Hour 4: Last Call Crew - Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

Summary

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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)

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 (0:29)

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

Peter Rosenberg (0:33)

That sounds like heaven to me.

Don Hahn (0:34)

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

Peter Rosenberg (0:42)

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 (1:20)

Was that a rhetorical how are you.

Peter Rosenberg (1:21)

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

Don Hahn (1:26)

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 (1:37)

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?