Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 2: Knicks & Thursday Rewrite
Release Date: May 8, 2025

I. Knicks Series Overview

In this episode, hosts Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg dive deep into the current NBA playoff series between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics. Initially, the Celtics were heavy favorites to win the series with odds at -900. However, as the series progressed, the dynamics shifted significantly.

Don Hahn [02:29]: "The Knicks to win the series has changed dramatically. Right. Because it started out where The Celtics were minus 900. And then it drops."

The Knicks' odds improved drastically to -110, reflecting a substantial change in expectations.

Peter Rosenberg [02:59]: "Minus 110."

The hosts discuss the implications of these changing odds, emphasizing that the Knicks have become serious contenders in the series, challenging the initial predictions.

II. Analysis of Knicks vs. Celtics

Defense and Mental Toughness:

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the Knicks' defensive strategies and their enhanced mental fortitude in closing out games. The hosts highlight key players who have been instrumental in this turnaround.

Don Hahn [12:23]: "But they're also getting stops. There's a lot of other things besides."

Peter Rosenberg [13:35]: "It looked like one team was coached up and the other team wasn't."

Coaching Decisions:

The performance of Knicks' coach Mike Missoula comes under scrutiny. Both hosts and callers debate whether coaching strategies have been pivotal in the Knicks' resurgence or if player resilience is the main factor.

Don Hahn [21:16]: "And by the way, you had two games where, in spite of all the mistakes you made, a well drawn up play could have been a win. He failed in both of those settings. That's on the head coach."

Key Players:

Mikhail Bridges emerges as the X-factor for the Knicks, with his defensive plays providing crucial stops against the Celtics' offense.

Don Hahn [07:11]: "There are a multitude of factors as to why the Knicks are up to 2-0. But I think there's only one X factor, like I said, which is, you know, Mikhail Bridges."

Anunoby and Bridges are lauded for their defensive prowess, particularly in critical moments that have stymied the Celtics' key players like Jayson Tatum.

Peter Rosenberg [12:23]: "They really aren't crediting their defense enough. We really aren't. I'm telling you that the adjustments they make, the efforts, the secondary efforts, the way they're playing defense connected."

III. Callers' Opinions and Questions

Throughout the episode, several callers share their insights and questions, adding depth to the discussion.

Caesar from Huntington [07:11]:
Caesar humorously inquires about Paul Pierce walking barefoot, showcasing the hosts' playful banter.

Don Hahn [07:44]: "What if he doesn't play in that game? You don't think we should host. We should have the remote, a live remote, right next to the Garden where everybody's going to go for the watch party for game four."

William from Hackensack [11:37]:
William raises concerns about Coach Missoula's decisions during high-pressure situations, questioning whether the responsibility lies more with the coach or the players.

William [19:16]: "It's on the players more than it's on Missoula."

Harvey [13:35]:
Harvey shares his experience at a watch party, reflecting on the community and fan support for the Knicks.

Peter Rosenberg [13:35]: "They have always had the intestinal fortitude, if you will, to hang in there."

IV. Thursday Rewrite: Alternate History of the 1970 Knicks Finals

A standout segment of this episode is the "Thursday Rewrite," where the hosts explore an alternate scenario of the historic 1970 NBA Finals between the Knicks and Lakers. The centerpiece of this rewrite is the legendary performance of Willis Reed.

Original Scenario:

In reality, Willis Reed, despite a severe quad injury, walked onto the court in Game 7, inspiring the Knicks to victory with his presence and scoring.

Alternate Scenarios Discussed:

1. Reed Does Not Play:

   • Outcome: Without Reed’s inspirational appearance, the Knicks might have lost the critical Game 7, altering the championship outcome.
   • Impact: The Knicks would potentially win fewer championships, affecting the team's legacy and future performance.

   Peter Rosenberg [25:38]: "What if he couldn't play in that game? What if the carbocane does nothing and he can barely walk and so Willis Reed doesn't come out of the tunnel."

2. Reed Plays but Injures Himself Further:

   • Outcome: Reed’s further injury could have jeopardized his career, preventing him from contributing to future championships.
   • Impact: The Knicks might secure only one championship instead of two, diminishing their dominance in the early '70s.

   Don Hahn [27:33]: "That's an even worse story than they currently have."

Key Insights:

The hosts discuss how Reed’s sacrifice not only won Game 7 but also set a precedent for the Knicks' resilience and championship mentality.

Peter Rosenberg [28:51]: "But the rewrite is what happens if A, he can't play in the game, or B, he plays and injures himself even more."

Comparisons are drawn to other sports legends who demonstrated incredible toughness, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of Reed's actions.

Don Hahn [35:14]: "This is stuff of legends. We can't just say, oh, he played. He had a little bit of a. Like this isn't like he had a sprained ankle. There's a lot more than that."

V. Historical Context and Legacy

The episode also delves into the broader historical impact of such legendary performances, comparing them to other iconic sports moments.

Comparisons to Other Athletes:

• Isaiah Thomas: Playing through an ankle injury in the finals.
• Michael Jordan: His renowned flu game during the NBA Finals.
• Ronnie Lott: Playing through a finger injury in the Super Bowl.

Don Hahn [35:44]: "Yeah, that was a pinky, but it's not nothing."

These comparisons highlight the recurring theme of athletes pushing beyond their physical limitations to achieve greatness.

VI. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg reflect on the Knicks' journey in the current series, drawing parallels to their historical counterparts. The Knicks' demonstrated ability to perform under pressure and their significant improvement in defensive strategies have made them viable contenders against the Celtics.

Don Hahn [45:17]: "The Knicks have not lost a game on the road. They've gotten into that second gear that I've been talking about."

Peter Rosenberg [46:51]: "The Knicks are just figuring it out. I looked this up just to see. All right, because Shankel had the call on TV when Willis came out."

The hosts emphasize the importance of mental strength and strategic adjustments, suggesting that the Knicks are evolving into a more formidable team capable of clinching the championship.

Don Hahn [47:44]: "They've done it enough to feel like, like just put us in that position."

Overall, the episode underscores the Knicks' resilience, strategic growth, and the enduring legacy of legendary performances that continue to inspire current players and fans alike.

Notable Quotes

• Don Hahn [02:29]: "The Knicks to win the series has changed dramatically. Right. Because it started out where The Celtics were minus 900. And then it drops."

• Peter Rosenberg [12:23]: "We really aren't. I'm telling you that the adjustments they make, the efforts, the secondary efforts, the way they're playing defense connected."

• Don Hahn [21:16]: "That's on the head coach."

• Peter Rosenberg [25:38]: "What if he couldn't play in that game? What if the carbocane does nothing and he can barely walk and so Willis Reed doesn't come out of the tunnel."

• Don Hahn [35:14]: "This is stuff of legends. We can't just say, oh, he played. He had a little bit of a. Like this isn't like he had a sprained ankle. There's a lot more than that."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and historical analyses presented in the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast episode centered around the New York Knicks' playoff journey and an alternate historical narrative of the 1970 NBA Finals.