brunson, it's the incredible story, second round pick. Like nobody thought this guy could do it. And, and, and there he goes doing it. And I'll say this like, I was so inspired by Omar's call yesterday. You know, in order to win two titles, in order to win three titles, you got to win that first one. There's only one team that can go back to back next year, and that's the New York Knicks. And if the in Vegas only has them as the 5 5th best team in odds to win the finals, thank God. I love it. I love it. Just like they didn't have them win in the finals. Here's my question to you, Don. It's reported that maybe 5 million people will be there. It's going to be a big number. In your opinion, what percentage of those people at the parade are fraud? Because there are definitely fraud showing up at the parade. There's definitely people who just bought jerseys. So, Adana, from the king of all fraud, I want to know what do you think the percentage of fraud fans at tomorrow's parade?
Don Hahn
Every parade has got at least 50% fraud because let's not forget this is a business area. So there could people that don't care about basketball or anything. I can go outside. Let's check out what's happening, right? That's what makes it so interesting. But you've got so many people descending on this place, I don't know how many could fit. And we're only talking what, like nine blocks, right? So. But yeah, there's gonna be a lot of people that just, just happen to be there, wanna be there. But I still say a higher percentage of diehards. I heard people showing up at midnight last night to get their spot.
Alan Hahn
Apparently there are people that are paying other people to hold their spot. Right.
Don Hahn
Because they wanna be a part of this thing.
Rosenberg
And also, I feel like there's two separate questions. Cause if you listen to fraud Friday every Friday at 4:30, you hear that Don's use of fraud is generally about bailing from one team to another.
Alan Hahn
Right.
Rosenberg
It's not as often about bandwagon. You're a dormant fan who lives in a market, but you're not super into it. And then something huge happens and now you're into it. Yes, he may consider that person somewhat fraudulent, but there's a difference between that and, oh, I was a Nets fan when Jay Z owned them and I thought that when they made the trade, I was into it. And now I'm, now I'm a Knicks fan.
Alan Hahn
It does create an interesting question that you just brought up and that. And maybe we need to wait. Although we could do it right now.
Rosenberg
Why not?
Alan Hahn
I'm curious, Don, Is there a label for those like he, like Peter just said? Not really. Fans sort of go dormant when the team's bad. But when you have something like this, they're jumping right back in and they're all about it. They never rooted for another team. They just didn't pay attention. They checked out that that's not fraud because you didn't leave. You just didn't participate in the worst of times.
Rosenberg
What are they?
Don Hahn
I will address that.
Nordstrom Rack Announcer
Wow.
Don Hahn
When we come back.
Alan Hahn
Exciting.
Podcast Announcer
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Rosenberg
I don't want to know how the
Alan Hahn
sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good.
Podcast Announcer
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.
Carrington College Announcer
Your next chapter in healthcare starts at Carrington College's School of Nursing in Portland. Join us for our open house on Tuesday, January 13th from 4 to 7pm you'll tour our campus, see live demos, meet instructors and learn about our Associate Degree in nursing program that prepares you to become a registered nurse. Take the first step toward your nursing career. Save your spot now at Carrington Edu Events. For information on program outcomes, visit carrington. Edu Sci Fi.
ESPN New York | June 17, 2026
This celebratory episode offers an exuberant reflection on the New York Knicks’ long-awaited NBA championship victory. Legendary Knicks superfan, filmmaker, and cultural icon Spike Lee joins the show to share his emotional journey as a lifelong fan, making vivid connections between the past and present Knicks teams. The hour continues with die-hard fan and broadcaster Anthony Donahue recounting what the championship means to him personally, highlighting his decades of unwavering fandom and the profound connections between sports and life’s struggles and triumphs.
Spike’s Knicks Origin Story:
Generations of Knicks Love:
The 2026 Championship — Generational Parallels:
Elation, Tears, and Paying Tribute:
The Parade, Celebrity Fans & Staying True:
Looking Forward: Optimism & “Back-to-Back” Talk:
Memorable Quotes:
A Knicks Life — From Suffering to Celebration:
Game 4 and Game 5 — The Emotional Apex:
The Knicks Fandom Community & Personal Triumphs:
On Loyalty and Never Giving Up:
Knicks Player Appreciation:
Praises Jalen Brunson as “the greatest Knick of all time” (33:53)
Lauds OG Anunoby and Josh Hart, suggesting their numbers will be retired (36:13)
“OG Anunoby is this generation’s Dave DeBusschere.” (29:15)
Notes the team's unique identity: “...they really had a best player at every different time.” (37:15)
For Fans Who’ve Suffered:
Memorable Moments & Quotes:
The Parade’s Significance:
Unity & “Fraud” Fans:
02:00 – 04:00 | Spike Lee:
"I was just happy to be in the garden with my father... So I was really thinking about my father when I had tears in my eyes..."
08:25 | Spike Lee:
"New York City is a city game... It is the orange and blue that has New York united behind them..."
11:44 | Spike Lee:
"I cupped them [the championship rings] in my hands so I looked like I was praying..."
15:02 | Spike Lee:
"Rick says to me, 'Spike, you got a float?' ...'My son wants you on the float.' I dropped the phone..."
20:05 | Spike Lee:
"[Regarding bootleg shirts of his face] 'Yeah, I’m not paying for it though... Let these guys make their money.'"
25:53 | Anthony Donahue:
"With about two minutes left… I was so tense. I was so stressed, but... I was in tears..."
31:12 | Anthony Donahue:
"Just knowing how happy [my sister] would be for me... After all that's happened... there were times that I just woke up not even wanting to be alive... and the Knicks won a championship, man, you can't put a price on any of that."
33:53 | Anthony Donahue:
"Jalen Brunson is the greatest Knick of all time... He's the great. I love Clyde, Patrick... but what I've seen Jalen do… Jalen Brunson is absolutely incredible."
39:28 | Anthony Donahue:
"Autumn's first game officially will be the night we raise the banner... I'm gonna be holding her in my arms as that banner goes up."
45:22 | Don Hahn:
"Every parade has got at least 50% fraud because let's not forget this is a business area. So there could be people that don't care about basketball..."
This episode captures the soul of Knicks fandom—unapologetic passion, generational connection, heartbreak, and redemption. Spike Lee and Anthony Donahue stand as living embodiments of the city’s devotion to basketball. The championship feels less like a mere sports achievement and more like a city-wide catharsis and celebration of resilience. Whether you are an old-school diehard, a reawakened fan, or new to the orange and blue, the episode makes clear: “This is New York. This is the Knicks. This is family.”