Hour 3: Ratings, Billy Joel & Simulations

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 3 – Ratings, Billy Joel & Simulations
Release Date: May 23, 2025

Hosted by ESPN New York’s Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg, this episode delves deep into the complexities of sports ratings, the enduring legacy of Billy Joel, and the intriguing possibility that we might be living in a simulation. Packed with expert analysis, spirited debates, and engaging anecdotes, the trio offers listeners a comprehensive look into the intersecting worlds of sports, music, and technology.

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1. The NBA Playoffs: Knicks vs. Pacers

Overview: The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about the ongoing NBA playoff series between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers. Don, Alan, and Peter analyze the teams' performances, strategies, and the broader implications for the NBA’s competitive landscape.

Key Points:

• Current Series Standings: The Oklahoma City Thunder are leading their best-of-seven series, poised to represent the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers are on track for their third consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearance.

• Dynastic Teams: The hosts draw parallels between historical dynasties like the Islanders’ 19 consecutive playoff series wins and current teams that seem to be on similar trajectories, such as the Yankees and Panthers.

• Knicks' Resilience: Alan shares a personal anecdote about his childhood fandom for the Islanders, highlighting the emotional investment and unwavering support fans have for their teams during dominant runs. He reflects, “I never, ever worried. I didn’t have this panic. It was always... you were just waiting for the big moment because you knew it was going to happen” ([02:07]).

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg: “You can’t keep a team together. Look at Tampa.” ([04:38])

• Alan Hahn: “They have depth, they have length, they have everything that you want to counter what they do.” ([45:06])

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2. Sports Ratings and Market Influence

Overview: The conversation shifts to the critical role of television ratings in shaping the NBA’s future. The hosts examine how market size and team popularity influence viewership and, by extension, the league’s strategies.

Key Points:

• Rating Discrepancies: Alan points out that while their network ratings are declining, TNT is enjoying higher viewership due to more competitive and engaging games. He notes, “There's no press release saying that Thursday's game two got a record, you know, 8% more viewers than last year” ([13:01]).

• Impact of Team Movements: The hosts discuss how replacing popular teams like the Rangers with less-followed teams like the Hurricanes can lead to significant drops in viewership, citing a “33% drop” when the Eastern Conference Finals moved from ESPN to TNT ([13:12]).

• Conspiracy Theories: Peter entertains the notion that the NBA might be manipulating outcomes to sustain high ratings, though he acknowledges this is speculative. “If some, if there is a, like a literal jump ball over some things, there's a lot of people that are invested... to continue to get these ratings” ([15:28]).

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn: “Vegas had the Knicks at four and a half for Game one. Right. Favored, yeah.” ([06:59])

• Peter Rosenberg: “It’s business. We like to see the Knicks do well.” ([14:58])

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3. Stanley Cup Finals Predictions

Overview: Delving into hockey, the trio speculates on potential Stanley Cup finalists, considering team performances and market appeal.

Key Points:

• Likely Finalists: Predictions lean towards Dallas and Florida, balancing team performance with marketability. Peter suggests, “What do you think it looks like it could be? Oh, it looks like it's probably, considering where he is, it's going to be Dallas, Florida” ([15:22]).

• Market vs. Performance: The discussion highlights the tension between a team's success on the ice and their market size's influence on making it to the Finals. Peter argues that teams like Dallas can boost ratings more effectively than Edmonton, despite Edmonton’s star player, Connor McDavid ([15:35]).

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn: “The Thunder are up 20 and they're up 20 in dominating fashion. Last night.” ([12:08])

• Peter Rosenberg: “If he was with the Kings, obviously, the Rangers, the Bruins, Blackhawks... It would definitely help the sport.” ([17:47])

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4. Billy Joel: Legacy and Relevance

Overview: Transitioning from sports to music, the hosts engage in a reflective discussion about Billy Joel’s enduring influence and his recent challenges with health issues affecting his tour schedule.

Key Points:

• Comparing Legends: Alan and Peter compare Billy Joel to Bruce Springsteen, noting their different approaches to music and public personas. Alan remarks on Joel’s everyman appeal, citing a memorable interview line: “I went from doing gigs where you were just hoping somebody show up to now, you know, you're filling a big stadium, but you come home and still you got to take out the garbage” ([30:08]).

• Music Analysis: The conversation delves into Joel’s songwriting, contrasting hits like “Uptown Girl” with Paul Simon’s “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes,” highlighting the lyrical and stylistic differences that make each artist unique ([27:50]).

• Fan Engagement: The hosts share personal experiences with Billy Joel’s concerts, emphasizing his cross-generational appeal and the enduring popularity that keeps fans engaged even decades into his career. Alan comments, “Every single seat available in that building, full 360 view. It was absolutely jammed” ([31:26]).

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn: “He just takes you through history, but he doesn't give any opinion on it.” ([29:37])

• Peter Rosenberg: “The man is 75 years old. There were still hot chicks everywhere in there. I was like, what is going on?” ([31:19])

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5. Simulations and Reality: Are We Living in a Simulation?

Overview: In a thought-provoking segment, the hosts entertain the idea that advanced technology suggests our reality might be a simulation. This discussion blends sports probabilities with philosophical musings.

Key Points:

• AI and Simulation: A caller introduces the concept of Google’s AI generating lifelike videos and extrapolates this to suggest a high probability that humanity exists within a simulation. He states, “There’s a 99% chance that we’re in a simulation right now” ([41:20]).

• Aligning Events: The hosts debate whether improbable sports outcomes, like the Oklahoma City Thunder’s unexpected dominance, could be evidence of simulation control, questioning the randomness of such events ([42:45]).

• Scientific Curiosity: Peter, with his passion for space, ties in the uniformity of planets and the uniqueness of Earth’s life forms as potential indicators of a simulated universe. He muses, “How are all of these planets perfectly round?” ([43:03]).

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn: “How’s there no they? There’s no they.” ([43:46])

• Peter Rosenberg: “There’s got to be a they.” ([43:51])

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6. Listener Call-ins: Personal Stories and Debates

Overview: The episode features engaging listener call-ins, where fans share their personal sports experiences and engage in spirited debates with the hosts.

Key Points:

• Fraud Segment: A caller named Dave expresses confusion over his loyalty shifts in baseball fandom, questioning if rooting for certain teams makes him a fraud. The hosts reassure him, emphasizing the fluid nature of sports allegiances and the shared passion among fans ([35:00]).

• Passionate Support: Joey, another caller, passionately defends the Oklahoma City Thunder’s invincibility in the playoffs, prompting a lively debate about their true capabilities versus perceived dominance. Despite the hosts’ skepticism, Joey’s fervent support underscores the deep emotional connections fans have with their teams ([44:12]).

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn: “You’re on ESPN New York. What’s up, Joey?” ([43:59])

• Peter Rosenberg: “If one of these. They came to earth tonight and told me, Don, the Knicks are going to win...” ([45:55])

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Conclusion

In this multifaceted episode, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg expertly navigate the intersections of sports dominance, media influence, musical legacy, and philosophical inquiries into our reality. By blending personal anecdotes with analytical insights, they offer listeners a rich and engaging exploration of topics that resonate beyond the confines of traditional sports commentary.

Notable Moments:

• Knicks' Strategic Play: Alan Hahn’s insights into the Knicks’ game strategies and their potential to influence the series outcome.

• Billy Joel’s Everyman Persona: The heartfelt reflections on Billy Joel’s relatable nature and his enduring appeal across generations.

• Simulation Theory Debate: A captivating segment where the hosts ponder the likelihood of our existence within a simulated reality, sparked by advancements in AI technology.

Listeners who tune in without prior knowledge will find this episode both informative and entertaining, offering a deep dive into the subjects that define modern sports, music, and speculative thought.

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Related Episodes:

• Hour 1: The Rise of Esports
• Hour 2: Legends of Hip Hop and WWE
• Upcoming Hour 4: Future of Sports Broadcasting

Subscribe Now: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg are available on all major podcast platforms. Subscribe to stay updated with the latest discussions on New York sports, music, and beyond.

Transcript

[Don La Greca]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Don La Greca]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers 503.

[Peter Rosenberg]

In the big city. Don on in Rosenberg. Take you up until 6:30 here on 8:80 and then we'll go over to 10:50 for the rest of the show till 7 for Knicks Pacers. We've got Mets, Dodgers, we got Yankees, Rockies. So much going on. OKC's up 20 in their best of seven series out west and it looks like the Thunder are going to represent the Western Conference in the NBA. Looks like the Florida Panthers are on their way to another Stanley Cafal. How do we get there, guys? Like how Allen's the only one that can honestly answer this. Peter maybe you could for your time with the Penguins, maybe the Celtics, but when the Knicks, when, when the Rangers, when the Yankees got too many teams in this town. Yes, rattle off four championships in five years. Like I don't know what that's like. As a fan, I've been very fortunate to see my teams win championships. But like when you are in a groove where you just can't lose, you saw with the Islanders when you were growing up to 19 consecutive series wins. I don't think anything like that's ever going to happen again. The closest we came was the 11 straight that the lightning had a couple of years ago. But you know, the Panthers are on their way to, you know, go to a third straight Stanley Cup Final. What is that like to just to be in that groove? Like this is where the Knicks are trying to get to. This is where the Mets and even the Yankees right now trying to get back to or the football teams, God forbid. But like what's that like? Alan I root for a team that just has a groove where you just.

[Don La Greca]

Know they're going to win and they always find a way. So I had it in two different stages of my life. Like you mentioned, I was Nine years old, really. When the Islanders started their run, I was actually eight, technically. But when they, when they. Their first cup in 1980. And I, you know, my parents are huge hockey fans. They're a Ranger. I told this story a million times. 79. When they lost to the Rangers, my parents were happy. And I just saw, like, how dejected the Islanders looked. And I made this connection of, wait, we're from Long Island. Aren't we supposed to root for them? And I felt bad, bad for them by how dejected. I didn't know that they had won the President's Trophy. I didn't know any of that stuff. I just saw them upset. And I saw Long island on the crest, and I was like, isn't that what we're supposed to be doing? So then I just, well, I'm rooting for them. And then they won four in a row, and it was five straight finals appearances, which you have to keep that in mind, too. They lost in the finals in 84. But as a kid, you don't know everything. So you just everything. You're like, wow, we're going to beat them. We're going to beat them. Like, you always just felt confident. I never, ever worried. I didn't have this panic. It was always. You were just waiting for the big moment because you knew it was going to happen. Bossie was going to score that goal in under a minute. You know, you just knew it was happening. And even when Morrow scored to beat The Rangers in 84, I, I, like, by then I was, what, 14 years old? I was laughing. Thirteen years old. I was, I was cackling, laughing because I'm like, my guy that can never lose. Like, I just laughed because it was absurd at that point. The Yankee thing was, I was a grown up. I was in my 20s, so that was one that was, you know, 98 felt like a dream. But there was always that you can't have a regular season like that and not win the World Series. Like, oh, my God, you got to win the World Series. And we all know that wasn't an easy run, especially when they ended the regular season, you know, 99 felt, I think, the most comfortable. And in 2000, it was like, you can't lose to the Mets, you know, like, so there was some. There was still some anxiety to it, but every time they'd find a way. Yeah, you just laughed like, my God, this team is insane. Like, they just so good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I just thought about it, like, with this Knicks run, you know, they're in the conference final, for the first time, you know, in 25 years. 25 years, yeah. And you look at some of these teams now, it's never going to be like, I don't think you see a baseball team win forward in the next five, you know, because I think it's a different era. Same thing with the Islanders. With the Islanders, that's never going to happen.

[Don La Greca]

No, you can't keep a team. Like, you can't keep those teams together. Look at Tampa.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Free agency has destroyed that.

[Don La Greca]

You know, Tampa couldn't keep that team together. I don't think Florida's going to be able to keep their team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, but Florida still, I'm, again, they're two wins away from going to a third consecutive Stanley cup final. Just kind of crazy that when that happens, it'll be six straight years, there'll be a team from Florida in the Stanley Cup Final, in the NHL. It's just crazy. But, like, you're a Knick fan or you're a Met fan or you're a Ranger fan, like, what would that feel like? Yeah, to just see a team just. And that's what the Knicks are trying to do. Like, now apply it to what we're talking about. The Islanders for the Yankees. They would laugh at what happened in game one. Laugh at it. No big deal. We'll just go and we'll win game two. And it just rolls right off our back because we've been there, you know, when the Islanders were down three to one against the Penguins in the third period. During that run, we'll score the three goals. They were unbelievable in overtime. The Yankees, it didn't matter. We could fall behind at Cleveland in 98. We're just going to come back and win. We're always going to find a way to get it done right. And that's what we're trying to see if this Knick team can do. You know, we think they can. That's why I opened the show with this. Like, hey, they've shown some resiliency, but can they get to that point where something like Game one is just not no big deal? We don't know. You can't honestly say, because there's nothing that's ever happened to this team is presently constituted like what happened on Wednesday night. And it'll be very interesting to see. I believe you. I think they'll be fine. But we're not going to know until we see it. Vegas and no matter. And even if there's a complete disconnect where they lose tonight and it has nothing to do With. With the way they lost Game one, it'll still be attached to game one.

[Don La Greca]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If they lose this series for a bunch of different reasons, it'll be because of game one. Even if it had nothing to do with Game one, you'll always go back because of game one.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. No, that game, it becomes the Reggie Miller game one in 95. While everybody talks about Patrick missing the finger roll, it's. Why did you have to get to that Game seven? You know, like, it's. It's. You were chasing the series the whole time because of that. You know, it's the first time the Knicks have trailed the series this year. They haven't been down in a series.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Don La Greca]

First time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Don La Greca]

So it's. You got to think about it now. Now, Vegas. Vegas had the Knicks at four and a half for Game one. Right. Favored, yeah. Game two, they're favored five and a half. Does that mean anything? Vegas has a bigger number for a game that was overtime. And these two teams looked like they were very close.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Just out of the desperation or does Vegas analyze what they saw? And a lot of the fans that are trying to skew positive and say, for a lot of that basketball game, the Knicks look great. So why am I going to focus on the end of the game? I'm going to give them another point. Because I think if everything is equal, why can't they cover the five and a half? So I would think Vegas looked at the way the majority of that Game one was played and feel even more confident about them being able to cover.

[Don La Greca]

And knowing the desperation factor, too, in the must win, knowing this is gonna be a long series. The belief it's a long series just tells you that the Knicks are supposed to win this game. But five and a half's a lot. Like, you could take Pacers and still think the Knicks are gonna win. You know what I mean?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like, that's a lot that I wouldn't touch it. And that's not because I don't believe the Knicks can, you know, win the game. But you just take a look at this Pacers team, nine and two.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

In the postseason. You know, they. They just hang around. But, you know. Right. Peter, basketball is like, you could hang around and heck, the game go to overtime in the Knicks cover, like, so five and a half. You know, if the game was up by 6, it's not like they blew him out.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

I would take the Knicks and give the points. I. I like the Knicks in this spot tonight.

[Don La Greca]

Nick's double figures.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, I think it's a comfortable win.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wow.

[Don La Greca]

Now here's the other number I want to throw out at you guys. The over under is 224.5. Now why am I looking at that number as something that's interesting? Because the total from game one was 273. Now again, it's overtime, but it's still the most points ever scored in a conference final game since the conference format started in 1971.

[Peter Rosenberg]

250 in Regulations A lot. Yeah, that's what it was, right?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. And they're over under is 224, which is the suggestion that both teams will lock in a little more defensively that, that, that game just got out of. Got crazy, you know, I mean the, The Pacers who average 117 a game in the playoffs, they had 102 points with what, two minutes to go, three minutes to go. Like they, they weren't really having a great offensive performance. It's just nice. Smith got hot, like crazy stuff happened. But 224,5 is the other number. That's really it because that's remarkably low, all things considered.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm wondering how often do you see that? Because like I said, regulation 250. So yeah, overtime was why it got as high as it did. But you know, 250 is not nothing through 48 minutes of play. And to see it be 25 points less.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What's the football equivalent, Peter? If you got an over under of 50 and they were to play again and the over under is what, like 52?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, can I. But if that game doesn't start with 100% shooting from Indiana and 71% shooting from the Knicks.

[Don La Greca]

True.

[Alan Hahn]

What would the number be right around this.

[Don La Greca]

But I think the first quarter wasn't the first quarter like 20, 36, 30 or something like that. Like it was, it wasn't. You know, that's a lot.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, it's a lot. That's pacing for over 140.

[Don La Greca]

But like I said, why are they skewing it low? I like it's still going to be like a one, you know, looking at it like a 114, 10 finish.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because I guess. Would you agree that both these teams are exceptionally well coached?

[Don La Greca]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They go to town, they're going to watch the film, say, well, we got.

[Don La Greca]

Two high powered offenses though.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We've got to slow this down. We've got to play better defensively. I mean, so I would think the game plan for both teams is we, we've got to be able to, we've got to get up here we can't let them score this many points. So maybe it's just a feel of they're really going to go to town to try to make sure that it's not as wide open as game one was. But still, that's a pretty drastic drop. Yeah, like I'm saying, the over under of 50 in a football game and those two teams met again. Now you're talking about like an over under 38. Like that's. Yeah, it's pretty significant. That's a lot of points.

[Don La Greca]

And the money line. This again, all ESPN bet. The money line. Nick's fate. The Knicks money line is minus 2 to 55. The Pacers money line is plus 210.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I.

[Don La Greca]

That's a gap too, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let me, let me, let me bring. I'm gonna be that guy.

[Alan Hahn]

All right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because it does buy into the whole conspiracy thing. It looks like things are getting away from us in the West. All right. The NBA does not want to see two quick series. And I'm certain at the NBA nobody wants to see the Knicks. When you've got Oklahoma City, Minnesota and Indiana, it's three of your four Final Four teams. Again, I'm not saying they're rigging it, but I'm also saying it behooves a bunch of people outside of Indiana that this series evens up at 1, doesn't it?

[Don La Greca]

The Thunder are up 20 and they're up 20 in dominating fashion. Last night. They won for the 60th time this season, regular season and playoffs combined. 60th time in double figures. And they have made Minnesota, who's one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. They made a mockery of them. They have made them turn the ball over. They make him pay for it. Shea, the MVP, followed up his MVP trophy presentation with another 30 point gem. And Julius Randall at one point, who has been magnificent for them. Chris Finch had to take him out of the game because he was just a turnover machine and he couldn't score inside. It was.

[Alan Hahn]

He had an.

[Don La Greca]

He had a terrible game. So they go back to Minnesota, licking their wounds, trying to figure out how the hell are we beating this team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And they're probably not. And I'm sure the rating's not great. You've got two small markets and it has been non competitive.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. You know why it's bad? There's no, there's no press release saying that, you know, Thursday's game two got a record, you know, 8% more viewers than last year. You didn't get that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We as A network are getting clobbered. Meanwhile, TNT is getting tremendous ratings because it was a classic game and you've got the New York market. Here's the significance of the New York market, people. I know it's a different sport, but the Eastern conference final on TNT, Hurricanes, Panthers is down 33% from last year's Eastern Conference final on ESPN. Why? Because you've replaced the Rangers with the Hurricanes. You could not have more of a drastic replace of the biggest market in the world. 33 to Raleigh Durham.

[Don La Greca]

Wow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. So that represents a 33% drop. So it's the same here where you've got the Knicks and you've got. With the Pacers. Again, no offense to the Pacers, but you've got the Knicks. The biggest city, a huge fan base around the country. People are interested in the Knicks. And you've also got the fact that it. The perception was that the Pacers caught some breaks at the end of that game from the officials. So when I watched that video, you're going to skew towards catching some whistles tonight. Don't you feel good if you're a Knick fan with all the things that I just said?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, I mean, you got to feel optimistic. And again, Vegas seems optimistic. And you know, it's just funny the idea of, you know, can the Knicks save the NBA? Because you're, you know, again, it could be a classic Finals, Pacers Thunder could be a classic Finals. Two teams that get up and down, all that stuff. But you're just going to get die hard basketball fans and no one else.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's hard because it's. And that's just, that's the reality of it. Now. Do I think that there's some sort of a plan? Of course not. It doesn't usually work that way. I'm just saying that if you want to play a little conspiracy theory, if some, if there is a, like a literal jump ball over some things, there's a lot of people that are invested, network wise, NBA wise to say we'd like to continue to get these ratings.

[Don La Greca]

It's business.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We like to see the Knicks do well. At the end of the day, the better team's going to win. And I really do believe that. Because when you take a look at the conspiracy, believe me, if the NBA had full control, you know, the Lakers are playing today, they played last night. Right. I mean, you know, the Celtics are still alive. There's still a lot of things that, that they don't have control over.

[Don La Greca]

But what kind of, what are we looking at? Stanley Cup Finals wise.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What's that like?

[Don La Greca]

What are we skewing Stanley cup finals wise right now?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Or what is it? What do you think?

[Don La Greca]

What do we. What does it look like it could be?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, it looks like it's probably, if I had to guess, considering where he is, it's going to be Dallas, Florida.

[Alan Hahn]

Like you dream about.

[Don La Greca]

I mean, talk about. You're loving this. This is screwed.

[Peter Rosenberg]

TNT's screwed because. All right, you get Dallas. And then listen, Dallas is not a nothing market, you know, and they'll get a better rating with Dallas than Edmonton, where they won't get as much because of the fact that it's.

[Don La Greca]

You don't think McDavid draws eyeballs?

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, but they don't get. The American will, but McDavid will. I mean, they lose the Canadian numbers, but you're.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But it's a. It's a regional sport, so the majority of people watching would be fans of that team. So these. Dallas is not a nothing market. You get Dallas, that'll move the needle. And Florida has become kind of an interesting team, but again, it's not a huge fan base. So now you're asking for casuals to get involved. Connor McDavid will bring some eyeballs to it, but still, it's driven by the regional markets. So to have an Edmonton versus Florida again, I think it would be terrific because Florida is now becoming a forever team and Connor McDavid is the best player on the planet. So I would love it. And Dallas has been a team that's been knocking on the door. But like you said, with the NBA, it's going to be the diehards that are going to watch it.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Casual.

[Don La Greca]

How much. How much longer until the pressure starts getting on McDavid that, you know, you got to do what Gretzky did?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, nobody's going to do what Gretzky did as far as championships. It's hard to win at that clip.

[Don La Greca]

But, no, I mean. I mean, move from the market for the good of the league.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't. I don't.

[Don La Greca]

You don't think they need that? You don't think it's necessary?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I mean, would Connor McDavid do better for the league if he was playing in the States? Of course.

[Don La Greca]

If he was with. I don't mean just the States, though. I mean, if he's with the Kings, obviously, the Rangers, the Bruins, Blackhawks, because.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm telling you, he is a singular. We actually had the debate. This will blow people away that aren't hockey fans.

[Don La Greca]

All right, go ahead.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Question was asked, who would it look worse for? Like, if Conor McDavid and Aaron Judge never win a ring, and for somebody who's not a hockey fan who doesn't know Conor McDavid from. Conor McGregor would be shocked to say that we're comparing somebody to Aaron Judge. Dude, it's a comparison. And if anything, I might skew McDavid being better.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, it's a compliment to Judge because.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That'S how good this kid is. But when you were doing it in Edmonton at, you know, a 9 o' clock puck drop during the course of the year, but a second straight final for him, winning a cup would be big. But God, if he's playing in Boston, if he's playing in New York, even bigger than la, I think to get him on an original six team, to get him playing in the States, if he played for the Blackhawks, if he played for the Rangers, even if not original. So he played for the Flyer, it would definitely help the sport.

[Don La Greca]

And it's like, it's the same argument you can make in a different way about Giannis and where he ends up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, right.

[Don La Greca]

If he's going to move from Milwaukee, if that's going to happen. The NBA, as much as, you know, we're getting a lot of our NBA people that are promoting this stuff when they talk about great trades to make. Wouldn't it be great if he got to San Antonio? No, it'd be terrible. Wouldn't it be great if he could go to, like, they're naming these teams that, that, that sound nice, but it'd be awful for the sport. Like, no, he needs to be in la, in New York or in Miami, then it'll matter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, you want a Connor McDavid comparison? Here we go from market and level of play.

[Don La Greca]

Go for it, Peter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think you'll appreciate this.

[Alan Hahn]

All right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What if Durant played his entire career at OKC and they never won? Who is Kevin Durant? Yeah, no, no, he's a great player. Yeah, but is he kd?

[Don La Greca]

And a guy like him would have just been just fine. Like, he, he. That all happened because of the loophole with the money.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right, but, but the, but the similar. Right, you know, but it's very similar. They went to a final when they. And they. And they lost. Right? They went to. But let's, let's say he spends his whole career in.

[Don La Greca]

And he had Russell Westbrook, another mvp, just like Draisaitl was, is a great player there, too. They just.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. But they, but they stay in OKC and They, they go to the playoffs every year. They make a couple of conference final appearances, maybe occasional final appearance. And he ends up playing a dozen and a half a dozen years in OKC and never wins. Is he K Day?

[Don La Greca]

He's still kd. He still has sneakers and all that stuff. But it's, it's not the same.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Not what he is now.

[Don La Greca]

And that and Golden State never gets him, which means they don't go back to back. And you know that that market doesn't do what it does because that's still San Francisco. That's a big market.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Don La Greca]

That. That team became a team of the decade. None of that happens. And the NBA now is missing another one of its important things, which is the dynasty and the face and all that stuff, which like that's. That's exactly what I'm talking about. When people. Oh, I like parody and super teams aren't good. No, they're really good for business. They are. They draw in the non. The casual fans. They bring them in when it matters most. Playoff time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But, and listen, I know Cleveland became a national team with LeBron, but Cleveland's not OKC. Okay? OKC is Edmonton. And Jays. I mean, honestly, from.

[Don La Greca]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Peter, from a US standpoint, it's a great crowd.

[Don La Greca]

But you're right. Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, they'll get. Or Winnipeg. Like all the crowds are great. And listen, if he rattled off, you know, a bunch of championships, then yeah, it would become better.

[Don La Greca]

Like San Antonio.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like, yeah, but. But what would they. Would they say about San Antonio? It was a snooze fest ratings report.

[Don La Greca]

Like, no, ratings were terrible when they were winning and they shouldn't care. They shouldn't care. But it's a real thing in sports. It is. It's a real thing in the NBA. It's why like, you know, as much as the. This is seven different champions you're going to have now in the last seven years.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But it is interesting, David, because McDavid at least is playing where Gretzky became famous and he is a Canadian kid. So right.

[Alan Hahn]

There's something there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's. It's not, it's not the outpost probably to him in the NHL that it like appears to be to us here down south, but it's not. Even if he was in Vancouver or Toronto would be a lot different, but still it's at least a place where Gretzky played. So there's always gonna be that comparison. But just interesting stuff. But just to boy, wouldn't it be great guys to you know, for. To our teams to Be able to get Allen got to feel it twice, which all of. Peter almost feels unfair that he got to live as a. As a kid. Then I have the jets two championships.

[Don La Greca]

But I have the Jets.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, but that's fair. That's life. What do you want? Everything. I mean, Peter, he's six foot four. He's absolutely gorgeous. He rooted for a guy, a team that won 19 straight playoff series. The Yankees win four championships in five years. I'm sorry, God is just going to say, well, then we have to give you the jets to balance it out. By the way, it's.

[Alan Hahn]

But if you want to know everything you need to know about him, just know that as you were going off on that tear, talking about how great he is, when you said 6 foot 4, he said, it's a bit higher than that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, see, I feel like you perfectly.

[Don La Greca]

Undersold me on the height again.

[Alan Hahn]

So he wants every single centimeter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Peter. I wanted to see if he was going to go there. Was he just going to ride the wave? Or was he going to say, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. So that's, that's why you've got the.

[Alan Hahn]

That tells you everything you need to know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's why the Islanders sunk like a stone. I mean, it's got you, right? You got to balance it out like somewhere we don't know and we haven't found it out yet. Somewhere, something's going sideways in Derek Jeter's life to balance it out. Because on the surface, it just looks too damn good. Gorgeous guy, championships. One vote shy of going to the hall of Fame, 100%. So there's got to be something we don't know that's gone sideways just to balance it out. Otherwise, you spontaneously combust.

[Alan Hahn]

Something goes wrong, you spontaneously something.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thus the. The gift basket. 1-800-919-3776. It's Don Hahn and Rosenberg having some fun on a nick day here on 880 ESPN New York and the ESPN New York app. Oh, people, people, people, people. You want to get the most for your money. That's why more Mazda buyers choose Ramsey Mazda. At Least a new 2025 Mazda CX50 Hybrid with all wheel drive only 249 for 36 months. Start shopping now at Ramsey Mazda dot com. Choose wisely. Choose Ramsey Mazda. Call 833-853-2970 for details. Excludes tax title, registration 0 Security Deposit Vin SN 320885 MSRP 32,285 and 6,225.

[Alan Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Don La Greca]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Don La Greca]

Stop by your nearest Lowe's store and.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Check out the full line of Craftsman tools today. Valid through 618. Wall supplies. Last selection varies by location.

[Don La Greca]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don La Greca]

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

[Alan Hahn]

You think it would be like the like from like the Jungle Book soundtrack?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Or something.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I just like it feels like that much. Which is why it's cool.

[Don La Greca]

It's fine. But it's not. It's not even anywhere near the top 25.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, but I enjoy it.

[Alan Hahn]

No, I enjoy it. I. When I. When it comes on, I'm happy. But by the way, that is me and a lot of Billy Joel. A lot of it. I objectively if Someone were to say, this is really cheesy, I'd say, totally, and I'm into it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, that's why Step Brothers is such an underrated movie. The fact that they went with an 80s Billy Joel cover band. Because is 80s Joel. Tell her about it is a song that just. I. I don't like it.

[Don La Greca]

Which one?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Tell her.

[Alan Hahn]

Tell her about it.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, I don't mind that one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, there's. There's.

[Don La Greca]

He always tries to, like, copy a genre of. Of music in different songs, and that's one. He tried to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But Town Girl, those are. That's the era that. I'm good. Mid-80s Joel. I'm good.

[Alan Hahn]

You know what my favorite super.

[Don La Greca]

Do you like Storm Front? Storm front guy. That's 90s storm front. Oh, my God.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah. Storm.

[Don La Greca]

So what am I thinking of?

[Alan Hahn]

Well, it might be 89 officially, but it's the end.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, that's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's like talking mid-80s, because early 80s. It's great, you know?

[Don La Greca]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Glass houses. That's awesome.

[Don La Greca]

Houses is awesome.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But that mid-80s, like 85, 86. The. We are the World Billy Joel. No, you know.

[Alan Hahn]

You know, what's it. You know, I just had a realization the other day, actually, in terms of my fanship and love, because for whatever reason, they're both from New York, same era, same kind of fans. Often Billy Joel and Paul Simon get put into similar conversations, even though they're very different musically. And I realized that even though I love both, ultimately my Simon being my guy over Joel can maybe Don be summed up in the difference between Uptown Girl and diamonds on the soles of her shoes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

Think about it. They're both sort of saying the same thing.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

In one way that just. In one way that kind of hurts your teeth. You're like, oh, this is too sweet. It's just, you know, Alan, it hit me on the weekend, I went, wow, this is a thing.

[Don La Greca]

That's an excellent. That's such a great computer. It really is, because I have that same visceral feeling. And then Diamonds play this kind of music.

[Alan Hahn]

And then diamonds. And then diamonds on the soles of her shoes is. Is about a woman in that way, but it's done in this abstract, interesting, Paul Simon way that you're like, what is he even talking about?

[Don La Greca]

Well, and then, of course, you know, you can call me Al.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But it's so interesting, too, because when we're talking about Billy before is. And the reason Billy Joel's the topic today is, you know, he's. He's not well. And he's had to cancel a bunch of. Of dates till further notice, so hopefully he'll be able to get back on track. Is that what Billy Joel meant to Long Island? Is what Bruce Springsteen means to New Jersey? But they could be. Not they. And they're both humongous artists, but they could not be too. They're polar opposites.

[Don La Greca]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

One's very political, one's, I guess, apolitical. I mean, we didn't start the fire, I guess, where he kind of went there.

[Alan Hahn]

No, no, he doesn't go there, though.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But he doesn't really go there.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, no, he just takes you through history, but he doesn't give any opinion on it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I think that really helps him.

[Don La Greca]

Makes him unique and loved.

[Alan Hahn]

I mean, listen, I'll tell you this. I think when Springsteen shows up to the bank, it works out fine for him, too. But I hear what you're saying.

[Don La Greca]

But.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't think it's been strategic by Billy. I mean, I don't know him.

[Alan Hahn]

No, no.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Maybe he's just not somebody that really gets caught up in all that. And Bruce has made it a part of his music because it's something he really cares about. I don't think either one's wrong, but I think. Well, but.

[Alan Hahn]

But it was. But think about it. It was really built in to Bruce's music, too. I mean, that. That's who he is.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Alan Hahn]

Whereas, like.

[Don La Greca]

Right.

[Alan Hahn]

Whereas Billy Joel, wasn't it. You just told me this, Don. Mean Allentown isn't even about the town. Allentown.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's about Bethlehem. But it's about Bethlehem.

[Don La Greca]

It's the industry.

[Alan Hahn]

Yeah, exactly. Does that sort of sum it up, though? He's like, listen, I'm here for a little message, but I'm more to just make a nice song because Bethlehem didn't.

[Don La Greca]

Sound as well as Allentown. Allentown. The syllables hit the right way in the lyrics to make it work.

[Alan Hahn]

That being said. That being said, I. I'm a much bigger fan of the music of Billy Joel than. Than Bruce Springsteen. It's not my cup of tea, but.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, I think he more. You know, it's funny because Bruce tries to come off as every man. I think Billy Joel is the everyman. There was an interview I saw with him that always stuck with me. Is there somebody's fame? And he reached a certain level of fame where it's like, you know, you. You go places. Everybody just loves you and everybody's screaming for you. And he's like, yeah, he goes. And I went from Doing gigs where you were just hoping somebody show up to now, you know, you're filling a big stadium, but you come home and still you got to take out the garbage. Like, it's such a great line. Like, you come home and you see the garbage is filled. I got to take the garbage out. Well, didn't like it's such a cool line.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Didn't he still take the train to the Garden when he played? I think I read that somewhere.

[Don La Greca]

I don't know. But if he did, that's incredible.

[Alan Hahn]

I feel like he took a chopper.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I. But.

[Alan Hahn]

But you know what? Also, but Train sounds better. But last thing on Billy Joel, too. He also. He is the everyman in the sense that he's flawed and his flaws have been public. And he's went through things publicly that were not great or ideal. And I think. I think that is something that's made him relatable. I'll just say this, though, man. Up till a year ago, I'm talking about seeing him at msg, and they don't sell part of it. They sell every single seat available in that building, full 360 view. And it was absolutely jammed. And. And I tell you this, too. The man is 75 years old. There were still hot chicks everywhere in there. I was like, what is going on? He hits every generation. It's insane.

[Peter Rosenberg]

1-800-919-3776. Let's go to Joe and Yonkers. You're on ESPN, New York.

[D]

Hey, guys. Great.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Great to talk to you again. It's been a while. It's been a while to talk to you.

[D]

Thank you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you, guys. Yeah, I feel great. We're gonna talk. Monday is gonna be 2 to 1, the series.

[D]

Knicks gave that away.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What they got to do tonight, they gotta give them no opportunity, wash the floor with them. What do you guys think?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, I think you're going to see a little more determined effort at the start of the game, for sure. And. But I still think it's going to. I don't think it's going to be a runaway. Like, again, you know, the Boston game six was a dream for everybody because you put your feet up at halftime. I would not expect that in this series.

[Alan Hahn]

No, that would be too fun. And by the way, I picked them to win comfortably. I think they'll cover the points. I'm not going with what they did against the clincher.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't want to put words in Joe's mouth, but that. That sounds like it's coming from somebody that believes the Knicks are much better than the Celtics. About. Much better guys. And I don't think they're much better. They're better. I don't think they're much better.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, exactly. I'm not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So when you say you're going to wipe the floor with them, I. Yeah, it could happen. But that sounds like it's coming from somebody, Joe, that believes that the Knicks are much better. And I don't see that being the case at all. They could wipe the floor with them. But are they supposed to. Was that ever on the table, Alan?

[Don La Greca]

That. No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you heard people say, oh, we're going to sweep.

[Don La Greca]

It's not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We're going to win the series easy.

[Don La Greca]

No, no, no. This is going. Like I said, this is going the distance. I believed it for before it started. I still believe it. It's going the distance. They are very, very close. And both teams are great, clutch teams. So neither, neither team, you're just going to be like, oh, it's over. These are too close. They know each other well. They played each other seven games last year. There's just, there's a lot here to make you feel like, buckle up, this is going to be a minute.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's go to Dave in Queens. You're on. Don Hanna, Rosenberg.

[D]

Thanks, Don. I have a fraud thing that happened this afternoon. I never thought in my life I'd call you guys asking if I'm a fraud because, you know, a Yankee fan since 75 and all that, but. And by the way, Innocent man with Chris Crystal to Laugho is the best at Billy Joel Live. I think they were in Berlin if anyone hasn't seen that. That is awesome. Powerful lungs on Crystal. She's gorgeous too. But all the best of Billy, but yeah. Guys, and Peter, you're going to be in the west side right on when? Tuesday?

[Alan Hahn]

That's right, Tuesday night. Jake's dilemma for the watch party up.

[D]

Okay, try to get there. Okay then. Alan. Hello, Don. Yes, the fourth thing occurred. I was listening to your show actually coming. I was in the city coming back here to clean wearing my Yankee gear, very, you know, repping a lot because the Mets Yanks beat the Mets and you know I'm wearing all my Yankee gear extra in the Met fans faces and then I pass a pizzeria, a nice pizzeria on the east side and there's a bunch I just like don't do a double blink. There's a bunch of Dodger fans in town for obviously for the Met game in their Dodger gear. And the younger me might have Been a wise guy and said, and they are the world champs. But the younger me might have been a wise guy and said something, you know, like in passing. But you know, I am. I afford. Done. I went to them and I said, because I'm. I was so mad about the Dodgers in October and I couldn't even look at Dodger blue. But today when I saw happy that the sun had come out, I was happy to see people in town. I'm happy. Hopefully they beat the Mets. And I went up to them and I said they were a little like, who's this Yankee guy coming at us? Because they're a little, you know, laid back. Make a long story short, I said, you're the world champs and go beat the Mets, guys. And was I a flaw today?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, I don't think so. You're choosing to root for the Dodgers over the Mets. I mean, I think you probably can hate them equally, but they're both in the National League. I know the Dodgers just beat you in the World Series, but Dave, I think you lost to a better team. I really do. Even though there was moments you could have won that series, I still think the Dodgers were better. You tip your cap, you hate the Mets. No, I don't see any fraud in that at all.

[D]

Oh, thanks a lot. Because, you know, I was questioning myself. Then your segment came on. I said, I gotta ask Donna, because I couldn't look myself in the mirror in October. I was so mad at the Dodgers and Yankees. But I. When I saw. I never saw Dodger fans since. And then I ran into them today. I went up to them and, you know, I guess I came to peace with it. I don't know. And judge is catching with two hands these days.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think your rivals are your rivals. But you know what? In this day and age, why can't we just all get along? Right? Come on, what are you supposed to do, right? You're gonna have Dodger fan friends, you're gonna have met fan friends. You're gonna run into people. You're all baseball fans. I don't think not being a non fraud means you have to just hate deeper. Why can't we just get along?

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, I. It's. It's Interesting choice of words, I guess. I don't know if he's not rooting for the Dodgers. It's just, you know, for the Dodgers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

To beat the meted. I hate the Mets more than the Dodgers at this moment because.

[Don La Greca]

Right. Like I'm an Islanders fan. I'm a fan of two teams. The Islanders and anybody who plays the Rangers. That was a T shirt back in the day, right? Like, and I know they, they make it probably for everybody, every team. Right? But that's sort of the feeling is you have your team and then when whoever's playing your rival, you want them to win too.

[Alan Hahn]

Although the people who think about things that much.

[Don La Greca]

No, I agree. But that's the thing. People get like that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's not take the segment away. I mean we're kind of diving. We're taking the deep dive.

[Don La Greca]

I love that people are into the fraud segment.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is great. That's why it's entertaining. Hey there travelers. Kaley Cuoco here. Sorry to interrupt your music. Great artist BT Dubs, but wouldn't you rather be there to hear it live? With Priceline you can get out of your dreams and into your dream concert. They've got millions of travel deals to get you to that festival, gig, rave, sound bath or sonic experience you've been dreaming of. Download the Priceline app today and you can save up to 60% off hotels and up to 50% off flights. So don't just dream about that trip. Book it with Priceline. Go to your happy price. Priceline this episode is brought to you by State Farm. Knowing you could be saving money for the things you really want is a great feeling. Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bund and save with the personal price plan. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state.

[Don La Greca]

Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. I don't know if you knew this, but anyone can get the same Premium Wireless for $15 a month plan that I've been enjoying. It's not just for celebrities. So do like I did and have one of your assistant's assistants switch you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

To Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to do.

[Don La Greca]

@Mintmobile.Com Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month Required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Taxes and fees extra.

[Don La Greca]

See full [e-mail] thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don La Greca]

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

[Peter Rosenberg]

Game Time is brought to you by Tullimore Dew Irish Whiskey. Because when it's Game Time, it's telly time when he holds it. The Mets open their series with the Dodgers coverage beginning on 8:80 at 6:30. The Knicks look to even up their Eastern Conference final series against the Pacers. That will begin on 10:50 at 7:00. And that's where we'll be from 6:30 to 7. Now the Yankees are in Colorado to face the worst team in baseball, the 8 and 42 Rockies Tullamore DU. The original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew honey during today's action. Glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. Let's get back to the busy phones before ENN coming up at 6 o' clock. And let's go into and hear from Sam in Jersey. You're on ESPN New York. What's up Sam?

[D]

Hey Don. How are you guys?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Good, buddy.

[D]

So Don, two quick things. I'll be quick, I promise. So this is how chaotic and exciting the 2025 NBA playoffs has been. There have been four games in which a team has had a 99.1% or more probability to win in the fourth with five minutes to go and that team has gone on to lose. The Knicks have been in three of them. Halliburton has been in the two. The other thing I wanted to say, Don, have you seen, and I'm going to go somewhere with this. Have you seen the new Google AI thing where you put in any prompt and it generates a lifelike video for you? Anything you put in.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I've heard about it. I haven't tried it.

[D]

I ask that, Don, because if at any point, if you believe at any point, humanity, even 500 years from now will have the technology to make the simulation. That means that there's a 99% chance that we're in a simulation right now. Dallas getting the number one pick, Wemby going to the Spurs, Reggie choked and Tyrese the choke thing 30 years later. Don, we live in a simulation.

[Alan Hahn]

I'm telling you, it's a big take. It's a big take on a strong.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I'm not mad. It's a strong take and I'm not mad at it. Because I do every once in a while just kind of wonder now where we're at with stuff like this. Because it is kind of crazy that things happen the way they happen, right? It just, it's.

[Don La Greca]

If they didn't rig Syndicate, if they.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Didn'T rig the NBA draft, how do you explain Dallas winning How do you explain it?

[Don La Greca]

Probability.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But the probability is virtually impossible.

[Don La Greca]

No, it wasn't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It was.

[Alan Hahn]

That was the percentage that would be considered virtually impossible.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that's virtually impossible.

[Don La Greca]

But technically not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, but that's why we threw virtually in impossible. Virtually impossible. So that could happen.

[Don La Greca]

I get it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But it is. It is. Just.

[Don La Greca]

Come on you. We all think this way. Like. Like that happening. Falling together. The way it felt together. How perfectly that all went. Is there someone at the controls?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't want to blow anybody because I often think. Because one thing you may not know about me is I'm infatuated with space. I. That is something that I just.

[Alan Hahn]

The man loves space.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How are all of. How are all of these planets perfectly round? How.

[Don La Greca]

How that. That's. That's the.

[Alan Hahn]

All of them.

[Don La Greca]

You're going with that one.

[Alan Hahn]

This is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you know, you talk about it in a simulation. There's space, you know. It's got no end, no beginning. How am I supposed to wrap my mind around that Round is what you're doing.

[Don La Greca]

Not. How is it that there's only one planet that has life forms. Like I'm going.

[Alan Hahn]

There's other galaxies going to the evening. That's what we're doing. He's going to the evenness of the round.

[Don La Greca]

Yes. The sphere we have.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Why I go a billion different places. But that's just one that happens at the top of my head, you know. And the other thing, the arrogance we have as human beings that. Oh well, nobody can live on Jupiter. Yeah, we can't. That doesn't mean that there's something. They probably look at us and go, nothing can live on Earth. They've got. There's air and water that would kill us.

[Don La Greca]

There is no they.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what we've been trying to find.

[Don La Greca]

That's what blows my mind. How's there no they? There's no they.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's got to be a they. There's a day in Staten Island. His name is Joey. You're on ESPN New York. What's up, Joey?

[D]

Hey guys. I want to thank you for taking my call. It's Joey, the guy I called the other day about okc. I was a little aggressive, but after last night that 60 double digit wins, four of them being in the playoffs.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[D]

How is anyone being. And by the way, I became a fan because they were a new team in 08. I was in high school and I picked my team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You just picked Seattle.

[Don La Greca]

They moved from Seattle.

[D]

Yeah, no, I know they moved from Seattle. But back in the day in high school, people used to sell, like, the jerseys, like 50 bucks. So I was like, hey, give me a Kevin Durant jersey. And I just started watching them.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Joey, I don't think when you called yesterday. I don't. Or whenever you call, it wasn't about that. You think OKC is unbeatable. It's just like the tone of your voice was almost like, why are the Pacers and Knicks even bothering? Yeah, because they've got no chance against okc. The reason they're bothering is there is something to being Eastern Conference champion.

[D]

Yeah. After last night or the next game, you think they could beat. Do you think they could beat the Thunder?

[Peter Rosenberg]

We've said it. I think, Alan. They look unbeatable, Joey.

[Don La Greca]

I made that clear. Like Tim Legley yesterday. We talked about it when we had him on and he saw it, too. It's once you saw. Because I thought Minnesota on paper, when you look at it and they have depth, they have length, they have everything that you want to counter what they do. So I'm like, all right, I think they can give them a series. Denver took them seven. Is. Are we crazy to think that they're infallible? But then I saw those first two games, and Minnesota's got a major turnover issue. And I'm like, nope, they're not beating them.

[D]

Best defense of all time, arguably. Thank you for the time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's all I need to see that.

[Alan Hahn]

Your thoughts?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I've been a fan of since, you know, 08. Oh, the pain. But, you know, again, call up OKC radio stations and stick out your chest. If you told.

[Don La Greca]

Silence.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If one of these. They came to earth tonight and told me, don, the Knicks are going to win, but they're going to get swept and completely thoroughly embarrassed by the Thunder. Lose four straight games, all of them by 30.

[Don La Greca]

You signing up?

[Peter Rosenberg]

You still want the Knicks to win? To at least have the right to say we're Eastern Conference champions. Hang a banner. They haven't been to the finals since 99. I mean, the joke that I always get. Oh, Don is a Giant. Didn't you? Wouldn't you rather lose to the Vikings than get embarrassed in the super bowl against the Ravens? Like, no. Come on. I enjoyed that championship game victory at home, beating the snot out of the Minnesota Vikings and Chris Carter and Randy Johnson. Yeah, they got embarrassed in the super bowl, but guess what? It was the Super Bowl. People really say, oh, I get it all the time.

[Don La Greca]

I get all the conference, then win, then get, then win, and then get smoked in the champ. Are you crazy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, I. I definitely got that. I mean, I can't prove it. I don't have audio. It was 25 years ago. But I'm telling you, I got all my. I would have rather lost in the championship game than embarrassing. Dude, it's the Super Bowl.

[Don La Greca]

No, you win as far as you can win. That's crazy.

[Alan Hahn]

No, that's. Well, listen, I. I made my case about the Giants and the Eagles a couple years ago, but a wild card game is not the same getting to the. Get into the championship you want, no matter what. And I'm sorry, I know Don Allen is getting very OKC horny right now, and so is. So is our last caller horny or corny? Exactly. They're very good. They could. They are likely going to win. But listen, can we see them just beat Minnesota on the road first before we all listen? Those Minnesota. Minnesota hung for a half in both games. And then you're right, the turnovers, they fell off the rails. Let me. I'll crown them. When they dominated finals first. I'm not ready to crown them. Crown them.

[Don La Greca]

He's going Daddy Green. I love it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right, listen, we're gonna have some fun, man. Hopefully it's something that actually takes place. It'd be great.

[Don La Greca]

Thanks for listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.