Hour 2: Monica McNutt & Patrick Ewing

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Monica McNutt & Patrick Ewing

Date: June 15, 2026
Podcast: ESPN New York
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Guests: Monica McNutt, Patrick Ewing

---

Episode Overview

This episode centers on celebrating the New York Knicks’ first NBA championship in 53 years, examining the team’s breakthrough from the emotional and cultural perspectives of both those who covered the team (Monica McNutt) and a franchise legend (Patrick Ewing). The hosts, joined by McNutt and later Ewing, explore Jalen Brunson’s leadership, the journey of this Knicks team, the changing NBA landscape, and the significance of this victory for fans, players, and the city itself.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

---

1. Monica McNutt on the Knicks’ Emotional Journey

[01:24–20:17]

• Post-Championship Reaction:

  • Monica recounts preparing for her final call with Tyler, emphasizing authenticity over scripting, saying,
    “As much as I had the words prepared, no chance did I have the emotion prepared… I really did not expect to be hit with emotion in the way that I was. But I'm just so happy we got the moment out and got it out.” (03:17)
  • The delicate balance of being both observer and participant, and managing the city’s fervent emotions.

• The Weight of the Knicks' Victory:

  • Monica highlights what makes this Knicks run unique:
    “This is so hard to do, y'all. I've covered two other finals that did not involve the team I covered locally, and it’s so hard to do, and so to lift. As Josh Hart said, it was the night the jersey felt the lightest it has ever felt to him.” (06:08)
  • Discussion of the passionate New York fanbase and what this win means for them after decades of longing.

• Jalen Brunson’s “Winner Quality” & Leadership:

  • Multiple comparisons to historical greats (Bird, Kobe, Isaiah Thomas, Deron Williams, Damon Stoudamire), and debate on Brunson’s combination of competitiveness, measured poise, and work ethic.
  • Monica shares Brunson’s “secret sauce”:
    “Being willing to fail, not being afraid to fail… It takes a lot of both vulnerability and strength to be willing to fail… then sit back and say, what can I learn from this failure and how can I use it to move me forward to my ultimate goals?” (09:29)

• Brunson’s Intangible Leadership:

  • Hahn and Monica discuss the “petty” and competitive edge that makes Brunson a ‘1A’, with Hahn teasing,
    “He’s figured out the secret sauce of just what it takes to win.” (09:05)
  • Rosenberg:
    “I just am amazed by the clutch gene… Jalen has that killer instinct of Kobe’s.” (12:11)

• Mamba Mentality & Identity:

  • The conversation explores how Brunson embodies the famed “Mamba mentality,” but with a leadership dimension that even Kobe developed only later:
    “He figured out the leadership and the character way faster than Kobe did. Kobe needed a decade… Jalen Brunson… was born with that DNA.” (15:35)
  • Monica admires both his work ethic and emotional intelligence, saying,
    “That combination of that mamba mentality, but also mastering leadership… You could always point to the example he sets in terms of his commitment—to his craft as an individual and the organization and his teammates.” (15:01)

• The NBA’s Changing Blueprint:

  • Don asks: Will this Knicks' win cause the NBA to change its methods away from tanking and star-chasing? Monica notes:
    “I think the one trend... is like legitimate conversations around guys taking team-friendly deals because that’s how you build, right. I think we’re now on our eighth champion in eight years, so I don’t think it’s an outlier… We’re in a different time in the league.” (18:12)

---

2. Patrick Ewing Reflects on the Knicks' Title and Basketball Legacy

[23:03–35:45]

• Personal Emotions After Title Win:

  • Ewing describes the joy and closure of watching the Knicks capture the championship, referencing personal pain as a player:
    “I told a story to some of the guys that in 99, I was hurt. I was not able to play… I went on the bus and I broke down… Now fast forward all these years later… any tears this time would be tears of joy.” (24:14)

• Mentoring Current Knicks Players:

  • Ewing discusses his mentorship with Karl-Anthony Towns (“Cat”):
    “Cat and I have developed a very good friendship over the last two years... I've always picked up the phone and either text him or talk to him about things that I see in terms of his game… For him to single me out to celebrate... made me feel special.” (24:14)
  • He also credits Mark Bryant for his developmental role.

• Private Messages and Locker Room Leadership:

  • When asked about motivational speeches to the team:
    “That’s between me and those guys, man. I felt there was something that needed to be said, especially as someone who has been in their shoes… so I sent my little spiel to them and I was very happy they were able to overcome and go on that run.” (29:15)

• Wembanyama’s Growth & Character:

  • Ewing urges patience with San Antonio star Wembanyama:
    “You can't look at it... the man is 20 years old, right? Imagine the things that we did when we were 20. It’s all about learning from the mistakes you make and don’t repeat them as you get older.” (30:13)

• Bond with the Brunson Family and Multi-Cultural Team Fabric:

  • Ewing speaks of his long connection with Jalen Brunson’s family and what it means seeing Jalen as a champion:
    “I have pictures of both he and my two daughters—he was, I think, about 2 years old, them carrying Jalen around on their backs. Fast forward all these years… he is a special, special player. And I love to sit there and watch him do his thing, and I love the way he carries himself as well.” (31:55)
  • Celebrates the diverse roster:
    “That’s what New York is all about… for them putting whatever differences they have and being better human beings. That's what life is. That’s what the world is supposed to be....” (34:06)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Monica on the city’s catharsis:
  “This is the best love letter the city could possibly receive.” (03:17)

• Monica on preparation vs. emotion:
  “No chance did I have the emotion prepared… but I’m just so happy we got the moment...” (03:17)

• On Brunson’s approach to winning:
  “Being willing to fail, not being afraid to fail.” — Monica quoting Brunson (09:29)

• Rosenberg on Brunson’s clutch gene:
  “I just am amazed by the clutch gene… I can picture Kobe Bryant sitting at home; the joy he would have to watch this guy play the game.” (12:11)

• Ewing’s tears of joy:
  “Any cheers this time would be tears of joy.” (24:14)

• Ewing on Brunson’s journey:
  “He shut all of them up. He is a special, special player.” (33:19)

• On the Knicks’ multicultural identity:
  “That’s what New York is all about. That’s what America is supposed to be all about… they came together as a unit.” — Patrick Ewing (34:06)

---

Important Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:24 | Monica McNutt joins for championship reaction and behind-the-scenes prep | | 03:17 | Monica on planning vs. emotion for final call | | 06:08 | The emotion of covering this Knicks team and its impact on NYC | | 09:29 | Monica on Brunson’s “secret sauce” for winning | | 12:11 | Rosenberg draws Kobe Bryant/Brunson parallels | | 15:01 | Monica on Brunson’s leadership and “Mamba mentality” | | 18:12 | Will other NBA teams follow the Knicks’ blueprint? Monica’s thoughts | | 23:03 | Patrick Ewing interview begins – joy as a Knicks legend | | 24:14 | Ewing on his friendship with Karl-Anthony Towns and personal pain (1999) | | 29:15 | Ewing addresses his motivational talk to the Knicks team | | 30:13 | Ewing on Wembanyama’s learning curve | | 31:55 | Ewing’s memories of the Brunson family and pride in Jalen | | 34:06 | Ewing on cultural diversity in the Knicks and NYC |

---

Final Thoughts

The episode delivers a heartfelt, insider perspective on the Knicks’ championship, mixing Monica McNutt’s emotional journey as a broadcaster and Patrick Ewing’s reflective pride as a franchise icon. Through honest anecdotes, light-hearted ribbing, and celebratory discussion, the hosts and guests illuminate Jalen Brunson’s unique leadership, the team’s depth and chemistry, and the championship’s deep resonance for New York fans and basketball culture alike.

For any Knicks fan—or anyone interested in the human side of sports triumphs—this is an essential, uplifting listen.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

The best part of waking up, A full cup of Folger's coffee and music on full blast.

[Monica McNutt]

Wake me up, wake me up, Wake me up, wake me up. Excitement.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So wake me up when it's all over. The best part of waking up is

[Don Hahn]

Folgers in your cup shop, Folgers instant coffee and more at your nearest retailer.

[Alan Hahn]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Hahn]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3

[Alan Hahn]

on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

[Don Hahn]

Game time is brought to you by Tullamore. Do Irish whiskey. Because when it's game time, guys, it's toler time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's Tolly time.

[Don Hahn]

Let's start a series with the Cincinnati Reds coverage immediately following us on 880 at 6:30. And that's all you got. Tullimore. Do the original triple distill, triple blended and triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew. We try the new Tullamore Dew, honey. During today's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. It's now time for the Monica McNutt Report. It's brought to you by Calandra's Bakery and BetMGM, Don Han and Rosenberg with Monica McNutten. Sorry, no cake.

[Alan Hahn]

But still, but still, Jacob decided to play Taylor Swift for you.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

As if we can't let the joke go away.

[Monica McNutt]

Good choice. Everybody seems to shake it off.

[Don Hahn]

Not the greatest of choices, but listen, we control all that.

[Alan Hahn]

But unbelievable.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That was. That was the mo. Now I'm gonna have a real talk with my friend Monica.

[Don Hahn]

Oh no.

[Peter Rosenberg]

As someone who's been here in this, in this here media climate for a long time and had my share of little kerfuffles, that was about. It was obviously not tactical. It was completely authentic. Monica. But I'm just telling you outside looking in, what a brilliant, in the long run, harmless piece of marketing that's going to turn out to be. I know you didn't mean it that way, but it's going to be awesome. It's nothing but a win.

[Monica McNutt]

Listen, listen, brother, I'm with you. Somewhere in the middle of it I was like, well, I didn't say anything that could actually cost me my job. So we're just going to take this PR and whatever makes that is correct

[Peter Rosenberg]

it is all good. And then Jalen gave you the told the Swifties to fall back. So you're Gucci now.

[Monica McNutt]

I mean, I'm always on the side of the king of New York. So I'm Good.

[Alan Hahn]

There you go. And there's gonna be one day a song on an album called McNutt or something like that. You know, she's gonna write a song about it.

[Monica McNutt]

Listen. So our terrific producer Spencer Julian, his wife actually made an orange and blue shirt glue shirt, orange letters. I don't know if she actually made this, but she drew this up graphically. And, of course, Monica is now spelled with the Nick in the middle. She's like, we gotta get these shirts up. I'm like, you know what, Dana? You're my girl. You're my girl.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's great.

[Don Hahn]

So, obviously, you and Tyler have been tremendous for years now, and certainly what you've seen during this run has been spectacular, but what a great job by the both of you. With the final call now, you know, you had some time to sit on it. They're up 3:1. I mean, how much of what you said after they won the championship was planned and how much of it was just living in that moment?

[Monica McNutt]

You know what, Donna? I don't. This is how, you know, we were in unique territory because Tyler and I don't really talk about end of game stuff. Like, everything kind of comes now naturally for us, for the ecs we did, just because I was like, I don't want to fumble over my words, so I want to at least have something in my mind, right? And then obviously, for today or for the finals, Tyler had really worked up some stuff. And I got to be honest, and I'm so thankful for my circle. I was texting a friend earlier that day. She's been a longtime New York resident. After every victory, she was out in the streets enjoying herself, giving me the updates. And she actually said to me, she texted me. She was like, yo, this is the best love letter the city could possibly receive. And I was like, betty, I am using that. I was like, girl, you just solved all my problems. She's like, no, go ahead. I love you. I was like, no, please, that's perfect. And I think for me, that coming from someone who has been a longtime fan who was here boots on the ground while we were traveling, like there was just no other way to do it. And so pregame, we were, like, kind of excited, and Pat was sitting in the middle, and I was like, I don't want to tell you mine, because y' all know how production means go. Sometimes you tell somebody something, and then they inadvertently blurt your thing out. I was like, I don't want to tell you mine, Tyler, but I also don't think you're poetic enough to steal this from me. Anyway, so what do you think? So I was like, chat, look at this text. What do you think? He's like, yeah, no, he wouldn't land on that. And then I was like, do you want to see it? So we just had a fun moment of like preparing. But I will say y', all, as much as I had the words prepared, no chance did I have the emotion prepared. Like, Tyler was like, are you going to cry? I was like, no, we've been with them, whatever. And then he was like, are you going to cry if JB cries? And I was like, aw. So in his head he was like, you're totally going to cry. But I really did not expect to be hit with emotion in the way that I was. But I'm just so happy we got the moment out and got it out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What do you, what do you think the emotion was for you, Monica? Because like obviously you know, you're recent to the market. You're not an Allen or a pedo or a pedo who's been around here for 40 years. I mean some maybe 50 or 60 years, we're not sure rooting for this team. So what do you think? What can you pinpoint was the real emotion you were feeling when you got choked up in that fantastic clip that's been moving around?

[Monica McNutt]

I think it was feeling for them and for this fan base in general and definitely part of it was having the opportunity to get to know these guys and I said it in our post game show on msg, like I'm in a unique spot where I got two jobs shout out to that but one job job puts me in a position where I have to zoom out and talk sort of neutral as possible. So I have had to absorb probably less though because I don't actually run these guys social media accounts and like experience what they're literally experiencing. But I have also heard all the noise and had to like keep a straight face encountering why Jalen Brunson is not a one or why Carl Anthony Talons need to be traded. Beyondokounmpo like and so I think having the opportunity to get to know both this team and to be on what I have called the three year journey with these guys and being in the city and just connecting with fans on so many levels and them sharing, you know, how viscerally they are impacted by what this team is doing, good, bad or ugly. Like you just felt it for the fan base and for the team, like and it wasn't obviously not a Boo hoo, ugly cry. Thank God, because no one go viral for that. But it is like this is so hard to do, y'. All. Like, I've covered two other finals that did not involve the team. I covered locally and it's so hard to do and so to lift. As Josh Hart said, like it was the night that the jersey felt the lightest it has ever felt to him. Like it's hard to do, especially in such a demanding market that wants and deserves the best of its team.

[Alan Hahn]

And I, I had to bring up Becky Hammond on the post game show Monica because, you know, we do have intimate knowledge that despite the fact that publicly he's never going to acknowledge it and didn't even after the game, which is fine. I felt like, especially in that arena where her jersey hangs, I was like, this is very fitting. And it also is very Jalen Brunson because like we don't. We look at him and he is definitely squeaky clean. And he does things so right. You could PR people could do, could write texts, they could do TED talks about the way he handles himself and things. But we also know he's petty. He's petty. And I thought what he did with Wembanyama showed you as well. Oh, you're going to mush me and you're going to mock me? Okay. What I'm going to do is worse than what you did to me. And that's what I think makes him special. That's what makes him the one A. Would you say that?

[Patrick Ewing]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

That despite the stature and all the other stuff that they said was why you can't make him a 1A. That there's something else that's not quantifiable that makes him that, oh, 100%.

[Monica McNutt]

And all I can say, I haven't quite figured out what the word for it is outside of being a winner. Because at every opportunity he's had to compete at a high level, all he has done is win. Right. And yes, there are those of us who are gifted with that mentality and the natural gift abilities and the packaging when you think of The Kobe's and LeBrons and the Michael Jordans. But you know, today we wound our way into the conversation about Jalen Brunson being the face of the league. And I'm like, why not? He's not the person that people would anticipate to be that. And for that very reason, it is incredibly endearing. I don't know. I think some of us are just wired to demand the best of ourselves and not ever Even remotely close to settle for less. And I think when you have a guy like that, who might I add, because in the first two games, y', all, I thought that the emotions of the experience and I guess ultimately, as you reflect on the five, I thought the emotions of the experience for the spurs were too great, they were too young, they didn't quite know how to handle them. But when you look at jb, everything he does, he's just so measured. He's never too high, he's never too low. He's about the business and the task at hand. And so to see him and he covered his face because he didn't really want to let it be seen, but to see him sort of break down having won the championship, right. Like, how much did he just let out and release in terms of the pressure that he puts on himself? So I just. He's just a winner, like, and that is such a simple phrase, but it is incredibly difficult to maintain, to be and to succeed in doing at every level.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, that's what's so fun because we always get those debates, who's the king of New York? Is he better than Aaron Judge, Eli Manning? That just becomes the normal thing in talk radio, especially, you know, for what we do for a living. But I think there is a difference between the best player in the league and just a guy that just knows how to win. Monica. And he just seems to be. He's figured out the secret sauce of just what it takes to win.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Monica McNutt]

I asked him, don, in fact, what is the secret sauce of winning? And he said it is being willing to fail, not being afraid to fail. And I think in a pressure packed environment where everything is documented, people are holding receipts. It takes a lot of both vulnerability and strength to be willing to fail. And then to sit back and say, what can I learn from this failure and how can I use it to move me forward to my ultimate goals?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I just asked Greeny who he reminds, who Jalen Brunson reminds him of the most when you try to think about all the things that make him unique. And for a second, I thought I broke Greeny.

[Alan Hahn]

I mean, he was texting me after the spot, trying to come up with names.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, he was, like, completely flummoxed. And because there's so many things that make him interesting, I was going to bring this up when Greeny was here, but we had to rap with him. It's funny, me and my, you know, Monica, I'm a Celtics fan, and me and my cousins who are also Celtics fans, we Were talking about a little bit of Bird, that Brunson has this, like, slow, prodding way, can always get his shot no matter what. And you're like, how did he just get his shot? And then of course, there's sort of this. This is sort of a silly thing when he makes his shots. The level of perfect, like the level of swish with that, the way he hits reminds me of Bird too. So, yeah, there's this interesting because otherwise, from a physical standpoint, you know, Greeny brought up Isaiah Thomas because you're thinking of size, but there was something a little bit slicker and faster about Isaiah. Like, Brunson is just so fascinating. And that's before you even factor in Monica, the fact that he seems like an all around perfect guy, which puts him in sort of a different space altogether.

[Monica McNutt]

Yeah, Yeah. I gotta go back and watch a little bit more footage of my own to really come up with that one. But I love it.

[Alan Hahn]

Go to 84.

[Monica McNutt]

I don't know. I don't know. Thank you. I'll make a note of that one. Let's go back in the deep cuts because I wonder, you guys, and I can't remember. I remember being obsessed with him in his career. So if this guy was too fast for the comparison, let me know. But I think about a Duron Williams back in the day.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's a better scorer, though. He's a more pure.

[Monica McNutt]

He's a much better score. He's a much better sport.

[Alan Hahn]

But Darren Williams also could get rattled. Like, he would get rattled. He.

[Monica McNutt]

Yeah, okay.

[Alan Hahn]

You know, he'd get off his game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But from a physical type, he looks.

[Monica McNutt]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Damon Stoudemire. Like, like, like. Although he was smaller than Brunson, believe it or not, but he's like.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He was like 5, 10.

[Alan Hahn]

He can get a bucket on anybody when he was in his prime, you know, and then.

[Monica McNutt]

But his thing, though, right?

[Alan Hahn]

What's that?

[Monica McNutt]

This thing was his speed, right?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah. Yes, yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And yet Brunson's not speedy. He's crafty.

[Monica McNutt]

Yeah, it's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's. I just. I just am amazed by the clutch gene. Like, to me, you know, if he were still with us, I just can picture Kobe Bryant sitting at home. The joy that he would have to watch this guy play the game. Like, that's. I keep thinking about that because Kobe had these physical gifts, obviously that Jalen doesn't have, but Jalen has that killer instinct of Kobe's. I know you talked about this today on Get Up.

[Alan Hahn]

It's what everybody says, the mama mentality so many players reference it and not everybody really understands it or can really put it to put it to use. And Monica, I didn't get a reaction from you when I said that today and of course I'm not comparing the games or anything physical but I feel like we hear a lot about Mamba mentality and that would became a thing all around the NBA that a lot of players wanted to. Wanted to buy into. But it does feel like he might be the most authentic with it is it was. What was your reaction to that?

[Monica McNutt]

Yeah, I mean I think. Did you say that? I was probably zoned up. Sorry. Because I'm like yeah, you and I

[Alan Hahn]

both don't worry about it.

[Monica McNutt]

I think that is. And it goes back to the wonderful story of Kobe getting giving Jalen his shoes back when he was in high school. Yes. Like yes, I'm all around. And I think too the thing about it though, and I think this is where we all have the opportunity to grab things from our idols but then we manipulate them. I don't know if Kobe would have ever taken a team friendly deal. I don't know if he did. Correct me if I'm, if I'm missing something but I think Jalen, I remember talking to Jalen when he first got to New York. He has a Disney different grasp on the leadership and locker room piece of it that I would argue at least based on some of the raw stories that we're getting about Kobe on various podcasts. Maybe he didn't have and not that it was a bad thing but you know, every corner.

[Alan Hahn]

Did we lose Monica?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh no.

[Don Hahn]

Without question we lost her.

[Alan Hahn]

She was making a great point.

[Don Hahn]

While we're trying to get her back, why don't you give us something about a ring?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, of course. Speaking of rings, something about a ring. I want to tell you about Ring's End because now that the season's over, guess what project starting Monday. Boys, here we go. And Ring's End is sending me a beautiful French door that we've been, we ordered, we've been waiting for. Well, the wait is over. It is coming next week to be installed. And Ring's End, by the way, extensive inventory and built the last high end product lines that contractors like my guy Michael rely on. They do it right, they don't do it over. So they have showrooms with products you can touch and feel and try so you know what you're getting. And of course they have eight full service lumber yards. I've told you about those. Connecticut and Westchester county also 12 freestanding paint centers as well. Ring's End family owned and operated since 1902. They have Northeast routes. They support local builders and communities. And by the way, if you can't make it to a store, you can always shop online. Go to ringzend.com that's ringzend.com Monica is back.

[Don Hahn]

So please finish that thought.

[Monica McNutt]

The Kobe thing, right? I just think that combination of that mamba mentality, but also mastering leadership, right? I remember him saying in his first year, like, I try not to talk too much so that when I have something to say, say it resonates, right? Like, that is his style of leadership. But also, you could always point to the example that he sets in terms of his commitment to his craft as an individual and the organization and his teammates. So, I mean, New York really, really lucked up. And one that to me, embodies the, like, chop wood, carry water, lunch pill mentality. Like, not all that glitz and glam, but let's get it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, now. And the crazy thing is, I'll say this about Jalen. He figured out he will never physically be able to become the player Kobe Bryant was, but he figured out the leadership and the character way faster than Kobe did. Kobe needed a decade, you know, maybe. Plus, you know, certainly everything. You know, every Colorado, all of those things that happen in his life before Kobe kind of figured out how to transition into true leader. Not just best player, but true leader. Jalen Brunson, it seems like was is born with that DNA. And Monica, here's one thing I'm curious about. I don't know if you've ever had this conversation with him or if you guys, if you ever will. I found it fascinating that he was saying on Inside the NBA Saturday Night, all the talk that everyone had about Brunson may not be this the guy that he has been surprised by who he's become. He didn't know he would be this guy. Have you ever heard him express anything like that before? Because I thought it was such a. Everyone keeps passing that video around of everyone doubting him. And it sounds like on some level he was like, yeah, I kind of understand why you didn't think I was gonna be this. Cuz it's crazy.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Patrick Ewing]

Yeah.

[Monica McNutt]

I think I've never heard him admit that, but I have heard him say everything that everyone holds against him. And that is why, to your point, he has figured out how to work around, right? It's the Eminem. You know what I'm saying? Eight Mile situation, right? Like, you can't Say it to me, cuz I already said it. And so I think for him, I wouldn't say that he is surprised. He's been and I have to go back and watch the clip, but I would say, and I am this, you guys, I'm surprised that they won a championship this year. Like I felt like Jalen Brunson was a guy that was going to get it done, but I think the way that they did it this year, the dominance that was a part of this run and getting it done, I think that is a bit of a head turner for everybody involved. But as he always says, Patrick is in the work and you cannot doubt that he has not spread the luck, created his own luck by covering as much of the ground as he can in terms of being prepared to win at a high level with his skill set offensively and being able to work around his challenges defensively. Like he set himself up for this to happen and so he's listening. He just, he's just a good dude and I'm really excited to see where this continues to take him.

[Don Hahn]

Monica, final one for me, it's a copycat league. Right. So we going to see teams get away from the tanking, get away from the star chasing or is history going to look at this as oh, like the 04 pistons?

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, this is a one off. We're still going to stick with the way we build teams. Will we see a trend based on what the Knicks have done?

[Monica McNutt]

I think the one trend I don't know how the league might feel is like legitimate conversations around guys taking team friendly deals because that's how you build, right. I think we're now on our eighth champion in eight years, so I don't think it's an outlier. But I do think that the league is structured so that repeating or being a recurring guest in the finals is very, very challenging. And so I'll be really curious to see how things go even with the Knicks completely this offseason. Like there's still some hefty decisions that have to be made. As far as the copycat league piece, I don't know. I think, and this is a conversation for another day, I know this wasn't my last question, but who are the free agents out that you think you could just add at this point and it equals championship? Like I just think we're in a different time in the league. I think you maybe look at your front offices and the relationship that they've had with guys to vouch for what they will bring in terms of not just their individual accountability and what their locker room looks like, but what the whole locker room will look like as opposed to their individual locker. So I think in terms of how you do business, Don, that's where we have an opportunity to see some sort of copycats. But I think we're in a different space in the league that I don't know that you can recreate sort of the starting five, if you will, or this roster as easily as I think people once did.

[Don Hahn]

Now, you didn't cry after the championship, but maybe learning that this is the last time you're gonna be on this season.

[Alan Hahn]

What do you mean? What do you mean she didn't cry?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, she absolutely cried. She was teared up.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh yeah, she got emotional. That's what made it beautiful. That's what made that video so like, that's why it hit so much.

[Don Hahn]

I want to hear. No, she was talking about like bawling. Well, that's what I want right now. Every Wednesday she'd come on, she was given cake for God. Cry for the cake.

[Monica McNutt]

At least say, I am gonna gonna cry for my kids. It's very sad but you know I know where to find you guys as things pop up. Just cuz it's not an official thing doesn't mean I can't call them and

[Don Hahn]

say what that is true. There's going to be things that happen for sure. Have you on. So thank you for that. You were really wonderful to be able to work with us all season long. You always brought it. We really appreciate that. So have a great summer.

[Alan Hahn]

Thanks guys.

[Monica McNutt]

You too. Talk to you soon.

[Don Hahn]

All right, that is Monica McNutt and her report is brought to you by Calandra's Bakery. Calandra's Bakery. Just four simple ingredients and still made by hand since 1962. Available fresh daily at your local supermarket. And buy BetMGM. Own the moment. Make it legendary. Download the BetMGM app today. Please gamble responsibly. Gambling problem. Call--800- GAMBLER you know, recommendations can be great. Maybe someone recommended this podcast and here you are. But home projects are different. If a podcast isn't your thing, you lose a few minutes.

[Alan Hahn]

If you hire your cousin's neighbor to

[Don Hahn]

mount your tv, you might end up with a lopsided screen and wall damage. Maybe I know a guy. Just isn't enough for your home. That's why thumbtack works. It matches you with top rated local pros with photos, reviews and credentials all in one place. For your next home project, try thumbtack. Hire the right pro today. As you know, managing maintenance, repair and operations is never easy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But for the ones who always rise

[Don Hahn]

to the challenge, Grainger has your back.

[Peter Rosenberg]

From professional grade products you can count

[Don Hahn]

on to fast, dependable delivery, they're there to help you keep things running smoothly.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Plus, their technical product specialists are here

[Don Hahn]

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 clickranger.com or just stop by.

[Alan Hahn]

This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome, that's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50 page restoration block. Or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks. Gemini and Chrome is here for it, ready to make anything online make sense. There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required Compatibility and availability Various 18 thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Alan Hahn]

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

[Don Hahn]

Time now for the weekend recap, which is brought to you by Neutrals. I wonder what happened this weekend. Anything happened significantly. Well, and what specifically Saturday, Specifically in San Antonio on ABC, Channel 7. Locally, where the Knicks won their first championship in 53 years. And in a little bit we'll take your phone calls and get your side of everything. But we got a chance to talk to number 33. You jump at it. And Patrick Ewing is nice enough to join us again here on Don Hahn and Rosenberg. Congratulations, man. Just to be able to be a part of that and see that, that must have been spectacular on Saturday.

[Patrick Ewing]

Yes, it was spectacular. Just being there, being a part of it, being able to be up on the stage, see Jalen and the rest of the guys doing their thing. That was a dream come true for myself.

[Alan Hahn]

Getting you to do media twice now with me. I can only imagine what I'm gonna have to now do.

[Patrick Ewing]

Well, yeah, I just told your guy that you owe me big time now.

[Alan Hahn]

Of course I do.

[Patrick Ewing]

You owe me big time. You know, just be ready to just be ready to handy up when I

[Alan Hahn]

say I bet it's I can only imagine like having to follow you around and put a pillow down on your seat, whatever it drive you around town.

[Don Hahn]

Whatever it takes.

[Alan Hahn]

You know what though, Pat? I'm more than happy to do it. The moment that really got me. Like we all Talk about our emotions as we're watching this. Right? And the moment that got me me the most was when Kat found you and you guys had this embrace. I don't know what you were saying to him. You might not even remember what you were saying to him in the moment. But what did that mean for you, that moment right there?

[Patrick Ewing]

You know, it meant a lot. You know, Cat and I have developed a very good friendship over the last two years since I've been back here in New York. I've always picked up the phone and either text him or talk to him about things that I see in terms of his game or what's going on. So we definitely developed a great friendship. And, you know, for him to single me out to celebrate, help me celebrate or be a part of his celebration, that made me feel special. You know, this is something that not only these guys have been dreaming about, but, you know, guys in my era have been dreaming about also. You know, I told tell a story to some of the guys that in 99, I was hurt. I was not able to play. And just sitting there on the bench listening to all the things that were being said in the stands, and me not being able to go out there and help my team to try to bring a championship back to New York. I went on the bus and I broke down, and I just. I couldn't help it. I just started crying. And now fast forward all these years later. You know, now they beat us 4:1 back then, and now we beat them 4:1 this time. So, you know, any cheers this time would be tears of joy. And I thank. And I thank the organization for bringing me back. I thank the team. I thank Jalen for putting on that cape and be able to come away with that win in the game in game five, just sitting there with John and Alan, man, it was special just watching him doing his thing.

[Alan Hahn]

That's amazing to share that from 99 private moment, because it really is now full circle when you think about it. And so many of us were crying that night with you. But if you don't mind, you talked about your connection now with Carl and, you know, reaching out to him at times. You know, I've noticed that Shaq's kind of done that too, a little bit when he's talked to him and he's trying to get in his ear as well. There's a big man fraternity that you guys have, and the position has certainly changed. But what, like, what are the things that you would tell him? What was him? Because he went through a lot this year, I mean, the offense, he wasn't happy. He told me many times privately about his frustrations with the offense, his role, what he does. He's just trying to do what the team wants him to do, but there's more he can do. So he went through a lot this year. How did you keep him locked in? How did you keep him from not getting frustrated? What were the things you were telling him?

[Patrick Ewing]

Well, I mean, most of the things are private, so, you know, I'm not going to share the private, private things, but only thing I used to always tell him is that he has to have a open relationship with coach. He has to be able to talk to him. Whatever he's going through, he has to be able to talk to him. Go. Even if you don't like it, you have to go. You have to go. It has to be an open door policy, especially you and him and Jalen and, you know, they. They were able to work it out. You know, no one else had to get involved. Nobody else had to say or do anything. You know, coach has been around this, Mike has been around this thing for a lot of years, and he knew what buttons to push and how to get his guys to do his thing. But those are just a little bit of things I was talking about. When I see things, if I'm at the game or at home watching it, you know, I always, you know, reach out. But. And also, you know, you got to give Mark Bryant a lot of credit, too. Mark. Mark has done an outstanding job with not only him, but also Mitch. You know, it takes a village, it takes the whole entire team to be able to do what they did. Guys are going to have ups and downs. They were blessed enough to have a guy like Jalen to be able to, you know, take it over when it needs to be taken over. But OG did his part, Mikhail did his part, Josh did his part. You know, Landry did his part. In other series. It takes everyone to be able to do what they did. And you know, San Antonio, man, they're still a talented team. They're going to be a team to be reckoned with in years to come, but this year is our year. And to being up on the stage with Clyde, you know, laughing and joking, slapping five at John, seeing John down there, I mean, we wish that we could have done it when we played, but we're here now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Patrick, the word is, according to Mike Brown, that when the Knicks found themselves down 2:1 against Atlanta, you addressed the team. Obviously, we know how things went after that. They Went on one of the greatest runs in NBA history. Can you tell us anything about what you said to this team when they were down 2:1 to Atlanta?

[Patrick Ewing]

You know, that's between me and those guys, man. You know, I felt there was something that needed to be said and especially somebody who has been in their shoes and was going to try to accomplish what they were trying to accomplish. So I sent my little spiel to them and I was very happy that they were able to overcome and go on that run against Atlanta, because that was a very tough series. We were able overcome, you know, the deficit that they had us in and be able to come away with that win. And now we are world champions. But world champions, baby.

[Alan Hahn]

Sounds amazing, Patrick.

[Patrick Ewing]

They're grooming world champion.

[Don Hahn]

They're grooming Wemby to be the face of the NBA. He did not handle himself great on the court or off at times. Are you willing, as somebody that was in his position 40 years ago to just chalk it up to youth or a character flaw? How would you look at how Wemby handled things here the last few weeks?

[Patrick Ewing]

You can't look at it. How is it going to be a character flaw? The man is what, he's 20 years old, right? Imagine the things that we did when we were 20. You know, you don't make mistakes. It's all about learning from the mistakes that you make and don't repeat them as you get older. He is a gifted young man. He's 747475 with special skills. You know, he made mistakes, so, you know, it's all about learning from it both on the floor and off the floor. And make that's going to make him a better player and a better person as he gets older.

[Alan Hahn]

You had an amazing narrated video when Jalen Brunson was named captain. And I just love that you just be Jalen. And the way, you know, you talked about what it meant to be a leader in New York, what you're going to go through and all those things, and that he just needs to stay and be himself. So you clearly have a close connection with Rick. You guys were teammates, so you know the whole story. You talked about Jalen a little bit earlier on, but just tell me how that feels, that it is very much like a member of the family, Right? Because you saw him as a toddler, you saw him grow up, and now you're seeing him do one of the most amazing closeout road game performances in NBA Finals history. What he was able to do as a guy six two against, you know, Especially that drive against Wembanyama. I mean, his size at Wemby and him scoring like that. So what, like, what are the emotions you feel watching somebody like that, somebody that, you know, went with you to, you know, great adventure and stuff like that, that now is doing something as spectacular as this, you know, it's great

[Patrick Ewing]

being able to see him do his thing. You know, I take my hat off to Rick. I take my head off to mom. His mom. His mom and dad have done an outstanding job of raising a great young man. Not only just a great player, but a great person. I've seen him, you know, I took the team to Jamaica way, way back, and Rick was on that team, and they came on the trip with us. And, you know, I have pictures of both he and my two daughters. He was, I think about 2 years old, them carrying and jailing around on their backs. And, you know, fast forward all these years, I told Rick, I said, if I knew I was going to coach and I knew that Jalen was going to be the type of player that he was or is, I would have been recruiting him from back then so he would not have gone to Villanova and been kicking my butts for all those years that he kicked my butt. But no, just being able to be around him and the family, you know, his grandparents, they're Jamaican, his mom is Jamaican. Just being around them and to see him develop, see him to grow, see him grow, coaching against him, Georgetown, Villanova, and, you know, I remember when he first came to New York and all the negative things that were being said. He's not this. He's not that. Well, he shut all of them up. He shut all of them up. He is a special, special player. And I love to sit there and watch him do his thing, and I love the way he carries himself as well.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, and you just talked about being Jamaican and like, you know, Jamaican culture is so weaved into and Caribbean culture so weaved into this city. And of course, within that, you have a Puerto Rican player and a Dominican player on this Knicks team. What are your thoughts just on all the different special sort of cultural connections, including the Brunsons and Alvarado and Cat and og. There's just so many cool cultural connection points on this team. Right, Patrick?

[Patrick Ewing]

Yes. That's what New York is all about. That's what America is supposed to be all about. You know, this New York is full. Is a city full of immigrants from every walk of life. All nation in this world, and even the United States is filled with people from all over this world. And it's all about them putting together, putting whatever their differences that they have and going out and being better human beings. And I think that these guys have showed the city and show the world. That's what life is. That's what the world is supposed to be. They get along. You're going to have ups, you're going to have downs, but at the end of the day, they came together as a unit. Alvarado did his part. I know he's out there at the Puerto Rican Day parade getting fun after we came back. You know, he got guys from every walk of life out there doing their thing and, you know, and me as a Jamaican from Jamaica, I call myself a Jamaican American. Hey, look, that's what it's all about. That's why my mother and father brought me to this country. That's why Jalen's mom, mom and dad brought their kids to this country. That's why all the other people brought their kids or their family here to make a better life. And I'm happy to see that they are able to be successful and achieve the things that they want to achieve.

[Alan Hahn]

What a great life it is, huh?

[Patrick Ewing]

Yes, it is.

[Don Hahn]

You're the best. Patrick. Thanks for a couple of minutes. We'll talk to you soon.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you so much, man.

[Patrick Ewing]

My pleasure.

[Don Hahn]

That is the great Patrick Ewing. Hard to not get emotional just hearing how he feels about this championship. That was your weekend recap brought to you by neutral. Keep it tasty with neutral vodka made with real vodka and real fruit juice. Enjoy responsibly. Just like the New Jersey Devils bring intensity to the ice, Viking pest control brings that same level of protection to your home. I know this because I use Viking in my own place. The season is over, but pests are always in play. So it's time to lock in your off season defense. As the pest control provider and proud partner of the devils, Viking delivers 45 years of trusted experience to keep ants, cockroaches, stinging insects, rodents, mosquitoes and more out of your zone. Their local team builds a personalized game plan to actually. And it actually works. When you bundle pest control mosquito services, you get big savings. I know this summer is coming. You want to make sure that you've got everything tightened up. One call, one company. Total peace of mind. Visit vikingpest.com protecting your home inside and out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Bonjour, compadre. It's the Priceline negotiator. How do I negotiate so many great travel deals? My greatest gadget, the Priceline app. It's got hotel deals, flight deals, rental car deals, all of those deals in a bundle deals, game day deals, concert trip deals. No one deals more deals than Priceline. Hold your horses. There's more. The app lets you filter hotels by neighborhood vibe, star level and amenities like pools and spas and beachfronts and. Wait, I'm not done. Stop cutting me off.

[Don Hahn]

Ray Ban Meta Glasses Take the friction out of travel. Move through the world with your hands

[Patrick Ewing]

free and your head up.

[Alan Hahn]

Hey, Meta, where's the nearest metro station?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Closest metro to you is Union Square, about three blocks away.

[Don Hahn]

Hey Meta, Text mom. I'm getting on the train now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sending message.

[Patrick Ewing]

Juggle your itinerary.

[Don Hahn]

Take calls and listen to music with open ear audio.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No digging for your phone, no stopping for a map. Just you and your glasses. Ray Ban Meta Iconic Style meets Meta AI.

[Don Hahn]

Available at Walmart and other authorized retailers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Study and play come together on a Windows 11 PC and for a limited time, college students get the best of both worlds. Get the unreal college deal. Everything you need to study and play with select Windows 11 PCs. Eligible students get a year of Microsoft 365 Premium and a year of Xbox Game Pass ultimate with a custom color Xbox wireless controller. Learn [e-mail] studentoffer while supplies last ends June 30th terms at aka Ms. CollegePC.

[Alan Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Alan Hahn]

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

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right? The biggest stage in the world is here, and fanduel's changing the game, baby. Because sometimes your player gets subbed off and your bet goes right with them. All right. But not anymore with FanDuel super sub. If your player is subbed out, your bet stays in. That's right. If your player leaves the match, your bet continues on with the substitute. So you're still in it till the final whistle. Visit FanDuel.com local to get started now. Let the goals. Let there be goals this summer on FanDuel21 plus physically present New York. Probably gambling problem. Call 877 open wire text open wire 467369 and don't forget, if you want to come watch the game with me this Friday, 3 o'. Clock, I'll be at Calandra's Italian Village in Caldwell. Maybe Natalie and Maya with me.

[Don Hahn]

You don't know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know I have some friends coming out, but it was I watched Friday with the one early Andrew Gunley.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, wow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

JJ Devaney no, he's the best and a bit strong. Mike, what do you mean?

[Alan Hahn]

I love jj.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I love jj.

[Alan Hahn]

You don't like jj?

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's a bit. He's like doing. He's doing like a Michael, but he's taking.

[Don Hahn]

Look at me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Who could you be better?

[Don Hahn]

I just said it was a bit.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You just called him the best.

[Alan Hahn]

I thought he was a bit strong.

[Don Hahn]

I like him. He's a nice.

[Alan Hahn]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Terrible thing to do.

[Alan Hahn]

I would watch a soccer game.

[Don Hahn]

I'm just number one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Maybe if we dealt in reality for

[Don Hahn]

five, say, oh, he's the best. You kind of just throw the best. I'm just saying he's a solid guy. I enjoyed his company. It never came to my. The best in what?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hold on.

[Alan Hahn]

Best in watching soccer with.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Do you. Do you really? Hold on. No, Don is pulling a double down. You know what the.

[Alan Hahn]

He's not coming back.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Alan, you and I both know when you refer to someone as the best, you just mean they're a great guy.

[Monica McNutt]

No, it's all the best.

[Don Hahn]

I'm just saying. Oh, he's a cool guy. I like him.

[Alan Hahn]

See what he's doing, though? Now he's just.

[Don Hahn]

No, I'm just not going to stand for it because he's going to throw something out. The value when you actually think somebody is the best. He just threw. Throws that around. I just was. Come on, jj. Devaney's a good guy, but you throw out the best. We'll say, I guess we're just not practicing reality here.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If you're watching.

[Don Hahn]

So I just wanted to know if.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Whether it was.

[Don Hahn]

I wanted to know whether this show was reality or whether we're doing a sitcom.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay, so again, this is now. And all of a sudden I'm in the wrong.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, now you're even. As if we don't know that the phrase he's the best means he's the best.

[Don Hahn]

This is a show that corrects every misstep, every hiccup, and that falls right in line with, what are we doing? Wait a minute.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, that's all. It doesn't. It doesn't.

[Alan Hahn]

He said he was watching soccer. You're like, oh, that's the best guy to watch it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If you were listening real quick. There's a radio show going. You flip on a show. Don and. And two hosts who you're friendly with. You've had a long time relationship with them. Your name comes up and they're chatting and they are. Don legrack is the best. And the other host goes, is he I just said, that's a bit strong. I said, it's a bit strong.

[Alan Hahn]

He's the good.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, he's one of the greats.

[Alan Hahn]

He's the goodest.

[Don Hahn]

Not one of.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, no, one of the best. One of the great.

[Alan Hahn]

He's really good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Anyways. And. And I think one of the best also. I. I don't want to let alike to you. Mike Brownshaw was there also.

[Alan Hahn]

Brownie. Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Free?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, he was paying.

[Alan Hahn]

Geez.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We had some delicious food.

[Alan Hahn]

He's.

[Don Hahn]

He.

[Alan Hahn]

No, no. His claws are out today. No.

[Don Hahn]

Where did you meet him?

[Peter Rosenberg]

We met in Midtown. We went to.

[Don Hahn]

I could have went midtown to get home. Took me three and a half hours ago. I didn't get to the major game until 10, by the way, you really did screw up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because if all things being equal, I told you about this. I said, I'm going to watch the game. And you're like, well, yeah, I'm not going to Midtown. Little did you know, you could have went to the city, stopped in Midtown, had a beer and a cheeseburger like a gentleman. But watch the first half.

[Don Hahn]

This is made up. I was never invited. So why would you say, I'll come to Midtown? There was never an invite. He says, I'm going to see Gutling. I'm just another thing you're doing without mid.

[Alan Hahn]

I remember this conversation once before. I do remember.

[Don Hahn]

Gets habitual. And you know what it is? Is they. No, it's hard to hear. You'll never hear Andrew say, oh, Don, he's one of the greats. Or, hey, Don, Don's the best.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah, he doesn't like you, Don.

[Don Hahn]

Somebody that I tolerated when I worked with him. And one of the perks of not being here anymore is I don't have to throw a token invite.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now, for the record, I'd like to be clear.

[Don Hahn]

I still love him. I don't care. I don't care.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Brownshaw. I don't know about you. I was not invited. I reached out to Andrew and J. I didn't even text you. I texted Andrew and jj, Only my biggest soccer friends. And I said, where are you watching the game on Friday? They said, we decided we're going to this bar. We told our podcast listeners we're going to be there. You want to come? And I said yes. And then when I got there, I walk in there and I see Brown. Are you invited or you do the same thing?

[Don Hahn]

I'm going to second everything that Peter is saying.

[Monica McNutt]

I was not invited.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I reached out.

[Don Hahn]

I didn't know Peter was going to

[Monica McNutt]

be there, so there was no secret.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Impromptu. You know what, Brownshirt, you're the best. We had a great time.

[Don Hahn]

Whether it's planned, whether it's impromptu, I'm never there. And I'm sure that's completely by design.

[Patrick Ewing]

That's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's hurtful.

[Don Hahn]

I don't think that's what I live in reality. Unlike these guys.

[Patrick Ewing]

He's the best.

[Don Hahn]

No, I get it. But I still love him. That's what I'll double down on. I still love Andrew Gunling despite the fact that he despises me. The only thing he'll show up to that I'm in is my funeral. That way he can laugh at my corpse and say, he's finally gone.

[Alan Hahn]

No, he's going to make sure. That's why he's there.

[Don Hahn]

He's going to make sure. Exactly. He's going to make sure. He's on bomb.

[Alan Hahn]

He's only there. Make sure.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, now. Hold on. But I'll still love now. I thought about trolling so bad, by the way. Tell me. This is ingenious. And at this point, we don't have a five o' clock guest, do we?

[Alan Hahn]

We're working on one, but.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But not at five on the dot. We get to call. So starting at 5, we crush calls. We're going to crush calls starting at 5. But tell me this isn't a great troll opportunity that I had.

[Alan Hahn]

What do you got?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I said to Andrew, you know, how's work going? And he said, oh, I'm producing Lana Donovan and Tim Howard's podcast.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, that's good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

US Legends. And I said, how is it? He goes, oh, I mean, we're. No, literally, they're the best. That's direct quote. He went, they're the best. And I said. He said, andrew, I'm going to tell you right now, every part of me wants to text Michael Kirk mid Yankee broadcast and tell him Andrew just told me that he's working with Flannon Donovan and Tim Howard and his words, they are the best hosts he's ever worked at. And I was like, michael will stop Aaron Judge. It could be three, two, two, out to the ninth to Aaron Judge. Michael will take the time to tell me you're dead to him. I know it, but I didn't do

[Don Hahn]

it because he didn't even throw the token. One of no. Very happy to say the best. The best.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I thought Michael, Don and I might be able to let it go. Michael, no. Dead to him.

[Don Hahn]

Absolutely dead. All right, so you heard Peter mention coming up at 5 o'. Clock. It's all about you. 1-800-919-3776. Wanted to get a bunch of guests on people that were there. You know, Patrick Ewing. Thank you for joining us. Tracy Morgan as well, Greeny. But I want to get your emotion. This is about you. This is about the fans, what you did when they won, what you've done this weekend. I just want to hear what emotions ran through your body once that clock zeroed out. Wemby misses the rim rebound. Knicks win first championship in 53 years.

[Alan Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't want to know how the

[Alan Hahn]

sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter

[Peter Rosenberg]

weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8

[Alan Hahn]

80, ESPN, the ESPN News York app and your smart speakers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile with a message for everyone paying big wireless way too much. Please, for the love of everything good in this world, stop with Mint. You can get premium wireless for just $15 a month, of course, if you enjoy overpaying. No judgments. But that's weird. Okay, one judgment anyway. Give it a try. @mintmobile.com Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month. Required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available. Taxes extra seeful terms. @mintmobile.com.