Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Knicks Anticipation
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Episode Title: Hour 3: Knicks Anticipation
Description: Join ESPN New York’s Don La Greca, sportswriter Alan Hahn, and Hip Hop and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg as they delve into New York sports, with a special focus on the Knicks' playoff journey.
1. Series Overview and Current Standings
The episode kicks off with a detailed analysis of the Knicks' ongoing playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Don La Greca outlines the current state of the series, emphasizing the high stakes and unpredictable nature of the games.
- Don La Greca [00:35]: "The Knicks came back from 20 points down to win a game. Cat goes off with 20 points in the fourth quarter and we got ourselves a series."
He highlights the Pacers' historical performance in game three scenarios, noting their struggles with back-to-back losses in the postseason since last year. The Knicks are now aiming to level the series with a crucial win in Indiana, a challenging endeavor given the Pacers' strong home performance.
2. Key Strategies and Player Performances
Alan Hahn delves into specific aspects that could influence tonight's game, focusing on the Pacers' three-point shooting and the impact of key players.
- Alan Hahn [02:11]: "The Pacers have had bad game threes previously in the previous two series after taking two leads..."
He points out the Pacers' poor three-point shooting in game three ([02:38] "5 for 25"), contrasting it with their impressive performance in game fours where they shot nearly 48% from downtown. This inconsistency could be pivotal in tonight's matchup.
Tyrese Halliburton's Influence
Hahn discusses Tyrese Halliburton's fluctuating performance and his father’s recent return to the arena, which could add emotional weight to Halliburton's game.
- Alan Hahn [03:34]: "His father has been allowed back in the arena... they're going to show him celebrating."
Don La Greca speculates on how this personal dynamic might motivate Halliburton, potentially igniting his performance further.
Aaron Neesmith's Ankle Injury
The discussion shifts to Aaron Neesmith’s ankle injury, which is listed as questionable for tonight's game.
- Alan Hahn [03:34]: "He injured it in the second half of game three. He got hurt on a drive and he rolled it bad. It's a right ankle that had he had injured earlier in the season, so it's a re-injury."
Hahn underscores the significance of Neesmith's defensive role against Jalen Brunson, suggesting that his condition could greatly influence the Knicks' defensive strategy.
Carl Anthony Towns vs. Miles Turner
Hahn emphasizes the importance of Carl Anthony Towns' matchup against Miles Turner, advocating for the Knicks to prioritize feeding Towns to leverage his offensive capabilities, which in turn could enhance his defensive performance.
- Alan Hahn [07:22]: "They have that matchup they're going to own in this series, especially if the Pacers keep playing him one on one with Miles Turner."
3. Coaching Strategies and Criticisms
The hosts engage in a robust debate about the coaching prowess of Tom Thibodeau. While some callers and fans criticize Thibodeau for his minutes management, Hahn defends his approach by highlighting his team's conditioning and readiness for the playoffs.
- Caller [37:22]: "The Knicks starters have played 2,000 more minutes than the Indiana Pacer starters... you don't think by game five, six, that difference is going to show itself?"
Alan Hahn's Defense:
- Alan Hahn [18:00]: "The whole idea is they have been built up for this and that. They've been okay. But they’re telling us they've trained this season so that they don't break down at this time of year."
Hahn compares minutes management in the NBA to pitcher usage in baseball, arguing that Thibodeau's strategy is about conditioning and preparing his players to handle the rigors of the postseason.
Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg's Take:
They reinforce Hahn's points, suggesting that criticism of Thibodeau often stems from fan frustration rather than objective analysis of his coaching effectiveness.
- Don La Greca [33:20]: "He is the first coach in 25 years to lead a team to the conference final. They are a perennial playoff team. So why exactly are we having a conversation about how bad a coach he is?"
4. Fan Interaction and Caller Insights
Throughout the episode, callers share their perspectives on the Knicks' strategies, player performances, and coaching methods.
Caller on Tyrese Halliburton's Minutes:
- Caller [15:09]: "I think he does this to try to shorten the game and give his guys a breather."
Alan Hahn responds by explaining the balance between resting key players and maintaining game flow.
Caller on Coach Thibodeau’s Style:
- Caller [28:39]: "He has a lot too long a leash for his favorite players... He gets outcoached in at least three different seasons in the playoffs."
The hosts counter these criticisms by highlighting Thibodeau's achievements and the broader team dynamics, emphasizing that fan criticisms are often biased and overlook the team's hard work and successes.
5. Mental Health Awareness
In addition to sports discussions, the hosts dedicate time to Mental Health Awareness Month, promoting resources and encouraging listeners to seek support.
- Peter Rosenberg [37:22]: "May is Mental Health Awareness month so I'm encouraging everyone to take care of your well being and break the stigma."
6. Conclusion and Upcoming Events
The episode wraps up with announcements about upcoming games, media coverage, and promotional events, ensuring listeners are informed about where to catch future matches and related content.
- Don La Greca [42:13]: "It's all happening right here on 880 ESPN New York and ESPN New York app."
Notable Quotes:
- Don La Greca [00:35]: "The Knicks came back from 20 points down to win a game. Cat goes off with 20 points in the fourth quarter and we got ourselves a series."
- Alan Hahn [02:38]: "Did the Knicks figure something out to take away those threes or the Pacers? Maybe a little too passive."
- Don La Greca [03:35]: "Players always say this, it's the playoffs. Why would I need more motivation?"
- Don La Greca [33:20]: "He is the first coach in 25 years to lead a team to the conference final. They are a perennial playoff team. So why exactly are we having a conversation about how bad a coach he is?"
- Peter Rosenberg [37:22]: "May is Mental Health Awareness month so I'm encouraging everyone to take care of your well being and break the stigma."
Key Takeaways:
- Knicks' Resilience: The Knicks have demonstrated remarkable resilience by overcoming significant deficits, signaling strong team morale and determination.
- Strategic Focus: Emphasis on defensive strategies, particularly limiting Pacers' three-point effectiveness, and leveraging key players like Carl Anthony Towns.
- Coaching Debate: A heated discussion on Thibodeau’s coaching style highlights the balance between fan expectations and objective team performance analysis.
- Player Health: Monitoring of Aaron Neesmith’s ankle injury and its potential impact on defensive strategies against Jalen Brunson.
- Fan Engagement: Active listener participation provides diverse viewpoints, enriching the conversation around team dynamics and strategies.
- Mental Health Advocacy: The hosts prioritize mental health, encouraging listeners to seek support and break down associated stigmas.
This episode offers an in-depth look into the Knicks' playoff aspirations, blending strategic analysis with passionate fan interaction, all while addressing broader topics like mental health and coaching philosophies. Whether you're a die-hard Knicks fan or new to the team's journey, this discussion provides valuable insights into what lies ahead for the squad.