Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg - Hour 2: More Knicks & Thursday Rewrite

Release Date: May 22, 2025

In the second hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the recent New York Knicks playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. This episode, aptly titled "More Knicks & Thursday Rewrite," offers a comprehensive analysis of the Knicks' performance, the team's internal dynamics, and speculative scenarios that could have altered the outcome of their pivotal Game 1.

1. Post-Game Analysis: Knicks vs. Pacers Showdown

Tense Final Minutes and Team Fractures

The episode kicks off with a detailed breakdown of the dramatic conclusion of the Knicks' Game 1 against the Pacers. The Knicks held a commanding 17-point lead with approximately six and a half minutes remaining, but the Pacers orchestrated a remarkable comeback to clinch the victory in the closing moments.

• Peter Rosenberg (00:48): "I had so many people, Peter, so many people. As I'm walking, you know, you leave the building and you see all the fans, and I had to hustle."

• Alan Hahn (01:32): "I went on with Dave and Rick this morning. I heard, and they were giving me a hard time about…"

The tension was palpable as teammates Carl Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby engaged in a heated exchange on the bench during a timeout, spotlighting underlying issues within the team dynamics.

• Don La Greca (02:51): "Listen, Natalie wants me to, I will not rescind and say like, I don't like the Celtics anymore. I'm now a Knicks fan. That would be fraudulent and absurd."

2. Defensive Lapses and Strategic Missteps

Critiquing Player Performance

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the Knicks' defensive shortcomings, particularly in the final minutes of the game. The hosts scrutinize the performances of key players, including Julius Randle (referred to as "Cat") and Jalen Brunson, pointing out missed opportunities and strategic errors.

• Alan Hahn (10:48): "He gets bullied on every pick and roll and… It's obviously hurting the team because, like, you know, OG and Cat are."

• Don La Greca (12:09): "I can imagine so."

The conversation highlights how Brunson's defensive play, which contributed to securing five fouls, adversely impacted the team's ability to maintain their lead.

• Peter Rosenberg (12:02): "He was not playing definitely defense, honestly, because he didn't want to get his sixth foul."

3. The Pacers' Resilience and Strategic Advantage

Indiana's Tactical Prowess

The Pacers' ability to overcome a substantial deficit is lauded, with the hosts acknowledging their mental toughness and strategic execution throughout the postseason.

• Don La Greca (05:29): "They only finished a game behind the Knicks. Their record now over the last 30 games now is 24 and 6."

• Peter Rosenberg (17:07): "Anybody."

The discussion underscores the Pacers' formidable performance, especially in high-pressure situations, contrasting it with the Knicks' unexpected unraveling in Game 1.

4. Viewer and Listener Interactions: Callers Weigh In

Fan Perspectives and Tactical Debates

Several listeners contribute their viewpoints, raising questions about coaching decisions and player responsibilities.

• Caller Patty from Lodi (10:23): "He had the foot on the line, so we're going into overtime."

• Caller Tony from Queens (43:15): "Why not ride that way till the end? That's my first question."

These interactions enrich the conversation, bringing diverse opinions on the Knicks' strategic choices and defensive strategies.

• Peter Rosenberg (45:21): "It's five minutes to go, up 14."

• Don La Greca (46:11): "Maybe save him for if I need him in two minutes and now it becomes the one."

5. Betting Odds and Series Implications

Shifting Predictions and Stakes

The hosts transition to discussing the evolving betting odds following the Pacers' stunning first-game win. They analyze how this alters expectations for the remainder of the series.

• Don La Greca (23:33): "Knicks now have dropped to second favorite to win the third favorite to win the championship."

• Peter Rosenberg (24:37): "They're feeling it."

• Alan Hahn (24:15): "They just made history. Right now you got to make history."

This segment highlights the increased pressure on the Knicks to rebound in subsequent games and the heightened challenge posed by the Pacers' consistency.

6. Thursday Rewrite: Hypothetical Game Scenario

Reimagining Game 1's Climactic Shot

In a creative twist, the hosts engage in the "Thursday Rewrite" segment, where they envision an alternate ending to Game 1 by altering the outcome of a pivotal shot by Tyrese Halliburton.

• Peter Rosenberg (27:02): "And you saw the different back pages, all referencing choking Reggie Miller and Halliburton."

• Don La Greca (30:38): "Let's say it all goes down the way it went down."

They explore how a missed shot would have changed the game's narrative, potentially reinforcing the perception of the Knicks' mental fortitude or shifting blame onto key players like Halliburton.

• Alan Hahn (29:35): "They were the favorites going into the series."

• Don La Greca (30:34): "Halliburton with the choke sign, thinking it's a three, but it's actually a two."

This speculative discussion underscores the thin margins in sports outcomes and their profound impact on team morale and public perception.

7. Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

Looking Ahead to the Series

As the episode wraps up, the hosts emphasize the importance of the upcoming games in the series, urging the Knicks to capitalize on their strengths and rectify their recent shortcomings.

• Peter Rosenberg (52:07): "This is all little things. But I wanted to show it was absolute chaos."

• Don La Greca (52:07): "You need to come back with a win. An emphatic win that can make you believe that could shut them up."

They express cautious optimism, recognizing the Knicks' potential to turn the series around while acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by the Pacers.

Notable Quotes:

• Don La Greca (16:42): "Tell you, stop blaming and start giving credit."

• Peter Rosenberg (37:00): "How could you not be audible at that moment?"

• Alan Hahn (22:09): "Billy Crystal just texted me, okay, that's drop."

Conclusion

Hour 2 of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" offers an in-depth and engaging exploration of the New York Knicks' playoff performance, dissecting both the on-court events and the off-court dynamics that influence the team's trajectory. Through expert analysis, listener engagement, and creative speculation, the hosts provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the Knicks' current standing and the road ahead in their quest for championship glory.

For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights shared by ESPN New York's legend Don La Greca, broadcaster Alan Hahn, and Hip Hop veteran Peter Rosenberg, ensuring fans remain informed and engaged with the latest Knicks narratives.