Loading summary
Bucked Up Advertiser
If you've ever wanted real energy without choking down something that tastes like regret, Bucked up is the answer. The flavor is the thing. People keep coming back for insanely delicious, which is not a phrase usually associated with energy drinks. And they're built on real science backed ingredients, clean energy that actually works without the garbage you don't want. Bucked up is so confident you'll love their drinks, they're giving away an island vacation just to prove it. That's the kind of brand this is not. No purchase necessary. Giveaway ends May 30th. Enter and find your closest Bucked Up@buckedupenergy.com Grab a Bucked up and feel like a million bucks.
Don Hahn
This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Rosenberg
That sounds like heaven to me.
Don Hahn
Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.
Rosenberg
GP is the ultimate race on water where international teams go head to head and in F50 catamarans flying at over 60 miles per hour. Think you know what we're talking about or what it takes to win in Bermuda? Make your pick on the ESPN New York app. Get it right and you'll be entered to win the exclusive meet and greet with Sail GP athletes and their team based at the Boom Badla New York Sail Grand Prix. Make your pick now and get closer to the action with Sail gp. Sail GP High, high speed, high stakes. The ultimate race on water landing in New York, May 30th and 31st. 1-800-919-3776. Back to the busy phones and let's talk to Lang in Connecticut. You're on ESPN New York. Hi Lang.
Caller
Hey, good evening.
It's good to be back. I was respectful of your decision. Hadn't called in Mike from Manhattan. It was hard to hear him speak and just happy I'm not the worst caller.
Rosenberg
Well, welcome back. Nice to have you back.
Caller
Thank you. Thank you. And I'm really trying to make a conscious effort to enjoy this journey and relish the wins as much as we ruminate the losses. But I was thinking about the Hack and Mitch strategy and I've been trying to find the rule. I can't really find it. I'm trying to figure out if there's a strategy that we can use to counter attack if Mitch stands out of bounds right when the ball is inbounded. If he goes out of bounds and gets fouled, is there some kind of violation there where you get one shot in the ball? Or is there anything that can be done besides Mitch Spending all day in a training facility shooting free throws today to counter attack that strategy.
Don Hahn
Well then he's just standing away from the game and you need can't. He's got to play like he's got to be out there. He's got to make free throws. Yeah, we're not asking a lot here.
Rosenberg
I don't know why it's such a struggle for NBA players, but it is, it's.
Don Hahn
It does get in his head.
Rosenberg
It must, it must be psychological.
Don Hahn
It has to.
Rosenberg
He can go out there and I'm sure he practices all the time.
Don Hahn
Should I ever tell you this? When the Pelicans came to town. Now you know, he's from the New Orleans area, I should say. And the Pelicans sideline reporter is somebody that covered Mitchell Robinson when he was in high school. And he pulls out his phone, he goes, you won't believe this. And he shows me a video of a high school age Mitchell Robinson playing in a high school game. And not only is he of course dunking on every kid because he's like practically, you know, at that point I think he's 6, 10 and he's, you know, a great athlete, but he's also out at the three point line drilling threes high, arcing, beautifully shot three pointers. And I'm like, is this AI? He's like, no, no, this is like that's him. Like he looks at the free throw, it looks like he's never shot a basketball in his life. Line drives like just awful. And I cannot believe it for the life of me. How, how do you go from that fluid looking release the whole thing perfect. To a guy that had free throw line, looks like he gets the ball and he just goes, I don't know what to do. I like things my way. My coffee, my schedule and my treatment. So I talked to my doctor about self injecting with the Vivgard Hytrulo pre filled syringe which contains fgar, Tigamund Alpha and hyaluronidase qvfc. It's injected under your skin subcutaneously. It means I can inject in my space on my time. It's my treatment, my way. Visit vivgartmyway.com that's V Y V G-A-R-T myway.com and talk to your doctor about Vivgart Hyrulo brought to you by Argenics
Ethos Advertiser
in today's world, planning ahead isn't always top of mind. But not having life insurance can leave families facing difficult financial uncertainty during already emotional times. In many cases, loved ones are left managing expenses, debts or long term obligations without clear plan in place. Life insurance is one of those ways to help provide financial security and support when it's needed most. That's where Ethos comes in. Ethos makes getting life insurance fast and easy and it's 100% online. You can get a quote in seconds, apply in minutes, and even get same day coverage. There's no medical exam, you just answer a few simple health questions online. And coverage options are flexible with up to $3 million available and some policies starting at around $30 a month. Ethos has also earned strong customer feedback with a 4.8 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot based on more than 3,000 reviews. Help protect your family with life insurance through Ethos. Get your instant free', @ethos.com sports that's ethos.com sports application. Times and rates may vary.
Found Advertiser
When was the last time you felt in control of your business? Finances? Expenses tracked, Invoices sent, taxes ready. That's where Found comes in. Found brings your banking, bookkeeping, invoicing and taxes together in one simple app. Manage expenses, invoice clients, send payments and prep for tax time right where you bank. Join the hundreds of thousands who have already streamlined their finances with Found. Open a Found account for free@found.com that's f o u n d.com found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by lead bank member
Rosenberg
FDIC Can I give you a comp? Mm how is it that over time you have kids who in high school were the starting ace pitcher and mashed home runs, did nothing but mash home runs in high school as a pitcher and then a couple of years removed. Stop really focusing on batting and then get to the majors and literally looks like they've never swung a baseball bat compared to their.
Don Hahn
It's fair.
Rosenberg
You know what I mean?
Don Hahn
Yeah.
Rosenberg
Every kid I knew who was the best pitcher in high school was also the best hitter.
Don Hahn
But it's not like would match. But it's not like Mitch stopped shooting a basketball.
Caller
Right.
Don Hahn
Like if you're focusing on pitching so you're not going in the cage anymore.
Rosenberg
But maybe they're shooting the ball.
Don Hahn
No, I mean in games.
Rosenberg
In games.
Don Hahn
Sorry.
Rosenberg
In games he stopped shooting.
Don Hahn
I. I don't know. But.
Rosenberg
Well, I'm sure he practices from the free throw line more than he's shooting threes for sure.
Don Hahn
But still.
Rosenberg
But it's something that to me the
Don Hahn
theory get over it.
Rosenberg
It's all. It's so Much easier psychologically to do things when people don't expect you to do it as opposed to when they expect you to do it. Nobody thinks he's going to hit threes, and. And if he missed by a mile, nobody would blink. But at the foul line, it's a thing.
Don Hahn
But let me ask you this, then. Like, I think what he was trying to suggest is this. Do you think it's, like, bad for the sport to have this to where you could purposely foul a player?
Rosenberg
Yes.
Don Hahn
To put him at the free throw line.
Rosenberg
Yes.
Don Hahn
And knowing that he can't make free
Rosenberg
throws, he should not be allowed in sports. And Jeff Van Gutti talked about this.
Don Hahn
It's like the intentional walk, though, right?
Rosenberg
I know.
Don Hahn
I want you to hit, so I'm. Put you on base.
Rosenberg
That's fine. There's a strategy to that. As a strategy to the fouling.
Don Hahn
Yeah. It takes the team out of its rhythm.
Rosenberg
Something. You shouldn't be allowed to do something bad and have it benefit you, Right?
Don Hahn
Yeah.
Rosenberg
And also it slows the game down.
Don Hahn
Part of the game. Think about it. It's not part of it. It's away from the ball. And I've always felt like away from the ball. Foul should have a little more to it than just that. Like a. Like a t. You're purposely fouling someone and all you're doing is just like, tapping him. That's what you're doing. Like, they just sit there and tap him and they look at the ref and they point to the ref like, hey, I'm purposely following him. And I've always said, shouldn't that be like a technical foul or something? Like, you shouldn't be doing that. What are you doing?
Rosenberg
I guess. I guess it's like an onside kick in a way. Like, you want to have something that can allow a team to get back into a game. Like if you did away with it and said you're not allowed to foul somebody in that way, like, if you foul away from the ball with less than a minute to go, you're not going to get free throws. We're just going to inbound it again or whatever.
Don Hahn
Okay.
Rosenberg
Wouldn't that. Then there'd be games that could still be one that would be over. Right. Don't you want to be able to keep people engaged in a game that, hey, I'm down nine, but listen, the team's not hitting their foul shots. This is a strategy to get me back in the game. As boring as it is and as frustrating it is to watch, if it allows a team to come back and win a game. Is that a good thing?
Don Hahn
It's just painfully stupid. But it all comes down to. It's a basic fundamental of the sport, a free throw. And I'm sorry, if a team is giving you the opportunity to shoot free throws, they're handing you points and you're. You're going to have to be good enough to simply make them. Right.
Rosenberg
Right.
Don Hahn
So that's the argument. The argument is, wait a minute. If a team is willing to give you free throws, take them, why would you not take them? That's why I just. But it's just such an ugly part of the game. It does slow it down, but it is a strategy. And when there's a team that knows what we can't a. This guy dominates the boards out here. We got to get him off the floor. We know he can't shoot free throws, so let's do that. It slows down the Nick offense. It put. Gets them out of rhythm, gets him off the court. This is a win for us. That's a strategy. It's. It's eliminating a piece on the chess. Chessboard because you know it's weakness.
Rosenberg
I'm more your calls at 1-800-919-3776. Alan?
Don Hahn
Yeah, Xfinity. You guys know you already enjoy ESPN as part of your TV lineup with live games, daily sports coverage, and expert analysis. And now the ESPN Unlimited plan is available at no additional cost, giving you access to additional ESPN content in the ESPN app, on demand programming and originals to explore as well. Visit xfinity.com your subscriptions to activate ESPN unlimited access. Then start watching in the ESPN app. More from ESPN all in one place.
Rosenberg
You know, a little quirky thing in hockey that bothers me is that, all right, it's 2:1 late in the game, you're up 2 to 1.
Don Hahn
Okay.
Rosenberg
And teams really, the team that's down a goal is really putting a lot of pressure on you. You ice the puck. The punishment is now there's going to be a face offensive face off in your zone. However, if I commit a penalty, I get to ice the puck. Even though I'm down a guy and I don't want to be. I now add the strategy of being able to clear the puck all the way down and I'm not punished. I can just. It really makes it eat. It's not easier. I'd rather not be penalized. But one of the benefits of committing the penalty is I can ice the puck now.
Don Hahn
It's actually not crazy if you think about it, especially if you're like, if you're up a goal, it's a little risky. But if you're up two goals and you're just trying to, you know, you just want to frustrate them and kill the game, take a penalty.
Rosenberg
But you, you shouldn't gain a positive from a negative.
Don Hahn
That's a good point. So you're saying like last two minutes of a game, you shouldn't, you're not allowed to clear the puck.
Rosenberg
You still get an icing. I would. That would change things.
Found Advertiser
Mendes, Mother's Day is coming and you gotta show love to the mothers in your life. Between my mom and my wife, who is now a first time mom, I got a lot of appreciation I need to show. So yeah, Mother's Day matters. And you gotta get it right. That's why I'm sending farm fresh flowers from the Boucks Company right now. Get 25% off with my code Canty. Bouc's flowers are cut fresh so you get bigger, brighter blooms that last way longer. They've got incredible flowers. Some are even growing on the side of a volcano. And the best part, Boucks makes it easy. Pick the bouquet, the delivery date, and you're done. No last minute panic. That's why Boox has over 55,000 5 star reviews with 25% off. Using code canty Grab flowers for your mom, your wife and grandma too. Mother's Day is May 10th, so don't wait. Go to books.com, use code CANTY for 25% off. That's b o u q s dot com. Use code CANTY books.com code CANTY for
Don Hahn
some of us, personal finances aren't just personal. They include a lot more people than ourselves, loved ones, neighbors, the communities we call home, and the causes we hold in our hearts. At Thrivent, we help plan your financial picture with the bigger picture in mind. Because even though our business is helping guide your finances, our ambition is to make it mean so much more. Thrivent, where money means more. Connect with us@thrivent.com Ian Fitzsimmons here.
Fast Growing Trees Advertiser
Now, I did not know this, and you may not have known this, but I didn't know it until my wife told me that Fast Growing Trees is America's largest, most trusted online nursery. She's ordered everything you can imagine, from lemon and lime trees to blueberry bushes. They have over 2 million happy customers. My wife is one of them. And they carry thousands of trees and plants that are grown with care and guaranteed to thrive from products, privacy and Fruit trees to shrubs, flowering trees, house plants and more. Fast growing trees makes it easy to find plants that truly work for you and your family. And every order is backed by their alive and thrive guarantee. Right now, Fast Growing Trees has great deals on spring planting essentials with up to half off select plants. And as a listener to this show, you'll get an additional 20% off your first purchase when you use the code sports at checkout. That's 20% off all better plants and better growing at fast growing trees.com with the code sports offer is valid for a limited time. Terms and conditions may apply.
Don Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Rosenberg
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Don Hahn
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.
Rosenberg
Any reason or just New York vibes? New York vibes. All right, all right. I like it. I respect it. Let's get back to the phones. Vinnie, Staten island, you're on ESPN New York.
Caller
What's up, guys?
Don Hahn
What's up?
Caller
Mitch Robinson can still shoot the three in warm ups. He's got a great three point shot. He just can't do it from the foul line. And last week I told you the Knicks were gonna get killed.
Rosenberg
Yes.
Caller
In Atlanta, that is called the reverse mush.
Rosenberg
That's what we're calling it now. All right, I get it. I like it.
Caller
I've got powers.
Rosenberg
That's a nice pivot. You know what? I've got a lot because that didn't age well. It did not age well. But I love the fact that you made the pivot. That's awesome. Steve, Middle village, you're on ESPN New York.
Caller
Hi, guys. Thank you for taking the call. One of you said that sports is supposed to be fun when that Nick fan called. Great call. The three of you are great broadcasters because I've been taking notes of. Of everything you've been talking about and it's been brilliant about John Sterling. He was old fashioned show business, if you know what I mean. I'm 73. But he was older. He was older than me, thank God, and lived a longer good life. Phil Rizzuto was like that. He was a straight. He was really. When I was growing up, he was a straight broadcaster. But as he got older, he got free. He knew he wasn't going to get fired, I guess. I don't know.
Don Hahn
Yeah. The seventh inning, crossing the George Washington. The game was still going on.
Caller
I met him once and he. And just like what Michael said about John Sterling, Phil Rizzuto at an event. I was covering for a business publication. He was the same guy that you would see, that you would hear. He was your Uncle Phil. I said, do you mind if we take a picture of you and somebody else? He said, that's why I'm here. That's the kind of guy he was.
Rosenberg
Well, that we always, Steve, we always love the people that are genuine and we can sniff out a phony and phonies just don't. Just don't work, you know, when people just, you sense that you sense it's not real and they're never likable when they're out that way. He was a genuine person. So whether you liked it, it wasn't shtick. It was who he was. Alex Lynbrook, you're on ESPN New York.
Caller
Oh, hi, Don. How you doing?
Don Hahn
Good.
Caller
Two quick things. I really like Enders Lee. I'm just concerned. I think his contract is up in July, so I'm really, I hope he's going to stay in Islander. And my second question, I figured you would know it. Of course. Matthew Schaefer is the future of the islanders. He's the first piece. He's a left handed defenseman. With this other kid is the right handed defenseman, Victor Eglinton. I figured you might know. Should I be excited? Is he that good? Is he the second piece to the island of Ascension? Like, should I be excited that we have him? I think his name is Victor Eklund.
Don Hahn
Yes.
Caller
So is he that good? Is he up there like with Matthew?
Don Hahn
I don't know. You can't put him in that category, of course. But that he's definitely one of their top prospects. They're excited. They've got a couple of them, man, that they've got coming up in the next couple of years that they're very excited.
Rosenberg
Yeah, we'll see if it pans out. Schaefer's just. That's special.
Don Hahn
He's a different level. But. But Lee is going to be about the money. They know they can't pay him to. I like how much does he want to just stay here and finish it here? I think that's the emotional part, right?
Rosenberg
I mean and leadership is important, but.
Don Hahn
But it's also the longevity. Like this is a guy, the original islander, right, like from start to finish, man. Like he could do that if that's what he wants.
Rosenberg
And I think those things are important. But you know, in a cap sport and there's a lot of need there now, I think the board's going to do a good job. There. But they need. There's a lot that has to go in. They got to find a way to be able to find because I'm consistent scoring power play. And the power play was just so brutal. I'd like to see Lee stay, but
Don Hahn
I think everybody would like to stay
Rosenberg
and I think he would like to stay too. But no, he is somebody that. I think if he became a free agent, there'd be teams that say, I need him in our room.
Don Hahn
He's a guy. That's exactly it. And you know, you look at Brock Nelson, a guy that also could have been start to finish, right?
Caller
Yeah.
Don Hahn
But how'd it work out for him?
Rosenberg
I know he's right by. Probably win a cup, right? It's the only game tonight. Minnesota, Colorado. It's must see tv.
Don Hahn
Absolutely.
Rosenberg
And I know sometimes you get too many goals, but these are. It's the best players doing it, you know.
Don Hahn
I'm sorry, Don. Was that game boring?
Rosenberg
Not at all.
Don Hahn
Complaining about the first of all, anybody complaining about that game was north of the border because they're, they're. They're so freaking high and mighty about the sport now. You know, that's not really how just
Rosenberg
knowing or Michael in Manhattan might have felt that way.
Don Hahn
Yeah, he would have hated it too.
Rosenberg
Listen, it's. It's so entertaining to just see that. It's. And it's also crazy to see 15 goals and both starting goaltenders stayed in the game the entire time. It's kind of crazy.
Don Hahn
Quinn Hughes, though, pretty good, right? He's pretty good.
Rosenberg
That was pretty imaginative to bank it off the player the way that he did.
Don Hahn
He's pretty good. He's.
Rosenberg
Yeah. Listen and listen. There's obviously an extension that Minnesota. A window. Minnesota has to exclusively negotiate with him until free agency on July 1. If he does not extend with that,
Don Hahn
he could be a megastar in this market, man, just to be able to
Rosenberg
see three brothers playing on the same team.
Don Hahn
That would be a draw, first of all.
Rosenberg
But he's. Listen, Jack is special, but Luke, just because of the position he plays.
Don Hahn
Come on, Sonny.
Rosenberg
Talking about a defense. Come on, Sonny, make it work.
Don Hahn
What a first move that would be.
Rosenberg
Charlie Queens.
Caller
Charlie.
Don Hahn
Bless you.
Caller
I had a rough commute, but thanks for taking a call. I appreciate it.
Rosenberg
Anytime.
Don Hahn
Rough commute.
Caller
So two things quickly. One, first is the Knicks are deeper and the Sixers they're starter heavy and their minutes is gonna. I mean starter like Edgecomb, MB Maxi, George Maxi.
Don Hahn
They're all going to play 38, 40 minutes.
Caller
If it's like you know, high leverage, situational game. They're going to play high minutes into the north of upper 30s, maybe 40 minutes. So the Knicks have the deeper team and they have the advantage. And second thing, Peter and Alan, I appreciate for taking it to the task and hopefully it comes on this week's Fraud Friday. About that fraud, that is Evan Cohen, he's a complete fraud. And I feel like it's almost like Lebron's like, you know, decision where I know he say from New York and everything, he went to college down in Miami. He's like, oh, I'm gonna join, you know, the fandom.
Rosenberg
I talked to him today and he made very clear that he was never a Nick fan. He said he grew up here and he has to be honest, he was never ever a Nick fan.
Don Hahn
Still isn't. Yeah, well, he said I gotta believe and take him for his word.
Rosenberg
That's all. I mean, that's the thing. We'll try to gather more evidence for Friday. Dan Grassa is coming up next. We'll be live from Stout three o' clock tomorrow. Get you ready for game two. Nixon Sixers. Dan Grass, the next Donna Rosenberg, ESPN New York.
Don Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but I just want to know it's good. 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.
Bucked Up Advertiser
If you've ever wanted real energy without choking down something that tastes like regret, Bucked up is the answer. The flavor is the thing people keep coming back for. Insanely delicious, which is not a phrase usually associated with energy drinks. And they're built on real science backed ingredients, clean energy that actually works without the garbage you don't want. Bucked up is so confident you'll love their drinks, they're giving away an island vacation just to prove it. That's the kind of brand this is. No purchase necessary. Giveaway ends May 30th. Enter and find your closest Bucked up at buckedupenergy.
Rosenberg
Com.
Bucked Up Advertiser
Grab a Bucked up and feel like a million bucks.
In this lively hour, Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg dive into basketball strategy—especially the controversial "Hack-a-Mitch" tactic used against Knicks center Mitchell Robinson. The episode unfolds with a mix of spirited debate, personal anecdotes, New York sports talk, and passionate calls from listeners, all in trademark fun and no-nonsense fashion. The hosts also touch on NHL prospects, beloved NY broadcasters, and assorted current events in sports.
On Hack-a-Player Tactics:
On Free Throw Struggles:
On Sports Authenticity:
On NHL Prospects:
This episode is classic New York sports radio—frustration and fondness mixing with sharp analysis and storytelling. Whether it's the penalty of watching NBA bigs clank free throws, the quirks of hockey rules, or the traits that make a broadcaster beloved, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg keep it real with opinions and fun. Plenty of listener participation, as always, grounds the chat squarely in the city’s pulse. Knicks, Isles, and a dose of nostalgia all make for a fast-paced, essential listen for NY sports fans.