Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary

Title: Hour 3: Kurt Thomas & Jay Williams
Release Date: May 29, 2025

In the third hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg engage in an in-depth discussion with former NBA player Kurt Thomas and guest Jay Williams. This episode delves into the New York Knicks' playoff journey, strategies for Game Five against the Indiana Pacers, and reflections on past and present Knicks legends. Here's a comprehensive summary capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Introduction and Guest Welcome

The episode kicks off with the usual banter among the hosts, setting the stage for a lively discussion. At [00:44], Peter Rosenberg introduces Kurt Thomas, highlighting his legacy with the Knicks and his reputation as one of the tough guys from the 1999 Finals team.

Notable Quote:
Kurt Thomas [00:52]: "It's amazing to be back in New York during playoff time; it brings back those old memories."

2. Jason Williams' Legacy and Current Impact

The conversation transitions to former Knicks player Jason Williams, discussing his extensive 18-season career, including his time with the Knicks and the Heat. Williams reflects on his return to New York and the enduring support from fans [02:06].

Notable Quote:
Jason Williams [02:25]: "New York is like my second home, so I still have a lot of friends up here."

Williams shares personal anecdotes about playing through injuries and his seamless transition into a successful real estate career post-retirement [10:07].

Notable Quote:
Jason Williams [12:49]: "I just love the game. Once it was over, I already knew what I was going to do."

3. Trade Insights: Luka Doncic & Jalen Brunson

Kurt Thomas discusses the significant trade involving Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson, expressing surprise and analyzing the fan reactions from Dallas [07:05].

Notable Quote:
Kurt Thomas [07:05]: "The reaction from Dallas fans was unbelievable. Carrying a casket in front of the stadium? I've never seen anything like that."

He further elaborates on how these trades impact team dynamics and the future of both players [08:00].

4. Analyzing the Knicks vs. Pacers Playoff Series

The hosts delve into the current playoff series between the Knicks and Pacers, examining the Knicks' defensive strategies, physicality, and overall performance. They highlight the importance of reducing turnovers and increasing defensive stops to secure a win in Game Five [15:47].

Notable Quote:
Jason Williams [15:47]: "We got to get stops on the defensive end. That's what will fuel our offense and lead us to a win tonight."

Kurt Thomas emphasizes the necessity for the Knicks to adopt a more aggressive and physical style of play to counter the Pacers' strategies [22:28].

Notable Quote:
Kurt Thomas [22:28]: "Tonight is a no excuse night. We've got to fight or flight, put everything on the line to win."

5. Defensive Strategies and Physicality

The discussion intensifies around the need for the Knicks to enhance their defensive tactics. Kurt Thomas critiques the current defensive approach, advocating for a more robust and physical defense to disrupt the Pacers' offensive flow [26:03].

Notable Quote:
Kurt Thomas [26:03]: "Once you go through a long, physical series like Detroit's, the emotional and physical drain is immense."

Peter Rosenberg adds that the Knicks must focus on limiting Jalen Brunson's scoring opportunities to gain an upper hand [30:25].

Notable Quote:
Peter Rosenberg [30:25]: "They have to find one more playmaker to take the pressure off Jalen Brunson."

6. Addressing Team Fatigue and Emotional Exhaustion

The hosts explore the impact of the long playoff season on the Knicks' performance, discussing the signs of physical and emotional fatigue among players [25:42]. They consider whether the team's intense schedule has taken a toll, affecting their ability to perform at peak levels.

Notable Quote:
Alan Hahn [25:42]: "It's a long season. Playing every other day, it's not like the second round where you take a couple of days off."

7. Future Outlook and Strategies for Victory

As the episode nears its conclusion, the hosts outline potential strategies the Knicks could employ to triumph in Game Five. Emphasis is placed on maintaining defensive integrity, reducing turnovers, and ensuring key players like Carl Anthony Towns (Cat) remain healthy and effective [40:10].

Notable Quote:
Peter Rosenberg [40:10]: "The Knicks have to be physically tough and play as a united team to push the ball and reduce turnovers."

Kurt Thomas reiterates the importance of a collective mentality, urging the team to leave everything on the court without excuses [34:13].

Notable Quote:
Kurt Thomas [34:13]: "It's fight or flight. Tonight is a no excuse night for us."

8. Closing Remarks and Final Insights

In the final segments, the hosts summarize their discussions, reinforcing the critical points made throughout the episode. They highlight the need for strategic defensive adjustments and the importance of player resilience to advance in the playoffs.

Notable Quote:
Peter Rosenberg [48:52]: "Hear more of Don, Alan, and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN New York and the ESPN New York app."

Conclusion

Hour 3 of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast offers a rich and engaging analysis of the New York Knicks' playoff prospects, enriched by the experiences and insights of Kurt Thomas and Jay Williams. The hosts effectively balance nostalgia with current strategic discussions, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the team's challenges and potential pathways to victory in the crucial Game Five against the Indiana Pacers.

Highlighted Quotes with Timestamps:

• Kurt Thomas [00:52]: "It's amazing to be back in New York during playoff time; it brings back those old memories."
• Jason Williams [05:28]: "He's been scoring 40 points in a playoff game four nights in a row. It's just unbelievable."
• Kurt Thomas [07:05]: "The reaction from Dallas fans was unbelievable. Carrying a casket in front of the stadium? I've never seen anything like that."
• Jason Williams [15:47]: "We got to get stops on the defensive end. That's what will fuel our offense and lead us to a win tonight."
• Kurt Thomas [22:28]: "Tonight is a no excuse night. We've got to fight or flight, put everything on the line to win."
• Peter Rosenberg [30:25]: "They have to find one more playmaker to take the pressure off Jalen Brunson."
• Alan Hahn [25:42]: "It's a long season. Playing every other day, it's not like the second round where you take a couple of days off."
• Peter Rosenberg [40:10]: "The Knicks have to be physically tough and play as a united team to push the ball and reduce turnovers."
• Kurt Thomas [34:13]: "It's fight or flight. Tonight is a no excuse night for us."
• Peter Rosenberg [48:52]: "Hear more of Don, Alan, and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN New York and the ESPN New York app."

This structured and detailed summary provides an insightful overview of the podcast episode, making it accessible and informative for both regular listeners and newcomers.