Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Knicks Win & Fraud Alert Friday

Release Date: April 25, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Platform: ESPN New York

1. Knicks Game Analysis

Overview of the Game: In this episode, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg dive deep into the Knicks' recent playoff performance, particularly focusing on their latest win against the Pistons. The Knicks, leading the series two games to one, displayed resilience despite blowing a double-digit lead in the second half.

Key Moments and Controversies: A significant portion of the discussion centers around a contentious play at the game's end involving Jalen Brunson. The trio examines the strategic decision to purposely miss a free throw with just 0.5 seconds left on the clock, aiming for a rebound to secure the win.

• Jalen Brunson’s Free Throw Strategy:

  • Peter Rosenberg initiates the debate:
    “Do you guys agree with that philosophy?” [00:51]
    He questions whether intentionally missing a free throw was the best move under the circumstances.

  • Alan Hahn supports the strategy:
    “Yes.” [01:10]
    He explains the rationale behind missing the shot to increase the chances of securing the rebound.

  • The hosts discuss the NBA's clock malfunction and how it impacted the final seconds of the game. Peter highlights the confusion caused by the improper clock reset, which did not deduct the mandated 0.3 seconds, leaving ambiguity in the remaining time.
    “They didn’t take the three tenths off, so it stayed at five.” [03:09]

Rule Discussions: The conversation extends to NBA rules, specifically Rule 4, Section 6G, which oversees backcourt violations and clock management during stoppages.

• Clock Malfunction and Rule Implications:

  • Peter critiques the NBA’s handling of the clock malfunction:
    “They did not take time off, so it stayed at five, which is bizarre.” [03:09]

  • Alan reflects on past practices in the NHL to draw parallels:
    “The league stopped using neutral clock operators and now it’s only for the finals.” [06:06]

The hosts conclude that the NBA will likely revise these rules in the offseason to prevent similar controversies in the future.

2. Playoff Implications and Team Performance

Knicks’ Playoff Journey: The discussion shifts to the Knicks' overall performance in the playoffs, assessing their strengths and weaknesses as they advance towards the second round against Boston.

• Defense and Team Strategy:

  • Peter praises the Knicks' defensive prowess:
    “They played defense. And all pro defense play.” [16:12]

  • Alan expresses concern over the team's ability to close out games consistently:
    “It shouldn't be this hard. So let's give them credit. They won the game, they showed their medal in the fourth quarter.” [18:14]

Comparisons with Other Teams: The hosts compare the Knicks' performance to other teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, analyzing how different strategies and team dynamics influence playoff outcomes.

• Cavaliers vs. Heat:
  • Peter notes the Cavaliers' impressive playoff record:
    “Boston’s making easy work of them, but Cleveland’s not running over Miami.” [19:00]

3. Fraud Alert Friday

Introduction to Fraud Friday: "Fraud Alert Friday" is a recurring segment where listeners call in to discuss whether certain fan behaviors or personal actions qualify as "fraudulent." This week, several callers share their unique fandom dilemmas.

Listener Cases:

• Matt’s Fandom Dilemma:

  • Matt questions his loyalty as a lifelong Yankees and Knicks fan who doesn’t support football teams:
    “Am I a fraud for never picking a football team to support?” [27:05]

  • Alan rules him not a fraud, acknowledging his genuine support for his favorite teams without superficial allegiance:
    “No fraud.” [27:58]

• Yusuf’s Family Fandom:

  • Yusuf shares his predicament of only supporting his fantasy team’s players despite his family's allegiance to the Yankees:
    “If I continue to only post pictures of her wearing the Mets, am I avoiding the fraud brand?” [28:53]

  • Peter and Alan conclude that Yusuf is not a fraud, appreciating his personal approach to fandom:
    “No fraud.” [30:11]

• Sean’s Team Switch:

  • Sean recounts switching from Nets to Knicks after a negative experience, questioning his loyalty:
    “Am I a fraud now?” [30:29]

  • Alan playfully cements Sean as a fraud due to his switch from Nets to Knicks:
    “Fraud can’t go back to the Knicks.” [32:57]

Engaging Segment Dynamics: The hosts engage in humorous banter while adjudicating each case, emphasizing the subjective nature of fandom loyalty.

4. Additional Discussions and Highlights

Fan Behavior at Playoff Games: Peter brings attention to the Pistons’ fan behavior during their first home playoff game after six years, critiquing the early exodus of fans from the arena despite a close game.

• Fan Exodus Critique:

  • Peter condemns the fans for leaving early:
    “It was fraudulent behavior by what was once a proud fan base.” [35:02]

  • Alan echoes the sentiment, urging fans to stay loyal until the game’s conclusion:
    “You made the commitment to go; just hang.” [35:48]

Draft Discussions: Towards the episode's end, the hosts touch upon the NFL draft, focusing on the Jets' offensive line picks and their potential impact on the team’s future.

• Jets’ Offensive Line Strategy:

  • Peter highlights the Jets' commitment to strengthening their offensive line:
    “The Jets are going to do whatever it takes to make sure that’s not an excuse.” [42:04]

  • Alan discusses the challenges of drafting offensive linemen:
    “There are two problems with drafting offensive lineman in the first round: it’s not sexy and the hit rate might be worse than quarterbacks.” [43:00]

Conclusion

In this episode, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg provide an in-depth analysis of the Knicks' playoff performance, scrutinize controversial game-ending plays, and engage listeners with the entertaining "Fraud Alert Friday" segment. Their blend of sports insight, humor, and listener interaction makes for a comprehensive and engaging discussion suitable for both dedicated fans and casual listeners.

Notable Quotes:

• “It's not like you could just throw it in the air. It has to be in play.” – Peter Rosenberg [01:25]

• “They flipped out on live air.” – Peter Rosenberg [13:24]

• “Fraud can’t go back to the Knicks.” – Alan Hahn [32:57]

• “It was fraudulent behavior by that fan base.” – Peter Rosenberg [35:02]

Tune In: Catch more insights and lively discussions with Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg weekday afternoons starting at 3 PM on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.