Hour 2: Match Their Intensity

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg (ESPN New York)

Episode: "Hour 2: Match Their Intensity" (June 9, 2026)

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Overview

This episode centers on Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, focusing heavily on the themes of physical play, officiating controversy, and what New York needs to do to "match the intensity" of the Spurs. The trio of hosts—Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg—navigate passionate debates on the impact of referees, the toughness of the Knicks, growing concern over fan violence outside Madison Square Garden, and the emerging greatness of Wembanyama. Lively banter, notable caller insights, and a hilarious Jamie Foxx social media moment round out the show.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Officiating Controversy and Physicality (00:53–14:18)

• Main Focus: The contentious non-call on Wembanyama’s hard foul on Knicks’ Jalen Brunson, whether it deserved a flagrant, and the broader pattern of officiating inconsistencies favoring the Spurs.
• Consensus: While officiating was poor, the hosts agree it does not solely account for the Knicks’ loss. Yet, they highlight the frustration fans feel when star player Brunson is "getting the hell beat out of him" (11:26, Anthony).
• Comparison to 90s Knicks: Don emphasizes that New York’s basketball legacy is built on physicality:

  “What does every Knick fan love about the history of the Knicks? … Of course, they love the physicality, love Riley saying there’s no easy fouls. ‘Put them in the third row.’” (03:40, Don)

• Strategic Response:
  • Don proposes that Knicks players "call attention to the officials" by responding in-kind and then using double standards in calls to expose referee failings (06:41, Don).
  • Anthony suggests the Knicks need to "strike first" and "set the tone" physically, asserting,

    "At some point, it’s, bring him over here, I’m setting a hard screen and I’ll take a foul. But he’s going to feel it." (05:47, Anthony)

• Officiating Review: Anthony informs that NBA officiating head Monty McCutcheon admitted they missed the call and are reviewing a possible retroactive flagrant for Wemby (07:41).
• Coaching Tactics: National and local coaches (Rick Carlisle, Phil Jackson) have long used media outcry to try to sway officiating in their favor, a tactic Mike Brown employs here (09:35, Anthony).

Notable Quote

• Don, defending the need for player toughness:

  "If that’s how you're going to play against our star, we’re going to do the same to yours. Just make sure it’s even." (12:48)

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2. Wembanyama’s Rise and the Knicks Response (12:52–19:32)

• Wemby’s Dominance: The hosts marvel at the Spurs’ phenom, predicting a potentially historic career if health permits.

  "He’s going to be running roughshod over this league for… if he stays healthy." (12:57, Michael) "Could he be a top five player who ever lived?" (13:30, Michael)

• On the Knicks' Lack of Physical Response:
  • Michael contends the Knicks have a tendency “to be bitched around… they get punked” (17:57).
  • Anthony underscores that New York cannot let Wemby feel “way too comfortable on that court” and must send a physical message next game (20:42).
  • Don and Anthony dissect the psychological aspects of Wemby’s post-foul laughter, interpreting it as a sign of dominance (18:53–19:34).

Memorable Moment

• Michael: "It’s like a puppy dog running up to the Rottweiler." (19:13)

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3. Fan Violence and City Atmosphere (31:54–36:26)

• Fan Behavior: Rosenberg expresses distress over viral videos of violent behavior—Spurs fans being attacked simply for wearing rival jerseys.

  “The amount of videos of crazed, maniacal, violent behavior under the guise of it somehow being related to the Knicks is really, really upsetting.” (31:45, Michael)

• Media Coverage Ruining the Vibe: The celebratory unity that started the Knicks’ Finals run is threatened by incidents of violence, replacing the “rollicking, joyful, unified…city” story with images of chaos (33:43, Anthony; 35:32, Michael).
• Calls for Parental Responsibility: Hosts urge listeners who are parents to talk to their kids about avoiding these escalating situations (32:33, Michael).

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4. Madison Square Garden Vibe and the ‘Super Bowl’ Comparison (23:31–25:24)

• Caller Observations: Fans remark on the changed, oddly muted atmosphere during the crucial home Finals game—energy started in the upper bowl and trickled down, not the usual roaring lower-bowl effect (21:13–23:31).
• Super Bowl Parallel: Don compares the feel to a corporate-heavy Super Bowl, where true fans are outnumbered, and atmosphere is dampened by security, long delays, and “tourists” (25:15, Don).

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5. Fun & Lighthearted Moments

Jamie Foxx’s Inside the NBA Impression (43:31–45:12)

• The hosts play and praise Jamie Foxx’s viral impression of the “Inside the NBA” crew, delighting in its accuracy and humor.

  Michael: “That is the thing [Ernie] always says, but Jamie just noticed it… Oh, beautiful.” (44:48–45:02)

• Comic Relief: Don remarks, "Every once in a while, social media does throw you... that's something that buys another month on social media for me.” (45:09, Don)

Omakase Sushi Banter (28:38–29:41)

• Rosenberg educates the crew on “omakase” dining after a big night, providing a break from the heavy basketball and city discussion.

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6. Callers and Fans: Voices from Omaha, Brooklyn, Bronx, Pennsylvania (15:01, 21:13, 45:42)

• Callers consistently return to two themes: officiating frustrations and what it will take for the Knicks to bounce back.
• Hahn validates caller skepticism but insists the Knicks’ best chance is adjusting on-the-court, not just blaming refs.
• A Pennsylvania caller laments “wasted possessions” and “hero ball” by Brunson. Hahn uses this to explain the Spurs’ defensive tactics, laying blame on execution and adjustments, not selfishness (46:26–49:15).

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “Jalen is getting the hell beat out of him every time he tries to bring the ball up the floor… if you’re not as the officials going to protect him, then a Nick player is going to need to step in and do it.” — Anthony (11:26)
• “He’s going to be running roughshod over this league… if he stays healthy.” — Michael (12:57)
• “They have the propensity… to be bitched around. Wow. They do. They get punked.” — Michael (17:57)
• “It was a Super Bowl… there was a lot of things working against the crowd last night.” — Don (25:15)
• “It was fun. It’s now been ruined. Because these videos… have now replaced what was a rollicking, joyful, unified, not just fan base, but city." — Anthony (33:43)
• “Could he be a top five player who ever lived?” — Michael on Wemby (13:30)

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Segment Timestamps

• Officiating/Physical Play: 00:53–14:18
• Wemby’s Dominance/Knicks’ Response: 12:52–20:42
• Fan Violence/City Energy: 31:54–36:26
• Garden Vibe & Super Bowl Comparison: 23:31–25:24
• Jamie Foxx Impression: 43:31–45:12
• Callers’ Perspectives: Throughout (esp. 15:01, 21:13, 45:42)
• Basketball Tactics & Brunson Discussion: 46:26–49:15

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Tone & Language

• Lively, direct, New York-tinged banter—hosts riff on each other’s slips, joke about language mix-ups (“up for grabs” vs. “up in arms”, 01:34–02:22), and bust each other’s chops about food and fandom.
• Passionate but self-aware—they critique officiating and Knicks’ toughness, always returning to fundamentals and self-accountability.
• Mix of humor and social concern—moments of comic relief (Jamie Foxx clip, omakase story) balance with genuine worry for city safety and fan conduct.

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Summary Takeaway

This episode captures the emotional rollercoaster of New York sports during a pivotal Finals game—with deep analysis of officiating, the Knicks’ lack of aggression, and the awe-inspiring impact of Wembanyama. It also dives into the changing dynamic of fandom in the city, wrestling with the recent outbreaks of violence and the sometimes surreal experience of hosting major sporting events. As always, the show delivers equal parts smart hoops breakdown, city talk, heated debate, and laughs, making it a must-listen for Knicks and NBA fans alike.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

The Stanley Cup Final on ABC is

[Michael Rosenberg]

more than a quest for the Cup. It's 134 years of putting it all on the line and the heaviest 35 pounds ever lifted. It's broken curses and broken hearts. But for those chasing it, it's everything. The only question is who will take it. You just have to watch the Stanley Cup Final presented by Geico on ABC and the ESPN app.

[Anthony]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Hahn]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Anthony]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

[Don Hahn]

Game time is brought to you by. Tell them or do Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, fellas,

[Michael Rosenberg]

It's tolly time.

[Don Hahn]

Met start a series with the Cardinals with coverage immediately following us on 880 at 6 30. And the Yankees continue their series with the guardians at 6:40. Tullamore due the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Iris whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew honey during today's action. Glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. Obviously the officiating leaves a lot to be desired and I'm sure we're going to get word on at least a flagrant. I would think a flagrant one on Wemby for what he did to Bronson. And I, I know. I saw it on social media listening to a lot of the shows earlier today. Fans are up for grabs about it and I understand, at least in my opinion.

[Michael Rosenberg]

And I think fans are up for grabs. You mean that they're, they're all out

[Anthony]

of like up for grabs.

[Don Hahn]

I think that makes more sense.

[Anthony]

What are you. Well, what are you trying to say?

[Michael Rosenberg]

I don't use it in a different

[Anthony]

phrase, if you don't mind, because I'm trying to figure out what you mean

[Don Hahn]

by the fans are apoplectic. The fans are out frenzy. And that's what Michael's trying to say when he's like Yankee stadiums up for grass.

[Anthony]

Stupid.

[Don Hahn]

Stop for grass. These people lost it. No. All right. They're nut. And anything can happen.

[Anthony]

Doesn't up for grabs means anyone can have it.

[Michael Rosenberg]

We don't do this. No, that's. Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Fight it. Because you guys don't get it.

[Michael Rosenberg]

But it's. But especially I conceded. I gave you the stadium one. You now did it beyond stadium. You used it in like a more abstract. The fans are all upset about it.

[Don Hahn]

They're.

[Anthony]

Fans are confusing. It's. Wait, it's not up for it's up in arms. They're up in arms. They're up in arms about it.

[Caller]

What the hell?

[Anthony]

That's what it is.

[Don Hahn]

Let me bail myself out. No, there's a misstep.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Why?

[Don Hahn]

Why? Why does this show have to be so on time? Why can't you just let a professional who's been doing this for 30 years maybe worm his way out of it?

[Anthony]

And then you gotta call me out

[Don Hahn]

instead of me saying, up in arms. I set up for grass accidentally. And then I was gonna try to work my way out of it, but you guys wouldn't have it.

[Michael Rosenberg]

All right?

[Don Hahn]

You wouldn't have it. And I think, given some time, that

[Michael Rosenberg]

I could have done it. I didn't know. I really didn't know.

[Don Hahn]

I was. But I. You gotta give me some.

[Michael Rosenberg]

I was like, fans, you got to

[Don Hahn]

give me some feel. You gave me no feel.

[Michael Rosenberg]

No, you didn't get much.

[Don Hahn]

And I think I might have scored you. Maybe you get no quarter right on top of me. But anyway, said this. I've always said this.

[Anthony]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

And people have yelled at me and disagreed me. You guys may disagree. I don't believe in the grand scheme of the game that an umpire and official is why you lose. All right. There's other moments. That was still a winnable game for the Knicks. It was an egregiously, poorly officiated game, in my opinion. Very much like I think the first two were. And the Knicks were able to overcome it. Knicks didn't play well. They lost. All right, end it now. That doesn't mean you can't complain about the officiating. It should be better. This is the highest level of NBA basketball. How do you not see Brunson getting thrown around? And I do understand that. That from a distance it looks bad because he's a foot and a half taller than Brunson. Right. It's the equivalent of in the mall seeing a mom smack a child. That's what it looks like. No, I'm not getting on Brunson. It's just that he's a foot and a half shorter. Yeah, but still, you can't miss it. So I don't think it's a flagrant two. I don't think you guys do either. That should have been called. I get it. But listen, if I'm the Knicks and I see that you're letting that go, then I'm doing the same thing. Because what. What does every Knick fan love about the history of the Knicks? What do they love about the 90s Knicks? Of course, they love the physicality, love Riley saying there's no easy fouls. Put them in the third row. Like, that's the. That's the mentality of New York.

[Anthony]

But, Don, here's the. So you're right. But here's the problem with what you're saying. And everything you're saying is right up to a point. Okay, here's an example of what I'll give you is in game two, Mitchell Robinson was called for a technical, for a light push on Wembanyama. After they got kind of tangled up on the post, he got called for attack, not Wemby. Later on in that game, de' Aaron Fox got in Brunson's face and then started shoving Bridges, who came over to step in. No texts. The league watched it back, took the. Rescinded the tick, the Tech from Mitchell Robinson. So they said the official was wrong. Mm. In the game last night, when he does that, nothing. Josh Hart gets knocked down by Luke Cornett. Gets up annoyed, just gets up fast. He gets called for attack. That's one point. They made the free throw. That's one point. Why, like, wait, so you're. So the Knicks are seeing a pattern here, and so if you retaliate, guess what happens to you?

[Don Hahn]

I'm not saying, you know, the Tech

[Anthony]

is coming, and so they. Like, honestly, they have to be careful with their response. But I'm with you because I said this this morning, and I'm glad you're bringing it up, because the fact that he did that to this, to the captain of this team, the fact that Castle forearm shiver right into his chest and knocked him down, and they didn't call. They didn't think it was a flagrant. They just gave him a foul. And if you're the experts, you're like, yep, just a foul, but you took it. You took a beating. They are beating the hell out of this kid, and the Knicks have done nothing. And that's where you're right. At some point, it's, bring him over here. I'm setting a hard screen and I'll take a foul. But he's going to feel it, Right? That did not happen in the game last night.

[Don Hahn]

But I want. See, that's the hockey mentality, right? Get your pound of flesh, do something immediately retaliate. It'll be worth it. At the end of the day, even if you end up losing the two minutes and things even up, you're letting them know we're not tolerating this behavior. That's not what I'm talking About, I'm talking about sticking it to the officials where later on in the game you do the same thing to Wemby and then if it's called, you now have more evidence after the game. Look, Wemby did that to Brunson. Got nothing. Brunson does it to Wemby or Hart does it to Wemby or somebody else does it to Wemby. And you called us like it's more evidence to show you how egregious this actually is and how it's favoring the spurs over the Knicks. That's the way you do it. So I'm not asking to punish the Spurs. I'm looking to call attention to the officials and make them realize the mistake that they made. They'll. They'll eventually see they made a mistake and. But I'm not sure will they give him a flagrant one because now he can't get another one otherwise he suspended.

[Anthony]

Well, so, so Monty McCutcheon, who's the head of officiating for the NBA, did, did acknowledge that they missed the call, which again, we all know you missed the call. But they are, they do review games and they do watch back things. Is again, they've rescinded the tech on Mitch by reviewing it. And he said, he was on, on ESPN and said that they are still reviewing it. Whether or not it would be deemed a retroactive flagrant. Now, it wouldn't be a flagrant two.

[Don Hahn]

No.

[Anthony]

But if they, if they look back and said, no, that deserved a flagrant one, that's now two points. Yeah. And so that's where Wemby would have to be careful because I think it's three and you get suspended. Is it four and you get suspended. It's four and you get suspended. So you can get two flagrant twos.

[Don Hahn]

So what's that worth? Like, even if they call it a flagrant one, I mean, he's not gonna have time to get any kind of suspension. So you see what I mean? Like, so it's egregious. But imagine the conversation.

[Anthony]

Yeah. And the flagrant now doesn't mean anything because the Knicks don't get free throws in it. They get nothing out of it.

[Don Hahn]

Now if we, if we were to go back and, and somebody on the Knicks did that to a spur and got called, the conversation today would be even worse on the officials because we'd have the exact same thing happen. Yeah. And one got called one way, one got called the other. So, hey, if you see that that's being allowed, take advantage of it maybe not to the extent that Wemby did, because that looked pretty obvious to me. But if you want to play physical, this team can play physical. And I give them credit. None of them complain. Coach did. Because coach is supposed to complain. Right? That's what coaches do. They're trying to get calls for the next game.

[Anthony]

Exactly.

[Don Hahn]

But the players don't because this, that's not the way the Knicks roll. They're not whiny that way.

[Anthony]

It's not going to help you anyway. And so. So again, what you said about Mike Brown, right, Because some people were critical of Mike Brown, some people in the national media, that that's not what you do. You just tell your team needs to be better. Like, oh, that's. No, what Mike Brown did there is out of the Phil Jackson, Rick Carlisle playbook. Do you remember a couple of years ago when the Knicks played the pacers in the second round? They went up 20 and they were very physical in the first two games. And Rick Carlisle after game two did a sob story podium about. I know everybody wants that. This is the big market team. We're just a small market team that nobody wants to see win. And I understand, but we deserve a fair whistle. Like, he really laid it on.

[Don Hahn]

I remember that.

[Anthony]

And people were buying it like. Like as if he really was upset. No, he was performing and he knew this is going to make headlines. It's going to take pressure off my team and it's all everybody's going to talk about for the next two days. And what did it do? But in game three, his team came out and they came out swinging, hitting, physical, and nothing was called and it worked to his advantage. So I think this. And Phil Jackson used to complain all the time about stuff with, with Michael, especially Jordan. So I think what Mike Brown was trying to do here was, I'll say it so my players don't have to. I'll take the heat, I'll take the fine. But at least the story will be out there and we'll see if it benefits us in game four in some way. Because the truth be told. And again, I'll keep saying it because there's always one knucklehead that's going to take it out of context and think that all we did was complain about the officials, which is not true, they lost because of turnovers. But Jalen is getting the hell beat out of him every time he tries to bring the ball up the floor. And yes, it's affecting their offense because it's taking long for him to get into something because he's got to fight through all this contact. And then when he finally gets into sets two like now, nobody's open. It's. It's blown up their offense. And for the spurs, it's exactly what you're supposed to do. It's how they played against the Thunder. But it doesn't make it right. That Jalen Brunson, who is he is a star in this league and he's the Knicks best player. And he can't get anywhere on the floor without getting hit, shoved and at times forearm shivered right to the floor. And if you're not as the officials going to protect him, then a Nick player is going to need to step in and do it. And I don't mean step in the minute Jalen gets hit. No, it's take a number and no free layups. How Wembanyama got to the rim a couple of times without feeling somebody get under his legs. I can't believe that happened. But it can't happen in Game 4 because if that's how you're going to play against our star, we're going to do the same to yours. That's all. If that's the way they're going to call the series, just make sure it's even. Because he was too comfortable on that court last night.

[Michael Rosenberg]

I gotta tell you though, officiating or not, he is such a problem.

[Don Hahn]

He.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Allen, he's going to be running rough shot over this league for. If he, if he stays healthy. Well, that team.

[Anthony]

Because you've got Castle and Harper who are kids, they're 21 years old and 20 years old. He's 22. Those three are going to grow up together and get smarter and stronger and develop like. Especially for Harper, develop a consistent three point shot. They're going to be hell to play against as they get older.

[Michael Rosenberg]

But if, if the. If Wemby is healthy and obviously that's an if with his.

[Anthony]

Yeah. Oh, yeah. Yeah.

[Michael Rosenberg]

But guys, I think the question I asked my cousin yesterday who's an incredibly knowledgeable basketball fan was if this guy stays healthy, could he be a top five player who ever lived? I think that's the kind of conversation you have to be having about. I don't think you're paying attention. If you don't think you're watching the development of one of the greatest players to ever pick up a basketball. If he's healthy, I don't.

[Don Hahn]

If he's healthy. If he's healthy, he will be unstoppable.

[Caller]

Yeah.

[Anthony]

Yeah. And I don't think you're I don't think what you're saying there.

[Michael Rosenberg]

It's not a reach at all, is it?

[Anthony]

Not a reach. He has the potential to be one of the all time greats. But of course it all has to happen the right way. It all has to play itself out. But we can say he has the potential to be that and you can say that with full confidence because it does.

[Michael Rosenberg]

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[Don Hahn]

All right, let's hear from you at 1-800-919-3776. Rob in Omaha, you're on. Don Han and Rosenberg,

[Caller]

what's going on, guys? I just wanted to talk about like the officials you guys are speaking about and why I think there's reason to be optimistic and you let me know if I'm crazy. I think that was probably the worst game the Knicks have played in all the postseason. Cat wasn't really good. You know, Bridges had the two fouls earlier. I think it took him out of the game. What did he take? Three shots, didn't score. And you know, that was the, you know, as Michael said last week after the spurs wonderful the west coast finals that there was going to be a nuclear Wemby game. And I think that was it yesterday. And it really came down to Knicks were down by three and the Aaron Fox was atrocious in the first two games, makes a shot. And the Knicks really withheld it with, you know, how poorly they played and everything. And I think the officials, Alan, I think you brought up really good point. You know, someone had to say it's egregious. The video that they showed of the Wemby foul on Bunsen didn't call it. The ref was clearly in the line of it right so it's. It's to the point where number one is not consistent and it's really bad. So it has to be brought up at some point. Just want to get your guys take on. I'm crazy to think it's taken optimistic from this game at all.

[Anthony]

I mean, I. We might have played that over and over again this morning on get up several times, and everyone on the panel couldn't believe that that wasn't like. First of all, the first thing to me, the most sacred thing in all sports, head contact. The fact that he takes the back of his head and mushes it all the way down to the court like that. And when have you ever seen Brunson just turn around, ignoring the fact that the game, the ball was still live, and just walks up to him like, as if to say, what the hell are you doing? And Wemby just smiled, just laughed.

[Michael Rosenberg]

I almost would have. I almost would have liked to have seen Brunson do something but throw a punch.

[Anthony]

You can't do it. You're out of the game.

[Michael Rosenberg]

And someone else. It's mid play. Someone else should have been the person when Brunson hits the shot.

[Anthony]

Here's the other thing. What was happening simultaneously was at almost like five, six feet away.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Towns.

[Anthony]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Kelvin Johnson was wrestling. Literally wrestling Towns.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Well, guys, can we. Let's not forget something. Two things. I'm sorry that I pat myself on the back so much, but if I don't, who's going to? I also said last week the level of heel Wemby's gonna be in this town by the time it's over.

[Anthony]

You know, he is a. That was a good take. I did not expect it, but it's a really good take.

[Michael Rosenberg]

No, he's. He's that guy. He's. He's that good and he's that guy. It's all of it. He's. He is going. He said yesterday he hasn't reached Trae Young levels. Oh, he's going to surpass Trae Young levels.

[Anthony]

It's funny that he used Trae Young's name, though.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Yeah, no, it is.

[Anthony]

Shows you how aware he is.

[Michael Rosenberg]

He's a super. He's a basketball nerd, obviously, and knows all the little cultural pieces there. But also, let's not forget about this, guys. Do you remember five months ago when we spent a good segment or two screaming about how this team needed to get a little bit more aggressive and shouldn't be laughing about when opposing players throw a ball at a player's face?

[Anthony]

Yeah.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Like, let's not forget, this is a team that has the propensity, and I want to say this carefully, to be bitched around. Wow. They do. They get punked. They have the. It's in there, Allen. We know that. Like, they don't have.

[Anthony]

They don't bow up.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Josh jumped up yesterday, got a little aggressive. But in general. No, they don't bow up.

[Don Hahn]

Great with pudding.

[Michael Rosenberg]

They don't. And they might need to, because San Antonio might see punk in them and think we're gonna punk them over the rest of this.

[Anthony]

No, no, they're not thinking it.

[Michael Rosenberg]

They're doing it.

[Anthony]

They said it.

[Don Hahn]

Watch. But watch the replay again of the. Of the Wemby Brunson play. He. I give Wemby credit for this. He didn't throw his hands up. Like, I didn't do anything. No, he looked like. He looked like a guy who just

[Michael Rosenberg]

shoved someone in the head.

[Don Hahn]

And then when Brunson.

[Michael Rosenberg]

He looks like a little brother. Bronx.

[Don Hahn]

And you see Wemby laughs at him. Yeah, he laughs at him.

[Anthony]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Like, so there's something, like, sadistically cool, kind of like, I always hate the guys. I didn't do anything. What are you talking about? No, he's like, I did it. So what? I'm laughing at you. Hold on. What are you gonna do?

[Michael Rosenberg]

I just blew it up.

[Don Hahn]

What do you do about it?

[Michael Rosenberg]

I just blew it up. Cause I hadn't blown it up full screen.

[Anthony]

The look that he makes.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Oh, my God. He really. The shove is so aggressive. It's not even a question. If I get called for it, I get called for it. Shoves him, and then he completely laughs in his face. It's cute that you're. It's like a puppy dog running up to the Rottweiler.

[Anthony]

Yeah. Go get your shine box.

[Don Hahn]

And the reason he didn't put his hands up, he's like, he didn't care if he got called.

[Anthony]

No.

[Don Hahn]

And I think he's laughing because he's shocked. He wasn't.

[Anthony]

Because he didn't get called for. That's the. I'm telling you. Like, that. That's the part of it. So, Alvarado, I guess this is a quote from the Post when they asked him about it. He said he got away with one. That'll be the last one.

[Don Hahn]

Okay, now you.

[Anthony]

I love Alvarado. He's a tough kid. You know, He's a tough kid from New York. He's also, like, smaller than Brunson. Like, I don't know what he's going to do. But it does give you the example of. It's not about, you know, throwing punches. It's not about that stuff. To me, it's early in the game if Wembanyama's going up for. If you see he's about to get an alley OOP or something, and you're on the. On that strong side, and you say to yourself, all right, I'm going to pretend I'm going for the ball, but I'm not really going for the ball. And he's going to fall hard, and now he's going to think twice the next time he goes at the rim. Because if you. If he falls hard a couple of times, guess what he's not going to do? He's going to start retreating from the rim again. I'll say it a third time. He was way too comfortable on that court last night.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, then you got way too comfortable. You have to do something about it. Let's go to Vernon in the Bronx. You're on espn. You know what? I'm gonna let him go only because I don't think the conversation was having was very.

[Anthony]

I think that was our show playing in the background.

[Don Hahn]

I don't like people like that.

[Anthony]

All right.

[Don Hahn]

The first thing that you're always told is turn your radio down. And when. If you can't do that, you can't follow directions, you can't be on the show deep in Brooklyn. You're on espn, New York.

[Caller]

Hey, guys, how's it going? Good afternoon.

[Don Hahn]

Not really.

[Caller]

It was a fun game yesterday. I was able. I was lucky to get tickets in the 200s. The energy in the 200 was very fun. And I watched the game back on replay. But going up into the game was very weird. Seeing everything around the Garden just empty, fenced off police down block. Right. But going into the Garden, I watched the game on. I watched the game on replay.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Caller]

And, you know, there wasn't the, The. The little bowl didn't really have that much energy, especially in the last few seconds. Like Castle Castle on the last possession for the spurs, when he shoots that three, I didn't really see much energy, but you know that. I don't need a good point. That Pacer series, after the Knicks lost both games in Indiana, they come out and blow out the Knicks. I mean, they come out and blow out the Pacers at home in game five. So with Mike Brown pointing out the officiating. Right. With Mike Brown putting out the officiating and strike first mentality on the spurs players, you can't have your captain get out there and get punked like that. You got to strike first. You got to set the tone. The Garden has to feed off that, right? So, you know, I expect the Knicks to come out, you know, much better in game for us. You got to cut down the turnover day. But I like one thing I like about the Knicks, their bench. They seem a lot faster. I mean, obviously because they're smaller, but they do run. They run faster and fresher out there. And said when, sometimes when Brunson holds the ball, the offense really slows down so much. And you saw this at the end of game two when the spurs went on 14, 0. The offense was really 10 seconds willing to shot clock, put up a shot, you know, jump shot. And you saw that spurts in this game, you know. But I like the Nick bench. I like how they played. They play fast, they run around. They caused some problems for the spurs, especially bringing the ball up to court. That's. That's been a problem for three games, and it probably will be a problem for the rest of the way. But, you know, game four, make it a break. It let's, you know, hopefully the energy of the Garden is a little better in the lower area, maybe. Because, Alan, when you said that the energy came from top down, I heard at the beginning of the show, I. That could not be any more perfect around where I was. It was all right, but thank you guys for taking my call. Hopefully the Knicks can win this thing in five games, but if they lose tomorrow, hey, we get the third game at the Garden, you know, so, you know, there. But hopefully they finish off in five.

[Don Hahn]

I'm telling you. Two.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Two.

[Anthony]

You don't want this.

[Don Hahn]

Well, is not what you want.

[Anthony]

You, you, you don't know. You don't want that.

[Don Hahn]

You got it.

[Anthony]

You got to get out of this thing. Three, one. And then you just, you're looking at, you looking at the opportunity to either take three wins on the road to get a title or to get a title in a game six. But, but yeah, Don, I don't know if you heard that, and I don't know if you've ever experienced it in that, in that arena, but it was a very strange thing I've always felt. And maybe because of my proximity, you know, I'm not up in a press box like hockey, you're always going to be up, but I've always felt the noise generated at Nick games. It's a roar, and it usually starts in the lower bowl, and it just, it, it's like an amphitheater it goes up, and then it's like. It really hits its crescendo when everybody gets into it, right? Because closer you are, the more you're reacting because it's right in front of you. And it was odd that last night. I kept hearing it. The roar, the crowd, the reaction to things, the urge urging the team or when a shot was made or missed or rebound, whatever. It started up top and then kind of cascaded down as if the lower bowls were like, what's going on up there? Oh, we must be time to cheer. It was very strange. So it had just an odd feel to it. The whole night just had an odd.

[Don Hahn]

Everything was odd. It was just, you know, it was the first time they had been home in a while. First home game in an NBA Final since 1999. The presence of the president and all the security and how long it took people to get into the building. There was a lot. You know what? You know what last night was, guys?

[Michael Rosenberg]

What's that?

[Don Hahn]

It was a Super Bowl.

[Michael Rosenberg]

I said that.

[Don Hahn]

You did. I just didn't say that.

[Anthony]

You're not. And you're not the only.

[Michael Rosenberg]

That's the third time Alan kept describing the feel.

[Anthony]

Yeah, and I'm sorry. Third time I've heard.

[Michael Rosenberg]

But it sounds like Super Bowl.

[Don Hahn]

But it's not just the feel of. You've got a lot of people that aren't rooting for the teams at the super bowl because you got corporate sponsors and friends of the league and just people that like to go to the Super Bowl. There's a lower percentile of actually fans of the two teams that are playing, plus, getting into the building, it takes forever, Right? And the commercial breaks are long. It just sucks the energy out of the building. I've been to Super Bowls, and you're like, wow, I'm at the most important game being played football. And I feel like I'm in a preseason game, even though every seat is filled because the vibe gets completely changed. And I think that's what happened. There was a lot of things working against the crowd last night. Hopefully, that will not be the case for game four. There'll be more about basketball, but we'll have to wait and see. As you know, managing maintenance, repair and operations is never easy. But for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Granger has your back. From professional grade products you can count on to fast, dependable delivery, they're there to help you keep things running smoothly. Plus, their technical product specialists are here to help answer your toughest questions. And because Grainger knows safety is always a priority. They're committed to being your partner in protecting both your people and your facilities. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click granger.com or just stop by avoiding your unfinished home projects because you're not sure where to start. Thumbtack knows homes, so you don't have to. Don't know the difference between matte paint, finish and satin or what that clunking sound from your dryer is. With thumbtack, you don't have to be a home pro. You just have to hire one. You can hire top rated pros, see price estimates and read reviews all on the Thumbtack app. Download today.

[Anthony]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Michael Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Anthony]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. Sometimes you just can't take it anymore. This is let's Talk About It Tuesday with Don Hahn and Rosenberg.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Oh, God bless. Talk about it Tuesday. Me bless. That's right. Since we are talking about it and it is a mental health sort of segment. It was originally a better help segment. Love. Betterhelp love. They do a fantastic job. You know, I'm a big proponent of the therapy. I'm in basically round the clock therapy to try to keep this thing on the wheels. But also now I have my validate Me podcast. So for anyone out there, I have heard from a lot of our listeners. So shout out to the DHR people who've reached out. But I just recorded episode three today. It'll be it on Thursday. So if you want to go down a little bit of a mental health journey with me, Validate me available on YouTube wherever you find podcasts.

[Don Hahn]

I do realize you took a bit of a financial hit last night.

[Michael Rosenberg]

I did.

[Don Hahn]

But you've done well overall. Then why don't you sponsor. I did talk about it Tuesday.

[Michael Rosenberg]

It's a great point. By you. How about I just say it's sponsored by me?

[Don Hahn]

Well, I don't think that's.

[Michael Rosenberg]

That's not how sponsorship work. Well, you know what, Don? I'm gonna take what you said under advisement.

[Don Hahn]

Okay.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Natalie and I before the party went to last night, got some delicious omakaze.

[Don Hahn]

What is that?

[Michael Rosenberg]

That's the next step for you, Don.

[Don Hahn]

I'm not familiar.

[Michael Rosenberg]

That's your next sushi step. You got to take Omakaze is when they. The chef selects what you get essentially and they just serve you course by course. So Yesterday was a 13 course omakase, meaning you sit there and the guy in front of you makes the sushi and hands you one by one 13. And each one is kind of an experience. You eat them. You wait three, four, five minutes. Whenever another one comes out, you eat it. But like each one's very. Each one's a very specific flavor. I do pass on the ooni. Alan, you an uni guy? I don't do uni. No, Anthony, you do onI haven't tried.

[Anthony]

Wouldn't be against it though.

[Don Hahn]

How do you spell this overall experience?

[Michael Rosenberg]

Oma. Oma. K A S E. Speak.

[Don Hahn]

I'm going to send this to Rachel and see if she approves because she's guru.

[Michael Rosenberg]

I think. I think Rachel's done and loved omakase. And if she hasn't. But I'll go a step further, if she hasn't.

[Don Hahn]

She's a fraud, right? I think she has.

[Michael Rosenberg]

I'm. Winnipeg Sushi. Well, that's almost. That's almost concerning actually, the Winnipeg Sushi. Now, Anthony, are we allowed to play? Do we have to get like clearance 4 a video from someone social media that everybody in the world's playing?

[Anthony]

Which.

[Don Hahn]

What, what could you be referring to

[Michael Rosenberg]

the Jamie Foxx impression of Inside the NBA last night. That was not. Not remotely offensive, just hilarious.

[Anthony]

So I haven't seen this.

[Michael Rosenberg]

I'd like you to go on Jamie Foxx's Instagram or Twitter, I forget which is. Or just search his name on social media and if you. I think we can just play if

[Anthony]

it's on his public Instagram. I'm assuming we're fine and we're. We're whatchamacallit. We're grinding him anyway.

[Michael Rosenberg]

I can't. I can't wait to play.

[Don Hahn]

All right, here we go.

[Anthony]

We have it. Ready?

[Michael Rosenberg]

You have it?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, I.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Is it clean? I'm. No, no, I'm pretty sure it's clean.

[Don Hahn]

You're pretty sure?

[Michael Rosenberg]

No, I'm not 100.

[Anthony]

You're not 100% sure?

[Michael Rosenberg]

I need to go through it once, Jake.

[Anthony]

All right.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Go through it while I give you my talk about it. Then maybe we can close the segment with it. Cuz it's so terrific. And we can talk about Jamie Foxx being brilliant. I mentioned it earlier.

[Don Hahn]

I thought he was dead.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Oh my. I would be all dead.

[Anthony]

Was.

[Michael Rosenberg]

It was worrisome. We talked about it earlier, but I talk about it again. I understand. Kids will be kids and teenagers going. Getting into big mob situations and running crazy. It's not specific to New York. It's not specific to 2026. It's not specific to anything except teenagers do crazy stuff, for sure. However, the amount of videos of crazed, maniacal, violent behavior under the guise of it somehow being related to the Knicks is really, really upsetting to see. Like, I've seen at least four or five spurs fans just being done. Molly whopped physically, just completely assaulted for doing nothing more than wearing a Spurs jersey. I saw, you know, some people who weren't kids, who were not children. We're talking about people in their 20s trying to tear down street signs. You know, listen, cops, last night, you talk about having your hands full. I can't believe there were only 21 arrests. I wonder how much of that. I wonder how many more there could have been, except for the fact that the cops were so outmanned last night that they probably had to be very tactical about how they chose to even pursue these situations. Because, Don, there's not enough police force to possibly be able to cover everything that's happening, especially once people start going crazy. So all I'm saying is, if you're an adult out there and you know, you have teenage kids and you know they went out last night to watch the game and you know they're gonna go out again on Wednesday, can you at least be aware and go on social media and see what's going on out there and at the very least have a conversation with their kids about avoiding this absolute madness?

[Don Hahn]

And you wonder, too, like, if. If you have a teenage son and he's going out, oh, Mom, I'm going to go check out what's happening at the Garden. And he's a net fan or Laker fan or just not a fan of basketball at all. And he's got a spur jersey on, make him stay home. Because you wonder sometimes, is that kind of just stirring? Remember, was it. It was last year. The fan walked through the crowd and the Pacer.

[Anthony]

That was two years. It was two years ago.

[Don Hahn]

He was trolling, right?

[Anthony]

It was two years ago. They threw garbage at him, and then Tyrese Halliburton turned him into a hero. Right?

[Don Hahn]

And you just wonder if all that was performative. Anyway, I know.

[Michael Rosenberg]

And that guy, by the way, based on what I saw last night, that guy really got off lucky. His last night was just. It was just absolutely insane. So if you. If you have a young person in your life, someone who went out last night, or someone who might go out Wednesday or Saturday, just have a conversation with them. Listen, even if, you know they're good kids and they wouldn't do anything, at the very least, just tell them to Stay away from it. There was just a lot, just. The cops don't deserve to go through it. The mayor is really trying to like, make this a fun thing. Everyone in the city is trying to make this an awesome thing. Don't ruin it.

[Anthony]

It was fun. It's now been ruined because these videos now have, have now replaced what was, you know, a rollicking, joyful, unified, not just fan base, but city. Right. Where everybody's hosting watch parties, everybody's having fun. It's ruined now. That's. That's what sucks. Is this what has been a fun story and it's made New York feel a bit of a small town because they were rallying behind one team. And I just think this is now completely ruined it because of all this stuff. Because it's. It goes from the celebratory stuff of climbing up on the light posts or climbing up on the marquee, you know, and even that's crazy, but like, it's just, it's still in the, in the idea in the name of fun. Right? This now has gone another way. And of course, is it smart to throw on a Spurs jersey and walk through the streets looking for trouble? No, that's not smart. You know what you're doing when you're walking through, Right? But you want to do it because you want to be Billy Big Balls. Okay, fine, you're going to do it. But guess what's going to happen? People are going to feel away about, especially when their team lost. But it doesn't also mean that it should turn into, you know, the, the absence. It's just. It's just kids wilding, man. That's all it is. But it has taken over now as the main story. And so what was once a nice story about New York people from different walks of life, what was the line that Fat Joe said? It was an unbelievable line he said the other day about, like, seeing whatever it is he had, like. He said three things and it was like, hilarious the way he put it. About different walks of life.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Yeah. Most of the city's been together since 9, 11.

[Anthony]

Well, yeah, that was the, that was the punchline. But he started out with like, something where it's like different people from different walks of life all doing things together that normally don't get along. That's gone now. Again. That's the end of the innocence last night. It's been ruined because no one now will look at it any other way. It sucks. Yeah, that's where we're at.

[Michael Rosenberg]

It was a perfect storm.

[Anthony]

Yeah.

[Michael Rosenberg]

I Don't think the, the president's being here. The police presence that led to all of it came together to make yesterday feel weird and off and not the vibe it's been. And you know, Don and I were talking about before the show yesterday, the Republicans and Democrats alike were all kind of like, don't know if this is what we needed right now.

[Anthony]

Because it's funny how we all see it the same way, right?

[Michael Rosenberg]

Yeah. Like we were all together.

[Anthony]

We all look going, what are these kids doing? Like, what are you guys doing?

[Michael Rosenberg]

Go inside now. You guys want. Don, do you have anything?

[Anthony]

Oh, yeah.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Oh, I'm sorry. Go ahead, please.

[Don Hahn]

There's production and everything.

[Michael Rosenberg]

There's production?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. Not, not by me, but by Anthony and Jacob all contributed.

[Anthony]

Oh, okay.

[Don Hahn]

Now we are talking about. Even though we don't believe it, but it's on the table with the poor officiating that they're in the bag for the Spurs.

[Anthony]

Right.

[Don Hahn]

Well, there was moments last night I guys know Allen might have noticed, but he was there, so it might have been more difficult for him to notice. But Mark Davis is the official that after the review announces to the crowd and to the television audience what went down with the replay. Right?

[Anthony]

Yes.

[Don Hahn]

Well, here's what happened when Hart end up getting called after the replay. This is Mark Davis on review.

[Anthony]

It's been determined that Jason Hart made

[Michael Rosenberg]

illegal contact during the dead wall to cornet.

[Caller]

Who?

[Don Hahn]

Jason Hart, not Josh Hart.

[Anthony]

Yeah, I heard that.

[Don Hahn]

And then the play involving Wemby Towns

[Michael Rosenberg]

grabs Wemby's arm, therefore loose ball foul.

[Don Hahn]

And hear the crowd react like, wait a minute, you're getting the Nick guy's name wrong. And now we're all familiar with Wemby. Like, I don't think there's anything going on, but you can't do that. Like, I'll give you an example when I call it, what I'm calling games, like, I'll go to the play by play guy for the other team to try to get the pronunciations down. And then there, there might be a devil. I'm trying. The Lamiko was, was, was called up and it was a difficult name to pronounce. And I was, I joked with, I joked with the, the other guy. I forget what team it was. It's like we really. It's a difficult name to pronounce. I'm hoping he becomes a superstar. Then I can, I can call him Lammy. And, and he made a great point. He's like, well, I'll never be able to do that. Like the other Team's announcers can't use nicknames. Like, I was able to say Saved by Hank instead of Lundqvist because I was the Ranger announcer. Blues Jackets announcer. Can't call him Hank. That's too friendly.

[Anthony]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

You know what I'm saying?

[Michael Rosenberg]

Although. But even if he did, he could. An official. You can't.

[Don Hahn]

Right. But I'm just saying, even the other team's announcers know you don't go there. Now, I understand Wemby's a little different because you're saying it, because his name is very difficult to pronounce, and it's become like everybody's calling him Wemby. All right, I'll let you go. I'll let you slide with that. But can you get Josh Hart's name right? Everybody's thinking that you're in the bag for the officials. You're using the nickname for one and getting the other team's name wrong.

[Anthony]

Now, I. I know what that looks like. I hate to. To be the guy that I'm gonna be that guy right now.

[Don Hahn]

That guy.

[Anthony]

Josh and Mark know each other well. Like, I know Josh. Been illegal a long time. They talk like, Josh is somebody that talks to officials all the time and jokes or jokes around and stuff. I, I. Mark might have just been, like, kind of a little, like.

[Don Hahn]

I know, but it's.

[Anthony]

He's sitting there going like, Robert Kraft is sitting there. And then there's Cardi B. And then there's Eli Manning and Derek Jeter. And, you know, there's. There's. What's. What's. What's Khalid doing here? And then he's got to say these names. Jason, whatever his name is. Hart, that guy. It's like, Like, I'm sure that's the reason, but it is a bad look.

[Don Hahn]

That's all I'm saying.

[Anthony]

It is totally a bad look.

[Don Hahn]

It was also funny because I'm watching it with Nancy and just, Just the way the shot is. I wish they come up with a better shot because it almost likes, like, Al Jazeera tv. Like, it just. It looks weird, right? His face is so close to. It just looks weird.

[Anthony]

No, it's like your dad. Like, your dad. Or like, whatever it is, the dad that does FaceTime. And it's, like, up his. You know what? You know, Peter, it's Don when he does our show on location and refuses to use the nice, you know, stand

[Don Hahn]

that I get, which I now am using on a regular basis. But I did take embarrassment to finally get to use it. But, you know, yeah, it's at that level. But what's funny, because Nancy's like, is he really important? Why. Why are there security guards on either side of him? The way the shot was, you could see the. The security for MSG on either side of him. And I'm like, no, it's. It's a stoppage in play. That's what they do right there on the court. They were both in the shot, and it was. It was. It was kind of crazy. So she's like, he must be really important. He's got security all around. No, it just. They just happen to be in the shot. But that was mine. I just thought it was kind of funny.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Also. Speaking of that, have you ever noticed before yesterday when they had the Trump appearance? When I saw the angle from the crowd, they had him lit for tv. Like he was making an appearance, like, as if Alan was doing a hit for msg. And, you know, they follow him out on the court with a big light.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Michael Rosenberg]

He actually had, like, lighting up in the suite for the moment. I didn't know that was a thing that you ever saw in a suite. It was all set up for that one shot, which is why then the only other shots you saw were him and Dolan. I guess they were. Alan, were they just sitting in, like, the last row, but, like, they could still see in the bowl. Is that where you think they were sitting or they. Inside the suite?

[Anthony]

No, they're in the suite. Their seats. There's like. I think about. You've been in suite 57.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Yeah. Is it like that?

[Anthony]

It's the same thing. It's just a little bit. That's a little bit grander of a suite, though. That's the center court.

[Don Hahn]

Place the glass and make it higher, though.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Yeah, they put in. They put in.

[Anthony]

It wasn't up there, but I would. I would.

[Don Hahn]

When I saw it on tv, the glass looked a lot taller.

[Anthony]

They probably covering now.

[Michael Rosenberg]

That's what I. I read. They installed something.

[Anthony]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Well, did you have one, Alan? Because we could tease it.

[Anthony]

No, no, no. I enjoyed this.

[Michael Rosenberg]

I'll tell you what I have for you, though. The Jamie Fox audio on the other side. It's worth it sticking around just for that.

[Anthony]

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[Don Hahn]

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[Anthony]

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[Don Hahn]

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[Anthony]

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[Don Hahn]

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[Anthony]

listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Michael Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Anthony]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want to. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Don Hahn]

Just like New Jersey, the New Jersey Devils. Thank you.

[Michael Rosenberg]

There you go.

[Don Hahn]

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[Michael Rosenberg]

I'm very excited. I don't know why this is so simple, but this was Jamie Foxx just like jumped. He's just like laying on his couch holding the phone up. It's not like some sort of produced video, but after the game ended last night, these were Jamie Foxx's thoughts.

[Don Hahn]

13 of 16 Here in the Garden. I'm here.

[Anthony]

They're there.

[Don Hahn]

We're all here.

[Anthony]

Shaq is here.

[Don Hahn]

Charles is here. Kenny's here. What do you think, Shaq? I don't know what the he said, but we're here here of the Garden. They're going off. It's great here in the Garden right now, here at the New York Knicks. Everyone's here. Ben Stiller's here. Timothy Chalamet's there. Spike Lee's there. Everyone is here in the Garden. We're here. They're there. We're gonna be here. We'll be here all night. They'll be there all night. What do you think, Charles?

[Michael Rosenberg]

Charles William.

[Anthony]

Earning.

[Caller]

Earning. Ear.

[Anthony]

Let me earn.

[Don Hahn]

Let me say this.

[Caller]

Earn.

[Don Hahn]

Let me say this.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Shaq. Shaq. Let me say Shaq.

[Don Hahn]

What do you Think. We're here, they're there, we're here. We'll be right back. Kia, right here in the garden.

[Michael Rosenberg]

He just said Kia out of the.

[Anthony]

He's so good.

[Michael Rosenberg]

It's a you. Have you guys noticed, though, that's what makes Jamie Foxx so brilliant. Ernie always says, we're here, they're there. That is the thing he always says, but Jamie just noticed it.

[Don Hahn]

Crazy with it.

[Michael Rosenberg]

And then the Charles. Oh, beautiful. So. So. I loved. Loved getting that last night.

[Don Hahn]

That was terrific.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Thank you, Jamie.

[Don Hahn]

Every once in a while, social media does throw you.

[Michael Rosenberg]

That's right.

[Don Hahn]

All the filth and disgust and lies and vermin. Yeah.

[Michael Rosenberg]

And there's nasty, horrible violence that I'm being fed.

[Don Hahn]

It's something like that that, you know, buys another month on social media.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Anthony]

Before I send out my picture that I don't. I can't wait to get out. I can't wait.

[Don Hahn]

When I get out, that picture that I sent you guys is gonna be what I.

[Michael Rosenberg]

Sweet.

[Anthony]

I like it.

[Don Hahn]

I've got it saved on my phone.

[Anthony]

I've got to now think of one along those same lines and find something like that. And that'll be the goodbye.

[Don Hahn]

That'll be the. It's it really.

[Anthony]

I love it.

[Don Hahn]

Let's go to Dean out in Pennsylvania. We're here, you're there. Dean, what's going on here?

[Anthony]

You're there.

[Caller]

Hey, guys. Nice. Nice to be on with you.

[Don Hahn]

What's up?

[Caller]

You know, possessions. Last night game, they had so many wasted possessions. And, you know, basketball is a game of possessions. They don't. You have a fine night. Amount of possessions. And what really drove me crazy last night was when Jalen would get frustrated and then he would start playing his hero ball. Right. When he started running down court and running around, I'm like, there's a wasted possession. You could see the wasted possession. And, you know, he would pass to someone that's not ready and away.

[Anthony]

Can I interrupt just to ask you a question. I want to let you get it out of your system because I know you're frustrated. So I. I know you want to get it out, but I just. I. Because I keep hearing this from fans and I know it's frustrating to watch, but I need you to answer me a question. Do you think Jalen Brunson is a selfish person?

[Don Hahn]

No.

[Anthony]

Do you think Jalen Brunson only cares about his own success and is doing it because he just wants to be the only one scoring and getting all the adulation?

[Caller]

No.

[Anthony]

No. Okay. But my point is there's something that happened. Well, I'm trying to explain it. I think he is all right. That's why I'm trying to tell you this is not an intentional thing. This is by design from San Antonio. Do you know what they stopped doing that they were doing in the first two games? They did not do in game three? They stopped trapping. So when they were trapping Brunson, it's easy for him because someone's open to playing one, means three are playing four. So you find that whoever wasn't being guarded cuts to the ball, usually to the nail middle of the of the court, catches the ball and now we're going to play. It's a power play. And that's how the ball move in the cutting and everything else starts to happen. You're making them pay. Take Brunson out. It's the pick, your poison. What the spurs told their four guards is we're switching, we're not trapping. And you've got to just body the hell out of him and don't let him get to his spots. You're playing him one on one. And Wemby's not going to guard cat anymore. Wemby's going to guard Josh Hart and he's going to leave him and he's going to be a rover. So wherever Brunson gets into the paint, if he does beat you, he's going to hover and Brunson's not going to want to shoot against a guy a foot and a half taller than him. So you have to sometimes give credit where credit's due. The spurs did a great job flipping the script defensively and they blew up the offense. There were times that Brunson worked so hard just to get over half court and then he's got no one to pass to because everybody stayed stuck to their guy. His first option was always taken away and now he's got to like try to dribble and find something. Now I got 10 seconds on the clock. Well, I got to come over to basket now and he's got to start. So offense, the offense got stagnant. Not because Jalen Brunson wants to be the hero. It's because the spurs did a masterful job in messing up their half court offense. He's got to fix a couple of things. One of them is getting up the ball, getting up the floor faster off makes. The other problem though, guys, is that Deuce McBride couldn't, couldn't dribble against pressure defense. They had to take him out of the game. They don't have anyone else that can really handle the basketball bringing up the floor. Josh did a couple of times. Mikhail Bridges does, but he got he was in foul trouble. Their offense was blown up by a Spurs defense that was as on point as you'll see a road team play. They you have to give credit where credit's due, and the Knicks have to fix it now before we get into the next game. It's not dissimilar from what the Hawks did. It's the same type of defense. Dyson Daniels, very physical and nasty. Jalen Johnson, they had the same type of effect. The Pacers did this to Jalen Brunson last year as well. This is now the adjustment you make for Game four. I just want to explain the the the Brunson hero ball narrative thing and just make sure that people understand he's not trying to be selfish. It's just the only thing that the spurs gave him and there was no counter for it. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Michael Rosenberg]

I don't want to know how the

[Anthony]

sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.