Hour 3: Knicks, Newton, Belichick - Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

Transcript

Alan Hahn (0:01)

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Don LaGreca (0:29)

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

Alan Hahn (0:33)

That sounds like heaven to me.

Don LaGreca (0:35)

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers. All right, it's the big 5:00 hour with Don Lagreca and Peter Rosenberg. I'm Alan Hahn. 800-919-3776 of course, is the number. So the Knicks win last night at the Garden. It was another one of like, it was a great atmosphere as usual. This is now again five in a row. The last three games are against teams in the west that were playing really well. The last two wins are against two of the top teams in the west, the Grizzlies. And then they take on Jokic and the Nuggets last night. And I'm telling you, I was right by the Nuggets bench throughout the game. They wanted that game bad. Jokic got into early foul trouble. The Knicks had a lead but really couldn't break the game open. And Michael Malone, remember the Knicks went to Denver in November and they put 145 points on him, embarrassed them at home. So he was sort of like letting his guys know, you better get after it, they're going to put another 140 on you because the last two games they did that to the opponents. And so that Nuggets team started tightening it up and they wanted to, they wanted to make sure that they weren't going to get embarrassed. And then Jamal Murray had it going in the third quarter and a nick lead suddenly turned into an eight point deficit. And guys, I've seen this before and tell me you haven't either at the guard. When you a stage like that, the opposing team always, always one guy that is and sometimes it's the other team star that they take over the stage. Like this is my one game here. I'm putting on a show. I'm going to get this building in my pocket. We've seen it happen a lot. And the Knicks, usually you get an anxious crowd, a frustrated crowd, and then the Knicks end up losing the game. Jalen Brunson wouldn't let that happen? He all of a sudden just took the, he started scoring. He was aggressive. He had 18 points in the quarter, closed the quarter, they had the lead and then he only took one shot in the fourth quarter because at that point he's like, okay, now that they're focused on me, I'm going to start passing it around. Seven of his 15 assists were in that fourth quarter. And the Knicks closed the door. And I watched this team play and I watched the first two months that did that month of December. I've called a bunch of their games sitting courtside and I'm telling you, I kept saying to myself last night, the way this team plays, this is the best basketball I've seen the Knicks play in my lifetime. I never saw the 73 team. And I know everybody raved about that championship team, one of the high IQ teams of all time. So I'm going to stop there when I say this is the best team the Knicks have had since then.

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Hour 3: Knicks, Newton, Belichick
Release Date: January 30, 2025
Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Platform: ESPN New York and New Jersey
Duration: Approximately 50 minutes

1. New York Knicks' Impressive Streak

Timestamp: 00:35 - 03:09

Don LaGreca opens the discussion by celebrating the New York Knicks' recent victory at Madison Square Garden, marking their fifth consecutive win. He highlights the challenging opponents they've faced, including top Western Conference teams like the Grizzlies and Nuggets. Don observes, "This is the best basketball I've seen the Knicks play in my lifetime. I never saw the '73 team." (03:02)

Key Points:

Knicks have secured five consecutive wins against formidable Western teams.
Recent games against the Nuggets showcased the team's determination and strategic play.
Jalen Brunson's standout performance, particularly in the last quarter, was pivotal in securing victories.

2. Comparing Current Knicks to Historic Teams

Timestamp: 03:09 - 08:26

Alan Hahn and Don engage in a comparative analysis of the current Knicks roster against past legendary teams, including the 1993, 1994, 1997, and 1999 Knicks squads. Don ranks these teams, placing the current lineup as the best since the '73 championship team.

Notable Quote:

Don LaGreca: "This is the best team the Knicks have had since then." (04:31)

Key Points:

The current team surpasses the '93, '94, '97, and '99 Knicks in terms of offensive efficiency and play intelligence.
Emphasis on the Knicks averaging nearly 118 points per game, a franchise record.
Defense has also improved, ranking within the top 10 in scoring defense.
Sustainability and player health are crucial for maintaining this high performance into the playoffs.

3. Team Chemistry and Player Contributions

Timestamp: 08:26 - 16:12

The conversation shifts to team chemistry, particularly focusing on Mitch Robinson's role. A caller, Antonio, praises the team's cohesion and defends Robinson's place in the lineup, suggesting that retaining him could bolster their defense against teams like Boston.

Notable Quotes:

Antonio: "The Knicks is looking really good. I'm motivated. I love watching every single game." (15:13)
Alan Hahn: "If they wind up moving him at the deadline, it's a sign that they never expected him to play." (15:38)

Key Points:

Mitch Robinson is seen as a valuable asset to the Knicks' defensive lineup.
The importance of team chemistry and defensive improvements in sustaining the Knicks' success.
Discussion on the trade deadline and its implications for player roles and team strategy.

4. Cam Newton: MVP vs. Championship Dilemma

Timestamp: 27:19 - 33:26

A segment dedicated to the debate on whether winning an MVP award or a championship is more valuable, featuring insights from Cam Newton. The hosts explore the impact of individual accolades versus team success.

Notable Quotes:

Don LaGreca: "Championships are about legacy, and legacy is how you are immortal in the sport, not awards." (36:07)
Peter Rosenberg: "If you could give back that league MVP for a Super Bowl championship, would you do it? Nope." (30:31)

Key Points:

The hosts argue that championships hold more enduring value in a player's legacy compared to individual awards like MVPs.
Cam Newton is cited as an example, having won an MVP but not securing a Super Bowl, leading to debates about his career choices.
Emphasis on the importance of team contributions and legacy over personal accolades.

5. Bill Belichick's Coaching Legacy

Timestamp: 22:28 - 47:00

The podcast delves into Bill Belichick's understated yet monumental impact on the NFL. The hosts discuss how Belichick's coaching success often flies under the radar compared to marquee players like Tom Brady.

Notable Quotes:

Don LaGreca: "He's like, how is he not in the conversation? One of the great coaches in the history of the sport." (24:13)
Alan Hahn: "Players win games. You can't win games without good players." (43:12)

Key Points:

Belichick's ability to craft winning teams with strategic prowess, often without the most high-profile players.
Comparison of Belichick's achievements to other coaching legends and his potential to surpass records held by coaches like George Halas.
The discussion touches on the challenges of attributing team success solely to coaching versus player performance.

6. Listener Interactions and Personal Stories

Timestamp: 15:35 - 38:05

Throughout the episode, listeners share their personal experiences and opinions on the topics discussed. One notable caller, Antonio, expresses unwavering support for the Knicks and shares a nostalgic connection to the team's journey.

Key Points:

Personal anecdotes from listeners enhance the relatability of the discussion.
The hosts engage with callers, providing thoughtful responses and fostering a community atmosphere.
Stories highlight the emotional investment fans have in their favorite teams and players.

7. Other Sports Insights and Commentary

Timestamp: 38:05 - 48:45

Beyond basketball and football, the hosts briefly touch upon other sports topics, including the Stanley Cup and trophy naming conventions. While not the main focus, these discussions offer additional depth to the sports commentary.

Key Points:

Debate over the significance and naming of major sports trophies.
Comparisons between different sports' traditions and their impact on team legacies.
Light-hearted banter among hosts adds a dynamic and engaging element to the podcast.

Conclusion

In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the hosts provide an in-depth analysis of the New York Knicks' soaring performance, drawing comparisons to historic teams and emphasizing the importance of both offensive prowess and defensive improvements. They engage with listeners' opinions, delve into the nuanced debate of individual accolades versus team championships, and celebrate the often-unsung heroism of coaches like Bill Belichick. The blend of expert commentary, heartfelt fan interactions, and spirited debates makes for a comprehensive and engaging listen for sports enthusiasts.

For more detailed discussions and insights, tune into the full episode available on the ESPN New York app, 880 ESPN, or your preferred smart speaker platform.