Hour 4: Last Call Crew

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 4: Last Call Crew
Release Date: May 29, 2025

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Overview

In the "Last Call Crew" episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the New York Knicks' pivotal playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. As the Knicks face a daunting 3-1 deficit, the hosts analyze the team's prospects, key player performances, coaching strategies, and listener perspectives to forecast the potential outcomes of this high-stakes matchup.

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Knicks Playoff Series Analysis

The central focus of the episode is the Knicks' current playoff standing, trailing 3-1 against the Pacers. Don and Peter assess the historical context and the team's resilience. Don Hahn expresses cautious optimism, stating, "I feel good about tonight. I do. I feel good about them tonight." (01:26), acknowledging the team's energy despite mixed signals from others.

Peter Rosenberg counters by emphasizing the rarity of such comebacks: "I just can't imagine a team that won 51 games, Peter. A team that is right now one of three teams left in the NBA playoffs are going out three and six at home." (02:20). He highlights the Knicks' strong home advantage and passionate fan base as critical factors that could influence the series' outcome.

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Key Players Discussion

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around comparing Jalen Brunson and Carmelo Anthony's impact on the team. Don Hahn posits, "if Jalen Brunson kept up what he's done in his first two years, the way he's impacted that team over eight seasons, you would think he was a better Knick than Carmelo Anthony." (08:35). This statement sparks a debate on player contributions and legacy within the franchise.

Peter Rosenberg defends Brunson's current performance, arguing that his postseason scoring surpasses what Anthony achieved, thereby supporting the notion that Brunson could be the catalyst for the Knicks' resurgence: "Carmelo Anthony was one of the great scorers of all time... But, you know, Brunson's making the shots. They're winning games, they're winning playoff series." (04:59).

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Coaching Strategies

The hosts also delve into the strategic aspects of the series, focusing on the coaching decisions by Knicks' head coach Jay Williamson (referred to as Tibbs). A caller, Trey, underscores the importance of coaching in pivotal moments: "I think it's going to come down to coaching. Thibodell brought, started Robinson and then Carlisle. He brought in Brian Matherence." (13:59).

Don Hahn responds by emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies: "When you need it, get a rebound. That would be... when you need it, get a rebound." (20:45). Both hosts agree that coaching adjustments will play a crucial role in the Knicks' ability to turn the series around.

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Caller Insights

Engaging with their audience, Don and Peter field calls from Knicks fans offering diverse perspectives. Trey from Long Island criticizes the current team's composition compared to past Knicks teams, questioning the reliance on players like Brunson over legends like Carmelo: "Brunson is not the best player in 25 years." (03:05).

Another caller, Dan from Queens, emphasizes the necessity of strong coaching and player execution: "It comes down to coaching always. They got the players." (13:59). These interactions highlight the passionate and divided opinions among the Knicks' fan base regarding the team's future.

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Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg reiterate the high stakes of the upcoming Game 5 and the slim but possible path to forcing a Game 6. Don summarizes the Knicks' qualities, "They are more than talented, more than having a great offense or defense, more than anything. This is a gutsy, gritty, back against the wall fight back team." (15:16).

Peter emphasizes realism in their expectations, stressing that while the Knicks have the heart and potential, the odds are stacked against them in overcoming a 3-1 deficit: "It takes a lot out of you to do that. That's why you were so spot on early about getting off to a good start." (15:26).

The hosts conclude with a balanced outlook, acknowledging the Knicks' strengths and the formidable challenge ahead, leaving listeners with a nuanced understanding of the team's playoff journey.

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Notable Quotes

• Peter Rosenberg: "I just can't imagine a team that won 51 games... going out three and six at home." (02:20)

• Don Hahn: "They are a gutsy, gritty, back against the wall fight back team." (15:16)

• Peter Rosenberg: "Carmelo Anthony was one of the great scorers of all time... But Brunson's making the shots." (04:59)

• Caller Trey: "Brunson is not the best player in 25 years." (03:05)

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This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the Knicks' playoff scenario, blending expert insights with passionate fan opinions to provide listeners with a thorough understanding of the team's challenges and potential pathways to success.

Transcript

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[Don Hahn]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter 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.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Game time is brought to you by Telemardu Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time, the Knicks look to keep their season alive in Game 5 coverage immediately following us right here on 880 at 7 o' clock and the Liberty Play host of the Valkyrie. You have to have to say it like that. The Valkyrie at 7 o' clock telemore do the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Iris Whiskey. Be sure to grab a Telemore do and try the new Tullamore Dew Honey. During tonight's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore Dew responsibly. So how you feeling going into the game tonight? I feel. Really.

[Don Hahn]

Was that a rhetorical how are you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Feeling or no about the result of the game? I'm. I'm feeling good.

[Don Hahn]

I feel good about tonight. I do. I. I haven't loved the energy I've gotten from everyone else, frankly, but I feel good about them tonight. I do.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I feel good about them. Even though it bucks the trend. This is what Indiana's done in the playoffs so far. Win the first two, lose game three and then just close out, you know, close it out. Win game four, win game five convincingly. They did it against the Bucks. They did it against the Cavaliers. Cavaliers were compromised. Bucks are nowhere near as good as the Knicks. And the game being at the Garden and the Knicks being three and five. I just can't. I can't imagine a team that won 51 games, Peter. A team that is right now one of three teams left in the NBA playoffs are going to go out three and six at home. This building, I know this isn't your ordinary building, okay? This isn't a building where you got seat fillers or there's no energy or people are just happy to be here. This is one of the best buildings in the league. And when the energy is right and it's Been right. And to go three and six at home now, to be able to complete the comeback, that's going to be difficult to do. But winning a game at home, forcing the game six, I think that's reasonable to ask for these fans that have worked so hard to see this team get to this level for the first time in 25 years. So, but, but I'm not, I won't be surprised if we're sitting there with, you know, 30 seconds to go and the game is in doubt. That's kind of how things have gone these entire playoffs. 1-800-919-3776. An opportunity to take your phone calls up until 7:00 clock. Before we hand it off to Pat O' Keefe, let's go to Trey on Long Island. You're on ESPN New York. What's up, Trey?

[Caller (Trey)]

What's up? What's up, fellas? What's up, fellas? I hate that I even got a call in and do this on a day. I'm having a watch party and everything tonight in Bowling Harbor. But listen, Alan, I don't, I don't like the Carmelo.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Infinite respect.

[Caller (Trey)]

Brunson is not the best player in 25 years. If there was LeBron James and the east right now, the, the Knicks would be at home right now. If, if this, if this pace of team was back then, we would have cooked them with JR Smith coming off the bench, Iman Shumpert, garden ball, Tyson Chandler, defensive player of the year in the pink. We would have destroyed this paper team. We had a lot of heart, a lot of fight. There is not a face of the league right now. That's why all of these players, all of these teams, there's a lot of parody. If there was a LeBron James, if there was a Kobe in the West, a lot of these young superstars would not even have a chance.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But that 54 win team lost to the Pacers in the second round. They didn't lose to LeBron. They lost to the Pacers in 2013.

[Caller (Trey)]

Yes, yes, but they, but they also did, they also did lose to Miami, I believe the next year, the, the year after. But yes, they did. They did lose to Paul George and Roy David and David West. But, but that was a good pace of team. That was a pace of team that was way better than this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I, I get it, Trey, but I, I under. And I understand what you're saying and you're obviously entitled to your opinion and thank you for the phone call. But to sit here and say that they were landlocked because LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, when they had 54 wins and lost to the Pacers in the second round. So why didn't they take care of business then? Now, maybe this team won't take care of business, but at least they won a couple of rounds. Listen, Carmelo Anthony was one of the great scorers of all time. Did he make players around him better? To the contrary. Many people felt that he didn't make players around him better. Now, I thought Melo Peter was way disrespected by our callers back in the day.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, yeah, we all agree on that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But, you know, I, I can't kill Allen. Allen's not here to defend himself, unfortunately, because he's at the Garden. But Brunson's making the shots. They're winning games, they're winning playoff series. I mean, everybody believes that if they were healthy, they beat the Pacers. So we're probably looking at a team that a break here or break there. Peter they're in the conference final for the second consecutive year. They beat the Boston Celtics and they have not been eliminated yet by the Pacers. The guy is a. Is scoring at a greater clip in the postseason than Carmelo Anthony did. It's not an outlandish thought. Now, if you, if you're a mellow guy and you want to, you want to die on that hill, I mean, it's not the worst argument you can make. But don't make it seem like Alan's being ridiculous to say that he's the best. Nick.

[Don Hahn]

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[Don Hahn]

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[Don Hahn]

I would just say that when you look at what Brunson has done since he's gotten here and the level that he has been playing at as a knick, obviously we have a much bigger body of work with Carmelo Anthony, but when you look back at Carmelo's years here and he was really, really good, you would have to agree that if Jalen Brunson kept up what he's done in his first two years, the way he's impacted that team over eight seasons, you would think he was a better Knick than Carmelo Anthony. Now obviously Carmelo accomplished more. He was here for much longer, right? But I understand the argument that this is the most dominant Nick that we've seen. But listen, it's certainly an argument to be had. I mean, it's a take saying that he's the best Knick since Ewing is a take.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now, now we have to be fair. We're talking about there being parody. What did Carmelo play in one conference final? That was with Denver when they lost to the Lakers, but it was a different league then where you kind of knew going into the season. All right, These are the 2, 3, 4 teams that have a chance to win a title. We've just talked about how parity has hit the NBA, but they took advantage of it. They beat the defending champions, Peter, you know, beat them in six games. Now, did Boston take, you know, not take care of business? Were they responsible for a lot of what happened? Sure. But, you know, all you could do is is knock down the boards that are put in front of you. And this team's been able to do it up until this point. Again, they're still alive. There's still a game to be played and a game at home and we're all over it. We're taking up until 7 o' clock. Pat O' Keefe will take you through the rest of the way before Tyler and Monica will have the tip at 8 o' clock at Madison Square Garden for game five. So let's line up the calls at 1-800-919-3776. It's Don, it's on. It's Rosenberg on 8 80, ESPN New York and the ESPN New York app.

[Don Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Don Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Don Hahn]

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[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I didn't listen to anything you just said. Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Don Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Caller (Trey)]

Hey, what's going on? Let's go Knicks. I think it's going to come down to Coaching. Thibodell brought, started Robinson and then Carlisle. He brought in Brian Matherence. I mean, it's going to come down to coaching. I think we have a better team all around. If Bibb plays them the right way, I think we get back in the series and we go back to Indiana. It comes down to coaching always. They got, they got, we got the players. That's what I say. We got the players.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You got the players. It just. Do you have the opportunity to win tonight? Yes, but I keep going back to what Jay Wilson. He believes the fatigue is a factor from an emotional mental standpoint. If that's the case and it's the reason why you're down 3:1, then how hard is it going to be to go out there and win every other day for the next three games and, and win this series? I mean it's going to be taxing it.

[Don Hahn]

It's going to be. This is why they call it digging deep. I mean this is. Listen, is this likely?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is this easy?

[Don Hahn]

No. However, Don, if you were to attribute one quality to this Knicks team, wouldn't sort of gut and grit and magic be it? I think they're more that than anything, Don. They're more that than. They are a great team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Don Hahn]

They more than talented, more than having a great offense or defense, more than anything. This is a gutsy, gritty, back against the wall fight back team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They are. So this is the spot for them and that's. But and again for one game. But it takes a lot out of you to do that. That's why you were so spot on early about getting off to a good start. Because if you're going to have to fight back.

[Don Hahn]

No, you can't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Multiple points down against.

[Don Hahn]

That'll kill you in the next game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listen, you might be able to do it again, but then it just, it's going to be even harder to do it again and you just. If you're going to get too much.

[Don Hahn]

Out of you if you're going to win Game 6, that means that Game 5 should end with Landry Shammit and presses Achieve on the floor. That's you. In theory, that would mean you guys played the exact right game. Plus you got a bit lucky and the Pacers were not shooting the lights out the way they did when they were at MSG the other day. And you're able to rest Cat who's going to be dealing with his bum leg and you're going to be resting Brunson in the fourth quarter. That would be. Listen, is it realistic? Is it Likely, I don't know. But if you want to talk about this going more than one game, Don, it cannot be an absolute fight till the bitter end. And they win on a game winner with three seconds left.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But that. That's the long angle lens of it, to be able to think that they're going to be able to do it. Winning a game tonight, just do whatever you can. The objective is to just get the game six. And then you worry about that. Because the longer you hang around Peter, the more of an opportunity that something presents itself. Like, how did Golden State blow that three one series lead to Cleveland? Well, Draymond Green kicked somebody and got suspended, and that was all that the Cavaliers needed to get back into the series. Like, you win, you hang around, maybe somebody gets hurt, maybe something happens that changes the complexion of the series. That's what you have to hope for. You're not winning three games tonight. You can't win a game seven unless they're winning game six. And you can't get the game six without tonight. So the focus has to be about tonight. And again, I just cannot wrap my mind around this team going 3 and 6 in nine playoff games when they had this kind of a season. And this fan base and these fans, they're going to be in the building to tonight, nearly 20,000 of them deserve better than that. I mean, this should be a season that you look back and said, boy, that was fun. Boy, what a ball I had. Watching his team make a run. Now, you're going to be disappointed if they lose, no matter when they lose. Right, because the expectations were so high going into the series. But, Guy, what a kick to the teeth it would be to lose tonight. Because that's going to be. That's going to be what you remember all summer long.

[Don Hahn]

It would be a. For what has been a magical run. To lose every home game in the conference finals, Don, would be a kick in the teeth. It's it and it's. It would really stink because. Because your point, Don, you win this game, you give the crowd something to cheer about. I wouldn't bet against him in a game six. But even if you then go to Indy and lose a game, it's such a different feeling than losing tonight. You can't lose.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And again, the excitement of, hey, you're six and two on the road. You've already won a game in this series in Indiana, so it's not crazy.

[Don Hahn]

By the way, Halberton's not as good at home. I know he's coming off the game of his life, that triple double. He's not as good at home either, so you could start dreaming, but.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And again, they're going to soil themselves having to come back here for a Game seven because now, now it's.

[Don Hahn]

No matter how good they've been, coming back here for a Game 7 on Monday night would be madness.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But they would have, you know, hadn't lost two in a row in the playoffs all year. That would obviously happen if they forced a Game seven. But I just think the focus has to be tonight. Get out to a nice lead, dictate policy. And I know Alan talked about, you know, getting physical, whatever you need to do to get this win, and just try to find a way, just find a way. It shouldn't be that impossible. I thought it was interesting because I'm. I'm kind of with you when I'm not going to fight people to say the Pacers are the better team. I mean, I think they've proven that. I know the fluky way that they lost game one, the Knicks, but. And listen, if they didn't blow that, hey, we're probably 2 2. But maybe game three goes different if the Knicks hold on to the lead in game one. Right. Maybe the Pacers handle game three differently if it's a 1:1 series, as opposed to winning the first two games of the Garden. So the fallacy of the predetermined outcome, we don't know. But the fact is they're down 3:1. But hey, J. Will fought that. No way. He would not have it. So the question is, if these are evenly matched or the Knicks are actually better, how are we here? How are we here with 17 turnovers? How are we here with, you know, guys fouling out and the bench at times being better than starters? How are we here?

[Don Hahn]

I understand why Allen pushes back on the. They might just be better. And offensively, Don Brunson and Towns are the two best players in this, in this, in this, in the series. But, Dom, when you look at both sides of the ball, and I know, I know the other day he jumped quickly to say they're both ahead of Siakam. Are they both ahead of Siakam? When you think about what he does on both sides of the ball, I.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Know you're right, because he really does play both ways.

[Don Hahn]

This is a guy who can give you 35 points at any point and plays defense constantly. I don't. I don't know. It's. Listen, the bottom line is we're talking all kinds of whatever, they can win this game. They're going to have a live crowd. As, as Jay Williams said, no excuses. Tibbs, you are a great coach. A lot of people doubt you. Don't act as if trying to shut down Jalen Brunson some unheard of measure. You have to respond to it. What are you going to do and how are you going to stop them? And for God's sake, when you need it, get a rebound.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Pat o' Keefe is taking up next. We will talk to you again tomorrow at 3:00 clock right here on 8 80, ESPN New York.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, thank you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And the ESPN New York app.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn 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 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.