Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary

Episode: Hour 3: Game 3 Must Win?
Release Date: May 9, 2025
Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Platform: ESPN New York

1. Knicks vs. Celtics Playoff Series Overview

The episode delves deep into the high-stakes NBA playoff series between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics. With the Knicks facing elimination, Game 3 emerges as a pivotal "must-win" encounter.

Don LaGreca sets the stage by highlighting the significance of the upcoming games:

"This is the biggest game on Saturday that Madison Square Garden has seen involving the Knicks in the last 25 years. So it's the game of the century." ([00:39])

He emphasizes the potential outcomes, whether the Knicks clinch the series or face a daunting deficit:

"Either a chance to close it out in a sweep, which would be an absolute incredible thought, or the chance to go up 3-1 in the series, which also would be incredible." ([00:39])

2. Expert Analysis of Key Games and Players

The hosts dissect the performances of key players, particularly focusing on Kristaps Porziņģis and Devin Williams.

Alan Hahn discusses Porziņģis's impact and current struggles:

"Porziņģis played 1/2 in Game 1 and didn't return and they miss him and then in the second game that he could give him 13 minutes." ([15:04])

Don LaGreca adds:

"Porziņģis has been that guy for them. He was in Game 1 of the NBA Finals if you remember. That was such a huge performance by him. And then he just did nothing the rest of the series." ([14:42])

The conversation shifts to Devin Williams and the pressures he faces as a Yankees closer:

"He's been mumbling about being annoyed by that, that’s the part that just makes you wonder." ([24:32])
"The Yankees should have prepared him. This is what's going to happen. I don't exaggerate." ([24:44])

3. Fan Engagement and Caller Opinions

Listeners contribute their perspectives, drawing parallels between current series and past upsets.

Caller Aiden from Brooklyn reminisces about the 2015 Mets sweeping the Cubs:

"Nobody in the world thought the Mets really had a chance of beating the Cubs that series... Lo and behold, the Mets sweep the Cubs." ([43:42])

This anecdote serves to inspire optimism for the Knicks:

"Where we are at this point in time, it is not on the table." ([44:34])

4. Media Pressure on Athletes

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the intense media scrutiny athletes endure, especially in high-profile markets like New York.

Don LaGreca critiques the Yankees' handling of Devin Williams:

"They should have prepared him. This is what's going to happen. I'm not exaggerating." ([24:44])

Alan Hahn echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the relentless media presence:

"There's probably on any given day, there's at least 15 to 20 reporters around a given locker." ([28:10])

The hosts debate the impact of this pressure on athletes' performances and mental health.

5. Additional Topics: Football Discussion and Draft Picks

The conversation takes a brief detour into football, discussing the Giants' draft picks and the media's focus on quarterback Jackson Dart over Abdul Carter.

Alan Hahn expresses frustration with the Giants' draft strategy:

"Everything is about him. Everything loves this kid. It's unreal." ([34:07])

Peter Rosenberg adds:

"They knew they were going to get Abdul Carter, right? And Jackson Dart was the piece they had to do some work to get." ([34:30])

The hosts humorously touch upon the challenges Dart faces with his snap count cadence, referencing a viral clip involving Jon Gruden:

"Make fun of the fact that the Giants trade up for a quarterback that somebody asked about, wondering if he's going to be able to do anything other than clap when it comes to a snap count." ([42:54])

6. Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Wrapping up, the hosts preview upcoming sports events, including the Hudson River Derby between New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls, and tease coverage of the Mets vs. Cubs series.

Don LaGreca encourages fans to engage with the content:

"Are you a New York City soccer fan? Enter now at espnnewyork.com or on the ESPN New York app." ([45:02])

Alan Hahn reminds listeners of the breadth of coverage:

"Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts." ([37:11])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Don LaGreca on the stakes of Game 3:

  "This is the biggest game on Saturday that Madison Square Garden has seen involving the Knicks in the last 25 years. So it's the game of the century." ([00:39])

• Alan Hahn on team focus:

  "The job is not close to being done yet." ([04:02])

• Jay Williams on Celtics' offensive strategy:

  "If somebody's down, you keep them down." ([06:23])

• Caller Aiden on historical upsets:

  "No one in the world thought the Mets really had a chance of beating the Cubs that series... Lo and behold, the Mets sweep the Cubs." ([43:42])

Key Takeaways

• High Stakes for the Knicks: Game 3 against the Celtics is critical for the Knicks' advancement in the playoffs.
• Player Performances Under Scrutiny: Porziņģis's inconsistent performance and Devin Williams's media pressure are central discussion points.
• Fan and Media Impact: The intense media environment in New York adds additional pressure on players, influencing their performances.
• Hope from Past Upsets: Historical moments like the 2015 Mets-Cubs series inspire hope for current underdog teams like the Knicks.

For those eager to stay updated on these discussions and more, subscribing to the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast on your preferred platform is highly recommended.