Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Knicks-Pacers & Talk About It Tuesday

Release Date: May 20, 2025

Hosts:

• Don La Greca – ESPN New York and New Jersey sports legend
• Alan Hahn – Long-time sportswriter and New York Knicks broadcaster
• Peter Rosenberg – Highly opinionated Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality
• Guest: Kendrick Perkins – Former NBA player and sports analyst

Segment 1: Knicks vs. Pacers Playoff Showdown

Timestamp: 00:44 - 20:56

The episode kicks off with an enthusiastic discussion about the impending Game 1 between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. The hosts delve into the strategic dynamics of the series, emphasizing key player matchups and the historical rivalry between the two teams.

Key Topics:

• Playoff Expectations: The hosts express excitement and anticipation for the conference finals matchup, highlighting the rarity of such high-stakes series in the NBA.

  Don Hahn (01:34): "Oh, boy."

• Team Strategies: Detailed analysis of how both teams plan to neutralize each other's star players. Kendrick Perkins and Peter Rosenberg discuss the importance of controlling key matchups, such as Siakam vs. Anunoby and Halliburton vs. Brunson.

  Kendrick Perkins (19:24): "Are you guys. That's where it all is coming in the building tomorrow."

• Player Focus: Emphasis on the performance and potential of Karl-Anthony Towns for the Knicks and Tyrese Haliburton for the Pacers. The conversation touches on their past performances and what they need to accomplish to lead their teams to victory.

  Don Hahn (12:08): "That's what all it takes. And I think car. Anthony Towns could have that moment."

• Team Familiarity: Don Hahn underscores the comfort level due to the familiarity between the teams from their previous seven-game series, noting improvements and changes since then.

  Don Hahn (15:30): "It might be a media thing, it might be something in New York, but I'm telling you the one thing that makes me really comfortable about this series, unlike the previous two, is the familiarity."

Notable Quotes:

• Kendrick Perkins (02:14): "He's Joe McEwen."
• Don Hahn (17:57): "There's definitely a sense of hatred for each other, so I think that makes a good rivalry."

Segment 2: Talk About It Tuesday – The Pressure of Sports Media

Timestamp: 20:56 - 37:16

In the "Talk About It Tuesday" segment, the hosts shift focus to the intense scrutiny athletes face from sports media, particularly tabloids. The discussion centers on mental health, the unrealistic expectations placed on players, and the impact of media narratives.

Key Topics:

• Juan Soto's Media Pressure: Kendrick Perkins initiates the conversation by criticizing the relentless tabloid coverage of Juan Soto, arguing that the media's desperation to generate stories often distorts the reality of athletes' lives.

  Kendrick Perkins (28:14): "But the desperation of the tabloids to sell newspapers is oftentimes the driving force in the actual conversation about our athletes in this city."

• Mental Health Awareness: The hosts emphasize the importance of mental well-being for athletes, advocating for breaking the stigma around seeking help.

  Kendrick Perkins (28:10): "Let's encourage everyone to take care of their well being and break the stigma."

• Listener Interaction: A caller named Ralph from New Jersey shares his frustration with Juan Soto's move from the Yankees to the Mets, feeling that it disrespects the Hispanic community and loyal Yankees fans.

  Ralph (49:31): "I was at the game Friday... I still feel like it was disrespectful. To leave the Yankees and now with all the rumors that are coming out that he wanted to stay and the things with the mother."

• Hosts' Rebuttal: The hosts respond by defending Soto, arguing that players have the right to seek the best opportunities and that blaming them for their career moves oversimplifies the complexities of professional sports.

  Peter Rosenberg (53:36): "And also like no Red Sox fans, what do they care? Like that he betrayed the. Wouldn't they be happy that he betrayed the Yankee fans?"

Notable Quotes:

• Kendrick Perkins (28:13): "It was a good rant."
• Don Hahn (28:40): "Playing in New York City, that's what makes it so difficult."

Segment 3: Offbeat Conversations and Humor

Timestamp: 37:16 - 43:12

The conversation takes a lighter turn as the hosts share humorous anecdotes and engage in playful banter. Topics include roadwork frustrations, the absurdity of certain Olympic sports, and imaginative product endorsements.

Key Topics:

• Pothole Repairs: Don Hahn humorously complains about inefficient road repairs, suggesting the use of Flex Seal as a quick fix.

  Don Hahn (28:40): "A one piece seamless wall for a watertight fit. And get this, a lifetime guarantee."

• Olympic Flag Football: Peter Rosenberg critiques the inclusion of NFL players in Olympic flag football, questioning the legitimacy and competitiveness of such a move.

  Peter Rosenberg (31:05): "Now you have NFL players, therefore they're gonna play against who?"

• Fanatics Games Promotion: The hosts briefly discuss the upcoming Fanatics Games, where professional athletes and fans compete in various sports-themed challenges for prizes.

  Don Hahn (47:13): "I like the washer dryer."

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg (33:07): "You're already out."
• Kendrick Perkins (36:05): "That's a great point."

Segment 4: Closing Remarks and Upcoming Features

Timestamp: 43:12 - 49:07

As the episode winds down, the hosts preview upcoming segments, including an interview with Kendrick Perkins about Knicks basketball. They also highlight sponsor messages and encourage listeners to engage with the show through various platforms.

Key Topics:

• Upcoming Interview: Announcement of Kendrick Perkins joining the show to discuss Knicks basketball in-depth.

  Peter Rosenberg (49:21): "So you're going to see NFL players. And we saw this, I think in the."

• Sponsor Highlights: Brief mentions of sponsors like Amazon Prime, Lowe's, Mint Mobile, and Fanatics Games, interspersed with humorous asides.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn (49:21): "You know, it's good. Hear more of Don Hahn and Peter Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN."
• Kendrick Perkins (49:07): "I'm here with my family. Exactly. You never know what's, what's going to come up."

Conclusion

In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the hosts provide an insightful analysis of the Knicks-Pacers playoff series, delving into team strategies and player performances. The "Talk About It Tuesday" segment shines a light on the mental health challenges athletes face amidst media pressure, using Juan Soto's recent career moves as a case study. Balancing serious discussions with humor and light-hearted banter, the hosts engage listeners with both sports commentary and relatable anecdotes. The episode wraps up with previews of upcoming interviews and promotional segments, maintaining an entertaining and informative tone throughout.

Overall Notable Quotes:

• Kendrick Perkins (28:14): "But the desperation of the tabloids to sell newspapers is oftentimes the driving force in the actual conversation about our athletes in this city."
• Peter Rosenberg (53:36): "You never lied to you ever. He never pulled a John Tavares."

This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions on basketball playoffs, athlete mental health, and the interplay between sports and media, all while maintaining the engaging and dynamic style characteristic of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast.