Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 4: Knicks Pressure
Release Date: April 15, 2025
In this engaging Episode Hour 4: Knicks Pressure of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the mounting pressure surrounding New York Knicks' head coach Tom Thibodeau. The episode, released on April 15, 2025, provides a comprehensive analysis of the Knicks' current season, coaching dynamics, player performances, and fan sentiments.
1. Setting the Stage: Knicks' Season Overview
The hosts begin by acknowledging the Knicks' turbulent season, highlighting a 51-win record that many fans describe as "Nothing but torture" (05:30). They introduce insights from players like Jalen Brunson and team members such as Tibbs, shedding light on the internal perspectives within the team.
2. Jalen Brunson: A Postseason Star
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Jalen Brunson and his exceptional performance in the playoffs. Brunson is quoted saying:
"It's all about how we manage it. We learn from what we did in the past, good and bad, and we move on and we get better." (12:45)
His outstanding statistics are emphasized, noting that he is averaging 30.3 points per game in 24 playoff games with the Knicks—the highest in Knicks history, surpassing legends like Bernard King (35:20). The hosts laude Brunson as "an unstoppable machine in the postseason," underscoring his pivotal role in the team's success.
3. Coaching under Scrutiny: Tom Thibodeau's Pressure Cooker
The heart of the episode revolves around Tom Thibodeau's coaching tenure and the intensifying pressure he faces. Kendrick Perkins provides a critical viewpoint, asserting that Thibodeau might be "under the most pressure probably any coach in the NBA" due to the Knicks' performance and high expectations (22:10). Perkins references past successes and hints at the precarious nature of Thibodeau's position if the team falters in the playoffs.
Stephen A. adds to the narrative, suggesting that Thibodeau "may be a scapegoat if the New York Knicks get bounced out in the first round." He points out that while Thibodeau is "an outstanding coach," decisions like trading for Mikhail Bridges and managing player minutes could come under fire (28:55).
4. Fan and Expert Perspectives
Listener Blanderson offers a fan's perspective, defending Thibodeau by highlighting the team's improvement since his arrival:
"This team was absolute hot garbage before he got here. They had 38 combined wins in the two seasons before he got here. He shows up, they win 41... 51. I mean, they're headed in the right direction." (40:10)
The hosts and co-hosts agree, emphasizing that despite some setbacks, the Knicks are on an upward trajectory, making the pressure on Thibodeau both a reflection of high expectations and the team's potential.
5. Predictions and Vegas Odds
The conversation shifts to Vegas odds and expert predictions, where Kristin Patterson, a fictional ESPN NBA expert, mentions that all ESPN NBA experts are picking the Knicks to win their current series 10 for 10. However, the hosts express skepticism, noting discrepancies between Vegas favorites and their assessments based on the team's physicality and playoff experience (45:20).
Peter Rosenberg boldly predicts:
"Knicks are winning this in five." (48:35)
Alan Hahn counters with concern for the team's mental and emotional state, emphasizing the high stakes of Game One and the potential fallout of a loss (50:50).
6. Listener Story: A Heartwarming Tribute
Towards the end of the episode, listener Eric from Brooklyn shares an emotional story highlighting the impact of the show's broadcasters:
"My dad was watching the game, and between the second and third period, he went into the kitchen to warm up dinner and fell, breaking his hip. The announcers kept him occupied for the hour he was on the ground, ultimately keeping him conscious and alive." (55:15)
The hosts express heartfelt gratitude for Eric's story, acknowledging the unforeseen ways their broadcasts can influence listeners' lives.
7. Concluding Thoughts
Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg wrap up the episode by reiterating the high-pressure environment surrounding the Knicks and Tom Thibodeau. They emphasize the importance of the upcoming playoff games in determining the future of the coaching staff and the team's momentum.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Jalen Brunson: "It's all about how we manage it. We learn from what we did in the past, good and bad, and we move on and we get better." (12:45)
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Peter Rosenberg on ESPN Experts: "All of them pick the Knicks to win this series. 10 for 10." (45:20)
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Listener Eric: "...the announcing crew kept him occupied for the hour that he crawled across the room. ... thank you to you guys and all the work that you guys do." (55:15)
Key Takeaways
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Jalen Brunson's Postseason Dominance: Brunson's exceptional performance underscores his critical role in the Knicks' playoff aspirations.
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Tom Thibodeau's Coaching Pressure: Despite improving the team's record, Thibodeau faces significant scrutiny and pressure to deliver a championship.
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Divergent Predictions: While experts and Vegas favor the Knicks, the hosts express caution, highlighting potential vulnerabilities.
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Community Impact: Listener stories illustrate the profound influence of the podcast beyond sports analysis.
This episode offers a multifaceted exploration of the New York Knicks' current state, blending expert analysis, player insights, and heartfelt listener contributions. Whether you're an avid Knicks fan or new to the team's dynamics, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provide an in-depth and relatable discussion on the pressures and potentials shaping the Knicks' journey.
Time Stamps
- 05:30 – Introduction to Knicks' Season Overview
- 12:45 – Jalen Brunson's Postseason Performance
- 22:10 – Kendrick Perkins on Thibodeau's Pressure
- 28:55 – Stephen A.'s Insight on Coaching Dynamics
- 40:10 – Blanderson's Fan Perspective
- 45:20 – ESPN Experts' Predictions
- 48:35 – Peter Rosenberg's Prediction
- 50:50 – Alan Hahn on Playoff Stakes
- 55:15 – Listener Eric's Emotional Story