Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Brunson Out

Episode Information:

• Title: Hour 3: Brunson Out
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Release Date: March 7, 2025
• Platform: ESPN New York, available on the ESPN New York app and smart speakers

Introduction

The third hour of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast kicks off with an engaging discussion about the latest developments surrounding the New York Knicks. Hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the implications of Jalen Brunson's injury and its potential impact on the team's playoff aspirations. The episode also features interactions with listeners, covering topics beyond basketball, including hockey and baseball.

Main Discussion: Jalen Brunson's Injury and the Knicks' Season

Impact of Brunson's Injury:

The episode begins with Alan Hahn setting the stage for an intense Knicks season. He discusses the recent overtime loss to the Lakers, highlighting that it was the Knicks' first overtime defeat of the season. The core of the conversation revolves around star player Jalen Brunson's injury:

• Alan Hahn (00:34): "The Knicks play the Clippers tonight. I'll be on the call in MSG. They lost to the Lakers in overtime, their first overtime loss of the season... But in one play, as Jalen Brunson steps on the foot of Austin Reaves and his right ankle takes a turn that all of us just went, oh my god."

Details of the Injury:

Brunson is confirmed to be out with a right ankle sprain. While it’s not a broken ankle, the severity and duration remain uncertain:

• Alan Hahn (02:00): "The official injury report for tonight's game is now out. Jalen Brunson is listed as out with a right ankle sprain. We don't know the extent of the sprain... I do not expect Jalen Brunson to play the rest of this road trip."

Management and Team Response:

Hahn expresses skepticism about Brunson's return on the upcoming road trip, emphasizing the challenges the Knicks will face without their key player. The team currently holds the third seed in the Eastern Conference but faces stiff competition from the Bucks.

• Alan Hahn (03:00): "The Knicks have to figure out a way that they're going to continue to win games... They have to keep it afloat until he comes back."

Player Performance and Adjustments:

Discussion shifts to how other players, such as Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Mikhail Bridges, need to step up in Brunson’s absence.

• Alan Hahn (03:30): "Josh Hart said last night after the game, 'Now we have to step up. Other guys' roles are going to get bigger...'"

Bridges, acquired during the offseason as a complement to Brunson, is under scrutiny for his inconsistent performance, especially in crucial games.

• Alan Hahn (13:14): "His numbers since the All-Star break are not very good... The problem is in this offense, they need him to be a good three-point shooter."

Playoff Implications

The discussion centers on the Knicks' playoff prospects without Brunson. Hahn and Rosenberg analyze the potential outcomes, including facing formidable teams like the Cavaliers or Celtics in the second round.

• Peter Rosenberg (05:00): "If you end up losing Golden State, but you play well... I think without Brunson, you could live with that."

Strategic Choices:

Hahn contemplates whether the Knicks should prioritize maintaining a high seed to potentially avoid tougher opponents in the playoffs, despite Brunson’s absence.

• Alan Hahn (07:05): "I would prefer to see Boston in the second round rather than Cleveland... It's all hypothetical because right now, nothing matters if Jalen Brunson's compromised."

Management and Roster Moves

Mikhail Bridges' Role and Future:

The hosts scrutinize Bridges' fit within the Knicks' system, given his inconsistent performance and the looming decision on his extension.

• Alan Hahn (13:35): "He needs to prove his worth... There's also a ton of pressure on two people now."

Coach Tom Thibodeau’s Performance:

Hahn criticizes Coach Thibodeau for his strict management style and the difficulty in adjusting the team without Brunson.

• Alan Hahn (17:52): "Tom Thibodeau is always on the grill... He's a hard driver... has a hard time giving reserves a lot of time."

Trade and Extension Considerations:

Rosenberg and Hahn debate the necessity of extending Bridges’ contract amidst his inconsistent performance, considering the hefty financial commitment it entails.

• Peter Rosenberg (14:03): "If you don't extend him and you have to trade him in the off-season, that capital is going to be considered in the grand scheme of things."
• Alan Hahn (18:01): "The extension feels like it doesn't make sense."

Listener Call-In Segment

Rangers and Other Sports Topics:

The conversation broadens as listeners call in to discuss the New York Rangers, baseball, and other sports. Topics include the Rangers' potential trades, frustration with overemphasis on football coverage, and the state of baseball's entertainment value.

• Caller (24:24): "Why do these guys spend three out of the four hours talking about football? Worse off, they're talking about the Jets and Giants who aren't worth a five-minute conversation."

Discussion on Baseball's Evolution:

The hosts and callers debate how baseball has become more corporate and analytics-driven, potentially alienating younger fans.

• Alan Hahn (39:17): "Nothing wrong with it... ballpark amenities and streamlining the game."
• Peter Rosenberg (39:16): "Analytics are boring... made it boring."

Concluding Remarks

As the episode progresses, the hosts wrap up the primary discussion on the Knicks, reiterating the uncertainty surrounding Brunson’s injury and the team's need to adapt. They emphasize the importance of player roles stepping up and the potential need for strategic roster adjustments to maintain playoff viability.

• Alan Hahn (43:26): "Glass up to enjoying... do it responsibly."

The episode concludes with promotional segments and final thoughts, encouraging listeners to tune in for continued coverage of the Knicks and other sports topics.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alan Hahn (00:00): "I can say to my new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, hey, find a keto-friendly restaurant nearby and text it to Beth and Steve. And it does without me lifting a finger so I can get in more squats anywhere I can. 1, 2, 3."

• Alan Hahn (03:00): "Josh Hart said last night after the game, 'Now we have to step up. Other guys' roles are going to get bigger and they got to keep it afloat until he comes back.'"

• Peter Rosenberg (05:00): "If you end up losing Golden State, but you play well... I think without Brunson, you could live with that."

• Alan Hahn (07:05): "I would prefer to see Boston in the second round rather than Cleveland... It's all hypothetical because right now, nothing matters if Jalen Brunson's compromised."

• Peter Rosenberg (14:03): "If you don't extend him and you have to trade him in the off-season, that capital is going to be considered in the grand scheme of things."

• Alan Hahn (17:52): "Tom Thibodeau is always on the grill... He's a hard driver... has a hard time giving reserves a lot of time."

• Caller (24:24): "Why do these guys spend three out of the four hours talking about football? Worse off, they're talking about the Jets and Giants who aren't worth a five-minute conversation."

• Alan Hahn (39:17): "Nothing wrong with it... ballpark amenities and streamlining the game."

• Peter Rosenberg (39:16): "Analytics are boring... made it boring."

Key Insights and Conclusions

1. Brunson's Injury is a Significant Blow: Jalen Brunson's absence due to a right ankle sprain poses a substantial challenge for the Knicks' playoff hopes. The team must rely on other players to elevate their performance.

2. Mikhail Bridges Under Scrutiny: Bridges’ inconsistent performance despite being a significant offseason acquisition raises questions about the team's strategy and player fit.

3. Coaching Pressure: Coach Thibodeau faces increased pressure as the team navigates through injuries and high-stakes games, with the fan base growing restless.

4. Playoff Strategy Uncertainties: The Knicks are contemplating whether to prioritize maintaining a higher seed to potentially secure more favorable playoff matchups despite Brunson's absence.

5. Broader Sports Discussions: Listener interactions highlight frustrations with overemphasis on football coverage and concerns over baseball becoming less entertaining due to increased reliance on analytics.

6. Management Decisions Critical: The episode underscores the importance of effective management and strategic player decisions in navigating the latter part of the NBA season.

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provides an in-depth analysis of the New York Knicks' current struggles, particularly focusing on Jalen Brunson's injury and its ripple effects on the team's dynamics and playoff prospects. The hosts offer thoughtful critiques on team management, player performance, and strategic choices, while also engaging with listeners on broader sports topics. Notable quotes and timestamps enrich the discussion, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.