Hour 3: Rangers & Knicks

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast: Hour 3 – Rangers & Knicks (Released March 24, 2025)

In this engaging third-hour episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don Hahn from ESPN New York, sportswriter Alan Hahn, and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the latest happenings surrounding the New York Rangers and Knicks. The trio offers insightful analysis, passionate debates, and memorable quotes that capture the essence of New York sports fervor.

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NHL Standings and Rangers’ Playoff Push

The discussion kicks off with a detailed examination of the NHL standings, focusing on the New York Islanders and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Don Hahn sets the stage by highlighting the Islanders' crucial need for regulation wins:

[01:08] Don Hahn: "Yeah, but still."

Peter Rosenberg emphasizes the Islanders' tight position:

[01:08] Peter: "And the other thing that kills the Islanders, they're going to have to win outright. They only have 25 regulation wins and 30 row wins which are regulation and overtime wins. So that hurts."

The conversation shifts to recent trades and player performances, particularly regarding Brock Nelson's impact:

[02:14] Don Hahn: "You know what I mean?"

[02:15] Peter: "And you listen and the US Missed him at the four nations."

Peter praises Quinn Hughes' offensive prowess:

[02:00] Peter: "Watching him live on Saturday. Kick and fly."

Rangers vs. Minnesota Game Analysis

A significant portion of the episode is devoted to analyzing the Rangers' performance against Minnesota:

[03:40] Peter: "Well, they scored five goals on 12 shots. That's the, that's the most goals scored on the fewest shots since 2014."

Don commends the team's ability to capitalize on opportunities despite poor shooting stats:

[04:00] Don Hahn: "It was just awful. But you know, give them credit. They scored on literally every opportunity they had and they won the game."

The hosts reflect on Sam Reinhart's honoring event, appreciating the seamless tribute by the organization:

[04:20] Don Hahn: "It was great to see Esposito there with David. I love that Philip Esposito was there."

Rangers’ Season Challenges and Power Play Woes

Don and Peter express concern over the Rangers' faltering performance and declining power play effectiveness:

[05:30] Peter: "And this power play. I don't know what's worse. They're two for their last 33 or the fact that they've got two power play opportunities in the last two games. They just don't even get power plays."

Don questions the team's offensive strategies:

[05:30] Don Hahn: "Why is it?"

Peter attributes the lack of power plays to the Rangers' insufficient time in the offensive zone:

[05:30] Peter: "Well, the wise they're not spending any time in the offensive zone. I mean, that's usually where you draw penalties, right?"

NHL Playoff Format and Expansion Debate

The conversation transitions to the NHL's playoff format and the potential expansion to 36 teams. Don references Gary Bettman's stance on maintaining the current playoff structure:

[06:25] Don Hahn: "Climb their way kind of into it. And now sort of, you know where they are is everybody seems to have that moment where they slip a little bit and it's keeps it so tight."

Peter critiques the divisional playoff matchups, arguing they may stifle broader competition:

[07:32] Peter: "They know what they're doing as far as interest is concerned, and they seem to be convinced that the NHL wants to have divisional matchups early in the playoffs."

The hosts express skepticism about the NHL's expansion plans, considering market saturation and financial motivations:

[10:39] Don Hahn: "Yeah."

[10:40] Peter: "Tell me it's good for the sport where you've got baseball with 30 teams, NBA with 30 teams. Now both those sports are going to expand eventually to 32."

Don acknowledges the unique challenges of expanding a league that draws talent internationally but remains cautious about the potential dilution of the sport:

[10:52] Don Hahn: "Come on, let me push back. Here's why it's different..."

Historical Perspective on NHL Franchise Movements

Don and Peter delve into the history of NHL team relocations, emphasizing that while teams have moved, franchises haven't typically folded in the modern era:

[14:08] Peter: "No. The only time I remember."

[14:13] Peter: "You go back to the 70s. I think the Cleveland Barons folded and I think the Minnesota North Stars kind of took their roster like there were. But no, because there's always a city. It's hot to bring in that team."

Don reinforces that relocation has been the primary response to market challenges:

[14:27] Don Hahn: "Well, you mentioned Minnesota. The North Stars moved to Dallas. Right."

NBA Knicks’ Playoff Prospects and Challenges

Shifting focus to the NBA, the hosts analyze the New York Knicks' current playoff standings and upcoming challenges:

[19:05] Don Hahn: "So another game to watch tonight, by the way, our LE Scoreboard watch tonight if you're a Knicks fan..."

Peter outlines the high-stakes schedule ahead:

[19:16] Peter: "And San Antonio. So keep an eye on that scoreboard tonight. Yeah. Minnesota and Indiana."

They discuss the implications of key player injuries, particularly Jalen Brunson's status:

[22:14] Peter: "Now, do you think there are Nick fans out there that wouldn't mind mind falling to four?"

[22:27] Peter: "Are the odds better they lose in the first round than win than to make it to the conference final?"

Don provides his perspective on the Knicks' playoff odds:

[22:43] Don Hahn: "I can give you the actual probabilities."

[23:13] Don Hahn: "I think we'll see him, but it is, it's."

Listener Interaction: Richard's Historical Sports Trivia

A lively interaction occurs when a listener named Richard from Manhattan poses a historical sports question about Muhammad Ali's fight:

[23:35] Unknown (Richard): "Hi, Don. Peter Allen. Ali beat Foreman in '74... what fight was it?"

Peter correctly identifies the iconic Ali vs. Chuck Wepner fight, reminiscing about its lasting impact:

[24:00] Peter: "Well, that would be the Ali versus..."

Don praises the listener's knowledge and reflects on memorable sports moments.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate the importance of staying informed about the latest sports developments. They encourage listeners to keep an eye on the playoffs' evolving landscape and anticipate exciting outcomes in both the NHL and NBA.

[26:19] Don Hahn: "Hear more of Don Allen and Peter, weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers."

The episode concludes with Don affirming his preference for quality over quantity in sports coverage:

[26:22] Don Hahn: "I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good."

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Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [02:32]: "Because Anthony Davis, believe it or not, is going to return to the lineup tonight."

• Peter Rosenberg [05:30]: "They're two for their last 33 or the fact that they've got two power play opportunities in the last two games."

• Don Hahn [06:25]: "Climb their way kind of into it."

• Peter Rosenberg [10:40]: "Tell me it's good for the sport where you've got baseball with 30 teams."

• Don Hahn [14:27]: "The North Stars moved to Dallas. Right."

• Peter Rosenberg [19:16]: "And San Antonio. So keep an eye on that scoreboard tonight."

• Don Hahn [22:43]: "I can give you the actual probabilities."

• Peter Rosenberg [24:00]: "Well, that would be the Ali versus..."

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This episode offers a comprehensive look into the current state of the Rangers and Knicks, enriched by the hosts' expertise and charismatic banter. Whether you're a die-hard Knicks fan or tracking the NHL's playoff race, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provide valuable insights to keep you informed and entertained.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Mario's Bistro.

[Rosenberg]

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[Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

[Don Hahn]

Hi. It's game time. Brought to you by Tullimore. Do Irish whiskey because when it's game time, it's Tully time. Islanders Blue jackets tonight at UBS 7:30. Again, Don, you said two, right? Two points out. Islanders get these two points.

[Peter]

Yeah. The Islanders right now have 73 points. The Canadians have 70 points. So if they win the game, they'll be. They'll be tied with them. Although Montreal have a game in the end.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, but still.

[Peter]

And the other thing that kills the Islanders, they're going to have to win outright. They only have 25 regulation wins and 30 row wins which are regulation and overtime wins. So that hurts. There's a tiebreaker, but I'm looking at Montreal. They would actually have the tiebreaker on Montreal. They wouldn't have it on the Rangers because Rangers have done pretty much everything in regulation this year. But their focus is on Montreal right now and they can tie them and the only difference with Montreal is played one less game.

[Don Hahn]

So listen, trading Brock Nelson and you don't completely go into the tank and in fact they've played better. That's.

[Peter]

Nelson's been great for Colorado and that's.

[Don Hahn]

Been a great addition for them Devils. They have the Canucks as I guess the Canucks are doing the New York thing. Right?

[Peter]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

So. Oh, that's right. This is. This would be the Hughes Bowl. But Jack's not.

[Peter]

Jack's out. Luke's still there.

[Don Hahn]

Luke's there. I got to get.

[Peter]

Quinn is amazing.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. Great offensive.

[Peter]

Watching him live on Saturday. Kick and fly.

[Don Hahn]

Yep. Yeah. He's again that. That new school of defensemen that is more offense. Like. Like you know you can win the Norris without throwing a hit.

[Peter]

Right.

[Don Hahn]

You know what I mean?

[Peter]

And you listen and the US Missed him at the four nations.

[Don Hahn]

Yep.

[Peter]

Because he might have made a difference.

[Don Hahn]

No, he's the whole family. It's amazing the talent there. Anyway, Devil's canucks is at 7:30 and the nets take on the Mavericks in Brooklyn. And this is a game, everybody that the entire NBA will be keeping an eye on.

[Peter]

Why?

[Don Hahn]

Because Anthony Davis, believe it or not, is going to return to the lineup tonight. He plans to play tonight. He has been out with that abductor strain or abdominal strain I should say that he suffered, what'd I say February 8th when he was doing the I'm here now after the Luca trade and that was a big thing and they told me he didn't have to come back to play. Kyrie's out for the season, but he wants to, so he's going to play. So that's certainly an interesting development. Game time Brought to you by Tullimore Du the original triple distilled, triple blended, triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Du or try the new Tullamore Dew Honey during tonight's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Du responsibly. Not mentioned. Don it's the Rangers who play again tomorrow night as they begin a West coast. They're going out to LA this late in the year.

[Peter]

11 games left and they've got three out west.

[Don Hahn]

Oh my goodness.

[Peter]

Tuesday against the Kings and then Friday, Saturday, Ducks, Sharks. So. And they got to play better. They played awful.

[Don Hahn]

They got the win for Sam, but they did everything they could to not win that game.

[Peter]

Well, they scored five goals on 12 shots. That's the, that's the most goals scored on the fewest shots since 2014. Minnesota won a game where they scored five on like 11 shots.

[Don Hahn]

So Roberto Luongo was not in goal.

[Peter]

It was just awful. But you know, give them credit. They scored on literally every opportunity they had and they won the game. And Sam was honored and it was pretty cool to get a chance to talk to him. They had a little reception after and I got to see, you know, Brian Leach, Nick Fatihu and hang out with Joe and all the behind the scenes guys. It was really good. They did a good job.

[Don Hahn]

It was great to see Esposito there with David. I love that Philip Espizo was there. How great was that? And obviously JD And Joe Micheletti. So all the partners that, that Sam has had, it was, it was done just right. Something tells me Sam, when we talked to him, didn't really want a big fuss, right? Didn't want a big fuss made of him. I don't think he's ever. I don't think he's built like that.

[Peter]

No.

[Don Hahn]

So it was, you know, it was. It was definitely nicely done.

[Peter]

It was nice. And to get the win. And listen, points don't go bad. You get them any way you can, but take them. When the Rangers play tomorrow, It'll be their 72nd game. So all these teams have games in hand. It's going to be very difficult, especially the way they're playing for them to make the playoffs. But they've got 11 games. See if they can take care of business. The Ducks and the Sharks are not very good. So if they came back with four of a possible six points, I guess you take it and just see where things go in the final eight games. But they're really relying on Igor big time. And this power play. I don't know what's worse. They're two for their last 33 or the fact that they've got two power play opportunities in the last two games. They just don't even get power plays.

[Don Hahn]

Why is it?

[Peter]

Well, the wise they're not spending any time in the offensive zone. I mean, that's usually where you draw penalties, right? Unless. Unless the other team makes a mistake and commits a penalty in their own off. In the offensive zone, you gotta put pressure and if you're not spending time in the zone, you're probably not gonna get to the power play. And the one power play they had lasted all of 17 seconds on Saturday. So it's hard to get it going. But this team relied so heavily on the power play last year. This year it's ranked 25th. They can't get anything going. Change in lines again, Changing the power play unit again. Lafreniere is now in the top power play unit, although we barely got a chance to see it Saturday. So Peter's pulling out all the stops. So we'll see Islanders playing better. Canadians, I don't know how they're doing. It looks like Columbus is in freefall. Detroit's in free fall. So some of these teams are kind of falling by the wayside. But the Rangers are also can be in that category too. They're just not playing very well. But one of these teams got to get the eight seed, so it might as well be them, right?

[Don Hahn]

Climb their way kind of into it. And now sort of, you know where they are is everybody seems to have that moment where they slip a little bit and it's keeps it so tight. Did you agree with Gary Bettman was asked about changes and one of the things that somebody asked him was about the playoff format. And he said absolutely not. He feels like that this is, this is a format that works for the league. Do you agree with that?

[Unknown]

What's, what's the, what's, what's the other option?

[Peter]

Go back to the, go back to.

[Don Hahn]

The 1 through 8 and the conference and take away division play.

[Peter]

They know what they're doing as far as interest is concerned, and they seem to be convinced that the NHL wants to have divisional matchups early in the playoffs. From an interest standpoint, right, you get those rivalries in the first round of the playoffs because there are some times there's a feel where the first round of the playoffs is like regular season of Jace, that it's not that thrilling, especially for teams that are really good. But if you get a divisional matchup, hey, maybe you get Rangers, Islanders in the first round and they'll be and then they figure the interest will, will increase as the playoffs go on. But I just think it's just so.

[Unknown]

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[Peter]

You don't wake up dreaming of McDonald's.

[Don Hahn]

Fries, you wake up dreaming of McDonald's hash browns.

[Peter]

McDonald's breakfast comes first.

[Unknown]

But.

[Peter]

You take a look at what's happening in the Atlantic Division. Florida, Toronto and Tampa are all in a battle for first place in the Atlantic Division. Three very good teams, 89 points, 87 points, 85 points. One team's going to win the division, the other two are going to play each other, which means one of those teams is going to be out. It's even worse in the Central Division out West. Winnipeg, Dallas and Colorado, literally three of the best teams of the NHL. One's going to win the division and it's going to be Winnipeg, which means Dallas and Colorado are going to play. I'm telling you, one of these two teams can win the Cup. Stars and the Avalanche, they both could win the Cup. One's going to be out in the first round because they're playing each other. So I don't like the format, but I guess the NHL looks at it and says I get two divisional teams playing each other in the first round. That creates interest. For him to say emphatically no tells me that it's not going to change anytime soon. The thing that worries me with the NHL, Kevin Weeks reported it this weekend. Major interest, major interest to expand to not just 34, but possibly 36. Like that's how many cities are interested. But guys, the cities are interested because NHL is hot right now. Of course the owners want the expansion money, which is like a billion dollars.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter]

Tell me it's good for the sport where you've got baseball with 30 teams, NBA with 30 teams. Now both those sports are going to expand eventually to 32. NFL's got 32. And you're gonna have the NHL with 34 teams, maybe 36 teams.

[Don Hahn]

Come on, let me push back. Here's why it's different, and I'll only say it this. First of all, I'm rooting for it because by then maybe Zach has a chance to make his name.

[Peter]

Sure.

[Don Hahn]

But no, in reality, and I'm only kidding about that, but in reality, it is a league that pulls from a lot of countries around the world. No, I get, I mean, you know this. There's a large think about this too. There are pro leagues that are high level in Finland, in Sweden, in Russia. Like there's a lot of players that you still could bring in. Would it water down the sport? Of course it would. Of course it would. But it's not that there aren't enough available players where like there's going to be some guys that shouldn't play professionally. They will just pull from some of the best players that are playing in some of these other, other leagues that are high level leagues.

[Peter]

I saw this poll a few weeks ago. Most popular sports in the world.

[Don Hahn]

Yep.

[Peter]

And hockey was third. It was soccer, cricket and hockey.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter]

I think basketball was fourth. Like so yeah, there's interest around where you can definitely get. But still it's a lot. The end is a lot of money.

[Don Hahn]

34 teams and you wouldn't see a major drop.

[Peter]

But you also need to find places where there's going to be consistent interest. Now give the NHL credit. They got out of the Arizona situation, which wasn't good. Although they're hot to get back into it. They're hot to get back into Atlanta where it's already failed. You go to Quebec City, you go to.

[Don Hahn]

Are you serious?

[Peter]

Oh yeah. They walk.

[Don Hahn]

You're telling me that Arizona and Atlanta are options again because they believe that.

[Peter]

It was the building more so than it was lack of interest rate building. But I guess they'll look the new building. Well, they bad ownership in Atlanta. The location in Arizona was a problem.

[Don Hahn]

Yep.

[Peter]

But listen, they've got all their ducks in a row. Florida figured it out. The Islanders have a new building. The Devils have a new building. Utah, Ottawa is going to get a new building down.

[Don Hahn]

I'm okay with Quebec, but.

[Peter]

But I'm okay with. I just can't wrap my round. It's still the fourth sport. Right. Things are hot right now, but I just can't wrap my mind. A possibility of 36 markets. Man, that's a really good way to.

[Unknown]

Take something that's hot and doing well right now and throw it directly in the door.

[Peter]

Peter, I understand these are interest and all these cities want to get it because they see that there's an interest in it. But these owners motivation is all for the expansion fee. So that's all they want to get. And I think the expansion, I think just to fill out the frigging application gets a billion dollars. Like that's all going in their pocket. So just be careful, man. Maybe I'm wrong to think this way, but I always think, all right, how are we going to handle during the rainy times? Everybody loves it when everything's working out great. And right now the NHL is on a high. Four nations had 9 million people watching the championship game and all that. But what are you going to do with these franchises when the worm turns and it always seems to turn right. There's Always something that happens where the interest lessens a little bit. The NBA is going to go through it once LeBron's gone, right? That there's going to be.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, that there'll be.

[Peter]

Yeah, yeah. And so. So you're saying once Crosby and Ovechkin are gone. Let's just watch and see where this goes.

[Don Hahn]

When was the last time we had a franchise that folded? They always move, right?

[Peter]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

What was the last franchise that folded.

[Peter]

In the NHL or sports in general?

[Don Hahn]

In the four major sports. Can we think of a franchise like. Remember like it was. That was in the 70s where you just. Especially the ABA. You had franchises like it. You haven't in the modern era. We just don't see that anymore.

[Peter]

No. The only time I remember.

[Don Hahn]

But if you go to 36 and it ends up being too much, you'd have to fold. Franchise.

[Peter]

You go back to the 70s. I think the Cleveland Barons folded and I think the Minnesota North Stars kind of took their roster like there were. But no, because there's always a city. It's hot to bring in that team. Right.

[Don Hahn]

Well, you mentioned Minnesota. The North Stars moved to Dallas. Right. Like you had these play. Winnipeg originally moved to Phoenix.

[Peter]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Quebec City. Right. They moved to Colorado. Colorado moved to New Jersey. You know, there was all. They always moved. They never folded. Even though they were failing in Atlanta markets.

[Peter]

Man.

[Don Hahn]

Atlanta Flames moved to Calgary. Atlanta Thrashers moved to Columbus.

[Peter]

No, Winnipeg.

[Don Hahn]

Winnipeg.

[Peter]

Columbus was an expansion.

[Don Hahn]

Columbus was expansion with.

[Peter]

Listen, you know how much I love this sport and more market. I just. I'm always a little bit leery of just doing too much too fast.

[Don Hahn]

That sounds like a lot. Four more.

[Peter]

1991, right. In the 90s, early 90s, had 21 teams. And then San Jose came in 32. And you fast forward like 35 years later and you could have, you know, you already have 32, which is crazy.

[Don Hahn]

You would almost have to have a. A regular season, which could be interesting where you don't play anybody in the other conference.

[Peter]

Oh, you'd have to. And you all. You would also have to expand the playoffs. Right. I mean, you're not. You're still not going to have 16 teams make it with that many. I wouldn't. I wouldn't either. But they'd be jonesing to do it for sure. I just don't. I. What's the matter? Ride the wave here. Everybody's. But maybe I'm not forward. Maybe my problem is I'm not forward enough thinking. Right. Maybe I gotta. Maybe I gotta take in my life no.

[Unknown]

We all know what happens. These. All these businesses, they start seeing dollars. They get so excited. They overdo it. I want it. It's like Tommy boy, you know, you get all excited. I killed my pet.

[Peter]

Right.

[Unknown]

You know what I mean?

[Peter]

Yeah. You don't.

[Unknown]

They end up killing their pet.

[Peter]

The shiny little toy.

[Unknown]

I love my shiny little toy.

[Peter]

Massage it.

[Don Hahn]

Our shiny little toys is the last call crew.

[Peter]

I love them.

[Don Hahn]

899 3776.

[Unknown]

Including Dick.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, including that.

[Peter]

Gotta love Dex.

[Don Hahn]

Stay with us. Don Rosenberg. 880.

[Unknown]

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[Peter]

Will that be cash or credit? Credit.

[Unknown]

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[Peter]

Check responses for accuracy.

[Unknown]

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[Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast]

The Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Unknown]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast]

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

[Don Hahn]

So another game to watch tonight, by the way, our LE Scoreboard watch tonight if you're a Knicks fan, is you might want to keep an eye on Pacers, Timberwolves, 7 o'clock in Indiana. And don't look now, but the Pacers, if they win this game, they're two and a half games back. That you know the idea that third is, you know, the Knicks are locked in at third. That's not a real thing anymore. There are three lost column right now.

[Unknown]

That's, that's the thing about losing games like Charlotte.

[Don Hahn]

Yep, you're right.

[Peter]

And San Antonio.

[Don Hahn]

And San Antonio. That's right. So keep an eye on the Pacers. Now. Again, Minnesota is a good team, but the Pacers, they've won four in a row. They're trying to make it five in a row and you know they're now suddenly on your heels, which puts pressure on you. If they do win tonight, it puts pressure on you even more. Now you have a back to back. You play tomorrow night against a depleted Dallas Mavericks team that is going to be on a back to back and I mean if Anthony Davis is playing tonight, is he playing tomorrow night? Is he playing a back to back right out of the gate coming back from injury? Right? So who knows what they're going to have in their lineup Tuesday night against the Knicks. But then you play a back to back Wednesday night against a really good hard playing, defensive, tough Clippers team. Then you go play at Milwaukee, which by the way is four games back of you in the fifth spot. So you know this pressure on you to start getting it right without Jalen Brunson and also without Deuce McBride who's not going to play. So you're talking about Tyler Colic. The rookie is going to get continue to get minutes and he played, he looked good against Washington, but like, let's see how he does against, you know, better competition. So this. Keep an eye on that score tonight. Yeah. Minnesota and Indiana.

[Peter]

Now, do you think there are Nick fans out there that wouldn't mind mind falling to four? Because then you do create a scenario where you avoid Boston in the second round.

[Don Hahn]

I don't know if you want to play that game.

[Peter]

I don't know.

[Don Hahn]

I don't know if you want to say I'd rather play the Cavs. I mean, The Cavs have 57 wins. They are just at a different level.

[Peter]

I get it. But you still would rather face them than Boston, right? I don't know.

[Don Hahn]

I honestly don't know because I don't know about like as bad as you've looked against Boston this year, if you can get healthy, you feel like you should match up better than you have.

[Peter]

And also it changes who you face in the first round. Right now it would be the Pistons, but if you move down to four, you might face the Pacers or the Bucks.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter]

Which could be. You tell me is that I'd rather.

[Don Hahn]

I'd rather face the Pacers.

[Peter]

Right.

[Don Hahn]

So that they don't guard anybody.

[Peter]

Then that could help you. But what if it's, you know, the Bucks? I guess it could be them.

[Don Hahn]

The Bucks also don't guard anybody but the Pistons. That. That'll be. That'll be a scratching claw. That'll be a battle. So again, just watch it so it's not too early. Scoreboard watches 13 games ago, but you got to start watching now because of this. So the Knicks no longer locked in at three. They've got to win some games.

[Peter]

I don't know if I brought this up to you or Peter, but I know I brought it up with Dan last week. Are the odds better they lose in the first round than win than to make it to the conference final?

[Unknown]

Oh, that's a. That's a tough question.

[Peter]

Oh, the probabilities probability losing to the Pistons as opposed to. As opposed to beating Boston?

[Don Hahn]

I can answer that.

[Peter]

But just for you, at this moment.

[Don Hahn]

I can give you the actual probabilities.

[Unknown]

They do basketball in my. In my mind at this moment. At my mind in this moment. Sadly, the better odds to me would be that they lose than be Boston.

[Don Hahn]

I don't. I would not push back on that. Mainly because we. The unknown of the Brunson injury And I don't know what he's going to be in the first.

[Peter]

I would even back 13 games left if he can come back where he can play like seven, eight games where you feel real comfortable. And he's going to come back, right? I mean, they say he's close. I can't imagine he's going to miss the last 13 games.

[Don Hahn]

I think we'll see him, but I.

[Peter]

Don'T want some kind of token appearance in the last two games and then you don't know. I want, I want security that he's 100%.

[Don Hahn]

I think he does too. I'll be honest with you. I think he does too. But it is, it's. I would not push back on what you just said though, Peter. I would not. All right, let's take Richard in Manhattan because this is. I know what everybody wants. Richard.

[Unknown]

Hi, Don. Peter Allen. Ali beat Foreman in 74. October, the rumble in the Jumble. The great fight. Poor George just passed. Ali didn't fight until 50 years ago today. After that fight 50 years ago today, March 24, 1975, the fight that shaped Hollywood for the next 60 years, what fight was it?

[Peter]

Well, that would be the Ali versus.

[Unknown]

The Chuck Wepner Fightner fight. Yeah, that's right. That's right. Donnie, what a game Saturday. I've never listened to a game like that. Two shots after 30 minutes. If they get into the playoffs, that's the game that got them in, fellas. And hey, Queens is doing pretty good. You got Jerry Seinfeld, Donald Trump, Mike Repoli and Stevie Cohen. Right? Which of the four guys is the richest? We'd have to think that one out.

[Don Hahn]

As far as I think it's Cohen.

[Unknown]

Yeah, Calipari did pretty good first two rounds. Bill Seth and Rick Patino, huh? What do you think of that, fellas? And Alan, you're 100% right. No more mid majors. Loyola, Chicago, goodbye, St. Peter's goodbye, San Diego State, goodbye. It's unfortunate. Look at the 16 schools left. I couldn't even tell you who the smallest schools were because they're all humongous schools. All of those four year guys that can beat the one and dones, that is all gone. And lastly, Rick Pitino. If Rick was my friend, my brother, I would have said, Rick, why did you leave yourself open to be questioned? Why would you have to, right? In other words, lose the game, but at least the game where you're not going to be questioned. I would have brought the kid in with two and a half three minutes ago.

[Peter]

Yeah, yeah.

[Unknown]

Even if you lose the game, you know, Alan, Richard.

[Don Hahn]

You're right.

[Unknown]

That's a great call, Richard.

Reprimanded by.

[Don Hahn]

Thank you, Richard. Yeah.

[Unknown]

By the way, it's a.

[Peter]

It's.

[Unknown]

We got to go.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, no, we got to go. It's just. But no, no, He. He is right. It. It is. That's the thinking. You. You have to lose with your best on the floor. The lesson to be taught was already taught at that point, and then you can teach it after the game. But in that moment, with all the money, as like Don said, with all the money that's being invested in these teams, no, that was not the right move. And then to blame the media. Not the right move.

[Unknown]

It's a strong call by Richard. First of all, the.

[Don Hahn]

The.

[Unknown]

The Cal run that he has the chance to have here is truly special, and he can really. And he can really make a tough argument against Pitino after this year. This is. You forget about. I mean, they brought that up over the weekend. It's not just this. It's Memphis. It's UMass. This guy's.

[Don Hahn]

Somebody run the music on Peter. We gotta go. Dan Gross.

[Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Hahn]

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

[Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast]

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

[Unknown]

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