Loading summary
Don LaGreca
Abercrombie's vacation shop essentials are 25% off right now and Spotify listeners are getting an extra 15% off with code Spotify AF.
Peter Rosenberg
My summer schedule is booked up.
Don LaGreca
I need shorts, tees and swim I.
Peter Rosenberg
Can throw into a suitcase for weekend trips. Abercrombie has me covered.
Don LaGreca
Take an extra 15% off with code.
Peter Rosenberg
Spotify AF through June 9, 2025.
Don LaGreca
Valid in US and Canada.
Peter Rosenberg
Exclusions apply.
Don LaGreca
See details online. 25% off vacation essentials is valid in.
Peter Rosenberg
US and Canada through June 9, 2025.
Don LaGreca
Applies to select styles as indicated. Price reflects discount time. One day you're not gon play football anymore. And if there's a God up above, it'll be soon. Han, Huge no, but big yeah. And Rosenberg.
Peter Rosenberg
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Don LaGreca
This is in North Dakota. This is New York.
Peter Rosenberg
This is Don Han and Rosenberg on 880 ESPN and the ESPN New York.
Don LaGreca
App 302 in the big city. Don Hahn and Rosenberg take you right up till 7 o' clock. It's a Friday, nice day. Weekend's gonna be a little dicey, but we're here for you to talk some sports without Alan Ahan. Alan is on assignment. He's in Boston with his daughter, so he's gonna give us updates. She's in a tournament. So he's taking the day and why not? Why not? Enjoy, Peter.
Peter Rosenberg
Absolutely. I'm thrilled for the man. He, he missed a lot of stuff because of the. The length of this Nick's season and God bless him, don't get me wrong, we have a ton of great stuff to do today, but it's a great time for him, so we're happy. I'm in Los Angeles. I just arrived here for a big day for WWE tomorrow. We have worlds collide in the morning and then money in the bank at night tomorrow night. But I am stoked, ready to be here. Don energized by an unbelievable finish to Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Oh, oh, and it's fraud Friday, for God's sake.
Don LaGreca
That's right. And it's everybody's favorite segment of the week.
Peter Rosenberg
There it is.
Don LaGreca
So we're going to line that up. But you know, a great place to start. We'll get into the baseball. We touched on it a little bit at the end of the show. Yesterday is a tough loss for the Mets, you know, blowing a 53 lead in the eighth inning. But they did get a split in Los Angeles. Won the season series against the Dodgers. Yankees took care of business winning a series Against Cleveland, you got Yankees, Red Sox, which all of a sudden, Peter and I don't want to speak out of school. Anth Anthony's our resident Yankee fan. With Allen out today, I'm not feeling Yankees, Red Sox in the sense of the rivalry. Maybe I'm feeling it because it's the Yankees and you obviously pay attention to what the Yankees do, but Yankees, Red Sox just doesn't feel like a thing anymore right now. Maybe that'll change after the series is over. And the Mets, Rocky, certainly the only thing there is just win as many games as you can. So the obvious place to jump off is as you touched on just a thriller in okc. And be careful about these prognostications. And the Pacers have no chance. They still might end up losing the next four games in blowout fashion. But Peter, we've seen this, this thing before, okay? What we saw in game one, we saw a lot of in that series against the Knicks. And the Pacers be pacing, man.
Peter Rosenberg
The Pacers be pacing?
Don LaGreca
Yes, sir.
Peter Rosenberg
As it says on their, on their shirts. Yeah, man. You know, I didn't. None of us really spent time breaking down this finals. None of us predicted what it's going to be. I think for the three of us, we all just assumed it would be a pretty easy Oklahoma City final. Now, I think if anyone felt the strongest, it's probably Allen, basically two weeks ago said Oklahoma City, no one has a chance. If the Knicks win, it doesn't matter. Oklahoma City is rolling. And actually, you know what, Don? As I'm speaking out loud, I realize I'm smarter than I give myself credit for. I did in that conversation say, let's not go handing trophies to people who have never won one before. It's. It's not the same thing. No matter how good the regular season Don is, and no matter how good they were for the first three rounds. And you are right, they may win this thing 4 1. But you agree you can't start crowning champions unless it's some sort of legacy team that has done it many times before.
Don LaGreca
Well, you're, you're absolutely right. I mean, you hit the nail on the head. The Thunder are a great team and they're a great team all year, but they did have to play Game 7 against Denver. All right, so they did face elimination. So it's not like they're untouchable. Matter of fact, the Pacers have been a better playoff team than the Thunder have in a sense of. The Pacers have not have yet to face elimination right in any of the series where at least the Thunder had to play game seven against the really good Denver team. Now, they won the game. They wiped the floor with the Thunder, with the Nuggets in that Game seven, so. But they did face elimination. But you are so right. They had not been. The last time they were in NBA Finals was way back in 2012, and it's a completely different team. So this incarnation of the Thunder have never been here before and now we're throwing roses and trophies at them before they've actually earned it. Now, this Pacer team hadn't won anything either, but they go in as the dog. Right. No one believes in them, which is dangerous because it was a similar situation to go into the Knicks series where everybody just thought the Knicks were going to walk all over the Pacers. They were obviously able to use that as motivation. And now nobody. I'm not going to get on me or you or Alan. No one gave the Pacers a shot. And at the end of the day, maybe they'll all end up being right. But the Thunder, maybe with the long layoff, reading the press clippings and just the way that that game generally went for most of the night, would it be that crazy to think they. Oh, we got this. And when, when you take on the Pacers and the opposition thinks that they're done, that's when the Pacers seem to come up with their best efforts. So maybe it woke the Thunder up, but that was a heck of a game and a heck of a finish last night.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, I. There's so much to say about this, this Pacers team, and it's fun getting to watch them removed from the Knicks because, you know, Don, now that I'm a huge Knicks fan, I, you know, I was very locked in and focusing on that series from a Knick standpoint, and now I have absolutely no dog in this fight. You're just hoping to see good basketball and you're able to, in my opinion. At least. Maybe this makes me a hack as a broadcaster. It allowed me to have a different level of appreciation for the way that this team plays. And you pointed it out. We have seen this Pacers team do exactly what they did last night many times. But sitting back, Don, and watching it, this time was different. They. They never stop. And I know we learned that in the Knicks series. Well, you saw it again last night. They never stop. And by that I mean, not only do they never give up in a game, despite what the score is and what the situation is, Don, they never stop during a Play, it's just constant movement all the time. And you take someone like Tyrese Halliburton who was not special last night, and Don, there may be top. I have a top five for you that I don't think you've ever done. Okay, top five players whose game is completely elevated in crunch time. Because as good a player as Tyrese Halliburton is for 47 minutes, and he can be really good. I mean, we saw in Game 4 against the Knicks when he put up that brilliant double, double, triple, double, he can be really great. But night in, night out, Don, he's not phenomenal for 47 minutes. And last night's a great example. He was pretty good. Didn't have anything that jumps off the page. And then you get to a final possession and he is just one of those guys. So up until that shot, he was five for 12. Okay, with 12 points, Don. And he wants the ball in his hand with no time left and creates an opening, makes space and hits a tough shot to win. Obviously, Robert Horry, I'm sure, is the first person who jumps to your mind.
Don LaGreca
As you jumped in my mind when you said it.
Peter Rosenberg
No, he's number one with a bullet. Right? Like a pretty average player who in crunch time is. God. But I mean, I mean, Tyrese has to be in there. He's a really good player. But he did it again last night. This is. And all of a sudden, Don, I went from Sunday night, I got a fly back from la. It's going to be a very long day. That game won't tip until, you know, close to 8:30. How interested was I going to be Now I'm completely in. Now you have to watch the game.
Don LaGreca
Well, you have to see how they're going to follow this up because you, you were told by everyone and their mother this was going to be a four game walkover, and now it's not. And even if, even if the Thunder were to win convincingly in game two, it's a one one series going back to Indiana, like, so now it's a series. Now it's on, you know. So even if the Thunder had won in dramatic fashion, all right, great game. But still the Pacers, you know, missed their opportunity. That would be kind of the, the theme now. No matter what happens on Sunday, you got a best of five with Indiana having home court advantage. And I think you're going to be completely in. And when I see you're so right about Halliburton because it's all. He's a better player than Ori. But it's that sense of Ori, no matter where he was, he could take that shot. And when I, When I see that go down and when I saw the shot and it was fluky in game one against the Knicks, I get it. But still, the wherewithal to step back and take a shot that. That still went in. He gets credit for getting it in. Even if the NBA gods might have assisted on it. I look at that. You know what I think, Peter? How the hell do these analytic people in baseball say there's no such thing as clutch? Like, how can you say that? How can you say with a straight face, no, the numbers. No, bull. The numbers tell me there's some people have the stomach for it and some people that don't. And he clearly has got the stomach for it. He might play with his food for, you know, 47 minutes and be a really good player, but not the best player. But give him a chance at a dagger, he's going to hit it. Tell me there isn't clutch in sports. When I. When you see him take a shot.
Peter Rosenberg
It is such a great point. And it frustrates us when we talk about baseball all the time. This just proves it. I mean, it's just. You would put him. If you were ranking NBA players, I would say, don, He's a top 20 player in the league. If you were to rank clutch players, he's a top five player in the league. You can't. That is not an accident. There has to be a qualification. And here's, and here's. Frankly, it's not like it's hard to figure out the statistics like you, you can figure out what teams do in crunch time. They do at the NBA all the time, how teams play in crunch time. So don't ask me in baseball why you would not want to factor in how a player does. In fact, you would probably argue the average Yankee fan would probably tell you they would say we have the best player in baseball when it's not crunch time.
Don LaGreca
Yeah, clearly there's something. If you're that good, then the stats in the postseason should reflect what you are as a player. Yet they don't for judge. So it tells you that there's something less than when it comes to clutch for him.
Peter Rosenberg
Not that he can't overcome it, and we all hope that he does. But. But Tyrese Halliburton is a guy who, if you were giving him a Madden score, is like an 87. He's a really good player, but he's a 96 in crunch time and what an awesome, awesome moment, man. And they just. All their role players, I mean, it's. By the way, it's a team of role players. I mean, I've said this before. I'll say it again. The gap between Halliburton and Siakam for best player on that team, Don, I think is much closer than people give them credit for.
Don LaGreca
Oh, for sure.
Peter Rosenberg
They're 1 in 1A. I mean, Siakam and Halliburton. And if you were to tell anybody, and this is why it's so crazy when we talk about how far away a team may be from a championship and what they need at their core to win. You're telling me you would have looked at this Pacers roster? Neesmith, Miles Turner, Nemhard, Obi, Toppin, T.J. mcConnell. You're telling me. Oh yeah, that's a championship core right there. That's, that's, that's a championship. No, but they have something, Don. This is a special group.
Don LaGreca
Well, that's what you sleep on because that's why nobody gave them any respect. They didn't have the great start to the regular season. Everybody ignored how great they were since January 1st, ignored what they did in the first two rounds of the playoffs because of the competition and the injuries that the Cavaliers and didn't, you know, look close enough. Listen, we're all guilty of it. I mean, how much Pacer basketball do you watch other than when they play the Knicks or the Nets?
Peter Rosenberg
Never stop.
Don LaGreca
Don't watch a ton. And I don't watch any OKC basketball unless, you know, during the playoffs you pop it on like so. And I. People have been listening to me on this radio station going on 24 years. I've never claimed to be an NBA, you know, expert when it comes to this, but everybody had the Thunder, everybody had the Knicks. And the Pacers just continue to shock everybody. Now, again, I would not be surprised if the Thunder went ahead and won the next four games. You know, that's the way things can happen. But right now, they're closer than any other team in the NBA to a title. They're three wins away. The Thunder are four. But what I wanted to tie it in locally at 1-800-919-3776 because I can, I can relate to this as a fan. How did Nick fans feel about last night? Now the knee jerk reaction is, well, I hate the Pacers, so it made me sick. I want the Thunders to. I want the Thunder to win in four by a hundred because you hate The Pacers. Right. But you can't completely ignore the fact that how this series goes does end up reflecting on the Knicks. Right. Because it could have been you. You don't blow game one if. If you do what you were supposed to do, and clearly they should. They. They just fired their coach because they didn't win. So it could have been you. That. How did you feel when that shot went down and go, this is an opportunity. This could be us. We could be up 1, nothing. So how did it feel when that shot went down? If you're a Knick fan, you're now a Knick fan. How did it feel for you?
Peter Rosenberg
I listen, as the fraud Knick fan that I am, I found myself rooting for the Pacers last night. I mean, I really did. I just. I don't have a connection to OKC in any way. I think SGA is a phenomenal. The whole. They're a phenomenal team, but I have zero connection there. I don't know if it's the Eastern Conference part. It's never seeing the Pacers win anything. It's the fact that they just play this gritty style of basketball. I really. I despise them. A week ago, but, Don, I found myself pulling for them last night.
Don LaGreca
I'm sorry, you dropped that. What'd you say?
Peter Rosenberg
I said I did find myself pulling for them last night.
Don LaGreca
In the end. Pulling for the Pacers.
Peter Rosenberg
That's right.
Don LaGreca
I don't know if I can take what you said, like, as an actual, like, Nick fan. So I. You know what I mean, Like, I guess with a grain of salt, just because.
Peter Rosenberg
Yes, you. Definitely you. It's me for sure.
Don LaGreca
Because I think. Because last night, I think the basketball fan in you came out and as a basketball fan, why wouldn't you be rooting for the Pacers? It's the underdog that they've got no chance. If you don't have a dog in the fight, the Pacers seem to me to be the team you'd root for.
Peter Rosenberg
Well, no, if you don't have a dog in the fight, you root for the dog in the fight. The dog in the fight is the Pacers and you want to see a series.
Don LaGreca
It's really just. I was just kind of curious how just Nick fans feel about that, because I'm sure most of them. If Anthony were to run it up the pole, most of them would probably say it made me sick because I just hate Halliburton. I hate the Pacers. I hope they get. Wipe the floor with them. But there Is that that little piece of you that goes by, like, maybe if the Thunder can be had, then we should be the team to take them? Or do you look at it and say, well, listen, we just. They were a team of destiny and nobody was going to beat them anyway, so we shouldn't feel that bad? Which. Which is also ties into the Tibbs thing, because, again, unrelated, but yet related, like, Pete DeBoer got fired by the Dallas Stars today, same situation, Conference final. We can't go any farther with him. We lost in the conference final last year, we lost in the conference final. This year we're going to move in a different direction. And you go, but wait a minute. They had a really good team, but they lost to a really good team. Like the Evanston Oilers might win the Stanley Cup. He went to the conference final, Peter. Six of the last seven years can't get over the hump. So there's some evidence that maybe he's not the guy. But, like, everybody can't win. Like, you look at a roster and go, oh, we're really good. You know, Colorado was good, Edmonton's good, Vegas is good, Toronto's good, Florida's good, Tampa's good. Like, they all can't win. Only one team can win, and you end up firing coaches because you're not the team that wins. So when you look at this Pacer team, it's like, yeah, they're not the best team, but for some reason, they seem like they got it going on. Is it coaching or is it just circumstances? Clutch. Whatever it is, we always blame the coach for everything, but sometimes you look at it and go, all right, they fired Tibbs, but was anybody beating the Pacers this year? Did it come down? The poor decisions? Like, again, we don't know what's going to happen the next four games. But, Peter, if the Pacers win the championship, it's a great point. Was anybody beating them?
Peter Rosenberg
Yep. So really good point.
Don LaGreca
Again, I don't want to sit here and say championships are luck, they're not luck, but just sometimes it's like, I can't figure this out. It just something. Something happened beyond coaching, beyond everything else that just says. And again, is. Is Dagno the greatest coach in the world? Like, if they win the. If they turn around and win this title, Peter, is it because they had the right coach? It just. I know there's something. How do you arbitrary about it all? And I know that's not what support's supposed to be. We're supposed to have this all figured out. Supposed to all be down analytically. We're supposed to know what. How everything is going to turn out. But this is what's so great about sports. You could just turn it completely upside down and then we have the audacity to fire guys for not doing what's expected to happen in sports, which is completely unexpected.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, I know. Everyone wants it to be a simple conclusion and we know the answer is Tibbs, and a lot of people will run with that. But the fact of the matter is we won't know the answer in a real way for a very long time. And unless Don, it turns into a championship in short order with this core, you'll never know the answer.
Don LaGreca
So I'm sorry about my confusion before, Peter, but we have a new system in which we have our call screener and all of a sudden your voice started blaring through the computer and oh.
Peter Rosenberg
No, was it terrifying.
Don LaGreca
But on the fly, I figured it out.
Peter Rosenberg
Look at you, you're growing when it comes to technology.
Don LaGreca
When I said that you dropped there for a second, it was actually the complete opposite. Too much of you.
Peter Rosenberg
I had a hunch that. That I knew. I actually thought one of your kids was talking to you. I knew something happened.
Don LaGreca
No, that. That happened.
C
To be fair, Peter could have muted.
Peter Rosenberg
Could have. Oh, it was me. Oh, I muted myself 100% it was you. So I never had. Before you go full bad guy. I try, yes. But the other thing is you should mute. But the other default thing is if you're doing this long enough is you immediately turn the volume down on your computer also.
C
So I think there's fault to go around here.
Don LaGreca
I think we should revisit.
Peter Rosenberg
Let's break it down.
Don LaGreca
But I.
C
90% me, 5% don, 5% Pete.
Don LaGreca
My iPad.
Peter Rosenberg
I like it.
Don LaGreca
I don't know if anybody else has an iPad. Alright, I'm not up on technology. Last time I said I had a portable DVD player, I got abused for like a segment.
Peter Rosenberg
No, iPads are a thing I don't currently. Ever since I left my iPad on a plane for five minutes, tablet and I called them and it was gone. I really haven't been on iPads, but Natalie has a big beautiful iPad that she uses all the time.
Don LaGreca
But I'd love for people to tweet at me if this happens to them that I. In certain places, not every place, but certain places, and unfortunately in my studio, when I turn the volume all the way down, it jumps up a couple of percentages to where it's not completely down, it won't go Completely down. It'll go completely down. And then when I take my finger off the volume button, it jumps up a little bit. Hmm. I've never. This sounds completely foreign to you, right?
Peter Rosenberg
Wait, when. When what? When you do what? The volume jumps.
Don LaGreca
So you take the volume on your iPad and you put it all the way down. And you see that little line at the top of the screen drop all the way down to nothing. Right? So if I had to put a number on it, like let's say it goes up to 10, I drop it down to 0. After I drop it down to 0, it jumps up to 2. Like it won't go completely down.
C
Is this when you're flipping and moving your iPad?
Don LaGreca
But I'm turning down the volume of my iPad.
Peter Rosenberg
But is it.
C
Are you flipping it or moving it? Like, are you turning it from horizontal to vertical?
Don LaGreca
No, no, it's, it's, it's completely stationary.
C
Because you might have dynamic. Dynamic volume on.
Don LaGreca
What the hell is that?
Peter Rosenberg
See, this is why you talk to the youngsters.
Don LaGreca
But. But I've got it down. It's locked in to position. I'm not moving it. Locked in.
Peter Rosenberg
What?
Don LaGreca
Who wants the volume to go up when you just put it down? What kind of feature is that? Let's have a feature where it doesn't do what it's told. That's fun. That'll keep the kids entertained.
C
Maybe in the break we'll go through your settings.
Don LaGreca
Donald, take a look. You know what? No, let's not do it. Okay.
C
I offered.
Don LaGreca
No, but I'm just saying. Peter, what kind of.
Peter Rosenberg
What?
Don LaGreca
So throw dynamic in front of something and all of a sudden it serves a purpose. That's right. We're blanking with you. They're blanking with me. But we're gonna throw like diagnostic dynamic sound and like I'm supposed to get excited about it. Like it's a feature that I long for.
Peter Rosenberg
I don't want anyone blanking with Don. Thank you very much.
Don LaGreca
Even the iPad. So that's what happened. So yes, I should have turned it all the way down to zero. I always have it turned down to zero by some reason. It jumps back up. I wonder if anybody else has this problem of a jumping back up 1-800-1937.
Peter Rosenberg
We'll find out.
Don LaGreca
We've got a big show at 4:30. We're going to have fraud alert Friday, which is now fast becoming, if not already the most important segment that we do on the radio station.
Peter Rosenberg
Like you dream.
Don LaGreca
Like I'm. I'm going to go beyond the show, the scope of three to seven. I'm going to say the most important thing that's done on our radio station.
Peter Rosenberg
I love what you're saying.
Don LaGreca
At 6 o' clock we're going to have ENN. We're taking up until 7 o' clock because the Mets are going to be an 8 o' clock vehicle tonight because they're in Colorado to take on the Rockies who are major league adjace confirmed, minor league plus Yankees, Red Sox. So we're going to talk about that. We got so much to get into, so much fun. The Knicks, the candidates are starting to come, come out. How much of them are bogus? How much of them are guesses or how much of them are legit? We'll dive into that. Mets and Yankees. As I mentioned, it's Don Hahn and Rosenberg. Less 1. No Allen today. No Allen Hahn, but he'll be back again on Monday. It's all happening right here on ESPN New York and ESPN New York.
Peter Rosenberg
Apple yeah, we're actually non han today. It is first inning Friday on FanDuel, where every week FanDuel is hooking all customers up with a special offer you can use on early game MLB action. Put your baseball knowledge to the test from the very first swing with no runs and yes runs. All right, first inning bets. That's how it works. No runs or yes runs. That's how you bet it. Will anyone score in the game's first frame? Check each team season stats right on the FanDuel app and make the call. Every first inning Friday you can expect a special reward like a profit boost. No sweat bet or more. So make sure you come back. Make sure and come back, I should say every week to take another swing. All right, it's Colorado for God's sake. So let's say yes, run first inning for the Mets tonight. They're going to get runs. Just visit FanDuel.com Peter America's number one sportsbook and make every moment more 21 and over and physically present New York for help with a gambling problem, call 877-@Hopeny or text hopeny 467-369. Restrictions apply. See terms@sportsbook.fanduel.com this is an ad by BetterHelp for Mental Health Awareness Month. Better Help surveyed 1600 people across 23 countries for its first ever State of Stigma report and found that while 75% of people believe it's wise to seek support, only 27% of Americans are in therapy. When people hesitate to get help, it doesn't just affect them. It impacts families, workplaces and entire communities. Let's encourage everyone to take care of their well being and break the stigma. The world is better when people are healthy and happy. With over 35,000 therapists, BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, having served over 5 million people globally. It's convenient too. You can join a session with the click of a button, helping you fit therapy into your busy life plus switch therapists at any time. We're all better with help. 72% of better help members report a reduction in symptoms. Visit betterhelp.com timeout to get 10% off your first month of therapy. That's betterhelp.com timeout.
Don LaGreca
If you've shopped online, chances are you've bought from a business powered by Shopify. You know that purple Shop pay button you see at checkout? The one that makes buying so incredibly easy? That's Shopify. And there's a reason so many businesses sell with it. Because Shopify makes it incredibly easy to start and run your business. Shopify is the commerce platform behind 10% of all e commerce in the US from household names like Mattel and Gymshark to brands just getting started. Shopify gives you a leg up with hundreds of beautiful, ready to go templates to express your brand style and forget about the code. Tackle all those important tasks in one place from inventory to payments to analytics and more. Spread your brand's word with built in marketing and email tools to find and keep new customers. And did I mention that iconic purple Shop pay button that's used by millions of businesses around the world? It's why Shopify has the best converting checkout on the planet. Your customers already love it. If you want to see less carts being abandoned, it's time for you to head over to Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at Shopify. Shopify.com network go to shopify.com network shopify.com network with a Venmo debit card, you can Venmo more than just your friends. You can use your balance in so many ways. You can Venmo everything. Need gas? You can Venmo this. How about snacks? You can Venmo that. Your favorite band's merch? You can Venmo this or their next show? You can Venmo that. Visit Venmo Me Debit to learn more. You can Venmo this or you can Venmo that. You can Venmo this. The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp bank and a pursuant to license, my MasterCard International Incorporated card may be used everywhere. MasterCard is accepted. Venmo purchase restrictions apply.
Peter Rosenberg
Thanks for listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast. I didn't listen to anything you just said. Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.
Don LaGreca
Now, time of the weekend weather report, which is brought to you by Wild Fork Boots. Looks like it's going to be a rainy weekend. At least tomorrow you got a high of 72, but they're expected showers Sunday a little bit better. It's gonna be a high of 74, mostly cloudy, but not the greatest day, but the better day. Looks like it'd be Sunday over Saturday, which stinks because Marco's championship game is Saturday at 9:30. Hopefully he's gonna be able to get it in. That was the weekend weather brought to you by Wild Fork Foods. Wild Fork Foods is your grill season. Go to with over 450 meats and seafoods blasted frozen with peak flavor. Visit in store or online with your order for Delivery@Wildfork Foods.com so it looks like it's gonna happen. Peter. Hmm. I don't have all the details, but I have been asked just to confirm that I will be working next Thursday. Oh three. Which then frees up Michael to go with Rick and Dave. Yeah, the Mets nationals game.
Peter Rosenberg
I love this. I love this for you. I love this for us.
Don LaGreca
So it was kind of up in the air. I got a will see, but I got the text earlier just confirming. Are you serious? You'll do it? And I said, yeah. He goes, well, it's yours. So wow, Balls in Michael's court. Now we'll see if anything falls apart. Not my fault.
Peter Rosenberg
Let's do it.
Don LaGreca
So let's see.
C
Michael's made it official.
Don LaGreca
Oh, he made it official today.
Peter Rosenberg
He said he's gonna be official.
Don LaGreca
Yeah. All right. So it's all. It's all there. I will do the show. Basically it'll be the Michael K Show 1 the 3 and then 3 to 7 or 3 to 6:30 whenever we're off on on that Thursday. Now I guess it will be seven because the Mets are playing in the afternoon. That it'll be a full, you know, show one to seven involving Don LaGreca and you'll get the Met fans will actually see Michael in the flesh at Citi Field going into that game.
Peter Rosenberg
I hope everyone shows up. I all the people. I hope all the people with the big Twitter fingers show up to see.
Don LaGreca
The caser Shake his hand?
Peter Rosenberg
No, no, to fight with him. Not physically, but, well, verbally, to have it out.
Don LaGreca
Because, you know, if you know the history, if it, if it's gonna get physical, you're gonna have to deal with Rick.
Peter Rosenberg
Damn right you'll have.
Don LaGreca
You'll have to deal with Rick and Dave. Primarily. Rick, like, Dave will be out early. Like in the. Being a wrestling guy as you are, Peter, when you have those, what do you call them? Like it's where you just. The last one standing in the ring.
Peter Rosenberg
A last man standing match.
Don LaGreca
Yeah, that. There's always battle royal out in like the first 30 seconds. A royal rumble, you mean like a royal rumble? Yeah, but there's somebody that's out right away, bang, that's Dave. Like there'll be a fight and all of a sudden it'll be Rick and Michael versus. Everybody started out as Rick, Michael and Dave. And then 30 seconds in, it's just those two. But those two are a lot to have to deal with, especially Rick. No offense today, but I don't think. No muster in much resistance. I think.
Peter Rosenberg
No, no, no. Dave is a lover, not a fighter.
Don LaGreca
I like wrestling.com 1-800-919-3776 Nick Fans, how do you feel about last night? And of course, the Tibbs conversation goes on as well. So why don't we dip into South Brunswick, Talk to Jay. You're on ESPN New York. What's up?
Peter Rosenberg
Hey, Jay.
C
Hey, what's going on, gentlemen? Happy Friday.
Don LaGreca
What's up?
C
I think. I think last night bothered me a lot, but I think what's going to bother me even more about the whole situation with Tibbs in the Knicks is if the Pacers go on to win this series, which I think is very much possible, to look at and see that Tibbs lost to the eventual champion and to just see that they kind of gave up on him where I don't think he was even close to being out coached in the series. I think it was more the fact that the Pacers are just so much a deeper team than the Knicks. I don't think that the Knicks even had close to the amount of depth or a bench that the Pacers had. I think it was silly to just kind of get rid of them. I really don't understand why they got rid of them. I mean, just, just to see the Pacers and. And to see what they did again last night, it just felt like a nightmare. Again, just reliving that Game one scenario. I mean, I'm just. I'm really bothered by the Whole firing. And if the Pacers go on to win this series, it's really going to leave a bad taste in my mouth.
Peter Rosenberg
But let me ask you, let me ask you this. Where, where do you see. Where do you see like the, the Pacers being so much deeper than the Knicks? Are they that much better?
C
I think that they. I don't think that they're much better. I think they have a more complete 10 guys than the Knicks had. I mean, I don't think the line right. And I don't think Landry Shamet, I think he could have played a chew more, but I don't think that they had a deep 10 like the Pacers have. The Pacers have 10 guys that could just run the floor.
Don LaGreca
Let me ask you this times of the game because remember, coaching does have something to do with how good the Pacers are. So, so let me ask you this. If Rick Carlisle was the coach of the Knicks, do the Knicks win the series?
C
Don, you just stumped me. That's a good question. I don't know. I just don't think that the Knicks had a bench. I really think.
Don LaGreca
I can't answer it either, Jay. But what the Knicks are telling you is, yes, that if we had a better coach, we win the series and we're going to ultimately find out if they're right.
Peter Rosenberg
And I would say, Don, that some of those names that, that Jay thinks are so good on the Pacers. I don't think those names are necessarily better than the players on the Knicks. Those were guys you were checking for before you watched them just do it to your team. Were they really players that you were like, oh my God. I mean, Obi Toppin was here. Did anyone think of him being a contributor to a championship team?
Don LaGreca
Right. And that that could fall into coaching as well. But like, I didn't want to put Jay on the. But that's the conundrum of this whole thing. Like, if you're stumped that Rick Carlisle might have gotten this team through the Pacer series, like if they had traded coaches that Rick Carlisle would get the Knicks into the finals, then what you're saying is they can do better now we'll see if they do. So that's why as much as you could be sick to your stomach. And I wasn't happy either that Tibbs was gone. I think he is being scapegoated to a certain extent. But how is it going to Age will depend on who they hire. If they hire another coach and that coach gets them there, then they ended up Being right. And if they don't, it'll end up being they were wrong or they still haven't been able to find the coach that's better. But you got to see who they hire, Peter, to know whether they did the right thing or not.
Peter Rosenberg
Now, really quickly, Don, are Dave Rothenberg and Dan Grasse Nude News right now. Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic. Center is up two sets on Joker. 6, 4, 7, 5. It's 22 in the third set with center having a break point. If he breaks Joker here, I would think there's a strong chance we're going to a straight sets win for center. And if anyone out there is wondering, I texted Dave and Dan this morning, okay? Both picked Sinner.
Don LaGreca
Okay?
Peter Rosenberg
Dan had center in four sets, Dave had him in three. And that is your Roland Garros update sponsored by nobody.
Don LaGreca
But. But if you need to know where Dave and Dan are right now, they're watching that.
Peter Rosenberg
Oh, come on. And. Oh, and the winner will get Carlos Alcaraz. Okay, who won easily earlier.
Don LaGreca
Let's go to Luca in SoHo. You're on ESPN New York. What's up, Luca?
C
Hey, Don. Peter, how's it going? I am. I can't hear you too well. Sorry about that. But I initially was going to tell you that a couple names to consider for Peter's list. Maybe mad bum 10 years ago and Basilevsky of recent vintage. I think those are some good names. And throwing David Ortiz and Eli, why not, right? Those guys really shine in crunch time. But Don, you asked a question about Rick Carlisle and I would say I think absolutely the Knicks would be in a better spot. I mean, the third quarter starts were infuriating to begin with. And the inbounds, the Knicks going to inbound. You know, is that coaching or that players. Because at some point those things can't, you know, those can't be the things that cost you a game.
Don LaGreca
Allen always says it, Luca, right. That the third quarter is the coach's quarter because you make the halftime adjustments and they were ugly at the start of third quarters. Yeah, that cost him game four, right? That 6, 0 run to close out the second quarter. 70 to start the third ended that game.
C
That's right.
Don LaGreca
Yeah. And so Luca. But I think, I think both could be right. You could say, I think we could do better. All right, go out there and do better. But can anybody do better with this team? Because then what you're telling me is that this is a championship caliber team. Is it, Peter? Is it a championship caliber team? Now you Wouldn't think the Pacers are based on their roster, but they're starting to prove you wrong. But it's an awful big assumption to just assume you have all the pieces in place for a championship. I think that's very debatable.
Peter Rosenberg
Joker fought off the break, by the way. He now leads 32 in the third set.
Don LaGreca
I think with. The most underrated thing about Peter Rosenberg is how into sports he is.
Peter Rosenberg
I love sports.
Don LaGreca
It kind of makes me sick that people are like, why is. He's not a sports guy. He's more of a sports guy than me. I wouldn't watch this. I wouldn't watch this on a bet. And you're in.
Peter Rosenberg
Did you not want to watch this?
Don LaGreca
Because I'm not interested in the semis. I'm not getting a fake. I don't care. And luckily, luckily, it does not affect me as a professional because we don't talk tennis. But you talk. You golf, tennis, mma.
Peter Rosenberg
A little bit. Let's. I dabble. Tomorrow there's a big Sean o' Malley fight. I'll dabble in the Sean o' Malley tomorrow night. Dal dabble in the dabble.
Don LaGreca
You dabble more than anybody else on this radio station. Dabbles, dabbles.
Peter Rosenberg
Dave Rothenberg's a big dabbler. Although he's. He may have no interest in mma, MMA and boxing. I don't think he's even turning on like, unless. Unless Dave woke up at a time machine and it was Hagler Hearns. I don't think he's dabbling much in current.
Don LaGreca
I would say the two guys at this radio station that are legit. It's you and Rick.
Peter Rosenberg
Rick. Rick is sneaky, diverse, like I.
Don LaGreca
And that's what I love about Rick. And listen, I know tennis to the extent of. If you wanted to have a conversation and I prepared for it, I'd be able to do. I'm not disrespecting the sport. It's just not something that interests me. You know, there's also a big tennis guy. Is K. K is a big tennis guy. Well, I do have tennis representation at the station.
Peter Rosenberg
K had his days with tennis. I've heard these stories.
Don LaGreca
Had his way with tennis.
Peter Rosenberg
Excuse me.
Don LaGreca
When you're on the go and it's time to refresh your energy, grab an ice cold Celsius, where zero sugar, seven essential vitamins and proven ingredients meet pure refreshment. Unlike traditional energy drinks, each sip of Celsius is a perfect balance of flavor and function. So whether you're hitting the gym, the office or your next adventure. Grab a Celsius at your local retailer or visit Celsius.com to learn more. This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Knowing you could be saving money for the things you really want is a great feeling. Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the personal price point. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state. Hey there travelers. Kaley Cuoco here. Sorry to interrupt your music. Great artist BT Dubs, but wouldn't you rather be there to hear it live? With Priceline, you can get out of your dreams and into your dream concert. They've got more millions of travel deals to get you to that festival, gig, rave, sound bath or sonic experience you've been dreaming of. Download the Priceline app today and you can save up to 60% off hotels and up to 50% off flights. So don't just dream about that trip. Book it with Priceline. Go to your happy price Priceline.
Peter Rosenberg
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast. I didn't listen to anything you just said. Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.
Don LaGreca
Nestled in the heart of the Riviera, Maya Fairmont Mayakopa offers a luxury escape like no other. Ideal for travelers seeking a summer getaway, this stunning resort boasts pristine beaches, lush mangroves and world class amenities including the award winning Fairmont Spa and the world class El Chameleon Golf Course home to the LPGA LIVE and PGA Tours. ESPN New York will be sending one lucky winner and guest to this all inclusive resort for seven days and six nights including round trip airfare, airport shuttles and a day on the golf course. For trip to tails and to enter, check out the ESPN New York app and find the Fairmount Mea Copa Tile to submit your entry 1-800-919-3776. Back to the busy phones. Haven't talked to Griffin Connecticut in a while. You're on ESP in New York. What's up Griffin?
C
Get away. Get away. Sorry. No sorry.
Don LaGreca
What?
C
I'm in the pool. I'm in the pool and I got a big fly that came over my.
Peter Rosenberg
Oh that's. You gotta watch out for those flies Griff.
Don LaGreca
They'll hurt you, man. How you living?
C
Not you guys. You guys are great. So now you guys get away.
Don LaGreca
Okay, go ahead.
Peter Rosenberg
Guess what? You gave us a Drop. That's all we need. So thank you, buddy.
C
Don, I don't get it. I don't. I'm gonna go on one of your rants here. What? What are the stars doing? What are we doing? Like you've been to three straight conference finals appearances. It's hard to get there in the first place. And then you fire him to what? They lost to what? The Gold Knights one year the Stanley cup champions. Then they lost to almost could have been the Stanley cup champions yesterday. Last year, the Oilers. And then you could almost lose to the Stanley cup champions again this year.
Don LaGreca
So.
C
You quit with every single year. And then you got Carolina, whose coach is still at a job and he's only won one conference final game in his whole entire career and he still has a job. But the stars fire their coach for what?
Don LaGreca
Well, I'm not going to say it's right, Griff. I'm not going to say it's right. But DeBoer has been to six of the last seven conference finals and has not won. And the benching of Ottinger, a lot of people question that. But nevermind, it comes down to money. He had one year left on his contract. Brinder Moore's got four. Carolina's cheap. Carolina's not going to eat that kind of money and let Brenda Moore go. Brenda Moore had one year left on his deal or in his last year of his deal, they probably would let him go. That's what makes the Tibbs firing so interesting. Peter and Griff, thank you for the phone call. Is Dolan ate $30 million to do this. All right? And again, I sound like I'm shilling for Dolan. I'm not. I'm just saying you obviously really wanted to do it. I don't care how many billions you're worth, $30 million is not nothing. If you're willing to eat that to move on, then you were willing to move on. Okay, so I think there's something to that. Peter Laviolette was let go. He had one year left on his contract. You weren't going to give him a contract extension on a missing the playoffs. Rod Brindemore's got four years left on his contract. Peter. Owners are going to make decisions usually based on how much money am I going to have to eat. And Carolina is not going to eat four years worth of contract. But the fact that Dolan did it with the $30 million on the table that he's going to basically pay for Thibodeau to do nothing, he must really want to have done it. It might not be the right decision, Peter, but obviously you cannot question how much you wanted to do it, because $30 million is not nothing. I don't care how rich you are.
Peter Rosenberg
When Griff just said, what are we doing? Did he mean the collective we?
Don LaGreca
Yes, I just mean we as a society. He's not a stars fan.
Peter Rosenberg
I know, but he was so emotional about it, and then he used the word we. And I was like, is he just really in on the stars right now? But I guess he meant the collective.
Don LaGreca
But let's paint the picture. He's floating around in his pool to the point where. Just a fly going by.
Peter Rosenberg
Bob, how long do I have to wait for this drop?
Don LaGreca
Listen, if it's not.
Peter Rosenberg
It's not already playing.
Don LaGreca
Let go.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, I mean, this. If this. If we have to wait.
C
Get away, get away, get away.
Don LaGreca
That's why we have a very, very talented staff.
Peter Rosenberg
Oh, by the way, did anyone make. Did anyone produce our commercial for the ESPN New York Fan Fest?
Don LaGreca
Oh, good question. Good question, boys.
Peter Rosenberg
No. No, it didn't happen. Didn't happen.
Don LaGreca
You know why it didn't happen if anybody missed it yesterday?
Peter Rosenberg
Because we put our hands in before every show. We say, 1, 2, 3, let's be good.
Don LaGreca
We wanted to do if. In case you missed it, Michael Rubin was in for to promote the fanatics fest that's coming up in a couple of weeks. And we have so many drops of obscure players and athletes and personalities. What if we had a fanatics fest based on our drops of Owen Nolan, Mike Modano, Ed Crane, Pool Ed, Hospital?
Peter Rosenberg
It just went on and on.
Don LaGreca
It was really. I mean, I was on the floor, I was laughing. So we suggested that it be done and, like, almost challenged it to be done.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah.
Don LaGreca
The person that does it, I want to name names, but the person that we would ask to do that does not respond to challenges. It was better off if we made it like it was his idea, but, like, almost daring him to do it is no way.
Peter Rosenberg
Not only that, he's not a challenge guy and he's also not listening to our show.
Don LaGreca
Well, that's part of it.
Peter Rosenberg
We've got two things working against us.
Don LaGreca
So Anthony would have to go and tell him, Michael, Don and Alan don't believe you can do this. He would be like.
C
Or Peter, he could be involved too.
Peter Rosenberg
What would I. Michael, Don and Alan? He took me off the show.
Don LaGreca
Good thing, Alan. He would be in a fetal position drinking beer out of the baby boss.
Peter Rosenberg
The truth is, and yesterday we had the conversation about, you know, Don missing Michael and Alan gets all weird and emo. And the truth is the reason I lean into it and I make, I continue to push it is because it. I feel so awkward seeing Alan get all weird. I don't even know what else to do.
Don LaGreca
Dude, it's. I don't.
Peter Rosenberg
Seeing a grown man get.
Don LaGreca
It's not by Alan. I think he really, he's in a way about it.
Peter Rosenberg
I don't, I don't think it's a bit either. Right. I don't think, I don't think it's a bit. But he gets like legitimately, like, like weird about it. I'm telling you, we are learning as time goes on, there is a future to this show that is very bright. And I'll tell you why, Don, because what made the case show special besides what, you know, Don does as a talent and hopefully whatever I do as a talent, what made the K show special is that there was this seemingly buttoned up sportscaster named Michael K. Who on that talk show went from being buttoned up Yankee boy to being a complete and utter psychopath. And he had these insane idiosyncrasies. Says things that are completely cringe. Just a complete, like, has no line of how he looks whatsoever. Like he just says anything. The. Do you know where I'm going here?
Don LaGreca
No.
Peter Rosenberg
Like the reason our future is potentially bright is, is that if I were to critique our show over the first two months, one of the things I would say is Alan was too buttoned up. He's like this really handsome msg, Nick's broadcaster. You know, that's great. But I got news for you guys. The tall and handsome, not usually the most entertaining crowd. People don't, people don't go pay good money to see a stand up show from a guy who's just tall and handsome. They want crazy, they want honest, they want weird. We are getting more of that every day with Alan Hahn.
Don LaGreca
Nothing looks getting good. Four hours of radio at day.
Peter Rosenberg
Exactly. So at first, like, you guys have to understand, when we started this show, I mean, Don's known Alan for a long time. I thought I'd known Alan for a long time. In truth, we'd done a handful of shows together and then we saw each other and we'd say, what's up? And had a friendly rapport. I didn't know him. You. It's like, it's like all of a sudden you get put into a new marriage. And so the show's starting and I think Don, I thought it was Pretty good. You know, certainly we can all have a good sports conversation. Great. But we all know great sports talk show. If the best thing you can do on a. On a great sports talk show is have a really good sports conversation, that is not a successful show. That is a middling. Whatever the reason, Dave and Rick are special again. They're both crazy and their audience knows it. So we are getting there. And part of that is Allen's bizarro jealousy. Whenever Don talks about Michael.
Don LaGreca
I think what you're saying is that every great show has to have someone that's a bit off. And Michael was our bit off guy. You know, Mike and Chris an institution. Russo was the bit off guy.
Peter Rosenberg
I mean, you could argue they're both.
Don LaGreca
Yeah, but. But Alan might end up being that guy. And that's the last guy you would think of the three of us.
Peter Rosenberg
Exactly.
Don LaGreca
So.
Peter Rosenberg
Exactly.
Don LaGreca
It's really it. Because he's. Listen. He's got to get. Understand. It's not that listen. Missing Michael, much to probably my chagrin is. And again, I'm not ashamed of it. But you know what we told if God forbid something happened, it would be Michael K. And radio personalities dying a plane crash. Like we wouldn't get in the article. But I'm gonna be forever. Don Leggrego, formerly of the Michael K. Show. When you do it for 22 years, it happens. That's gonna be my thing, you know, So I. But he never had a partner like that. I mean, he was with Bart for a little while. He was with Rick for a little while. Like, so it. And it's same with you, like with Ebro. I mean, that's just something. When you do it for long enough, you know, it's gonna be. That's gonna be what you're known for. And that's good. That's the fallback. But he. I'm telling you, it's not an act. He. He all of a sudden he leans back in his chair, kind of walks the other way, starts shaking his head mildly like.
Peter Rosenberg
But I will say this. It's not the craziest thing he does on the show.
Don LaGreca
We can't come up with the top five with that.
Peter Rosenberg
No, no. And by the way, when we come back, maybe I'll reveal the craziest thing he does on the show. Also to be exposed, I made a major revelation about air travel that I'd like to share with the people as well.
Don LaGreca
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Peter Rosenberg
I don't want to know how the.
Don LaGreca
Sausage is made, man. I just want to know it's good.
Peter Rosenberg
Hear more of Don Allen and Peter.
Don LaGreca
Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 88.
Peter Rosenberg
80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app.
Don LaGreca
And your smart speakers.
Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Episode: Hour 1: What The Hali
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Description: ESPN New York and New Jersey legends Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg discuss New York sports and beyond in an engaging, opinionated format.
The episode kicks off with Don LaGreca announcing that host Alan Hahn is on assignment in Boston, attending his daughter’s tournament. This absence sets the stage for Don and Peter Rosenberg to lead the discussion solo for the day.
Don LaGreca [00:50]:
"It's a Friday, nice day. Weekend's gonna be a little dicey, but we're here for you to talk some sports without Alan Hahn."
Don and Peter delve into the NBA Finals matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. Initially perceived as a series favoring the Thunder, recent game performances have shifted perceptions.
Don LaGreca [02:00]:
"We touched on the baseball a little bit at the end of the show. Yesterday was a tough loss for the Mets... but let’s get into the basketball."
They analyze the dramatic finish of Game 1, emphasizing the Pacers' resilience and the Thunder's unexpected challenges.
Peter Rosenberg [04:26]:
"Tyrese Halliburton is a guy who, if you were giving him a Madden score, is like an 87. He's a really good player, but he's a 96 in crunch time."
Don LaGreca [04:20]:
"The Pacers have been a better playoff team than the Thunder have in a sense. They’ve never been deemed untouchable."
A significant portion of the conversation centers around Tyrese Halliburton's clutch performance, debating the existence of "clutch" players in sports analytics.
Don LaGreca [10:36]:
"How the hell do these analytic people in baseball say there's no such thing as clutch? Like, how can you say that? No, bull."
Peter Rosenberg [12:20]:
"Tyrese Halliburton is a top five player in the league when it comes to clutch performances. You can't deny clutch in sports."
They discuss the impact of coaching decisions on the series, particularly focusing on the Pacers' strategy and the Thunder's potential.
Don LaGreca [12:54]:
"They didn’t have a great start to the regular season, but since January, the Pacers have continued to shock everybody."
Peter Rosenberg [35:35]:
"Everyone wants a simple conclusion and we know the answer is Tibbs, but the fact of the matter is we won't know the answer in a real way for a very long time."
Listener Jay expresses frustration over the Knicks' decision to fire Coach Tibbs despite the Pacers' surprising performance.
Jay [31:59]:
"I think what's going to bother me even more about the whole situation with Tibbs in the Knicks is if the Pacers go on to win this series... just reliving that Game one scenario."
Don LaGreca [34:21]:
"So Peter, if the Pacers win the championship, it's a great point. But was anybody beating them?"
Luca discusses the perceived depth of the Pacers compared to the Knicks and questions the necessity of coaching changes.
Luca [36:39]:
"I don't think they're much better. I think they have a more complete 10 guys than the Knicks had."
Don LaGreca [38:12]:
"If Rick Carlisle were the coach of the Knicks, do the Knicks win the series?"
Griffin criticizes the trend of firing coaches despite teams reaching conference finals, using the Carolina Hurricanes as an example.
Griffin [42:34]:
"You quit with every single year. And then you got Carolina, whose coach is still at a job..."
Don LaGreca [44:03]:
"I'm not going to say it's right, but DeBoer has been to six of the last seven conference finals and has not won."
Don and Peter experience a technical glitch with Don’s iPad volume, leading to a brief humorous interaction about handling technology on air.
Don LaGreca [19:23]:
"I should have turned it all the way down to zero. I always have it turned down to zero by some reason. It jumps back up."
Peter Rosenberg [22:31]:
"I don't want anyone blanking with Don. Thank you very much."
The hosts discuss the show's future dynamics, considering Alan's absence and how it affects their chemistry and content.
Peter Rosenberg [48:59]:
"The reason our future is potentially bright is... we are getting more of that every day with Alan Hahn."
Don LaGreca [50:55]:
"Alan might end up being that guy who adds the unique flair to the show."
Throughout the episode, the hosts intersperse discussions with advertisements for sponsors like FanDuel, BetterHelp, Shopify, and Venmo. Notably, they mention upcoming segments such as "Fraud Friday" and promote events like the FanDuel offer and ESPN New York’s Fan Fest.
Don LaGreca [23:14]:
"We’ve got a big show at 4:30. We’re going to have fraud alert Friday..."
The episode wraps up with final listener interactions and brief banter between Don and Peter, emphasizing upcoming shows and events.
Don LaGreca [52:15]:
"Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. Hear more of Don, Alan, and Peter weekday afternoons starting at 3 on 880 ESPN New York."
Don LaGreca [10:36]:
"How the hell do these analytic people in baseball say there's no such thing as clutch? Like, how can you say that? No, bull."
Peter Rosenberg [12:20]:
"Tyrese Halliburton is a top five player in the league when it comes to clutch performances. You can't deny clutch in sports."
Jay [31:59]:
"If the Pacers go on to win this series... just reliving that Game one scenario."
Don LaGreca [34:21]:
"If the Pacers win the championship, it’s a great point. But was anybody beating them?"
Luca [36:39]:
"I don't think they're much better. They have a more complete 10 guys than the Knicks had."
Griffin [42:34]:
"You quit with every single year. And then you got Carolina, whose coach is still at a job..."
Underdog Resurgence: The Indiana Pacers have defied expectations in the NBA Finals, showcasing depth and resilience that challenge initial projections favoring the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Clutch Performances Matter: The discussion emphasizes the importance of clutch players like Tyrese Halliburton, arguing against purely analytical dismissals of "clutch" as a valid performance metric.
Coaching Decisions Are Critical: The episode critiques the trend of firing coaches despite strong team performances, using the Knicks’ decision to fire Tibbs as a focal point for broader discussions on team management.
Show Dynamics Evolving: With Alan Hahn on assignment, Don and Peter explore their on-air chemistry and the future direction of the show, highlighting the importance of unique personalities in sports broadcasting.
Listener Engagement: Active participation from listeners like Jay, Luca, and Griffin provides diverse perspectives, enriching the conversation and addressing fan sentiments directly.
This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers a deep dive into current sports narratives, blending analytical discussions with personal insights and listener interactions, making it a compelling listen for sports enthusiasts.