Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg - Hour 3: Game 5 Necessities

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 3: Game 5 Necessities
• Release Date: May 28, 2025
• Description: Hosted by ESPN New York and New Jersey legend Don La Greca, sportswriter and New York Knick broadcaster Alan Hahn, and Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg, the podcast delves into New York sports and beyond.

1. Knicks' Playoff Struggles and Impending Elimination

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the New York Knicks' challenging playoff journey. The team finds itself down three games to one against the Indiana Pacers, marking their first such deficit in the playoffs history.

• Performance Issues:

  • Turnovers: Alan Hahn highlights the Knicks' troubling performance, noting "17 turnovers last night. Inexcusable." ([02:45])
  • Inconsistent Performance: Hahn critiques the team's inability to maintain leads, stating, "They've got to make some major changes. If they're going to win three in a row, they're going to have to play much better basketball than they've played." ([06:24])

• Coaching Decisions:

  • Hahn expresses frustration with the coaching strategy, emphasizing the importance of the third quarter as "the coach's quarter." He asserts, "You have a plan, and your team has got to be locked in." ([04:32])

• Player Performance:

  • Josh Hart's Struggles: The hosts discuss Hart's uncharacteristic turnovers, with Hahn noting, "For Josh Hart, that was a bad game for him last night with his turnovers." ([02:45])
  • Kyle Bishop's Role: Rosenberg points out issues with player execution, saying, "Tibbs wasn't the one that jogged back on three straight shots like Bridges did at crunch time." ([06:24])

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg: "Down three. One. The numbers, the history. Just win a game." ([00:43])
• Alan Hahn: "They have to clean things up." ([06:24])

2. The Pat McAfee Incident and Its Implications

A significant portion of the discussion centers around an incident involving Pat McAfee, who was given a microphone during halftime at the Gainbridge Arena in Indianapolis.

• Incident Breakdown:

  • McAfee engaged in behavior reminiscent of WWE promos, addressing celebrities like Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, and Timothy Chalamet, and using explicit language ([11:07]).
  • Hosts critique the appropriateness of the NBA allowing such moments, with Hahn stating, "Why would you give him a mic to do like that doesn't make sense in that setting." ([12:27])

• Impact on NBA Image:

  • Fan Behavior: The hosts debate how such incidents reflect on the fan base, questioning the NBA's direction towards more aggressive and confrontational fan interactions.
  • Social Responsibility: Hahn draws parallels to previous fan behaviors, emphasizing the need for the NBA to maintain a family-friendly image.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn: "What are you celebrating? What are you celebrating with that kind of an act?" ([17:17])
• Peter Rosenberg: "It just builds the Knicks up to be the big bad monster." ([21:14])

3. Knicks' Fan Behavior and Team Popularity

The conversation shifts to the passionate and sometimes controversial behavior of Knicks fans, especially in the context of their recent performance.

• Celebratory Conduct:

  • Hahn defends Knicks fans, arguing that their exuberant celebrations stem from finally experiencing playoff success after a long drought.
  • Rosenberg discusses the duality of the Knicks being both a likable team and a perceived villain, stating, "They are the favorites. You're building them up to be a monster." ([21:14])

• Comparison to Other Teams:

  • The hosts compare Knicks fan behavior to that of other teams like the Yankees and the Islanders, highlighting how similar celebratory actions can be perceived differently based on team history and performance.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn: "Knick fans were dragged for days about celebrating and having joy with their team winning." ([15:03])
• Peter Rosenberg: "But how do you handle it? They haven't done anything to earn that moniker." ([21:14])

4. Broader Reflections and Emotional Discussions

Beyond basketball, the hosts engage in personal and emotional conversations, touching upon themes from popular movies and personal experiences.

• Emotional Resilience:

  • They discuss the portrayal of emotions in films like "Boys in the Hood" and "Menace II Society," reflecting on personal vulnerabilities and societal expectations.

• Movies and Personal Impact:

  • The hosts share their reactions to poignant movie scenes, expressing difficulty in rewatching emotionally charged films.

Notable Quotes:

• Ebro Darden: "I didn't listen to anything you just said." ([25:14])
• Peter Rosenberg: "I can't watch it. I can't." ([35:27])

5. Upcoming Sports Events and Personal Anecdotes

The episode concludes with announcements about upcoming sports events, including Mets and Yankees games, and the hosts share personal anecdotes related to these events.

• Event Promotions:

  • Details about pregame parties, live shows, and upcoming matches are shared, fostering community engagement among listeners.

• Personal Stories:

  • The hosts humorously discuss their own experiences and interactions within the sports world, maintaining a light-hearted tone towards the end.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg: "Mets lost to the White Sox 9-4. Sosa went over 4." ([43:31])
• Alan Hahn: "Hear more of Don Hahn and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN." ([43:15])

Conclusion: In this episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," the hosts provide a thorough analysis of the New York Knicks' playoff challenges, dissect questionable incidents impacting the NBA's image, and reflect on the passionate nature of Knicks fans. Balancing serious sports commentary with personal and emotional conversations, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive view of current sports dynamics and the interplay between team performance and fan behavior.

Highlighted Quotes:

• Don Hahn: "They've got to clean things up." ([06:24])
• Alan Hahn: "It's a four on five or a five on four, and they get it. And Brunson's guy, which was nice, Smith, ran ahead of him and got an easy dunk." ([07:11])

For more insights and detailed discussions, listeners are encouraged to subscribe and listen to the full episode on their preferred podcast platform.