Hour 3: Aaron Judge Update & Knicks

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg (ESPN New York)

Episode: Hour 3: Aaron Judge Update & Knicks
Date: June 5, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg dives into the New York sports scene, centering on two headline stories: the latest update on Yankees star Aaron Judge’s injury and the Knicks’ historic NBA Finals run. The hosts—Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg—discuss Judge’s timeline and the implications for the Yankees, while also analyzing the Knicks’ resilience, Jalen Brunson’s ascent, and the cultural significance of the team's Finals appearance. Throughout, the show is a lively blend of analysis, storytelling, and banter, shaped by insightful callers and memorable anecdotes.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Aaron Judge’s Injury Update and Impact on Yankees

• Timeline and Injury Details

  • Judge’s rib fracture originated from a dive for a ball in Texas on April 20th; he played through pain until it became unbearable in Sacramento.
  • He’s not talking about return timelines—expected re-evaluation in 4-6 weeks; “best case” is an early August return, “worst case” is possibly September, after a lengthy ramp-up and rehab.

    “If it’s the maximum, that’s a month and a half from now… we’re talking somewhere around the All-Star break.” — Don Rosenberg (04:27)

• Why Judge Played Hurt

  • Judge felt obligated to stay on the field due to other injuries on the roster (notably Giancarlo Stanton); he chose the team over his own health.
  • Alan Hahn reflects on the dilemma:

    “He didn't want to leave the team like that. I didn't want to say anything.” — Alan Hahn (04:09)
    “But at the same time, did he hurt himself even more with that, too?” — Don Rosenberg (04:14)

• Looming Playoff Impact

  • There's concern over Judge’s readiness and potential effectiveness if he returns; fans’ expectations may not allow for rust or limited play.

    “When you get to the playoffs and he's 0 for 4 with three strikeouts, you're not going to want to say, 'Well, you know, he did miss three months.' Nobody wants to hear that.” — Alan Hahn (05:05)

• Long-Term Health and Role

  • Ongoing debate: Can Judge and the Yankees afford for him to keep playing high-risk outfield defense, or should he transition to designated hitter (DH) soon?

    “Sometimes you just got, you know, discretion is the better part of valor... maybe don't dive for that. You know, you're six-seven. No, when you dive, you get hurt.” — Don Rosenberg (07:21)
    “No, you can't do that. If that enters your mind, don't play at all.” — Alan Hahn (07:58)

• Next-Man-Up Mentality

  • Focus turns to prospects Spencer Jones and Jasson Domínguez:

    “If you're Spencer Jones, your Yankee future is right now. Whether or not you're going to become a Yankee long term, it's right here in front of you.” — Alan Hahn (09:09)

  • The hosts agree: Judge is irreplaceable, but the Yankees’ depth, especially in a weak American League, gives hope.

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2. Knicks in the NBA Finals: Analysis and Atmosphere

• Historic Opportunity

  • Knicks are up 1–0 vs. the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. The hosts and callers analyze just how close the team is to a championship.

    “If the Knicks are able to win this game and take a two nothing series lead, it would take history for the Knicks not to win the title. I mean, that's how close this is. You can taste it.” — Don Rosenberg (10:36)

• Caller Confidence & Key Matchups

  • Quincy predicts a sweep: “I really feel confident this will not go past five games if they win tonight. The Knicks are the better team. They're super well rounded defensively… they can sweep this young team in the Spurs. It's gonna be bedlam at the Garden.” (12:15–13:25)

• Jalen Brunson: Disrespected Star

  • Ongoing assertion that, despite facing series “best players” (Mitchell, Maxey, Wembanyama), Brunson is the one rising to the occasion:

    “Everybody’s better than Jalen Brunson until it’s time to be better than Jay.” — Alan Hahn (14:01)

• Trophy Anxiety: The Brunson Example

  • Alan Hahn shares a unique story: Brunson refused to be photographed or do interviews near the Larry O’Brien trophy before the Finals—a sign of focus and superstition.

    “Brunson wouldn't do any interview near the trophy. Get it out of the room. I love that he said, I don't even want to be in the room.” — Alan Hahn (14:23–16:07)

• Team vs. Superstar Culture

  • Steve (caller) and hosts discuss: The Knicks’ strength is their identity as a cohesive, selfless team—contrasting with the narrative that their opponents always have the more “talented” player.

    “The Knicks are the better team here, and it's not about the better player. Brunson is a better captain because he is willing to do whatever it takes and has shown that.” — Steve (Caller) (27:12)

• Experience vs. Youth

  • Knicks are a veteran squad seizing a rare window; Spurs are youthful and potentially poised for future dominance. The hosts highlight the difference in “desperation” and awareness between a hungry, older team and an up-and-coming roster.

    “There's a different desperation when you're a team that has older guys who...might never be this close again.” — Alan Hahn (31:07)

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3. Cultural Impact and Ratings Boom

• Massive Viewership

  • Game 1 of Knicks-Spurs drew an average of 16.9 million viewers, peaking at 19 million—90% higher than last year’s Game 1 (Pacers/Thunder).

    “90% year to year. 90%. Now I'm thinking like second…” — Don Rosenberg (23:53)

• The Power of Knicks and Wemby

  • Huge ratings reflect the draw of both the Knicks (historic franchise, big market) and Spurs’ wunderkind Victor Wembanyama.

• Business & Media Angle

  • “Winning is good for business. Especially at this level and especially since it's been 53 years since the Knicks won.” — Alan Hahn (26:51)

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4. Knicks’ Historic Context and Team-Building Lessons

• Comparisons to Classic Teams

  • Keith (caller), a lifelong Knicks fan, says this current squad is the most impressive he’s seen—even more than the revered 1969 and 1973 championship teams.

    “This 12-game run, I don't think I've ever seen a Knicks team that has looked like this, and that includes the 69 team.” — Keith (Caller) (36:52)

• Draft Cautionary Tales

  • Alan discusses how player development and valuation puzzles even the best organizations:

    “If you're a Dallas Mavericks fan, it's tough to watch this Finals because you drafted in the same year, Luka Doncic, and…Jalen Brunson. And neither one of them are on your team anymore.” — Alan Hahn (40:36)

  • The lesson: focus on player intangibles and adapt, rather than relying solely on draft pedigree.

• Finding Hidden Gems

  • Example: Jose Alvarado, acquired by the Knicks in a series of minor trades, instantly became a key energy guy.

    “You take something that didn't work… and turn it into a piece that fit epically from the day he walked in.” — Alan Hahn (45:54)

  • Intangibles and fit matter as much as raw athleticism or draft status.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Jalen Brunson’s rise:

  “Everybody’s better than Jalen Brunson until it’s time to be better than Jay.”
  — Alan Hahn (14:01)

• On Aaron Judge’s leadership:

  “He didn't want to leave the team like that. I didn't want to say anything.”
  — Alan Hahn (04:09)

• On context for Knicks’ run:

  "This 12 game run, I don't think I've ever seen a Knicks team that has looked like this, and that includes the 69 team."
  — Keith (Caller) (36:52)

• On team vs. superstar culture:

  “The Knicks are the better team here, and it's not about the better player. Brunson is a better captain because he is willing to do whatever it takes…”
  — Steve (Caller), (27:22)

• On ratings and relevance:

  “That's the power of the Knicks. And Wemby.”
  — Don Rosenberg (25:00-25:05)

• On Brunson’s singular focus:

  “Brunson wouldn't do any interview near the trophy. Get it out of the room.”
  — Alan Hahn (14:23)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Aaron Judge Update & Yankees Impact: 03:10–10:36
• Knicks Finals Advantages, Brunson Respect & Trophy Rituals: 11:40–16:31
• Caller Analysis: Team vs. Star Power, Defensive Strategy vs. Wemby: 27:12–31:07
• Viewership Ratings Discussion: 22:38–26:34
• Most Impressive Knicks Teams Ever: 36:25–38:43
• Drafting & Team-Building Lessons (Mavs, Doncic, Brunson, Alvarado): 40:36–47:25

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Summary

The episode captures New York’s fervor for sports at a historic moment: the Yankees navigating life without Aaron Judge and the Knicks on the brink of breaking a half-century championship drought. Wit, warmth, and wisdom resonate throughout as Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg bounce between analytical rigor and the joys of fandom. Whether it’s Judge’s warrior mentality, the cerebral leadership of Jalen Brunson, the surging national interest, or the evolution of team-building strategies, this hour is a love letter to both the moment and the broader story of New York sports.

If you missed the episode, this summary brings you the debates, big stories, and cultural flavor—minus the ads and promos.

Transcript

[Alan Hahn]

So good, so good, so good.

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[Don Hahn]

This is the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Rosenberg]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Don Hahn]

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

[Don Rosenberg]

Game time is brought to you by Tullamardu Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, guys. Game time is brought to you by Tullimardo Irish Whiskey Whiskey, Whisk, Wick, wick, wick. Whisk, whisk, whisk Whiskey.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Keith (Caller)]

Oh wow.

[Alan Hahn]

That's new.

[Don Rosenberg]

That is new.

[Alan Hahn]

That was new.

[Don Rosenberg]

It's Tully time. We've got the Knicks and the spurs game two coverage immediately following us with an extended pregame Hosted by Pat O' Keefe at 7. Mets and Padres could be heard on 1050 at 9 o' clock and all the games, any conflicts between the two will be Mets on 1050, Knicks on 880 and the Yankees and Red Sox. First pitch at 7:05. Tullimore. Due the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast mature at Irish Whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullimore Dew. We try the new Tullimore Dew, honey, during today's action. Glasses up to enjoying Tullamore responsibly. Responsibly. Now Kofi is.

[Alan Hahn]

Kofi's the best.

[Don Rosenberg]

Got some stuff for us.

[Alan Hahn]

He's the best. According to an article that he found doing his searching, Kofi's like AI, basically. You know what I mean? Kofi Gemini or. Or any of the others. According to an article that he presented here from the Charlotte Checkers website, Rick D. Pietro's last appearance was a 26 save performance. And if 43 loss to Rockford, Rockford was not San Antonio.

[Don Rosenberg]

And I want to give Suffering Jim some credit because he sent me the game by game from the Checkers that year. Okay, Rick was wrong. His last road game was in San Antonio on November 2nd where he took the loss in that one. His last three games were all in Charlotte. Two against Hershey, the last one on November 24th. Kofi's right was in Rockford. So Rick was wrong that it was. His last game was in San Antonio. But he was not wrong in the sense that his last road Game. Road game was in San Antonio.

[Alan Hahn]

Maybe that's what he meant last time he was. Had to play on the road.

[Don Rosenberg]

He wasn't wrong. So that goes Back to the 2013.

[Alan Hahn]

Look at. Look at the one picture there. Did you see the one picture of him?

[Don Rosenberg]

He looks like the Wolf man there.

[Alan Hahn]

He. That's how I found him. I'm not. I'm not joking. I have a picture of us when we did a couple of shows at night at the very beginning, when I. I dragged him out of the basement, said, just come on. Just come on, let's do this. And he's sitting in the studio and he has the beard and the long hair. And I remember. Remember Buddy Christ from Dogma?

[Don Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

I used to call him Buddy Christ. And then I bought, like, a little miniature statue and we would put it up next to him. And then he cleaned up pretty good since then, didn't he?

[Don Rosenberg]

He did. He cleaned up very well. And so he was right and wrong. Also should mention that George Castillo, who covers baseball for us here at espn, spoke to Aaron Judge, who addressed the media, or at least he tweeted what Aaron Judge had to say. When Judge talked to the media, he said he didn't want to talk about timelines. He said the injury stems from him diving for a ball in Texas on April20.

[Alan Hahn]

Wow. That's like the first month of the season.

[Don Rosenberg]

Yeah. He said he played through pain, but it became unbearable over the weekend in Sacramento. So it's not from him colliding into the wall when he wins. It was actually in. That took about a month into the season because, remember, they started in late March.

[Alan Hahn]

So he's playing through this,

[Don Rosenberg]

playing through it until the pain was just too much.

[Alan Hahn]

He played through it, and I saw. He said his reasoning for playing through it was because there was other injuries, especially with G. With st.

[Grainger Announcer]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

And he felt like, I just didn't want to leave the team like that. I didn't want to say anything.

[Don Rosenberg]

And that's much appreciated. But at the same time, did he hurt himself even more with that, too?

[Steve (Caller)]

So

[Alan Hahn]

I. How do you feel? I don't love it.

[Don Rosenberg]

Well, see, he's not talking timelines because, again, the timeline is to get reevaluated in four to six weeks. So if it's the maximum, that's a month and a half from now. We're already beginning of June, so we're talking about somewhere around the All Star break. Coming of the All Star break, he'll be reevaluated, and then we'll See how he's progressed. They may say, okay, he'll be able to play another month from now. Even if they clear him, he'll still have to get ramped back up again because he hadn't played in six weeks. So I think best case scenario, sometime early in August. Worst case scenario, as you said, it might be, you know, in September because he's going to have to go through rehab.

[Alan Hahn]

That's exactly the part I'm talking about. So, yeah, you know, when do you get him back and when is he, himself, himself again from ramp up? Because you gotta think he can't throw a ball and he can't swing a bat. If you have, right, a rib fracture, you gotta leave it, leave it alone, let it heal. And so with all that in mind, when you get to the postseason, what is he going to be and how much are people gonna allow for it? You know, you know how we are. You get to the playoffs and he's over four with three strikeouts, you're not going to want to say, well, you know, he did miss three months or he did miss two months. Nobody wants to hear that. That's what I worry about. It's another, it could be another year ripp off the calendar for a player that is. Look, he's a great player and he's also, by all, by everything that we know, he's a phenomenal human being. Why would you not want to see him have one year of just great success, to have that glory? And, and I just, I'd hate to see this happen where it's another year off the calendar that he can't have.

[Don Rosenberg]

But you know, listen, I know it's a nick today, but this is not nobody. This is Aaron Judson. Very important is. Dude, he should have silenced it last year. He raked in the postseason last year.

[Alan Hahn]

They didn't win though.

[Don Rosenberg]

Don team wasn't good enough to win, but they didn't give me a break.

[Alan Hahn]

You know, it has to co sign.

[Don Rosenberg]

But just think about. You're right. You're 100% right. I'm a big fan of his, but think about how ridiculous that is. So let's say he comes back in September, he's a shell of himself, doesn't have a great World Series, but the Yankees win. Now that, now it's okay. He's got the ring. So, like, listen, I understand he's had his struggles in the postseason, but he did a great job, wasn't he? He's not. They didn't beat the Blue Jays last year.

[Alan Hahn]

I, I am aware and and it

[Don Rosenberg]

would be terrible if he ends up being the one great Yankee outside of Dom Madag.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, he would never rank. Yeah, but he liked Don Mattingly.

[Don Rosenberg]

People have to realize that it's a lot harder to win than it was back in the day when Mickey mantle and Joe DiMaggio and Yogi Berra rattling up championship after.

[Alan Hahn]

Or when you were able to buy those guys.

[Don Rosenberg]

Yeah, those guys were able to, you know, win the American League. They're instantaneously in the World Series. Now I gotta play Wild Card round possibly. And even if I don't, divisional round League Championship Series before I even World Series.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don Rosenberg]

You know, so. But again, I think the better topic of conversation is what do you do with him playing in the outfield? And maybe, maybe we split the difference. You believe, you know, you got to be out there. He's a great defender. I'm thinking sooner or later he's going to have to become a dh, but. And this, this pains me to say, but sometimes you just got, you know, discretion is the better part of valor. Like, I know you're a great player and you want to dive and make every game winning play. You know, if the Yankees are up five, nothing in the seventh, maybe don't dive for that. You know, you're six, seven. No, when you dive, you get hurt.

[Alan Hahn]

No way.

[Don Rosenberg]

All right?

[Alan Hahn]

No, you can't do that. He stop. If that enters your mind, don't play at all.

[Don Rosenberg]

Well then. But that's what you got to look at, man, because this is now the third time. I understand it was a fluke situation, but this is the second time he's gotten hurt diving for a ball. All right.

[Alan Hahn]

There's another part of the story that is now worth following, at least for the short term. And as a Yankee fan, you hope maybe for the long term. What that part of the story is, is Spencer Jones, right. This is his chance.

[Don Rosenberg]

And Dominguez too.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don Rosenberg]

But Spencer Jones for sure.

[Alan Hahn]

I mean, he's. He is literally the big bat who, if he can get hot, we know he can. He can hit for power. And to me, this is the time right now that he has to take advantage of. You got to look at in Yankee history when key players have gotten hurt, when the young player comes up and gets an opportunity. Yeah. I always go back to when Mattingly got hurt. Kevin Moss came in and Kevin had himself a hell of a finish to the season, right. And he became like a. He was a meteor. He wasn't quite somebody that stayed, not at all. But, you know, Lou Gehrig once came up and did a pretty good job replacing a guy that everybody remembers named Wally Pip.

[Don Rosenberg]

Wally Pip, right.

[Alan Hahn]

It's something in Yankee history though, that that does happen. So I'm wondering, do we, you know, I really want to watch because if you're Spencer Jones, your Yankee future is right now. Well, whether or not you're going to become a Yankee long term, he's right here in front of you. Can he take advantage?

[Don Rosenberg]

Understood. But it's an opportun for Jones. It's an opportunity for Dominguez. Other guys are going to have to step up and I'm sure the Yankees will feel like they're going to have to make a deal. But people have to understand there is no one you could trade for. There is no one you can call up that can replicate what Aaron Judge can give you. Not at all. And so that is why it's a loss. But I think it's one they can overcome. The American League is not strong. They've got Bellinger, they've got Rice, who's playing unbelievable. We're a week away from Stanton coming back. And if they get to the postseason, even without Judge, Stanton does well in the postseason like so they, they're this is not 2023 where you're going to finish 500 be dead.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, you know, I, I the outfield, he wasn't so terrible.

[Don Rosenberg]

I mean they have this is a

[Alan Hahn]

good and baseball and Volpe has been very interesting too. With Volpe, you know, being very capable, kind of finding himself again at the plate, you know, the options now become a little more available to Aaron Boone. And I just say this team used to win because they hit for power and could score a lot of runs. This year, especially with your biggest offensive we this could be the year where they win because they shut you down.

[Don Rosenberg]

Right. And that's why I think there's a good team and they will survive it as far as, you know, a chance to get into the playoffs, still win this division and maybe make a run in the playoffs. But if they want to lift that, you know, get that championship, they're going to need Judge to be right and we'll see if and when that's going to be the case. So if you want to talk about that, that's certainly on the table as well. 1-800-9193776, but it is game two in San Antonio. Knicks are up one nothing. And as you heard Al before we went to break, there's never been a team to win the NBA title after losing the first two games at home. So the spurs would literally have to make history if they lose the game tonight. That's how close this is. If the Knicks are able to win this game and take a two nothing series lead, it would take history for the Knicks not to win the title. I mean, that's how close this is. You can taste it. They're three away. A win would be two away. Coming home Monday, boy, that would really be something. 1-800-919-3776, Quincy in Hillsboro. Start the 5 o' clock hour here on Don Allen Rosenberg.

[Quincy (Caller)]

Gentlemen, what is going on? Hope you're having a happy Friday so far.

[Don Rosenberg]

You're gonna go watch the game at Fatso Fogarty? Not Fatso, at. Why am I now I'm vegging on the name of the restaurant. Hillsboro. What's the matter with me? You know what I'm talking about.

[Alan Hahn]

I gotta do.

[Quincy (Caller)]

Actually, I don't. I'm.

[Don Rosenberg]

That is bad job out of Old man RA. Old Man Rafferty's that. Thank you. Thank you. You watching at Old man Rafferty? Huh?

[Quincy (Caller)]

No, no, I got to stay with the kids, man. Next time you're at Old man, I

[Alan Hahn]

hope I catch you get you a drink.

[Don Rosenberg]

There you go.

[Alan Hahn]

Nice.

[Quincy (Caller)]

But Don Breen is a class act. I guarantee you he's forgiven you. He hasn't forgotten, but he's forgiven you on that of 3233 with Patrick New and that's for sure. Han, you asked for a prediction. I think OG is going to get a huge block on Wemby tonight and it is going to take all or any momentum that the spurs have and it is just going to shut them down. I was trying to call you guys to let you guys know I really think the Knicks could sweep. I really feel confident that this will not go past five games if they win tonight. Like you guys said, it would take history for the spurs to actually win the series. The Knicks have been playing way too good a basketball even in the previous series. You could say with the Cavs, Donovan Mitchell, you can say the Sixers, Tyrese Maxey. And you can definitely say with the Spurs, Wemby. These other teams have had the better player. The Knicks are the better team. They're super well rounded defensively. They can help their offense. And if they're clicking on offense, they're really, really hard to stop. I really, truly think that they can sweep this young team in the spurs. And it's going to be bedlam, bedlam at the Garden.

[Alan Hahn]

I can't Even imagine it. I like the confidence. I do want to though. You know, it's funny what he just said. And it just becomes this thing, you know, Sixers had the better player in Maxey. Cavs had the better player in Donovan. Now the spurs have the better play in Wembanyama. Are we that short? No, like, like, like, are we that sure?

[Don Rosenberg]

Well, you're a hater now that we

[Alan Hahn]

just keep doing this, that every series they have the better player. Do they though? Because it's. When it. Will it take him holding the Larry o' Brien for people to stop doing this?

[Don Rosenberg]

Well, that's what Jayla Brunson fortunate. But that's what's going.

[Alan Hahn]

I use this line. It's a line that they use a lot on social media. And I, I think it's a really great line to say and I use it on get up the other morning and I said everybody's better than Jalen Brunson until it's time to be better than Jay.

[Don Rosenberg]

Right, right.

[Alan Hahn]

And that's really going on here. And yet we, we still do this. Well, he's not the best player in the series. Are we sure? Because he did look like it in game one.

[Don Rosenberg]

Say whatever you want.

[Alan Hahn]

But no, I, I'm not saying that I'm mad about it, but I'm saying it just at some point it doesn't become true anymore. And that's what I'm wondering did you also see as a hockey guy, you'll love this. So abc, ESPN does their sit downs with all the players before the finals. The Larry o' Brien is in the room and it's usually right next to the player as they're talking. Brunson wouldn't do any inter near the trophy. Get it out of the room. I love that he said, I don't even want to be in the room.

[Don Rosenberg]

I thought about it and that's.

[Alan Hahn]

A lot of players don't think. They just sit down next to it. They look at it sometimes they'll hold it. They. I remember promos where players are holding the trophy.

[Don Rosenberg]

Well, they're looking at it. There is what they're won't even touch it. One of.

[Alan Hahn]

He won't even be in the room with it.

[Don Rosenberg]

One of the times.

[Alan Hahn]

What do you think of that?

[Don Rosenberg]

I love it. But one of the times during game one, I don't know what's coming in and out of break. There's a graphic they show Wemby and they were showing Cat.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don Rosenberg]

And they're both hugging the trophy. The trophy. Yeah. I don't know if that's AI or whether they actually did take pictures holding the trophy.

[Alan Hahn]

Now, in the past, I remember seeing those promos where a player's holding it, looking at it, smiling, as if, like, they're saying, this is something that you want. Right? Like, it's something people covet. And you're looking at like, I want to have you one day. And so I don't know if it's AI Although I guess ABC admitted they did use some AI Photos, like as. As promos also from games where they took a. Took a photo and made it come to life and use AI But I don't know if those were, because I have seen that in the past. But the fact that Brunson just refused, like, like, no, we're gonna do this. You're gonna. You're gonna hold the trophy. No, I'm not. I'm not touching it. I don't want any pictures of me with that trophy in my hand until Adam hands it to me.

[Don Rosenberg]

Yeah, I love it.

[Alan Hahn]

And that's it. And I think that's kind. It just shows you how. Like the video of him that ABC caught as the game ended, he did his walk off with Lisa and then he went down the. Did you see the look on his face? He looked like a stone cold killer. He just won game one of the NBA Finals, and the look on his face was as if he was ready. Just what's the next. Like he's so locked in right now.

[Don Rosenberg]

I think it's so easy, especially in this sport, where to be content with being the man and being the star, that they're just. They're dedicated, they want the championship. That is the most important thing. It's not about anything else but that. Nothing about being a superstar. It's not about anything else but that. And I think that's. Listen, it doesn't. You still got to be good. You still got to go out and you got to execute. Of course. You know, and. And listen, I love the talk about a sweep and all. You don't have to sweep to win the championship here.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay. No.

[Don Rosenberg]

And I'll be interested to see if there is a loss in their future. Obviously it's not going to matter other than not getting the chance to clinch at home if it's a gentleman sweep. Right. But I was telling you off the air, the only time I saw you were. You were talking off the air with Steve about the math of if they win tonight, they may get 13 straight wins. In order for them to win the title, you'd have to go from 13 straight wins to like literally dropping four of the next five. Yeah, like, and like, how can that happen? The only time I could think of, of top of my head is the O coming out of the lockout. The 0506 Devils, they won the last 11 games in the regular season and swept the Rangers in the first round. So they went into the second round against Carolina with a 15 game winning streak. They lost that series in five. And if I'm not mistaken, I believe they were down 3, 0 in one game.

[Steve (Caller)]

Four.

[Don Rosenberg]

So went from winning 15 straight game to losing three straight and then losing one of the next two.

[Alan Hahn]

Like, that's one of those. As fast as it happens, it, it can end and that's.

[Don Rosenberg]

And again, it's matchups. Right.

[Alan Hahn]

But, but wouldn't you also think that's the urgency that like, because sometimes a winning streak will give you complacency and early in a playoffs you might not yet be as like, hey, we're right here. That's why I think the Knicks are dangerous with this streak now because they've gotten this far. There'. You can't be compl. You could in the second round. You could be complacent because it's still the second round. It's early. You don't let a loss bother you. When you get this far and you're that close, I can't imagine any of that sets in. I think it almost galvanizes you even more to feel like, guys, we're three more. I think we can do three more, right? Yeah, I do think it almost galvanizes you even more when you get this close. If this was early in the playoffs and like, like you said, you f. Finish the season on a run and then you start this the, the playoffs on a run, there could be a moment in the second round where it's just like, you know, we had a bad game. I wasn't feeling it, like, whatever it is. But when you're like, It's June, it's 93 degrees where like we're on this run and we're, we're. That guy can almost touch it. We're that close to it. It's in the other room.

[Steve (Caller)]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Trophies in the other room. I don't know how there's any type of a fallback into bad habits to where you put you string together losses. That's why I was, you were shocked at me about how confident I was in that series. I know you were.

[Don Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And I said to my, I said to you, they won game. I said, they're winning the series easy. And then you're right. I said the series was over. Then came into this series and everybody's always like, how do you feel? How do you feel? I said, no, no, it's not. I don't even care who they play, whoever is in front of them, it's not going to matter because they look like a team that just is on. They're on a mission right now and they're so close to completing it.

[Don Rosenberg]

I'm going to tell you how much. The Knicks in the finals centers to the nation. Okay, Warrior calls at 1-800-919-3776. Donna Rosenberg till 7:00 in our coverage of game two next on ESPN.

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[Alan Hahn]

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[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

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

[Don Rosenberg]

Front of a huge crowd here at Stout. Getting ready for game two tonight. Our coverage will begin with Pat O' Keefe at 7:00'. Clock. So ESPN PR sent this out. We have the rating for game one ratings.

[Alan Hahn]

Okay.

[Don Rosenberg]

I don't know if you saw this.

[Alan Hahn]

No, I did not. Very curious.

[Don Rosenberg]

So what do you think the. The number was as far as how many people watched game one on Wednesday?

[Alan Hahn]

We're going to peak at like, what, 12, 10? Did we get the 10?

[Don Rosenberg]

Oh, you got the 10. The average viewership was 16.9. The peak was 19.19. So for a game one, but it's Knicks and Spurs, it's Wemby and it's the Knicks, right?

[Alan Hahn]

Right. Yep.

[Don Rosenberg]

But here's what shocked me. Now, we know last year was kind of a dud as the matchup was concerned. Great series between the Pacers and the Thunder went seven. But coming off everything like Pacers, when everybody thought it was going to be the Knicks and the Thunder had won a championship. Yet two small markets. What do you think the percentage was better than Game one last year. How much higher? Give me a percent.

[Alan Hahn]

Game one Thunder, Pacers.

[Don Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, that's got to be a solid 40%.

[Don Rosenberg]

40% higher. How about 90%?

[Alan Hahn]

What?

[Don Rosenberg]

90% year to year? 90%. Now I'm thinking like second,

[Alan Hahn]

I'm not that good at math, so help me out with what that Game one number would have been then.

[Don Rosenberg]

Well, so. So basically you're looking at 10%.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don Rosenberg]

Of 17.

[Steve (Caller)]

Yeah.

[Don Rosenberg]

Put you at like 1.7.

[Alan Hahn]

That's why I can't believe that.

[Don Rosenberg]

Now, what's here. Here's what blows me away. We got the numbers for game one. Golden Knights, Hurricane. That was a good number, 4.8 for hockey. It's amazing. It's been in two small markets and it's Carolina.

[Alan Hahn]

Right, Right.

[Don Rosenberg]

You know, obviously Vegas, obviously they're getting the bump from the Olympics. Right. So if you got like a Rangers Blackhawks final, you would get what, three times that.

[Alan Hahn]

And it was on ABC last.

[Don Rosenberg]

On abc last. Last year was on tnt.

[Alan Hahn]

There you go. I think it's the power abc.

[Don Rosenberg]

But. But what I'm Saying is. Is that ABC got 4.8, right?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don Rosenberg]

So that means it would have doubled. More than doubled.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don Rosenberg]

What Thunder would have done.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don Rosenberg]

Like. And then.

[Alan Hahn]

Which is wild.

[Don Rosenberg]

There's a lot of people watching. Sp just saw that. That. That's the power of the Knicks. And Wemby.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes. Oh, no, he's. He's an attraction. There's no question. I love watching him play. But, you know, that's why tonight I think he's going to. He's such a competitor. It's going to be real interesting to see how he plays tonight and what he brings with those numbers of Game one numbers. What do you think game three could do then? Because it's at the Garden. And so people are going to just be curious. And don't you think you're drawn to Monday night at the Garden tonight because it's a Friday night. Might do a good number too, if you think about it. But if you got 19 PE16 average for game one on a Wednesday, what do you think you're gonna get either on a Friday night or what do you think you're gonna get Game three on a Monday night where, you know, the game is in New York City at a place everybody knows the place, the number.

[Don Rosenberg]

I think Friday hurts just because I think that people. People are watching together more Friday, like a weekend.

[Alan Hahn]

All right.

[Don Rosenberg]

But if you get this series one one coming back to the Garden for a game three, and as this series goes on, the numbers should get only bigger. Right? Talking about numbers. And it's the Highest rated game one since 2018.

[Alan Hahn]

2018 was the. 2019 was Golden State. Right. And 2018 was the other Golden State win.

[Don Rosenberg]

Right. So this is Golden State. You see, talking about LeBron James. Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And that's right.

[Don Rosenberg]

Curry.

[Alan Hahn]

That was Curry and LeBron James.

[Don Rosenberg]

So, you know, pretty incredible numbers for both the hockey and the basketball.

[Alan Hahn]

That was the second title for the Warriors.

[Don Rosenberg]

All good for a coming. This is the time to ask for a raise.

[Alan Hahn]

Right.

[Don Rosenberg]

Because all these games are on abc.

[Alan Hahn]

I'll go after. I'll go after you go, Don.

[Don Rosenberg]

Well, no, I'll just say, listen, you guys are. Must be making some money. Look at all the people that are watching these games.

[Alan Hahn]

Yep.

[Don Rosenberg]

It's good for business.

[Alan Hahn]

I always like to say that everybody talks about how all the media, they only like it when a team loses.

[Steve (Caller)]

Wrong.

[Alan Hahn]

Winning is good for business.

[Don Rosenberg]

Yeah. But especially at this level and especially since it's been 53 years since the Knicks won. So let's hear from you, Ian, with Anthony Pixick. Coming up at 6 o'. Clock, 1-800-919-3776. Let's go back to the busy phones, talk to Steve in California. You're on esp. New York. What's up, Steve?

[Alan Hahn]

Hey, guys.

[Steve (Caller)]

Again, always a pleasure to be able to speak with you. These are exciting times.

[Don Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Steve (Caller)]

You asked us to come with something specific, Alan.

[Alan Hahn]

Yep.

[Steve (Caller)]

And so after, after listening to Novocaine, I actually changed what I was gonna say. I felt that in game one, that really defended Wembayana really well and that the Knicks would go to that. But when Steve said that he thought that they would attack him and look to get foul on him, that I would look to throw everybody on him, I would mix it up so not let them know what they're facing defense wise. And the other thing Steve said was that the Knicks just have to be themselves. And the way Mike Brown has coached them, that means anything. They need to be just like he said they don't want to be, but that's who they are. If they need somebody to take advantage of this matchup, that's what they're going to do. If they need to play this style and they're going to look to find whatever flaws there are, regardless of who's on the court, it doesn't matter. Even if they lose tonight, it won't be because they're not prepared. It's because they missed shots or made shots the other way. The Knicks are the better team here, and it's not about the better player. Brunson is a better captain because he is willing to do whatever it takes and has shown that. And when you're at that championship level, it's really important to do that. That team has been together now for a couple of years and they understand the once in a lifetime, possibly opportunity that they have. The other thing I thought of is that they use the rim to protect them if they are. If Wemby is inside. I've noticed they've tried to worm one way and then go to the other so that they use the rim and put it up from the other side of the rim, trying to use that to protect themselves inside.

[Don Rosenberg]

Yeah, it does feel, Steve, like they're the better team. And obviously we've got a lot of series left to. To prove that and to see that. But I think the player. This is all the stuff that we talk about. You know, we always joke about touching the money. The Knicks, the Knicks, the right attitude, then all they're thinking about is tonight. They're not thinking about what the Garden's going to be like in game three, or at least they shouldn't be. They're just judging by what they say and the look in their eye. They're focused on the game. And I think the Knicks have a chance to play better than they did in game one. But I also think the spurs are going to play a lot better than they did expect them to. And we get into. And I always hate these conversations, who wants it better? Who needs it more?

[Alan Hahn]

Everybody wants it.

[Don Rosenberg]

Everybody wants it. Everybody needs it. But the spurs have to have desperation because I'm sure they know the history they're up against if they lose the game tonight.

[Alan Hahn]

That's exactly.

[Don Rosenberg]

And they haven't lost back to back game. And the first thing Wemby said after they lost game one is hey, you know, we won game one against the Thunder. They won the next two. You know, so they're very much aware of what game one means, but also what it doesn't mean because the next game could just change everything. And they were all of a sudden the high of winning game one against the Thunder and then all of a sudden they're down to one. Right. And had to come back from three, two down in the series. So nothing's promised to anybody now.

[Alan Hahn]

Of course not. No, no, it's. But it is something about a young team and a veteran team that knows it's right on, it's on the verge. Right. That's also part of this too is a young team that's both teams are going to be desperate or urgency and all those words that we're going to use. But with, with the spurs, they don't like. The one part of it I think that I'm really curious to watch is when you say desperate, how could you be more desperate than a team of guys who are 28, 29 and 30, who pro who, who've been through some wars and know like man, this is as close as we've ever been.

[Don Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Versus a young team that is sort like still at the beginning. I mean they got a bunch of 22, 23 year olds on this team. The best, their best players. Dylan Harper's 20, the youngest player in NBA Finals history to score 15 or more points in a game. That's. That's what he is. And, and Castle's 21, 22, Wimy's 22. These are young guys who are like just still figuring it out. So they might be desperate because they want to win, but there's a different desperation when you're a team that has the Older guys who are like, well, we might never be this close again. So that's what I'm looking at. It's an amazing. Think about it though. It's, it's an amazing contrast is what I'm saying, right? It's, it's, it's. To me it's the father fighting for his family versus the single 20 year old who's just, he's in it.

[Don Rosenberg]

I know it's totally different but, but you just have to look at the NBA recently. You know, we're cut from the cloth of, you know, it's the same teams every year.

[Alan Hahn]

Well, every year somebod.

[Don Rosenberg]

Whoever wins this championship, eight straight years, almost a decade, the last time we've had a repeat champion. The defending champions, the Thunder didn't even make it to the final. They broke down, you know, Denver one and done Milwaukee one. Some of the best players in the league one and done. Like it can change in an eye blink. It's true. The way the NBA is going right now is that next year, as good as you feel about the Knicks and the spurs right now, it could be two completely different teams next year. And you never know what injuries are going to happen or what next great player is going to come in. Like I, I know when you're young you think you're going to make it every year, but I think there's been enough recent evidence to tell you you're not. That you better, you better strike while the iron top man. Because tomorrow is not promised to anybody in this league.

[Alan Hahn]

I'll tell you this. If the Knicks win this, do you know who will be the odds on favor to win the championship next year? Because the first thing they do is do the odds for the next champion that it's an easy pick for the, the, the leader going into next year's championship.

[Don Rosenberg]

What's that?

[Alan Hahn]

The Spurs.

[Don Rosenberg]

Yeah, because you lost the year before. Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

The problem, think about it. Because they're there, they're young, they got here already. Now they know the journey and you know they'll miss. Their mission will be to win it again next year. They've already proven they can beat the Thunder. The Thunder, you know, the Thunder might be the second. It might go like this. You might do. And a lot of Nick fans be mad. We just won the title. Why aren't we the favorites to win it next year? Because you'll put Spurs, Thunder, then maybe you'll put the Knicks third when it comes to the odds to win a championship. And again this is all if the Knicks win. But it just shows you that's what the spurs are. The spurs don't feel like just a right now team. They feel like, they feel like a for a while team. The Knicks feel like the right now team. That's why I think the desperations are different.

[Don Rosenberg]

But there's a guy in Milwaukee right now that I'm sure still wants out. What if Giannis ends up in Oklahoma City?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, that trade has to happen then.

[Don Rosenberg]

I know, but I'm saying is, is that you don't, you don't know. Like we had it all figured out, right. That it was going to be the Knicks were going to go to the final and they were going to be the one seed. And all of a sudden Detroit comes out of nowhere, has a great season, didn't even know.

[Quincy (Caller)]

Right.

[Don Rosenberg]

You know, what's Boston going to do? You know, even if Boston doesn't do anything, they've got a full season of a healthy Tatum.

[Alan Hahn]

Yep.

[Don Rosenberg]

Right. And Brown's there. And now they become a legit threat.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don Rosenberg]

You know, what's, what's Orlando? Is Orlando going to be the Detroit where all of a sudden they now figure it out and now they come out of nowhere.

[Alan Hahn]

Everybody, you're telling me is going to be four, six, seven, whatever it is. I'm talking about what Vegas will do.

[Don Rosenberg]

Oh, I know, I know.

[Alan Hahn]

The moment the trophies raised and they're like, okay, next year the 27 champion odds, we're going to put them out. Right now the spurs are a lock to beat that team at number one. And then if, if a Yanis trade happens at the draft and then OKC gets him, let's say, all right, well, maybe OKC then jumps over at that point.

[Don Rosenberg]

There is a formula, There is a formula to what they do. Right. But you know, Vegas isn't looking very good right now because they had the Knicks going to the finals or tied with Cleveland because of what was perceived to be the easy path in the East. Yeah. But nobody saw this Knicks train coming. Nobody saw it. Right. You know, so.

[Alan Hahn]

But last year when the Thunder won, they were the odds on favorite to repeat to win the championship again. The very first thing that was done right after the trophy was handed out the next day odds for the 26 championship, the Thunder had the shortest odds. So it's always like the team that you perceive to be, you know, they're, they're ready to do. And you thought the Thunder might win a couple here, but the spurs feel like that regardless of what happens in this finals, they will be the favorite to win. The title next year because just how. Look where they are. They're already here and they're going to have the experience of it.

[Don Rosenberg]

The Thunder were the favorites right up until, you know, they lost game seven.

[Alan Hahn]

That's true.

[Don Rosenberg]

Against the Spurs. Look pretty good when they're up three, two. And everybody and their mother was saying, well, it doesn't matter who comes out of the East. They're going to get beat by whoever is in the West. Whether it's Oklahoma City, whether it's San Antonio, whether it's Denver, doesn't matter. Well, you know what? It's starting to matter now. It's starting to change again. Vegas not looking that great. Want to go to Keith? Yeah, let's go to Keith in South Jersey. You're on espn New York.

[Keith (Caller)]

Hey, how's it going, guys?

[Alan Hahn]

What's up, Keith?

[Keith (Caller)]

So I'm a big listener to the show. I listen pretty much all the shows, you know, from start to finish, from six until you guys end up in my office. And I heard, I've heard a lot of talk walk back and forth between all of you guys about, well, it's just the best mixed team you've ever seen. I got a little bit different perspective because I'm 66 years old and I saw that. I was 9 years old when they. I was 9 years old when they won the first one.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Keith (Caller)]

And I was 12 years old when they were in the second one. And I didn't think I could ever see a better team like the word team than the 69 team. And people don't realize the 72 team was a lot different because they had Monroe then and they had Jerry Lucas and Willis was kind of banged up. So those two teams were great. But this 12 game run, I don't think I've ever seen a mixed team that has looked like this. And that includes this, you know, the 69 team.

[Alan Hahn]

Wow. See 73. I obviously didn't see it, but 73 is the team I hold to that standard of that team was just an elite team. It's seven hall of Famers on it. Donnie. Yeah, they lost game one of the finals and then swept the next four. And that was a 68 team. I'm sorry, that was a great Laker team. And in the conference finals, they beat a 68 win Celtic team. They won game seven at Boston Garden. Nobody ever done that before. So that's how good that team was. And their offense was that. That was a symphony when it comes to ball movement, passing, shooting, all of it. They were an elite team. And I always hold them in the highest regard when everybody says, what's the best Knicks team in franchise history? That 173 team. The fact that Dr. Clyde told us that when he watches the current team, he sees similarities to that 73 team and he holds them in that same standard of they're just like us. He does not do that. He's very proud of his history and all that stuff. He doesn't throw around compliments like that. So the fact that he said that tells me they're right there. But I would not put them above 73 until at least they've got the trophy in their head.

[Don Rosenberg]

Yeah, they've got to get the trophy before you could be in the conversation

[Alan Hahn]

with teams that did. Oh yeah, gotta have that one.

[Don Rosenberg]

800-919-3776 calls Anthony Pusick with the ENN at six. Then we'll take you around till seven o' clock and Pat O' Keefe getting you ready for game two. Spurs Knicks don on a Rosenberg live from stout 35th street between 7th and 8th Avenue on ESPN New York from first call to final invoice, service Titan is the only integrated intelligence that automates your entire workflow. Built for visionaries ready to stop operating and start automating their success. AI for the Trades as you know,

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[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn And Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

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

[Alan Hahn]

This is why when people talk so much about coveting draft picks and how important they are and all that stuff. If you're a Dallas Mavericks fan, it's tough to watch this finals because you drafted in the same year, Luca Doncic, and in the second round took Jalen Brunson.

[Don Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And neither one of them are on your team anymore. And it was wild because the two of them together as teammates got you to the Western Conference finals back in 20, 20, 22. Right. Because that's the year before Brunson left. Like, you got to the Western Conference finals. Think about that. With those two guys.

[Don Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

And a year later, he, Luca, did get you to the conference finals. He ended up losing to. I mean, the. The NBA finals. He lost to the Celtics. But it's just wild how you could have two guys that should be cornerstones forever and one guy, you didn't know what you had, didn't want to pay him, and then he walked. Now he's one of the best players in the league, and the other guy, you traded uncertain unceremoniously, and now he's somebody else's cornerstone. And now you have your own cornerstone somehow by getting them one pick in Cooper Flag. But you're starting all over again now in this process. You need a new head coach, but it's. It's just an amazing thing, this whole thought that you draft well, you're just going to be great. You never know. You just never know with some of these what's going to happen and how it can end up. Patience is one thing with draft picks, but just knowing what you have and

[Don Rosenberg]

being patient and waiting for. For it all to come together. I mean, obviously they took Brunson in the second round, so they didn't obviously think he was going to be national player of the year, but they didn't. Then they would have taken him in the first round or somebody would have taken him in the first round, but he lasted till the, you know, he was second round.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, he was six two with short arms. They didn't think he was going to be a good NBA player because you're.

[Don Rosenberg]

What you're asking. Like, scouts will tell you there's certain things they're looking for. You know, are you. Are you tall enough? Are you fast enough? In baseball, if you're a pitcher, do you throw 90 points plus miles per hour, completely discounting the Guy that's savvy and can figure out the strike zone and the quadrants, as Al Lider used to talk about. No. Does he throw hard? Does he hit the home runs? You know, does he score goals? He. Intangibles. You think about a guy like Martin St. Louis, undrafted, goes to the hall of Fame. That's seven rounds, man. Of people saying he's too small to play in the NHL, they never saw the intangible. Amazing people because they're not paid to take those types of risks. Right? So they want the guys that are big, they're strong, they're fast, they've got a hundred mile per hour shot or throw 95 miles per hour or that you're, you know, listen, Wemby's easy to draft. Right. He's a unicorn.

[Alan Hahn]

I mean.

[Don Rosenberg]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

That doesn't take skill. And to draft a guy like him,

[Don Rosenberg]

you know, in that movie with the guy that. It's not, it's not the. Is it the rookie? The guy that played the pitcher for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays? Right. He was.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, that's. Yeah, the rookie. Yeah. Right. Yeah, that's Dennis Quaid.

[Don Rosenberg]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

And.

[Don Rosenberg]

And he threw 95 miles an hour. And I remember that in the, in the movie, the scout goes, if I, if I don't call my organization that I saw a guy that threw 95 miles per hour, I'll get fired. Yeah. Like, because that's. Those are the boxes that you have to check. Right. But there's so many other intangibles of guys that were small that still got it done or didn't throw hard and still got it done. And. But they get overlooked and it takes somebody special to just. I don't think the Knicks knew what they had. I think the Knicks knew they had a really good player.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Don Rosenberg]

But I don't think they knew they had this.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, they knew they had a point guard. They were hoping that it would, you know, what he showed in the playoffs could turn into something. They didn't know it was going to get to the level it did. And now it's amazing that four years later that signing has turned into a, a leader that has helped you get NBA Finals. It's. I keep saying it. They stop star chasing when they stop star chasing. It's amazing how, how all of a sudden everything elevated. Right. It's just. But that's. That, that's why you just. You don't know what these things. Sometimes you stumble into something and realize, like, wait, okay, we hit on something and you build on it and now they've got something special going on, but it is wild to watch it. To think to yourself like, these guys were once teammates, they were once taken in the same draft, and now they're in separate teams.

[Don Rosenberg]

Crazy.

[Alan Hahn]

And separate stories.

[Don Rosenberg]

Crazy. Let's go to Ron in New Jersey. You're on. Don Allen, Rosenberg.

[Ron (Caller)]

Hello.

[Don Rosenberg]

What's up, Ron?

[Ron (Caller)]

Hey, what's up, guys? Sorry, Don. I'm from Richfield Park.

[Don Rosenberg]

All right, there you go. Love it.

[Ron (Caller)]

All right. So I called in about Alvarado. You know, just his energy in Game one, like.

[Alan Hahn]

Yep.

[Ron (Caller)]

I felt like he played the whole game. He was all over the place. You know, cat fell down, boom. He was there to pick him up. You know, Coach called time out. He's on the floor right away getting his teammates all riled up. You know, I just felt like, you know, he played a big part, even though he only played 10 minutes. And he played well when he was in there. But I just felt like he just gave the Knicks all the boost and

[Quincy (Caller)]

all the, you know, things he can

[Ron (Caller)]

give to route his team.

[Alan Hahn]

Ron, I loved his minutes. I really do. And I loved his energy on the bench when he wasn't playing. He did a lot of coaching. He did a lot of encouraging. He was good in the huddles, like, all the little things here. You talk about. Here's another great example. You talk about finding players. So we talked to Bill yesterday, remember, I mean, the other day, about Gershon Yabushelli, who the Knicks added, thinking he was going to bring some serious front court depth for their bench. Right. He was a good energy guy. He played in some big international games. I thought he'd be an impact player. He just didn't fit. It didn't work. They had to just do something with him. So they send him to Chicago for a guy named D and Terry, who they had no interest in keeping, and they flipped Terry to the Pelicans for Jose Alvarado. So you take something that didn't work, you take a, A, A piece that didn't fit and turn it into. And a piece that fit epically from the day he walked in. Hart knew him. Brunson and the other guys, they all just, like, suddenly embraced him because he had great energy as a guy from New York, a Brooklyn guy playing for his hometown team. It meant something to him, was real personal. And so his piece on this team is remarkable. And then he gets to the NBA Finals and you see a guy, like, he's ready when he's called upon, and then when he's on the bench, his energy and his focus, and he's that's just again, another example of him going, wait a minute, I was on one of the worst teams in the league. I get traded it here and now I'm also in the NBA Finals. Like, I'm this close. It's another example, though, of how you just kind of find something and what was one man's trash, it's another man's treasures.

[Don Rosenberg]

We're gonna have the Last Call crew later on the 6:00 clock hour, but coming up next, it's ENN Donna Rosenberg live from Stout Honey, ESPN New York.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but I just want to know. It's good.

[Don Hahn]

Hear more of Don, Alan and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

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