Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 4 - Knicks Minutes
Release Date: March 20, 2025

In the fourth hour of the “Don, Hahn & Rosenberg” podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the latest happenings in the sports world, with a particular focus on the New York Knicks’ season, NCAA tournament updates, and the New York Rangers’ playoff push. This comprehensive summary captures the essence of their engaging discussions, notable insights, and spirited debates.

1. Episode Kickoff

Don Hahn opens the episode with the familiar introduction, setting the stage for an afternoon filled with sports analysis and lively conversation.

[00:30] Don Hahn: "This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast."

Peter Rosenberg responds enthusiastically, highlighting the appeal of their discussions.

[00:34] Rosenberg: "That sounds like heaven to me."

2. NCAA Tournament Highlights

The hosts kick off with an update on the NCAA tournament, providing listeners with the latest scores and highlighting potential upsets.

Peter Rosenberg gives a rundown of the first day's outcomes, noting the lack of thrilling finishes but pointing out significant victories and upsets.

[00:44] Rosenberg: "It's not a great first day of the tournament. Dan Houston won easily over SIU Edwardsville 78-40. Auburn knocks off Alabama State 83-63..."

He continues to highlight competitive games, such as McNeese's tight win over Clemson.

Don Hahn agrees, noting the absence of buzzer-beaters or classic games on this opening day.

[01:44] Don Hahn: "That was a laugher until like the latter stages but they ended up being a two-point game."

[02:12] Rosenberg: "We didn't get that buzzer beater. Didn't get that classic game at least so far in the first round of the tournament."

3. Knicks Season Analysis

The conversation shifts to the New York Knicks, focusing on their current standing, player health, and coaching strategies.

a. Player Health and Injuries

Peter Rosenberg highlights the importance of upcoming games, especially St. John's matchup featuring Mitchell Robinson's return from injury.

[02:54] Rosenberg: "We did get information that Brunson is out of the walking boot and shooting a little bit. So I guess he's getting closer to returning. So that's good news."

Dan (Don La Greca) discusses the critical role of key players and the potential impact of injuries on the team's performance.

[06:12] Dan: "We had a knee earlier, Dave, that he's got a knee that he's... remember he missed a game or two because of it."

b. Coach Thibodeau's Strategies

The hosts debate Coach Tom Thibodeau’s approach to managing player minutes and maintaining team performance.

Don Hahn raises concerns about the coach’s heavy-handed strategies, especially regarding player fatigue and injuries.

[11:52] Dan: "...this is something that's going to follow him until the day he's not coaching anymore in the NBA."

Peter Rosenberg counters by defending Thibodeau's decisions, suggesting that the coach knows his team best and isn't neglecting player health.

[07:50] Dan: "But you got to think about what you're saying...this team struggles for offense consistently when Brunson doesn't play."

c. Load Management Debate

A significant portion of the discussion centers around load management practices and whether the Knicks should rest players to prevent injuries.

Listener Kevin advocates for resting players to ensure their health heading into the playoffs.

[09:52] Kevin: "Give the talent a night off. Give Josh Hardenite off. Give OG off. You just want these guys healthy going to the playoffs."

Peter Rosenberg responds by emphasizing the team’s competitive nature and reluctance to implement load management unless absolutely necessary.

[10:32] Rosenberg: "But here's the thing, Kevin... they just don't believe in load management."

Listener Norris (Ernest) chimes in with a similar viewpoint, suggesting alternative strategies to manage player fatigue without sidelining them entirely.

[17:41] Norris: "How about you just play them a half...you don't have to do this load management."

Don Hahn reinforces the stance that Coach Thibodeau prioritizes winning and believes in his players’ ability to handle their minutes.

[19:10] Rosenberg: "I don't think these guys are getting hurt because they're playing too many minutes."

4. Rangers and NHL Playoff Push

Shifting gears, the hosts discuss the New York Rangers' performance and their quest for a playoff spot.

Don Hahn outlines the critical game against the Montreal Canadiens, highlighting the Rangers' game count disparity.

[04:40] Rosenberg: "The Rangers have played 70 games tonight. Well, it looks like everybody else... have only played 68 counting tonight."

Dave, a listener, provides historical context and expresses frustration over coaching strategies affecting the team's performance.

[21:34] Dave: "It seems to me the issue is not our coach. What does this team need other than a two-time winning Stanley Cup coach to coach them?"

Peter Rosenberg agrees, suggesting that while Coach Drury has made defensive improvements, the team may need further adjustments in the offseason.

[22:11] Rosenberg: "I believe you're right... you could see this thing taking shape... but you got to get stronger down the middle."

5. Listener Interactions

Throughout the episode, listeners contribute their perspectives, enriching the conversation with diverse viewpoints.

• Dave raises concerns about player injuries and their potential impact on Coach Thibodeau's job security.

  [06:22] Dave: "Is he playing with something that he should have been resting on and it blows out on him?"

• Kevin emphasizes the importance of player rest to maintain team health for the playoffs.

  [09:52] Kevin: "With Brunson out, the chemistry is not going to get better anyway. You might as well start resting."

• Merv questions the effectiveness of resting players, arguing that professional athletes are committed to playing through fatigue.

  [14:36] Merv: "These guys are professional athletes... but they just want to play the game."

• Norris (Ernest) suggests that instead of full rest, players could play partial halves to manage fatigue without sacrificing game time.

  [17:24] Norris: "Instead of just resting them, how about you just play them a half?"

6. Final Thoughts and Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the Knicks' season prospects and the broader implications for their playoff aspirations.

Peter Rosenberg emphasizes the unrealistic expectations placed on the team and the pressure to perform in the current season.

[20:20] Rosenberg: "Why are we putting it all in one basket here?...the Knicks made bold moves during the off season."

Dan remains optimistic about the Knicks surpassing the previous season's 50-win benchmark, despite challenges.

[16:03] Dan: "Yeah...they still have to play Milwaukee, you still have games this year against the Boston Celtics..."

Peter Rosenberg concurs, highlighting that with 14 games remaining, there's still ample opportunity for the Knicks to improve their record and secure a favorable playoff seeding.

[14:11] Rosenberg: "But what is like four or five in the loss column...it could become a bit of an issue."

The episode concludes with Don Hahn thanking listeners and teasing upcoming content, ensuring fans remain engaged and informed.

[23:42] Don Hahn: "Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast."

Notable Quotes

• Rosenberg: "It's not a great first day of the tournament." [00:44]
• Kevin: "Give the talent a night off. Give Josh Hardenite off. Give OG off." [09:52]
• Norris (Ernest): "Instead of just resting them, how about you just play them a half." [17:24]
• Rosenberg: "Why are we putting it all in one basket here?" [20:20]

Conclusion

The fourth hour of “Don, Hahn & Rosenberg” offers a thorough analysis of the Knicks' ongoing season, touching upon key issues like player injuries, coaching decisions, and the debate over load management. Coupled with updates on the NCAA tournament and the Rangers' playoff endeavors, the hosts provide a multifaceted view of the sports landscape. Listener interactions enrich the discussion, presenting a range of opinions that reflect the passionate sports community in New York. For fans seeking in-depth sports commentary and spirited debates, this episode serves as a valuable resource.

Tune in Next Week:
Join Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg for more discussions on the latest in New York sports, upcoming Knicks games, and comprehensive playoff previews. Available weekday afternoon on 880 ESPN New York, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.