Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: "Knicks & Soto Struggles"

Release Date: May 30, 2025
Hosts: Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Platform: ESPN New York

1. Introduction

In the third hour of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, the hosts delve deep into the current state of the New York Knicks' playoff journey and address the ongoing struggles of Mets' star Juan Soto. This episode, titled "Knicks & Soto Struggles," balances passionate sports analysis with engaging listener interactions, providing a comprehensive overview for fans eager to stay informed.

2. Knicks Playoff Surge and Jalen Brunson’s Impact

The primary focus of the discussion centers on the New York Knicks' impressive performance in the playoffs, particularly highlighting Jalen Brunson's pivotal role.

• Jalen Brunson’s Stellar Performance:

  Don Hahn praises Brunson’s contributions, emphasizing his ability to set the tone for the team.

  "He had 32 points. He had 14 points in the first quarter... this is one of the NBA's best players." [02:51]

  Alan Hahn echoes this sentiment, noting Brunson's consistent high-level play:

  "He's 28 years old and establishing himself as one of the great Knicks of all time." [04:02]

• Team Dynamics and Fan Base Optimism:

  Peter Rosenberg highlights the unwavering optimism of Knicks fans, even in challenging moments.

  "Knick Fans give a lot of credit, sometimes irritatingly so positive about what's going on." [02:13]

  The hosts discuss how the Knicks have managed to maintain a positive momentum despite being down 3-1 in the series, with remarkable comebacks that bolster fan belief in the team’s potential.

• Historical Context and Future Prospects:

  Don Hahn draws parallels between the current series and the 1995 Knicks-Pacers showdown:

  "The Pacers have only once had a team get a game seven. And that team was the Knicks in '95." [09:46]

  This historical reference serves to underscore the significance of the current playoff run and the high expectations placed on the Knicks to perform under pressure.

3. Yankees vs. Dodgers and Mets vs. Rockies: Baseball Insights

The conversation shifts to Major League Baseball, where the hosts compare the Yankees' rematch against the Dodgers to last year's World Series and analyze the Mets' ongoing struggles.

• Yankees-Dodgers Rematch:

  Discussing the high-stakes matchup, Alan Hahn remarks on the historical tension and the pressure to perform:

  "It's not going to make up for what happened last year, but it's still cool to get them together. Two of the best teams in baseball for sure." [25:40]

  Peter Rosenberg adds a strategic perspective, assessing the Yankees' chances:

  "It's too early in the season... just like the Met Series, you need juice early in the season." [32:30]

• Mets’ Juan Soto Struggles:

  The hosts express concern over Juan Soto's underperformance at the plate. Don Hahn remains optimistic about Soto’s turnaround:

  "Every day I sit here and like you look at the numbers, he's going to get going here pretty soon." [26:12]

  In contrast, Peter Rosenberg voices frustration with the ongoing struggles:

  "I need to see hits. I need to see RBIs. He's not hitting with runners in scoring position." [26:33]

  The discussion touches on managerial approaches and the pressure on Soto to deliver consistent offensive performances.

4. Fan Interactions and Callers' Insights

Listeners contribute through calls, sharing personal experiences and engaging in light-hearted banter about sports and nostalgia.

• Caller Danny from Long Island:

  Danny reminisces about visiting the North Carolina Video Arcade Museum, drawing a nostalgic parallel to the hosts' own experiences:

  "I wandered into the North Carolina Video Arcade Museum. $8 an hour. Play every game you ever played." [17:00]

• Anthony Pusick’s Superstitious Dilemma:

  Anthony seeks advice on whether to print out a game seven log, reflecting on previous superstitious practices:

  "Do I manifest it and print out the log because I want that game to happen, or do I do what I did last time and not print it out?" [40:16]

  The hosts provide guidance, emphasizing sticking to proven patterns to influence outcomes positively.

5. Key Insights and Conclusions

The episode underscores the themes of resilience, leadership, and the weight of expectations in professional sports.

• Leadership Under Pressure:

  Jalen Brunson's ability to perform in high-stakes moments illustrates the importance of strong leadership in turning games around and inspiring teammates.

• Consistency vs. Talent:

  While the Knicks boast talented players, the discussion highlights that consistent performance is crucial for championship aspirations. The comparison with other NBA greats like LeBron James and Michael Jordan sets a benchmark for the current team.

• Fan Passion and Psychological Impact:

  The hosts acknowledge the psychological interplay between fan support and team performance, emphasizing how positive fan engagement can bolster a team’s morale.

6. Final Thoughts

Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg provide a nuanced analysis of the Knicks' playoff run and the Mets' challenges with Juan Soto. Their blend of statistical insight, historical context, and relatable anecdotes offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the current sports landscape in New York.

Notable Quotes Highlighted:

• "He's the best player in the series." — Don Hahn [02:51]
• "Jalen Brunson is doing those kinds of things. That's what this run has been." — Don Hahn [04:02]
• "The Knicks are still the team in that spot as we head into game six that needs to get back the one that they lost." — Alan Hahn [09:46]
• "I need to see hits. I need to see RBIs. He's not hitting with runners in scoring position." — Peter Rosenberg [26:33]

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg adeptly captures the excitement and tension surrounding New York's beloved sports teams, offering fans both hope and critical analysis as the seasons progress.