Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Knicks & The List (Feb 25, 2026)

Main Theme

This episode dives into recent Knicks frustrations, analytic-driven sports strategies, and listener calls that spark lively debate about the state of New York basketball. The segment concludes with Don’s “List”—a ranking of iconic international hockey goals—followed by playful banter on music, especially the Beatles and George Harrison. The episode blends serious analysis, fan engagement, and the show’s signature comedic rapport.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Knicks' Analytic Woes and In-Game Frustrations

Timestamps: 05:07 – 13:08

• Caller Steven draws parallels between the Knicks' reliance on three-point shooting and the Yankees' home run dependency, criticizing the lack of mid-game adjustments when shots aren’t falling.

  “There were so many opportunities to go up for the layup and… they want to kick out to three… after a while, you have to change your offense.” — Steven, 05:13

• Alan Hahn and Don La Greca agree, with Alan highlighting the "all analytics, no gut" mentality, and Don noting the best teams blend both.

  “It’s all analytically driven… We shoot threes, don’t adjust if it’s not there.” — Alan, 05:48
  “The best teams are a healthy mix of analytics and gut… Second and third place teams seem to be analytics only.” — Peter, 07:13

• The Knicks’ refusal to adapt is likened to MLB teams that "refuse to adjust," leading to predictable, avoidable defeats.

2. Supporting Cast Concerns & Specific Player Critiques

Timestamps: 08:11 – 10:34

• Caller Jose singles out Mikal Bridges’ inconsistency and the Knicks’ shaky supporting cast as key weaknesses.

  “He exemplifies what is wrong with the Knicks season. He’s inconsistent, he’s soft at times, he disappears… the supporting cast is not there.” — Jose, 08:11

• Alan recaps recent stats validating frustration, credits OG Anunoby’s efforts, and rebuffs claims that Brunson has been figured out, emphasizing the importance of a dependable roster around stars.

  “You need other stars or a good supporting cast around…” — Alan, 10:34

3. Blizzards, Shoveling, and Heart Health Risks

Timestamps: 10:34 – 16:00

• Brief detour: Hosts share personal stories of shoveling during Long Island's blizzard and discuss health risks, recalling local headlines of heart attacks during snow removal.

  “Five shoveling deaths on Long island during the blizzard… just be careful.” — Peter, 10:39
  “You don’t realize how hard you’re working because it’s cold out, you’re not sweating.” — Alan, 14:07

• Humorous asides: Involve daughters in shoveling; mock threats to call child protective services made in jest.

4. Knicks, Coaching & Playoff Outlook

Timestamps: 16:09 – 23:08

• Caller Spike laments lack of urgency and coaches’ inability to motivate, referencing specific players and games.

  “Alan Han came on with all his knowledge... He was so pissed the way the Knicks played last night... I thought that they bet the under in the third quarter.” — Spike, 17:01

• Hosts analyze how coaching approach changes after replacing Thibodeau's intensity, the delicate balance between pushing players and risking burnout.

  “Now how do I fix it but not push them to the point where they’re going to want me out or exhaust them?” — Alan, 20:14

• Big Picture: East is still "wide open," but the Knicks’ mercurial nature and chemistry issues loom large.

  “It’s supposed to be there… but that doesn’t mean it happens.” — Alan, 22:57

5. “The List” – Top Five International Hockey Goals

Timestamps: 26:11 – 36:25

Don’s Top Five Most Important International Hockey Goals:

• #1: Mike Eruzione’s “Miracle on Ice” goal versus Russia (1980)
• #2: Jack Hughes’ goal (recent, high impact)
• #3: Sidney Crosby’s “Golden Goal” for Canada (2010 Olympics)
• #4: Paul Henderson’s Summit Series-winning goal (Canada v. Russia, 1972)
• #5: Peter Forsberg’s shootout goal (Sweden v. Canada, 1994 Olympics)

“Sidney Crosby’s Golden Goal in 2010 over the United States… That’s the biggest goal he’ll ever score.” — Don, 29:03
“Paul Henderson… forever remembered for his goal against Russia at number four.” — Don, 32:40

• Spirited debate: Does “golden goal" in a Canadian player’s obituary matter more than Stanley Cups?
• Brief homage to George Harrison and the Beatles, with Don joking he could easily do a top-five Harrison song list instead.

6. Ajax, Music, and George Harrison’s Legacy

Timestamps: 36:25 – 47:13

• Beatles and George Harrison: Don suggests “Something” is his #1 Harrison song, with “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” and “Here Comes the Sun” close behind.

• Anecdotes about parents and Beatles concerts.

  “She was one of the screaming girls... anytime you saw screaming girls, she was one of them.” — Alan, 45:42

• Discussion on Roy Orbison’s “Pretty Woman” resurgence with films like "Dumb and Dumber" and "Pretty Woman."

• Age shock: Orbison seemed older but was only in his early 50s when he died.

7. “Worst Caller” Saga: Lang’s (Non-)Apology

Timestamps: 48:35 – 54:26

• Recap of previous call: Lang timed a hockey goal announcement delay, claiming it ruined the moment.

• Lang calls to apologize but ends on a sour note, doubling down that the delay “ruined the moment.”

  “I apologize… but by me having that thought, it ruined the moment for me. I’m sorry. You’re lying to yourself if you did not have that thought!” — Lang, 52:28

• Response: Don votes for a lifetime ban, declaring Lang the “worst caller ever” in show history.

  “He couldn’t help himself. I say forever banned.” — Don, 53:22

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “The best teams are a healthy mix of analytics and gut. Second and third place teams seem to be analytics only.” — Peter Rosenberg, 07:13
• “He [Mikal Bridges] exemplifies what is wrong with the Knicks season. He’s inconsistent, soft at times, disappears…” — Jose, 08:11
• “I think this…I’m just one vote…I say forever banned.” — Don La Greca on lifetime ban for Lang, 53:22
• “She was one of the screaming girls…anytime you saw screaming girls, she was one of them.” — Alan Hahn, 45:42

Segment Timestamps (MM:SS)

• 05:07 – Yankees/Knicks analytic comp; Knicks three-heavy offense
• 08:11 – Mikal Bridges & supporting cast criticism; Brunson defense
• 10:34 – Weather, shoveling stories, health risks
• 16:09 – Spike’s call: Knicks urgency, coaching, East preview
• 26:11 – "The List": Top five international hockey goals
• 36:25 – Beatles/George Harrison/music banter
• 48:35 – Lang’s apology and the “worst caller ever” debate

Tone & Style

The episode is classic Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: a raucous, smart blend of New York sports analysis, personal banter, and music geekery. They move seamlessly from serious fan frustration with the Knicks to playful, deep-dive rankings and pop culture. The interplay between the hosts—mixing honesty, sarcasm, sports IQ, and radio camaraderie—keeps even the lighter tangents engaging.

For any Knicks fan, New York sports aficionado, or listener who enjoys sports talk that never takes itself too seriously, this episode offers incisive analysis, memorable stories, and signature show personality.