Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary: Hour 3 – Tim Legler Joins the Show

Release Date: May 22, 2025
Hosts: Alan Hahn, Don La Greca, Peter Rosenberg
Guest: Tim Legler, ESPN Analyst and Former NBA Player

1. Introduction of Tim Legler (00:30 - 01:38)

Alan Hahn kicks off the episode by introducing the guest, Tim Legler, emphasizing Legler's dedication, especially during the playoff season. Hahn remarks humorously about his own lack of sleep and anticipates an engaging discussion about a pivotal game.

Alan Hahn [01:30]: "Talk about a guy that works, works his ass off this time of year... This is the best time of year."

2. In-Depth Analysis of Knicks vs. Pacers Game (01:38 - 07:49)

Aaron Neesmith’s Performance: Tim Legler delves into Aaron Neesmith's extraordinary shooting performance in the final minutes, highlighting his transformation into a reliable three-point shooter.

Tim Legler [03:18]: "He's 53% from three in the playoffs. He was 42% this season. The last two seasons. He's a 40% three-point shooter."

Legler contrasts Neesmith’s current form with his earlier years, underscoring his evolution and the strategic benefits to the Knicks' gameplay.

Game Dynamics and Key Plays: The discussion transitions to the critical moments in the last three minutes, analyzing defensive strategies, player movements, and missed opportunities.

Tim Legler [05:36]: "The Pacers have proven not only in this series, in past series, that there's no hole they can't dig out of if you're not completely in a state of readiness on them."

3. Historical Comparisons and Personal Anecdotes (07:49 - 16:49)

Halliburton’s Memorable Shot: The hosts reflect on Brendan Halliburton’s dramatic shot, comparing it to iconic moments in NBA history.

Alan Hahn [12:50]: "The shot that Halliburton hits... It was my senior year. It kept us undefeated at the time, winning at Princeton."

Tim Legler’s College Experience: Legler shares a personal story from his college basketball days, recounting a game-winning shot against Princeton and the mentorship from coach Pete Carrill.

Tim Legler [15:04]: "I was recruited by Princeton, Pete Carrill, the legendary Pete Carrillo, recruiting me. I chose not to. Not to go there."

This anecdote serves to illustrate the unpredictability and emotional highs of basketball, drawing parallels to current NBA moments.

4. The Two Minute Report – Refereeing Decisions (27:07 - 33:03)

Controversial Calls: Alan Hahn and Peter Rosenberg dissect the refereeing decisions made in the last two minutes of the game and throughout overtime, debating the validity and impact of specific calls such as goaltending and fouls.

Alan Hahn [29:00]: "It's the last two minutes of the game and overtime. So I think that was with more time left. That's why that's not on this report."

Impact on Game Outcome: The hosts express frustration over missed calls that could have altered the game's result, emphasizing the thin margin for error in high-stakes matches.

Peter Rosenberg [32:30]: "They don't tell you about anything from 5 minute mark to the 2 minute mark of overtime."

5. Listener Calls and Community Reactions (33:03 - 45:50)

Caller from Staten Island (33:55 - 38:23): A lifelong Nets fan vents frustration over the Knicks' performance, referencing historical collapses and emphasizing the need for the team to overcome adversity to rewrite their narrative.

Caller [34:00]: "This is an embarrassment of epic proportion. They should never have been in this position."

Interaction with Other Callers: Additional callers compare current events to legendary sports moments, discussing coaching strategies, player performances, and the psychological impact of pivotal game moments.

Caller [45:03]: "They have to make it a footnote in history by winning the series. It's the only way."

6. Coaching Strategies and Future Projections (22:33 - 37:51)

Rick Carlisle vs. Tom Thibodeau: The discussion shifts to coaching tactics, highlighting Rick Carlisle's adept handling of challenges and Rick Carlisle versus Tom Thibodeau's strategic matchup.

Tim Legler [47:20]: "Tom Thibodeau had the coaching. He out-coached JB Bickerstaff."

Series Expectations: Alan Hahn expresses concerns about the length of the series, fearing it might be shorter than anticipated due to recent game performances.

Alan Hahn [22:33]: "I thought this would be a really good long series. I'm afraid it might not be..."

Legler counters by analyzing player performances and potential for future games, emphasizing the resilience and mental fortitude of the teams involved.

Tim Legler [24:07]: "He feels as bad as anybody... They're going to be very clear-headed and sort of determined and honestly pissed off."

7. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks (38:04 - 40:14)

The hosts wrap up the episode by reflecting on the mental strength of the Knicks, the importance of upcoming games in setting the series' tone, and expressing hope for the team's recovery and strategy adjustments.

Alan Hahn [37:51]: "They have shown that they're a mental club."

Peter Rosenberg [38:23]: "Very tough place to win. Big."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alan Hahn [03:33]: "He has made himself into a good three-point shooter. This should not be a shock."

• Tim Legler [16:49]: "The ball that I shot went even probably 8 to 10 feet higher in the air..."

• Peter Rosenberg [05:36]: "The Pacers have proven not only in this series, in past series, that there's no hole they can't dig out of."

• Caller [34:00]: "This is an embarrassment of epic proportion. They should never have been in this position."

Conclusion

In this episode, Tim Legler provides a comprehensive analysis of a crucial Knicks vs. Pacers game, offering insights into player performances, coaching decisions, and pivotal moments that influenced the game's outcome. The conversation seamlessly blends current sports events with historical anecdotes, enriched by listener interactions that underscore the passionate fan base's perspectives. The hosts collectively navigate through strategic breakdowns, emotional narratives, and statistical evaluations, delivering an engaging and informative episode for sports enthusiasts.