Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 4: Last Call Crew
Release Date: May 23, 2025

Episode Overview

In Episode Hour 4: Last Call Crew of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into a dynamic mix of New York sports discussions, spanning the NBA playoffs, Major League Baseball, and passionate fan interactions. Set against the backdrop of Memorial Day weekend, the trio engages with listeners, providing insightful commentary, heated debates, and entertaining anecdotes that capture the essence of New York’s vibrant sports culture.

Knicks and Pacers Series: A Battle of the Titans

As the episode kicks off, Peter Rosenberg sets the stage with an update on the ongoing NBA playoff series between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers. With the Knicks holding a one-game lead in a best-of-seven series (00:42), the hosts anticipate a thrilling continuation as they approach game two at the Garden. Rosenberg highlights the significance of the upcoming game, emphasizing the momentum building for the Knicks:

“Knicks looking even the best of seven series up at one. … We got a lot of cool baseball, but please, please be safe, be responsible out there.” (02:25 – 02:30)

Listener Insights: Griffin on Tyler Murray and the Knicks’ Good Luck Charm

Griffin from Connecticut calls in to discuss his intriguing perspective on Knicks’ star player Tyler Murray, whom he views as a "good luck charm” for the team (01:34). Müller attributes this belief to Murray's influence during the Knicks' significant playoff run, suggesting that his presence could be pivotal in their pursuit of an Eastern Conference title:

“It feels like he's a good luck charm for them because they're four wins away from an Eastern cup, from an NBA Finals.” (01:48)

Baseball Banter: Yankees’ Rotation and Mets’ Struggles

Transitioning to baseball, the hosts engage in a lively discussion about the New York Yankees’ rotation dynamics and the Mets’ ongoing challenges (02:25). Rosenberg praises the Yankees' current form while expressing skepticism about the Mets’ hitting performance:

“The Yankees are in really, really good shape. And the Mets, they're not hitting, but I think they eventually will.” (04:01)

Allen Hahn adds depth to the conversation by addressing the Mets' recent series losses, particularly to powerhouse teams like the Red Sox and Yankees, highlighting the team's defensive efforts despite offensive shortfalls:

“No, it has not been good for the Mets at all.” (04:10)

Fan Perspectives: Jay’s Take on Championship Losses

Jay from Newark shares his thoughts on fan sentiments regarding losing in conference finals, arguing that losing to a superior team still offers a sense of satisfaction:

“Sometimes a team is a surprise team and it makes a run. Even if you lose in the finals, man, it's still gratifying as a fan.” (04:47 – 05:46)

Rosenberg and Hahn counter Jay's points by discussing the broader implications of fan attitudes, drawing parallels with historical sports events and emphasizing the importance of valuing the journey over the outcome.

Team Rivalries and Fanbase Dynamics

The conversation shifts to the nature of fan hate, with hosts Rosenberg and Hahn dissecting their disdain for specific teams' fanbases rather than the teams themselves. Rosenberg reflects on his personal aversion to the Dallas Cowboys' fans, despite having no issue with the team’s players:

“It’s usually the fan bases that I hate. More than the team.” (14:17)

Hahn echoes similar sentiments, particularly criticizing celebratory behaviors of opposing team players, such as Saquon Barkley’s touchdown celebrations, which he finds obnoxious and frustrating during critical game moments:

“I gotta tell you, for whatever reason, it is an incredibly obnoxious celebration. I want to punch him right in his throat.” (15:18)

Player Performance Spotlight: Jalen Brunson’s Defensive Challenges

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing Jalen Brunson’s performance for the Knicks, particularly his defensive contributions and foul management. Listener Tim from Edison poses a thought-provoking analogy comparing basketball to baseball closers, questioning whether Brunson should be rested or kept in the game amidst foul trouble:

“Your fifth starter is pitching an absolute gem. Ninth, ninth innings coming up. Are you bringing in Mariano Rivera? Yeah, probably.” (19:15)

Hahn and Rosenberg debate Brunson’s tactics, with Hahn suggesting that Brunson might be overusing fouls to gain strategic advantages, potentially costing the team in crucial moments:

“I think it's a little much. And I just wonder if that works against him sometimes when it's so blatant that when he does get fouled that they'll look the other way.” (21:57)

Upcoming Show Preview and Community Engagement

As the episode nears its conclusion, the hosts promote their upcoming pregame show before the Knicks and Pacers face off at the Garden. They also highlight the transition of their watch party to Central Park, commending it as a prime location inspired by the Rangers’ Stanley Cup Final festivities:

“It's a good place. I think it's cool.” (25:29)

They encourage listeners to continue engaging with the show, sharing final thoughts on the importance of perseverance and commitment as the Knicks vie for the championship:

“There’s a lot to be happy and have fun. … We will meet again. 3 o'clock on Tuesday.” (25:37 – 25:45)

Conclusion

Episode Hour 4: Last Call Crew offers a comprehensive and spirited examination of New York sports, skillfully blending professional analysis with passionate fan discourse. Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg provide listeners with a captivating narrative that not only informs but also entertains, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts eager to stay ahead of the game.

Notable Quotes:

• Griffin on Tyler Murray:
  “It feels like he's a good luck charm for them because they're four wins away from an Eastern cup, from an NBA Finals.”
  (01:48)

• Jay on Championship Losses:
  “Sometimes a team is a surprise team and it makes a run. Even if you lose in the finals, man, it's still gratifying as a fan.”
  (04:47 – 05:46)

• Hahn on Fan Celebrations:
  “For whatever reason, it is an incredibly obnoxious celebration. I want to punch him right in his throat.”
  (15:18)

• Listener Tim’s Baseball Analogy:
  “Your fifth starter is pitching an absolute gem. Ninth, ninth innings coming up. Are you bringing in Mariano Rivera? Yeah, probably.”
  (19:15)

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