Hour 3: Kendrick Perkins previews Knicks-Celtics

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Kendrick Perkins Previews Knicks-Celtics

Release Date: May 5, 2025

Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg

In the third hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the highly anticipated playoff matchup between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics. Featuring insightful analysis from NBA veteran Kendrick Perkins, the discussion navigates through team strategies, player performances, and the potential implications for Knicks' head coach Tom Thibodeau.

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1. Series Prediction and Team Analysis

Kendrick Perkins kicks off the discussion by forecasting the series to extend to seven games. He emphasizes the Celtics' current vulnerabilities, particularly their struggles with injuries, which he believes the Knicks can capitalize on. Perkins states, "I have the Celtics seven. And look, I think the Celtics are a bit vulnerable right now, especially with dealing with their injuries..." [01:15].

Perkins highlights the Knicks' readiness, drawing parallels to their physical first-round series against the Pistons where they faced full-court pressure and overcame adversity. He asserts, "I think this Knicks team is going to be ready to play. I think they're going to be ready to play." [01:25].

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2. Strategic Insights and Key Players

The conversation shifts to specific strategies the Knicks must employ to counter the Celtics effectively. Perkins underscores the importance of limiting the Celtics' possessions and increasing turnovers, particularly in transition play. "I want to see those dumbass turnovers that, you know, be happening with the Knicks, especially in transition." [02:59].

Anthony Towns is spotlighted as a pivotal player whose performance could tilt the series in the Knicks' favor. Perkins stresses the need for Towns to be assertive and aggressive in the post, avoiding passive play to maximize his scoring potential. "I need to see Carl Anthony Towns that I saw in the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets when he outplayed Nikola Jokic." [05:22].

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3. Home Court Advantage and Series Dynamics

Discussing home court advantage, Perkins believes it plays a crucial role, especially for the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. He recommends that the Knicks aim to steal at least one game on the road to shift momentum. "For the Knicks, it does. I think they need to protect when they get back to New York, but they need to try to come out and steal one of these games." [08:18].

Alan Hahn adds that the Celtics have key players dealing with injuries, which could further influence the series outcome. "The Celtics... have to be aware of all those things." [09:18].

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4. Implications for Tom Thibodeau

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Knicks' head coach Tom Thibodeau and the stakes of the series for his tenure. Perkins candidly shares his perspective on Thibodeau's job security, linking it directly to the series outcome. "This series has to go seven games in order for him to keep his job." [03:57].

The hosts and callers debate the realism of Perkins' assertion, with Peter Rosenberg expressing skepticism but acknowledging the high-pressure environment. "I don't think he survives if they get completely embarrassed that they're in every game." [16:30].

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5. Broader NBA Playoff Context

Beyond the Knicks-Celtics series, the podcast touches upon other NBA playoff matchups and their potential impacts. Perkins briefly analyzes the Minnesota Timberwolves' performance against the Golden State Warriors, noting the Timberwolves' depth and the Warriors' shooting struggles. "I don't see that series going past these games, to be honest." [11:51].

Additionally, the discussion covers the Cleveland Cavaliers' injury woes, which could jeopardize their playoff aspirations. Perkins remarks on the importance of player health, aligning with former NBA star Tim Duncan's belief that luck plays a role in championship runs. "Part of being lucky is being healthy." [10:15].

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6. Audience Interaction and Historical Context

Listeners contribute to the conversation by sharing nostalgic memories of past Knicks-Celtics battles and discussing legendary players. One caller reminisces about the Knicks' 1970s championship runs, providing historical context that enriches the current analysis. "The Knicks beat the Celtics three times. No, twice." [20:28].

These anecdotes serve to underscore the enduring rivalry between the two franchises and the high expectations surrounding the current series.

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7. Closing Remarks and Takeaways

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate the high stakes of the Knicks-Celtics series, emphasizing the blend of strategic preparation and player execution that will determine the eventual outcome. Perkins' insights offer a comprehensive roadmap for how the Knicks can navigate the challenges posed by the Celtics, with the overarching narrative highlighting the thin line between success and potential coaching turnover.

Key Takeaways:

• Series Length: Kendrick Perkins predicts a seven-game series, citing Celtics' injuries and Knicks' resilience.
• Strategic Focus: Emphasis on limiting opponent's possessions, increasing turnovers, and leveraging Anthony Towns' offensive capabilities.
• Coach's Stakes: Tom Thibodeau's job security is closely tied to the series outcome, with significant pressure to perform.
• Historical Rivalry: Nostalgic references to past Knicks-Celtics battles highlight the intensity and significance of the current matchup.

For listeners seeking an in-depth analysis of the Knicks vs. Celtics playoff series, this episode offers expert insights, strategic breakdowns, and engaging discussions that illuminate the high-stakes environment of NBA playoffs.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Peter 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.

[Alan Hahn]

All right, it's the big pig bigly 5 o'clock hour. We go with Don Lagreca and Peter Rosenberg. I'm Alan Hahn. It's still raining outside. Have we heard from the Yankees yet?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, it's looking good. There's a set. No, I'm being serious. Between 7 and 10 or 11, there's a window, so looks like first pitch is on like Donkey Kong.

[Alan Hahn]

Bring your umbrella.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So the kids still say that?

[Alan Hahn]

I don't know. I don't know. Does Kendrick Perkins still say that? That's the question. Did he ever say it?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't think he ever said it.

[Alan Hahn]

That's a. Is he old enough to play Donkey Kong?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, he is. No. Yeah, but I don't think he says no things like that.

[Alan Hahn]

No. He says some funny things, though. Let's bring him in. Now. Big Perk joins us. We love you, man. Thanks for giving us some time here, Perk. Now, you're not an old enough guy to have grown up with, like, Pac, Donkey Kong, right? To say it's all like Donkey Kong probably isn't in your lexicon.

[Kendrick Perkins]

I mean. Stop it, man. You know, I grew up on Nintendo Tetris, you know, I mean, I grew up. Donkey Kong is on like, Donkey Kong. Yeah, we were saying that back in the night. You know what I mean?

[Alan Hahn]

Okay.

[Caller]

Come on, man.

[Alan Hahn]

All right, well, I'll just check it. Now, with that in mind, how about this series? Is this Nick Celtic series on, like Donkey Kong, or is this going to be over quick?

[Kendrick Perkins]

Oh, no, this. This going seven. I have the Celtics seven. And look, I think the Celtics are a bit vulnerable right now, especially with that. As far as them dealing with their injuries, I wouldn't underestimate what these Knicks could do. I know the regular season tell a different story. But I think the test that they had in the first series against the Pistons, Physical. Jalen Brunson being pressured full court by Sewer Thompson and Dennis Schroeder. Karl Anthony Towns had his ups and downs. They had to face some adversity. I think this Knicks team is going to be ready to play. I think they're going to be ready to play. I think the Boston Celtics know that they can't underestimate this team. Here's why I have a belief that the Knicks can make this a series. The last. The last games of the season. Last time this team Matched up, that these teams matched up, it went to overtime. And that in my opinion should have gave the Knicks some type of confidence to let them know that hey, we actually can compete with these guys.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I was saying the same thing because what they did is they cut down the number of three pointers that the Celtics had. And because Robinson was healthy, that's the one matchup that he played in. So is that kind of the formula that the ability with Mitch in there and engaged in stopping the three is the key to winning the series?

[Kendrick Perkins]

It's part of it, but I think he is. Is limiting, limiting their possessions, the Celtics possessions. I want to see those dumbass turnovers that, you know, be happening with the Knicks, especially in transition. And Josh Hart makes a lot of them. You know, you can't give this Celtic team extra possessions. And you got to make sure you clean up the glass. I think the Knicks take care of those areas. You give yourself a chance going into the fourth quarter with a four or five point game. Anything around that range and you have one of, if not the best closer in basketball in Jalen Brunson.

[Caller]

Now you obviously won a championship with the Boston Celtics. And Tibbs up there and I know you feel strongly about him. How important do you think this series is, Perk, for Tibbs to sort of quiet some of the chatter, Whether the chatter has been fair or not.

[Kendrick Perkins]

Oh, he's definitely on the clock. Tom Thibodeau is on the clock. This series has to go seven games in order for him to keep his job. I would even go to the extent of the Knicks have to win the series, but I'm going to give him some grace and say that it needs to be competitive and it needs to go seven games in order for Tom Thibodeau. Jarvis, because you don't go out and get a Mikhail Bridges and give up four unprotected picks, first round picks and go get a call, Anthony Towns, just to be in the same position that you were in last year and that's being eliminated in the second round, like that's just not good enough. And I get it, you're going against the defending champs. I get all that. But if you're. If they're on their best stuff and all guys are playing at an extremely high level, then why can't the Knicks look them in the eyes?

[Alan Hahn]

Perk, everybody. Vegas has this thing probably being a five game series. The Celtics are heavily favored. The belief is that they are the heavy favorite. And all those things for the Knicks, who like you mentioned the moves they made in the off season were to try to build a team that could match up with the Celtics. What else is missing then from this team that would put them on the same level as Boston?

[Kendrick Perkins]

Well, one, deuce McBride and campaign, they have to be good off the bench, right? Deuce McBride, he has to find his, his rhythm from the three point line. Campaign has to be solid off the bench. Mitchell Robinson need to come in and do what he does and that's not trying to go outside his body. All you need to do is set screens and roll hard to the basket and be a live threat defensively, block shots. But this comes down to call Anthony Towns, right? And I don't want to see post ups 20ft from the basket. I want Tom Thibodeau and Jalen Bronson to help put Cat in position to be successful. And I want to see more of the two man game with spacing between those two. Those two were one of the better. Better pick and roll, picking pop duos in the NBA and they go away from it so much. And I don't understand it for the life of me, but Carl Anthony Towns, the series that he had against Detroit, he can't have that type of series going in and going into tonight against the Celtics. I need to see Carl Anthony Towns that I saw in the Western conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets when he outplayed Nicole Jokic.

[Alan Hahn]

How do you do that? When you're a big man, though? It's a guard driven game. They have the ball, they can get the ball and then demand it and take it. When you're a big man, what can you do? Post up, put your hand up and demand the ball. If the ball didn't come to you, what else are you supposed to do?

[Kendrick Perkins]

Hell yeah. You could demand it.

[Caller]

Yeah.

[Kendrick Perkins]

I can't even tell you some of the words what Kevin Garnett used to say when he had somebody on his back and he wanted you to throw him the ball.

[Caller]

You know what I mean?

[Kendrick Perkins]

But here's the thing, right? Cat is so skilled all across the board that wherever he catches the ball, just him being so versatile, being able to take guys off the dribble is enough. I just want to see him be more aggressive like coming. He can't have two games out of this series. We only have 10 points. Let's not go get it. Like you need to call Anthony Towns that's gonna walk out of there with a 35 and 15 and he could do it, right? Just outdo Crystal. Presentis last thing Tom Thibodeau you have to challenge, call Anthony Towns to be able to switch pick and rolls. I don't want to see drop coverage tonight. I do not want to see that, that drop coverage. The Celtics, especially Jason Tatum, loves it. He's averaging 34 points against the Knicks and he loves bringing Corey Anthony Towns up in the high screen and roll because he know he got so many options to attack him from the dribble pull up to. To getting downhill. And it's just not. It's just not what you need to do against a Celsius team that goes five out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Considering that neither team was that overly impressive at home, does home court really matter in this series?

[Kendrick Perkins]

I believe so. For the Knicks, it does. I think, you know, they need to protect, protected when they get back to New York, but they need to try to come out and steal one of these games. I think they should try to mimic what Indiana did to Cleveland, and I think the Knicks need to do what Detroit tried to do to the Knicks and they got to junk up the game, right? I mean, some, some. Some elbows need to be thrown, you know what I mean? Some, some. Some. Some legs need to be, you know. Hey, man, listen, look, everything is on the table. You heard what Dylan Brooks said the other day. He basically said, yeah, I'm gonna keep swiping this Steph Curry thumb. Yeah, you right. That's what you supposed to do. Everything is in play when you're trying to win in the playoffs.

[Alan Hahn]

We saw it. You see it enough. I mean, in that series, you saw Jason Tatum hurt his wrist. You know, Jaylen Brown's got the knee. You mentioned the injury stuff. If you're the Knicks, you got to just be aware of all those things. Orlando did it in their series. I mean, it didn't. It went five, but you could tell that they were trying to take a piece of them throughout that whole series. And perk on another Eastern Conference series, the Pacers get Game 1 in Cleveland, which was a bit of a shock because of the way it happened, and Cleveland looked like they were rolling. But have you seen the news today? With some of the injuries now the Cavs are dealing with, not only is it Darius Garland, but apparently Evan Mobley's got an ankle issue and the. Andre Hunter has a dislocated shooting hand. And they, they might. They don't know what their stats are going to be for game two. This could be an incredible turnaround for a Cavs team that looked like they were really on, on course to meet the Celtics in the conference final.

[Kendrick Perkins]

Yeah, I mean, and it's unfortunate. The great Tim Duncan, I heard him say that in order to win championship. Yeah, 80% for, you know, the talent and, you know, playing well. But 20% is luck. Right. And part of being lucky is being healthy. And so again, you let, you let Indiana go in and steal game one, which I thought that series was going seven games anyway. I think that series is going seven games anyway. We, we all forget that the Pacers did go to the Eastern Conference finals last year. So every single guy that's in a rotation have some type of playoff experience. But I do feel, I do feel for the Cavs. They're going to have to dig deep. Donovan Mitchell is going to have to show that he's one of those dudes at this point. I mean, you know, without Darius Garland, you know, you go probably most likely have Jared Allen. I don't know what's going to be the update, but I, I would think that, you know, if Evan Mobley injury, ankle injury isn't like that severe, that might get one of those shots, man, where, you know, he just don't feel it for 48 hours and he's able to go out there and do his thing.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Caller]

What about the possibility of the Golden State warriors who did look good last night when everything was on the line, they really did pull it together. Do you like the warriors odds to go deep and is there appeal to you of a potential Warrior Celtics rematch in the Finals?

[Kendrick Perkins]

It was not. I got, I got Minnesota winning in six. I think Anthony Elwood is on a mission right now. I just think that. Cause I think Minnesota caused too many matchup problems, especially in the interior. And the one thing about it is that Golden State got away because the Rockets couldn't shoot the ball right. They was one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA this season. And that's not the case when you look at the Minnesota Timberwolves, all a majority of. They start, all the guys who are in the rotation has the capability of knocking down three point shots. So now you got to deal with a Julius Randall who has been playing some outstanding basketball inside and out. You're dealing with a Nas Reed who is a versatile big who could. Who is so skilled and. And then you dealing with Anthony Edwards who is a killer in alpha blood growing right in front of our eyes. For us being taking that next step of getting his and making guys around them better. I don't see that series going past these games, to be honest.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, Minnesota's got depth too. Perk. When I see you in person, you're going to have to share some of those words that KG used when he was open.

[Kendrick Perkins]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. For sure. Matter of fact, you could text me. I text you.

[Caller]

I can guess.

[Alan Hahn]

We love you, man. Thank you so much for giving us time here. Appreciate you, Perk.

[Kendrick Perkins]

All right. Thank you.

[Alan Hahn]

All right. Kendrick Perkins. It's such a talk about a guy you just love talking to because it's just loves basketball. But what he said that Warriors. Yeah. I mean, I know we all want to get caught up in the Steph Curry of it all. And what a think about the pettiness of a series with Steve Kerr, who didn't let Jayson Tatum play much in the Olympics.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

And Tatum looking across like, okay, but I agree. I think that Timberwolves team, they're scary. And again. But watch Oklahoma City tonight and see what they're all about, too.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We forgot about asking a lot of the warriors to.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Who struggled to get by Houston.

[Caller]

It would be a lot. It would be a lot. But you never know. Sometimes these teams have a one more last.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know the NBA wants it, right? I mean, no offense to Oklahoma City or Minnesota, but they'd love to get one more run out of Curry.

[Alan Hahn]

Edward, think about the pelts on the wall.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I get it.

[Alan Hahn]

He's already got. Think about this. He's already got KD out, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

He's already sent this year. LeBron Jokic last year. Now he's playing Steph Curry.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I get it.

[Alan Hahn]

They take Steph Curry out, think about the pelts on his wall.

[Caller]

That's a lot.

[Alan Hahn]

23 years old.

[Caller]

That's a lot. And by the way, he'll be the first one to tell you about it if he does. Do you see the video of him walking around outside in LA after they won?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, he was mocking that. That meme. Yeah, that Shannon Sharp hat.

[Caller]

He just did not give a damn, though.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He.

[Caller]

He's.

[Alan Hahn]

And he didn't even have a good game in that game. Didn't matter.

[Caller]

He didn't have an incredible series. He had a good series.

[Alan Hahn]

Oh, he had a couple of monster games. But not. Not the closeout.

[Caller]

And the closeout game was Rudy Gobert's game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But another significant.

[Alan Hahn]

Nobody ever said that before.

[Caller]

27 and 24.

[Alan Hahn]

No, nobody have ever said that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I feel bad for you, Alan, because you. You have to fight all this off. But another significant voice in the world of the NBA is saying Tibbs is gone if they're done early in this series.

[Alan Hahn]

I wrote it down. This Series has to go seven games for him to keep his job is what Perk told us. And he loves Tibs and he loves Tibbs.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So think about that.

[Alan Hahn]

That feels so.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Think of the odds of Tibbs surviving because the odds are overwhelming. This series is over in five. He needs them to go seven to save his job. So what they're saying.

[Alan Hahn]

So if you were extra, Vegas is saying it's like, you know, five, but it's competitive five. Doesn't that say anything for a team that has no bench?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I listen, you're closer to it than me, but just being in this sport, New York sports world for like 30 years now.

[Alan Hahn]

I understand.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't think he survives if they get completely embarrassed. Listen, I have, I don't think that's on the table.

[Alan Hahn]

I have not pushed back on this. You know that. I know in a while now, like it's, it's been something that I find it hard to believe. All I'll keep saying is because you just keep hearing people say it and in my, my mind I just, I just, I would be shocked, but now I can say I wouldn't be shocked, but I'd really be nervous because of whatever would come next. Unless it's somebody established, like a Michael Malone who's literally the same coach.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't think that it takes seven, like he's got to go seven to save his job. Because that sounds like his job is up in the air. And I don't believe it's up in the air.

[Alan Hahn]

No, I don't think it is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I do think thoroughly embarrassed, meaning they get swept and it's non competitive, then Alan, it has to be on the table. And there could be people in the Knicks organization that have no intention of letting him go, but can be that embarrassed to say, hey, we're going to.

[Alan Hahn]

Have to feel like, feel like we got to take another step.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't think that's going to happen. Like, if you say you play five games and they're all competitive and one goes to overtime, you don't catch the breaks, you don't get the calls, you lose three, four games to one. No way he's getting fired. No way. But you know, if, if the four games go like the previous three games.

[Alan Hahn]

In the regular 16 points a game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Differential, then I'm sorry, Alan. There has to be. It would be.

[Alan Hahn]

I think it would be too loud.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think it just changes people's minds in the front office.

[Alan Hahn]

It would be way too loud to overcome it at that point. So we'll have to see how that certainly goes. 800-93776. Richard is back from Manhattan. Richard, we were worried somebody in the chair.

[Caller]

I'm sorry, guys. Don, Peter, Allen, Fellas, listen, you guys are missing the main thing about that St. Louis Winnipeg game. The most amazing thing is St. Louis played 36 minutes after that without. Without falling apart. They even had a penalty. So Winnipeg had a man advantage in the first overtime and they didn't score. That was unbelievable. Recoup by Saint Lo to have that kind of composure after what happened to them. And if that was game seven of the Stanley cup final, this would have been bigger. Bigger than Bobby Thompson, Bigger than Bill Mazeroski. Don. That's how I would consider it. Two goals. Pulling the two goals with the goalie pulled. That's unbelievable. In the game seven in the Stanley cup final. That was unbelievable. Man, that was so great. And the night before, I thought was unbelievable. Dallas is down 2 nothing. Colorado had control of the game. I mean, it was unbelievable how that thing turn. I've never seen a game seven turn like that. I'm sure it has, Allen. I listen to everything. Let me just correct you. Last week you said the 68, 69, the last Bill Russell team, Knicks went six games with them, not seven. They didn't go seven, they went six. Now before you mentioned the Knicks had to get by Boston in the 69, 70. No, not when Bill retired after the 69 season. The Celtics stunk for two years until Cowans came. So even with Havlicek and Jojo White, they had got named Hank Finkel. They sente. He was terrible. They were no good. They didn't. Maybe the second year they made the playoffs. And the 73 team, you're right, they played. They had to get to Boston. But the 69, 70 team. Knicks beat Baltimore and then they beat Milwaukee. That was a famous series. Goodbye, Louie.

[Kendrick Perkins]

Good Lu.

[Caller]

I said this last year as well.

[Alan Hahn]

I wasn't alive, so my memory was all right.

[Caller]

Just to prove to you guys and Alan, you love this. You were talking about TVs and how you used to play around with the antennas. Well, 1976, a guy from out in neck of the woods at Hofstra, Richie Laurel. You remember him with the headband? You don't remember that name? They played Notre Dame first round in the NCAA tournament.

He's telling me he doesn't remember.

No, you don't remember him, Alan.

All right.

That was a big name. All right, Alan, this is the last thing I'll tell you now. I'll be 70. In three two weeks I'll be 70. So any guy older than me, like a spike or somebody may disagree, but this is my memory of all three. If you put Clyde, Jerry and Hondo in a hat, the three names, I don't think you can take one more than the other. All three of them, I would put Frazier, west and Havlicek as equal. I'll put Oscar above them. But those three were so close and there'd be an argument one way or another for each of the three. So that's how close I thought they were. That's my opinion, Alan. I'm sure you'll never hear that from anybody else, but that's my opinion. If you ever have a chance, talk to Clyde and tell him one of your callers suggested this fella's. Always a pleasure than.

[Alan Hahn]

Thank you, Richard. Just to be clear. So I again, this is all foggy for me because I wasn't alive, but it was 72 and 73. The Knicks beat the Celtics on the way to the finals. That's that. That, that was the mistake that, that I made there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know what? And I think I'm going to find a way to fight through it and forgive you.

[Alan Hahn]

It's amazing, right? The Knicks made the finals three out of four years and won two of them.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's good.

[Alan Hahn]

That's a hell of a run. Right? And beat the Celtics three times. No, twice. Let's see. I did it again twice to get to the finals.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I'll say this about the composure of the Blues. It was really Jordan Bennington because they were outshot in the two overtimes, 19 and 9. So I wouldn't say that the Blues all of a sudden like found it. I think that Pennington just, he's, he was. Just kept him in it himself.

[Alan Hahn]

Do you believe in athlete reincarnation? Meaning there are players in generations that remind you of a player from a past generation. Not like looks wise but just what they are.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Billy Smith.

[Alan Hahn]

He's Billy Smith just like Ed Belfo.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Was because he's got a short temper. Yes, he's gotten into it with officials.

[Alan Hahn]

And other players ready to fight anybody anytime. He's very emotional. But in the big money spot money goaltender.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They lost that game in double overtime for they were outshot 47 to 29. So he was unreaching. So that's the thing about the NHL or hockey in general is that you can make a general observation and say that the Blues did this, the Blues did that. Sometimes it's just, you know what the goalie just did everything he could to keep you in the game.

[Alan Hahn]

And the game tying goal, that beat him.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nothing he can do about it.

[Alan Hahn]

Nobody's making that safe.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No.

[Alan Hahn]

Like that was too perfect of a play. The brilliance of the one time. I don't even know if that was a shot or a pass to the slot because you went from one side of the ice. Cross ice. And then a one time because he knew. I forget who the player was. Seconds were left. I just got to get this to the net as fast as I can. And then the tip. You could not recreate that if you try.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Confetti tip was great. And then the pianc. I'm still surprised they haven't changed that goal. I still didn't see it go off a lower. It went off a blue and then I thought went in. So I think it should be Pian's goal. But maybe they saw nine.

[Alan Hahn]

How many minutes did Bianc play in that game?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, 40.

[Alan Hahn]

That's insane. Something isn't that ridiculous?

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I got it up here. I can probably find 40, but. And that's why it's so frustrating to me sometimes. Allen. Everybody waits for like the perfect moment. Like they were talking about it. They're like, why just shoot the puck, Thomas.

[Alan Hahn]

Shoot the puck.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're one of the best players on the team.

[Alan Hahn]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You never know what's going to happen. You fool. The goaltender goes off a skateboard and that Piank shot. That's exactly what wins you games. Everybody wants to design the perfect shot. Especially when the goaltenders playing well. Just get it on net.

[Alan Hahn]

Wasn't that the maddening thing about the Ranger power play? They were looking for the perfect shot instead of a shot.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. That's why during game. That's why Dave Maloney is one of the best. I hope he gets the TV job. It's like cute Sweet Georgia Brown. It's like the Harlem Globetrot because they're just. They're just throwing the puck around. Look at the. Look at these minutes.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Neil Peon played 46 minutes and 15 seconds. Ice Beth Dylan Samberg, 44 minutes.

[Caller]

Wow.

[Alan Hahn]

See if St. Louis now average defenseman plays how many minutes in a regular game?

[Peter Rosenberg]

22.

[Alan Hahn]

Right. The good ones play 20.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

So just keep that in mind.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right. Paranco, 42 minutes and 23 seconds. But the jets are playing with five defensemen because Morrissey left the game early. Morrissey ended up playing 2 minutes and 9 seconds. He was out early. That's like what did. What did he get out of that? Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

It was two shifts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, they said four shifts, but they must have been really. That's crazy. That's quick.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Caller]

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.

[Caller]

Hey Don, how you doing?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Doing yourself?

[Caller]

Oh, I'm feeling great. It's Don Hahn and Rosenberg and we're hanging out on a disgusting, filthy Monday. But we will have the Celtics and the Knicks. Now pregame will start at 6:00 on 10:50am Don.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And that's where the game will be tonight because at 9 o'clock our coverage begins for Mets Diamondbacks. So pat will keep 6:00 10:50 and that's where your game will be.

[Caller]

You know what I. You know what I'm thinking about tonight?

[Peter Rosenberg]

What do you think?

[Caller]

Mets, Diamondbacks, it's all I care about.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm sorry, I care about Mets Diamond.

[Caller]

Sure you do. Now you're not going to watch it unless the Knicks game ends.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, the Knicks game will end hopefully. I mean if it doesn't end, there's.

[Caller]

An issue that'll be quite a game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That'Ll be the open tomorrow regardless.

[Caller]

Actually, you know what you could get over by fourth inning.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, with 7:00 tip it's over 9:40, there's a very good chance and then I'm going to have to get sleepy time Bobos before the Met game ends because it's tough, man. One of the great things about that Winnipeg St. Louis game is it started at seven and if it started at eight, I'd have very some tough decisions to make.

[Caller]

But I probably would have stuck with.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It just the way that that regulation ended. I could not turn that game off. But you know the Mets and Yankees, I mentioned it before, probably a little happy. The Knicks are center stage because both of them lost series over the weekend. Met's not hitting with runners in scoring position consistently enough and, and the Yankees outside of Judge really not producing much offensively. And now you've got the Padres, one of the best teams in baseball, coming to town. Now the Yankees are still in good shape because nobody else in the division is above.500. So just everything that we've told you, the American League's a mess. Yankees are going to take advantage of it. But the Mets, they're still in first place, but not playing that great right now. But it's a, it's a Nick day.

[Caller]

It's a nick day. I do want to tell you one thing. I thought about Michael yesterday.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You did?

[Caller]

I did. Sexually. Sorry, I said that wrong phrasing. No, well, phrasing wouldn't be the thing there. So that doesn't. You know what I'm saying. It was beyond phrasing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, he phrased it the.

[Caller]

I phrased it exactly the way the joke was intended. No, I thought about him because my great aunt Norma passed away.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm sorry.

[Caller]

She was 103 and lived an amazing life. And my cousin. No, she's not. Is she my great aunt? Yeah, she's my dad's aunt. That's my great aunt.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Caller]

So her daughter, my cousin, my second cousin Rona. I was with her and her partner Johanna and the whole family yesterday, celebrating Norma's life. She's a great lady. And I ended up thinking about Michael. Why do you think you wanted to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Know if he'd sign for 103?

[Caller]

That's right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think he would.

[Caller]

You're confident?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Caller]

He's no brainer. He's in.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't think he's ever said no to north of 100. Because now you're really getting into territory that is just arrogant, that you'd have.

[Caller]

To just be stupid.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, now you're getting into the territory. You want to be immortal.

[Caller]

You can't do that. So you're saying he's taking 103? No question.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes, but are you guys in agreement?

[Caller]

There has to be, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. He's taking on. I could text him.

[Caller]

I started texting him earlier and then I didn't finish it. I'm going to finish the text and get an answer from him because I figured this was, like, one of the very rare times where I feel like he'd take it. And 103 is pretty great, so. Rest in peace, Dan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I thought I was off. You would not believe the amount of tweets that I got on Friday. Condolences to Ruth Buzzy's passing. Because she followed me on Twitter. I still don't know why she followed me on Twitter. And that was a running joke for years. But she passed away at the age of 89. She was in hospice. She had Alzheimer's. And I thought of Michael because I'm like, dude, I wouldn't sign for this age. You don't know how things are going to go at the end. I've always told him that. I mean, you might be sitting there living until 104, and you might for the 20 straight years, wish you would wake up dead.

[Caller]

Exactly.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, so be careful. What you wish for there. But condolences to Ruth. Buzzy. I was off. She was very funny and I'll never find out why she followed me on social media. Such an odd follow, isn't it?

[Caller]

Yeah, but perfect for you. No, there's something to that, Anthony and Douglaston has a list idea for you, Don.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay, go ahead.

[Caller]

How you doing, guys? I'm an everyday listener. Thank you guys for doing what you guys do for the community. And from New York. My original point, but I had a little brain fart because you guys picked up really quickly was Alan of course, had to leave. But he said that Mike Malone and Tom Thibodeau are the same coach. I can't agree with that. Mike Malone has a championship and he took a, he took a team.

Michael.

Michael.

Yeah, you know, he'll tell you, he'll tell you right, right away.

[Alan Hahn]

He'll correct you.

[Caller]

He'll correct you.

But yeah, he took the team to a championship. So I don't, I don't believe so. I am a die hard Knicks fan, so I, I am on, on the boat with Tim with Tom Thomado. But I do believe if this series doesn't go to at least six with some competitive nature, I would say that his job is in jeopardy for sure. But my list for Don was because of last night's game. I'm not a huge hockey fan, but I am a Zamboni driver. So I am, you know, in high interest with the sport. I would say a list of Don should maybe do is it could include basketball because it would be a time included list would be maybe top five under 30 second moments in playoff history. Maybe you could do the last 50 years.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Okay, that's a, that's an idea.

[Caller]

Yeah, because that's what I was thinking about too. It's like a pure buzzer.

I know he did something similar. Maybe. But now that maybe you could predominantly do hockey.

It's a good point because last night was a pure, pure buzzer beater in which you don't get in hockey all the time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean it's an expansive list. Right. Because last night it was still a first round game. It was a game seven, but it's a first round. But you think of every last second shot in the NBA, college basketball, the NCAA tournament, all the hockey. How about football? Right. Last second field goals, touchdowns, pick sixes in overtime. It's a vast list. It would take some time to curate that. Not sure I can do it by Wednesday, but I could file the way for future. It's possible. But can we honestly now, it started with Perk saying if it doesn't go seven, he's fired. And that caller says if it doesn't go six, he's fired. Really? So you're telling me that, oh, if he goes five, then he's gone, but if he goes six, yeah, we'll bring it back. That just seems. I know.

[Caller]

Now we're, we're getting to, we're getting too on the nose. I think we all agree they. How about this, Don?

[Alan Hahn]

Let's.

[Caller]

Let's me and you talk turkey, if you will. They cannot be a joke in the series. They have to show up and play. Can we agree on that?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes. And you can lose in five and show up and play.

[Caller]

So. So I'm with you. But if they show up and get smoked and they really, they're in one game, but they, they get blown out in the rest, I think it's over. And, and frankly, I should have called them out for it. I mean, let's be honest. Allen was a gutless puke when it came to Perk. He should have fought right back. He should have told him, you're dead wrong. Absolutely not true.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, let me defend him.

[Caller]

Go ahead, try.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Perk is not. Doesn't have any inside information. He's just telling you what I guess he would do and what he believes should happen.

[Caller]

No, I don't think it's what he thinks should happen. I think that's what he thinks will happen.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But, you know, no offense to Perkins, he's not as tapped in as Allen. But Allen's being told by people they've got no appetite to let him go. Minds change, Peter. The appetites build and a, a catastrophic loss if they lose.

[Caller]

The way that win total for the commanders this year, I've never seen that before.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know what it was if they lose the way Memphis lost to Oklahoma City.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Then I could see a scenario where he's gone where all the game, you get swept three of the four games, you lose by 20, 30 points. Absolute embarrassment. Yes. It has to be on the table to have that conversation on the table.

[Caller]

Or you think it would happen.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know what? I think it would happen. I honestly, if they get blown out where it is non competitive, then I think it would be like, oh, but is there a chance, is there a chance, Peter, that they could get swept but they're not embarrassed that they're in every game? It just, you know what? Tatum just hits a three at the buzzer every single time.

[Caller]

We're basically on the same page. But could he, we don't, we're not saying there's a set number, but Allen's whole thing of there's no appetite, blah, blah, blah. I'm telling you, if they struggled with Detroit the way they did and then the Knicks get absolutely thrashed by the Celtics, there will be an appetite within that building to get rid of Tom Thibble.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Can they get swept but it just not look bad? No, every game's close.

[Caller]

I don't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But think about that.

[Caller]

I know, but it doesn't happen that way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I understand. Usually doesn't. But if Boston plays to the best of their ability and the Knicks play to the best of their ability and the result of that is a four game sweep where every game is decided on a last second bucket. Is that really being embarrassed now? That's, that's really too much to think that's going to happen. You figure one of the four, you should get the shot. One of them doesn't go down. But I need to see what it looks like. Guys. I say this about the NFL all the time too. Oh, you got to have six way you got at least finished seven and 10, otherwise he's out of a job. Or you got to get this many points or the series has to go this long. Can we see what it looks like now? The longer it goes, there's no way to say, well, it still was an embarrassment. I don't care. I don't care if they get blown out in every loss. If they're playing at home in a game six, everything's fine. I don't care if they lose by 40 in the, in the losses. If they win a couple of games, you're not embarrassed.

[Caller]

Well, that's one game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, that's right. You go to a game six. Well, no, if they play in a game six, the series.

[Caller]

Sorry, you're at three, two. That's right. Yeah, I'm sorry.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But the three losses, you lose by 40 again, that's.

[Caller]

But they've won two games.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Can I just see what it looks like?

[Caller]

You have to see what it looks like.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's the only thing about sports, is that you can, you can go over every single scenario. There'll be a scenario you didn't. You didn't think of.

[Caller]

You missed this on Friday, Don. The call from Korean television on the Brunson win. Do you have the Brunson? Brunson. Brunson also. It was so good, Don. We played a lot of calls.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It sounds just a guess. It sounds like it was called remotely.

[Kendrick Perkins]

That also signifies when it's time to break.

[Caller]

Oh, that's right. I forgot. That's gonna be the new. That's the new thing. I told. I told. From now on, Anthony, if you tell us once we got a break and you tell us a second time after that, you can just hit this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And.

[Caller]

It means we gotta go. All right, so we'll take a break.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Caller]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

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

[Peter Rosenberg]

Lord, Lord.

[Caller]

Now, I heard back from Michael K. The Caister, if you will.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes.

[Caller]

I asked him, would you take 103? And when we say, would you take. That means we find out that someone has passed away. We find out what the age is, and we'll say to Michael, would you take that? Because he's always fighting for more. He never. There's so many. He turned down Don that I was flabbergasted. I think 95s. He turned down, yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He's not turning down three years north of 100.

[Caller]

So I said to Michael, I said, my great aunt passed away at 103. Would you take it? This is the real life quote from Michael K. In my text.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Actual quote from an actual human being.

[Caller]

I would think about it. I guess I would reluctantly have to. Reluctantly. I actually need more.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Just think of the arrogance, because.

[Kendrick Perkins]

What.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Are the odds now?

[Kendrick Perkins]

How was your arrogance?

[Caller]

I'm sorry?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Cognitively, how was she? Oh, she did great.

[Caller]

She had a Great run to 103.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What percentage would you put on that you are healthy, functioning, happy to be alive at 103? 20%, 15%. Like, the odds are low, okay, that at that age you're not enjoying life. But he believes he will be.

[Caller]

Kay Lego Rosenberg and you on. Yes. 98, 70 now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And the other thing about the whole exercise is that by not signing for it, you are still rolling the dice that God forbid, you'll be dead tomorrow. We're telling you, you're living to 103.

[Caller]

That's the thing. That's why you gotta take it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So he's not signing for it. Cause he's hoping for more.

[Caller]

I hate Don.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like, if I were God and heard that, I'd be like, you know what? Goodbye. How dare you?

[Caller]

I'm dropping in 53 next Saturday.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a guy that's hitting on 18.

[Caller]

I know. Now remember? And remember, he's already had some tough moments.

Did I miss something?

[Kendrick Perkins]

Is it about me?

[Caller]

We called it the Oscar Gambler.

[Alan Hahn]

That's funny.

[Peter Rosenberg]

See, that's a friend. What a friend.

[Caller]

But I mean you hear that we.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Were not being friendly. That we found that his mic not being on and him not knowing because. And just kept laughing because on television, Peter, he couldn't look like a radio hack with headphones on. He had to have the IFB in. Right? Couldn't hear.

[Caller]

Strap on. Strap it in.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, my favorite is wash handy. Is that there's.

[Caller]

I don't know if wash handy is here.

That's a poo poo take.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That was a. That was a pandemic classic. Oh.

[Caller]

When he was closing out the show.

Stay safe everybody. Stay indoors. Be very wash handy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And ended up. That's cool, man.

[Caller]

I pulled it together. Anyway, so yes, K would reluctantly take 103 if that's the way you were. Were betting. Let's go to Dan wants to talk some Nick's basketball. What's up, Dan?

[Kendrick Perkins]

What's going on, guys? How you doing?

[Peter Rosenberg]

How you doing?

[I]

My newborn man turned one month today.

[Kendrick Perkins]

So.

[Caller]

Hey, how's it going, buddy?

[I]

Good. Well, remember I called a few weeks ago and you asked the name. I said Lorenzo and Don said I named him after Lorenzo Neal. Which is actually true.

[Caller]

Yeah, that's actually true.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't know many Lorenzo's, so that's the one I knew. So. Yeah.

[Kendrick Perkins]

But I do have to say.

[I]

I do have to say something of newly parents. Peter, I bet you go through this. I'm not sure. But everyone, please, please just stop asking me if I slept.

[Caller]

No, no, you're not just. You're not just saying. You're not just saying this off the cuff, are you? You didn't hear me talk about this?

[I]

No. I mean, I've screamed about it.

[Caller]

It's insane.

[I]

It's like it's an epidemic. I mean, it needs to stop.

[Caller]

No, it's a problem. It's a problem. And people just. People refuse to do better. And it's really. And now. And my daughter happens to sleep really well because we had a great night nurse. So now I sound obnoxious because they go how you sleep? And I go, great. Couldn't be better, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

They don't seem to care. Yeah, exactly.

[I]

I throw it right back at them.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So think of all the things you could ask that are pertinent. How's the child?

[Caller]

What's she like?

[Peter Rosenberg]

How's.

[Caller]

How's your wife doing? Yeah. Are you guys having the most fun? Is it the best? There's only one. Hold on. There's only one epidemic that may Be worse than how's. How you sleep it. Do you know what it is?

[Kendrick Perkins]

No.

[Caller]

It goes so fast. Oh, my God, it goes so fast. No, it goes so fast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know, but that. There's a.

[Caller]

No, no, it's personal. At least they mean it. But go ahead, Dan. Sorry we're cutting you off. What were you. What were you saying?

[I]

No, no, it's okay. But you're totally right. But on the next on. I really think. I know. Like, Josh Hart made the comment saying, oh, no, there's no pressure on us. All the pressure's on Boston.

[Kendrick Perkins]

No, no, no, no, no.

[I]

There's some pressure on us. We constructed this team to compete with Boston, so we need to show up. If we don't show up, I'm not going to say Thibodeau needs to get fired, but if he does, I wouldn't be surprised. We need to show up. We got Bridges, we got OG to handle Jaylen Brown and Tatum. We just constructed the team to compete with Boston, and that's why they showed us up in the first game of the season. Now we have to show them. I highly doubt we will, but we'll see what happens.

[Kendrick Perkins]

Thanks, guys.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think you brought up a great point. The way you phrased it, that there's pressure to be competitive. They may be that pressure to win because they're a huge underdog in the series, but there is pressure to be competitive and to not be embarrassed because it could cost your coach your job, his job, and apparently they all love the guy. So if you really want your coach to be your coach for the foreseeable future, there is going to be some pressure. Now, is it possible, Peter, in a close game, you feel like I'm playing with house money because I'm not expected to win this game. Maybe. But I just think as a professional athlete, if the game's there to win it, you're going to want to win it.

[Caller]

That's right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So there'll be more pressure on Boston because they're the heavy favorite, but there's still some pressure on you to perform. And if you were there, if it's within a basket late and you got a chance to win tonight, you're not going to feel something.

[Caller]

So I was going to say to everyone, no pressure in the series. No pressure until you win one game. If you win one game, you're immediately going, we can win this series. And then it's full pressure. Every night you care.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I'm going to tell you this, if they pull a Pacers and they win tonight, there will be even more Nick fans that believe they're winning the series, and that will create a narrative that you can't all of a sudden go back. Well, nobody expected us to win. They win tonight.

[Caller]

Oh, yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It changes everything.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan Hahn]

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

[Don Hahn]

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