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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
Welcome to everybody that was listening to us on 880. We're now on 1050 till the top of the hour and then Pat O' Keefe's gonna take you through the rest of the way for Knicks Pacers game. And again, I know we sound like a broken record, but I think it's important that if you download the app, all's good, you know, we're there. We're there with you for the length of the show. There's no moving around for this, that or the other thing. And plus there's so many different contests you can get involved in. All the shows are right there. The touch of the phone right there. So get the app. It's free, easy to download, takes two seconds. And the great thing, as soon as you hit a tile, you instantaneously are in the program. No waiting, no commercial stuff, just bang, you're in the show. Real cool stuff. 1-800-919-3776. Allen Hahn is left to go to his duties for the pregame show on MSG, which will begin at 7:00. So roll over the Knicks and the Pacers a chance to even the series up at 2. So let's hear what you're thinking and let's go to Tessa and Wes Caldwell. You're on ESPN New York. How are you, Tessa?
Tessa
Stop it.
Ollie
Guys.
Tessa
I missed you guys, but, you know, it's just been a little bit of whirlwind. But everything is okay now. Remember I told you my daughter was a college gymnast. We had to have emergency surgery, but everything is okay. Healing and should be. She should be back training, you know, by late July. So that's why I've been.
Don Hahn
Good to hear.
Tessa
I'm back now and I miss you guys. So this is what I wanted to say about the Knicks. You know, I'm not a Knicks fan. However, I'm a fan. I'm an ultimate fan of all sports. So what I feel when I watch the game, I just feel like sometimes I feel like the paces and this cliche, they just outpace the Knicks sometime or they outwork them. And that's weird to say. As hard as Jaylen Brunson works like this man, like works like so incredibly hard. But I feel like that's the only difference between them. I feel like they are basically equally talented, but it just seems like sometimes the pace is just, they hustle a little bit more. I'm saying as a team, not individually, as a team. So I feel like that's why the Knicks, they have to put it all on the floor today. They cannot go down 31 on this team. They can't do it. You know, they got to put it all out there. I mean, every ball they gotta. I don't care if you're going into the audience, they apologize later, but they have to put it all out there, you know what I mean? Because that's what I feel like is the difference between okc. It's just like whatever dagger you think you're throwing at them, they throw one right back at you. They hustle, they work hard, and then when they got punched in their mouth, they came back and look, still won a close game. You know what I mean? So I feel like with the Knicks, they just got to want it just a tiny tad bit more because sometimes when they got blown out or just not even blown out, just out work. Those first two games, the last shot was crazy. The first game. I do feel like the paces are paced them. What you guys think?
Peter Rosenberg
Well, that's, that's their game plan is to go deep into their bench run and try to tire the Knicks out. Now, I don't know if that has worked yet. It did look like Brunson was exhausted in game one, but you know what that was. He played less minutes than in any other game. Like, so I, I don't know if it's working, but I will say this. I think Carlisle's had an answer for a lot of the things the Knicks are doing. The Knicks did a great job in the second half to be able to bounce back and fight back. But Peter, I just don't like this recipe of, you know, how many games have they won so far in the postseason? So eight, nine games in the postseason.
Don Hahn
All right?
Peter Rosenberg
Three of them. They had to come back from 20 point deficits to win. I mean, that's incredible. There have been six teams, there have been six games in which a team overcame a 20 point deficit in, in this postseason. The Knicks came back from our three of those teams to do it. Like, I know it shows you you're never out of games, but Peter, it's not a recipe to think you could always do that and come back. And I think if you do that again tonight, thinking you're going to do it back to back games the way you did it against the Celtics, you're going to be down three games to one.
Don Hahn
In fact, I might argue that it's not a compliment to say it about this team. Like, yes, the resilience is great. The fact that they so often find themselves down 20, get the hinges blown off in the first half, that's a problem for this team.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah.
Don Hahn
And eventually you're going to run out of magic. They easily. This, this thing could have easily gone differently on Sunday. And of course, Don, they were right there at the end on Friday and just weren't able to get it done. When you get to the end of the game, ultimately it's a crapshoot. So they just can't afford to have to do it all the time. Tonight would be the perfectly timed dominant win they need. If. I don't know if they have that against this team, Don. I just don't know if the Pacers team, to Tess's point, if they just run too much and they're just not going to be able to dominate this team because they will just wear you out running all day. But man, if there's ever a game, Don, for them to get a sort of easy one, boy, would it be tonight. Rest for a couple days, come home. Can you imagine, like, what a great situation that would be?
Peter Rosenberg
I think however many games left in the series, they're all going to come down to the wire. But who's got the. Who is most likely tonight to win in a blowout? I don't think either. But if I had to guess one, it would probably be the Pacers over the next kiss, because the Pacers are home for sure. And you've seen the formula, right? Lose Game 3 against Milwaukee, lose Game 3 against Cleveland, and then bounce back and blow them out in game four. That's been their formula. So I'm not saying it's going to happen. I would say it's not likely, but it's. I think it's more likely they win comfortably than the Knicks win comfortably. But that doesn't mean that Game 5 can't go their way either. I just think that the big knock about the NBA was you could just turn, you know, basketball game, just turn it on the last five minutes. That's kind of how this series feels. Because no matter what happens, Peter over like a 40 minute span, I it doesn't matter. It's going to come down to a last possession, a close game. No matter who's up 20, who's down 20, no matter what happens in the first three quarters of the game, it's going to come down to the final quarter and who's the best. And The Cat scores 40, scores 20 in the fourth quarter and they win the game. I just feel like there's going to be a lot that's going to happen and then it's going to come down to the last three, four minutes of the game that we're going to be talking about tomorrow. And you hope the Knicks are the one that comes out on top of.
Don Hahn
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Don Hahn
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Peter Rosenberg
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Don Hahn
Captain, an unidentified ship is approaching.
Peter Rosenberg
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Peter Rosenberg
John in Bethlehem, you're on. Don Han and Rosenberg.
John
Hey, guys, it's been a while. Hope all is well.
Peter Rosenberg
All good.
John
So, thanks. So, obviously with the foul trouble last time, we saw Dalan Wright and Landry Shammack come in. But, like, do you think they'll play regardless of foul trouble? And if so, do you think they'll have the same impact as it did on last game?
Peter Rosenberg
Oh, I think getting into foul trouble. But here's the question, John. Do you want to see them go to the bench without these guys getting a foul trouble?
John
That's tough because it means if they're in foul trouble, not playing well, and then it's like. But then you saw how Duon, right, played on defense, and same thing with Shamet. So it's kind of, how do you.
Peter Rosenberg
Get those guys unless somebody's in foul trouble? Like, I think people are buying into the narrative that he needs to go to the bench no matter what. I just don't think that adds up. I think you wait till these guys get in foul trouble rather than just bringing them in, because I just don't think that's the way this team is built. If they've got to bring them in, you bring them in. But I don't think you're going to see it. Unless guys get four or five fouls, then you're going to see them go deep into the bench. More of a have to than want to, I guess.
John
Okay. Yeah, that's what I thought, too. So. All right, well, thanks for taking the call.
Peter Rosenberg
All right. How else do you do it? Like, I brought it up to Alan earlier, Peter. Like, do I bring you into the game just out of nowhere? All right, let's. Let's see if we can change things up. Bring the. Or do you just wait till these guys get in trouble? And I think that's how the bench mentality is. All right, Brunson's in trouble. Cats in trouble. They've. They've got four fouls. I've got to go in the game rather than. Are you bringing me in now?
Don Hahn
I would say the only. The other reason would be. Is if Brunson is just playing like a complete defensive liability. Are there times.
Peter Rosenberg
But how is he on the offensive side of the ball then? What if he's hitting shots but he's also a civ defensively?
Don Hahn
Oh, that depends. I mean, the fact of the matter is he's had games. He has had games in these playoffs, Don, where he has not been great offensively. Even the other day, right. He only had, what, 18 points.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah.
Don Hahn
It wasn't a special day. And if you, if you have a game like that where you're shooting 8, 14, 6 for 18 from the floor and you're also a civ defensively, switching it up for a while, and of course you're going to go back to him, he's your guy. But switching it up for a while, I don't think is the worst thing in the world.
Peter Rosenberg
But do you think he would do that just to do it, or would he wait for something extreme? Like where he's just over his last 10 and he's not doing well defensively and it looks like it's in his head? All right, let's. Let's give him a break. Like. Well, it would, it would probably take something extreme. It seems like it would do that.
Don Hahn
Tibbs is the kind of guy who would take something extreme. But, Don, if it were you coaching and the Pacers are just going on a run and they're just, they're just scoring on Brunson constantly, at no point you call a timeout and say, we're going to get him out of there just because, like, you don't want to. You don't want to bruise his ego because he's your guy. I think that's. And I don't know, Brunson's that kind of guy. I think sometimes you have to have faith in someone's ability to be a grown up and understand, hey, you're not playing well defensively. We got to get you out of there.
Peter Rosenberg
But it just seems like it just comes down to the number of fouls he has. But, yeah, we'll see. Now, do you think that's always going to work? Like, that's the one thing that's been shocking about this team is that they have played so well. This bench has played so well. But is it fool's gold or is it something that maybe has been missing from this team? I don't know. You hate to be in that situation. But we'll see how Tips handles it. Jonathan and Great neck, you're on. Donjon Rosenberg, what's up?
John
Hey, I just wanted to say let's go. Nick and I have a really good feeling for tonight. I feel that the better team, the better seed generally wins the series. I know it didn't happen with Paul since they got were able to beat them. But you know OKC's doing good work with Minnesota and the Knicks are the better seed. They are the better team and they're down 2:1. I think they even up the series tonight, bring it back home for game five and it's the best of three series and Knicks take.
Peter Rosenberg
Now the only thing I would say is are we convinced the Knicks are that much the better team considering how Indiana's played since January 1st, how they've played over the last 30 games, how they've played on a consistent basis in the postseason. I know Cleveland was banged up. I know Milwaukee's a patsy. But Peter, hasn't these first three games shown you that the Pacers are probably a lot better than we gave them credit for and it's probably a lot more even than the definitively say, oh well the Knicks are just a better team and the better team always wins a series. I don't think they're that definitively better to just say they're going to win this series because they're better. I think the first three games have shown as fluky as game one was. Look what they were able to come back from. I think it's time for the Knicks to really respect that this Pacers team is on par with them. They were only one game less than them in the regular season. They've been lights out since the first of the year. They've been lights out in the postseason.
Don Hahn
The fact of the matter.
Peter Rosenberg
What do you think?
Don Hahn
Well, I think this. Let's just be real for a second. Neesmith is better than most of us realized. If you don't watch a ton of Pacer basketball.
Peter Rosenberg
Right.
Don Hahn
Probably didn't realize Niecemith's a beast now. No one knew he could do what he did in game one. Everyone knows how good Pascal Siakam is. I don't know that I fully realize that he's a guy who can randomly go for 40 at any given time. People probably sleep on Miles Turner. All the major gaps you thought there was or that there were between these two teams. Don. I think at the very least are a lot closer than people realized. I think. I think when you look at the starting fives of these two teams, everyone is you gave these easy wins to all the Knicks at 4 out of 5 positions essentially then I don't know where that easy a win to give. They're a pretty damn good team.
Peter Rosenberg
No. And again, I'm not saying the Knicks aren't better, but I don't know if it's the gap is that big where you just say oh, they're going to win.
Don Hahn
I'll ask you a question, you can answer.
Peter Rosenberg
We get back. Sure.
Don Hahn
Is Halliburton the best player on this team? Is Halliburton definitively better than Pascal Siakam?
Peter Rosenberg
That's a good question.
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Peter Rosenberg
Go to your happy price Priceline.
Don Hahn
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Don Hahn
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 your podcast.
Peter Rosenberg
Don Hana Rosenberg take up at 7 o' clock, then it's Pat O' Keefe with the pregame game 4 Knicks and the Pacers. 1-800-919-3776 number to call now the question Peter threw at me is, is Halliburton definitively better than Siakam? Now there's a six year age difference. Halliburton's only 24 years old.
Don Hahn
He's a kid.
Peter Rosenberg
But to answer your point, they both played pretty much the same amount of minutes. Although Siakam played 78 games to Halliburton, 73 points. Siakam actually scored more points during the regular season, 20.2 to 18.6. The one thing that Halliburton does better than Siakam is steals and assists. So if you want to go overall, maybe Halliburton's the better player. He's younger, he assists way more just because of the position that he plays. But it's close, right? It's pretty close. And I tell you what, you know what? Turner's not that far behind either. They're a pretty well rounded team. They go seven deep double digits, averaging in points. They're a really good offensive team. So listen, if I had to point the finger, who's the better team, I'd say the Knicks. But listen, I picked the Pacers for a reason, because I thought this Pacer team was hot. Sometimes it's not about who the better team is, it's how you're playing going into the postseason. They're one of the best teams in the NBA going into the postseason, made short work of the two opponents that they had in the first round and the second round. And I know the Knicks won in six against the Pistons. That was way closer than it should have been. And one of the reasons because the Pistons play good defense, Pacers do as well. They're a better offensive team than defensive team, but they play, you know, they were, they were in the top 10 defensively by the end of the season and we've seen that here. So I think that a lot of the Knick fans who thought this was going to be a walkover, were dead wrong. They might end up being right that the Knicks are the better team. And certainly that'll be the narrative if they were able to win this game tonight. Because then all things are even now. It's the best of three series. But I think you got to throw a little bit more respect at the Pacers for not only what they've done in the series, but what they've done basically since January 1st and over the last 30 some odd games, regular season and postseason. Peter, they've been lights out.
Don Hahn
I got to tell you, Don, you know, you know, it should have been my talk about it Tuesday today. Let's talk about it Tuesday. The way that the. How much I hate the world.
Peter Rosenberg
Okay, that's strong that you'll agree that.
Don Hahn
The WNBA has like, such a cool thing happening. And social media just ceases to make, like, never ceases to make it just like a race war, essentially. It's really. It's really like we can't have anything. This is why in America we can't have anything nice. And I don't want to even hear, you know, one particular person or group of people be blamed for why it is that. But it just is that, like, if you look at the discourse that's happening right now because of the WNBA's statement that they came out and said they didn't find any proof that anything racist was said at that game between the sky and the Fever, you just, if you follow the whole conversation around it, man, it's just so nasty to think about something that should be really special because you have these two superstar sort of players who have joined this league and that the conversation is just generally so unpleasant and racially based. It's not to be like Mr. Obvious, but like, it sucks, man. It sucks.
Peter Rosenberg
It's unfortunately where we are right? It's such a fallback to certain people. But I don't know, right now it's really about Caitlin Clark. And I can understand how that rubs a lot of WNBA players the wrong way. They work their tail off to try to get exposure for this league. It doesn't really gain very much traction. And now all of a sudden, it's become a big deal because of her. So I understand that there seem like.
Don Hahn
Hatred, but it doesn't seem like there's anything beyond the normal scope of when people have issues with other players on the court and they foul them hard. Or like Caitlin isn't sitting there crying about her treatment in the game. So why are other people crying about it?
Peter Rosenberg
Because it's become A thing, Peter. But it's not becoming a thing for the right reasons. Because how compelling is the basketball beyond those two playing each other? Like you want to make it a thing. But this is the reason it's a thing. Caitlin's the reason it's a thing. And so it's not really about the conversation of the basketball ends up becoming other things. And that usually is because why, why can't you just talk about the sport? Usually when we come up with all the ancillary things. PETER it's because people aren't finding the actual sport that interesting. Is it that, I mean, you saw the way that the tickets prices have plummeted now that Caitlin's not going to be able to play over the next.
Don Hahn
Well, no. Is it. Has the game, is the game not entertaining enough? Or are people just not caring about women's sports the way that they pretend to? Because there's a superstar playing, you've brought.
Peter Rosenberg
In a lot of people that weren't interested in it. So if they weren't interested in it to begin with, all of a sudden now they're going to be compelled by the basketball or are they now compelled by the story?
Don Hahn
But that's the thing. But that's not the fault of the basketball.
Peter Rosenberg
No, but the basketball, that's the fault of the people. But the basketball wasn't enough before all these extra people came in. And are these extra people here for the basketball or are they here for the stories and all the garbage surrounding it?
Don Hahn
If you go to a bar, if you go to the Barclays center for any given night to see our world champion New York Liberty play game, you'll see a pretty packed house. And in the playoffs, a packed house with people who aren't there that has nothing to do with Caitlin Clark or Angel Jones. They are just there to support their New York Liberty.
Peter Rosenberg
Yes.
Don Hahn
And see the Brianna Stewart and Sabrina Niesco and them boys, girls, you get the idea. Like so, yes, there obviously are markets and places that care about their team in the basketball. But the reason the Clay Travis's of the world have things to talk about this nonstop have things is because the reason the Dave Portnoy's have to have a conversation about this is because the racial component adds clicks. It just adds clicks and people want to get the clicks.
Peter Rosenberg
It's a shame.
Don Hahn
And it's a shame.
Peter Rosenberg
You're right. There is a fan base that just wants it to be about basketball. But unfortunately it's the way sports are now. It really is. When you, when you think about It. It's whenever there's a controversy that over seems to. It happens in hockey a lot. Cause hockey is kind of the same thing. It's a fringe sport. Not everybody's into it.
Don Hahn
But all of a sudden there's a hit that's really bad.
Peter Rosenberg
And now everybody goes viral and everybody's got an opinion and it becomes a big deal. And it's for all the wrong reasons, because the people that all of a sudden move the needle are people that normally aren't here. It's like crashing a party you weren't invited to and now you're kind of dictating what kind of food served.
Don Hahn
What a beautiful way of putting. Exactly. You weren't even invited to the party. You're not even interested in this party. But you get there and you go, this music sucks. You weren't even supposed to be here.
Peter Rosenberg
Get lost. But unfortunately, you get lost and there's not as many people at the party. And now you can't.
Don Hahn
That's where you make money.
Peter Rosenberg
Well, we don't have to worry about that tonight in Indiana because the basketball is compelling enough. Game four, is it three one Pacers or a two two even series tomorrow? We're gonna find out. Now, the Met game got moved to 110 tomorrow, which means we'll start the show at 3 o' clock on 10:50. But as soon as all the Met coverage is over, we'll be back on 8:80. We'll be able to take you up until 7:00. We'll recap what happened with the Knicks and the Pacers. And don't forget, we'll be at stout at 3:00. Coming.
Don Hahn
And I'm at Jake's Dilemma tonight.
Peter Rosenberg
And Jake's Dilemma get there should be a ball. Pat o' Keefe is up next right here on ESPN New York and the ESPN New York.
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.
Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast: Hour 4 – Last Call Crew
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Hosts:
Don Hahn opens the episode by welcoming listeners to the "Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast." He mentions their broadcast schedule, transitioning from AM 880 to AM 1050, and previews upcoming coverage of the Knicks vs. Pacers game with Pat O'Keefe.
A caller named Tessa joins the conversation, sharing a heartfelt update about her daughter, who underwent emergency surgery but is now recovering and expected to return to training by late July. Tessa expresses her appreciation for the show's support during her difficult time.
Notable Quote:
Tessa (01:45): “I missed you guys, but everything is okay now. Healing and should be.”
The hosts dive into a comprehensive analysis of the ongoing Knicks vs. Pacers playoff series. Tessa provides her insights, emphasizing the Pacers' superior work ethic and pace as key factors in their competitive performance against the Knicks.
Key Points Discussed:
Pace and Work Ethic: Tessa observes that the Pacers outpace and outwork the Knicks, attributing their success to relentless hustle and teamwork.
Tessa (02:00): “I feel like sometimes they hustle a little bit more. That’s what I feel like is the difference between OKC.”
Resilience and Comebacks: Peter highlights the Pacers' ability to overcome significant deficits, noting that such resilience may not be sustainable throughout the series.
Peter Rosenberg (03:54): “They came back from three of six 20-point deficits in this postseason.”
Strategic Implications: Don argues that the Knicks' frequent necessity to stage comebacks indicates underlying issues, suggesting that relying on late-game heroics is not a viable long-term strategy.
Don Hahn (04:25): “They just can't afford to have to do it all the time. Tonight would be the perfectly timed dominant win they need.”
Notable Quote:
Peter Rosenberg (05:27): “No matter who’s up 20, it’s going to come down to the final quarter and who’s the best.”
John from Bethlehem calls in to discuss roster management and foul trouble, particularly focusing on players Dalan Wright and Landry Shamet. The hosts debate the strategy of benching key players preemptively versus managing foul counts reactively.
Key Points Discussed:
Foul Management: Peter suggests waiting until players accumulate fouls before benching them, advocating for a flexible approach based on performance rather than a rigid strategy.
Peter Rosenberg (09:20): “I think you wait till these guys get in foul trouble rather than just bringing them in.”
Player Performance: Don emphasizes the need to evaluate players like Brunson not just on offense but also on their defensive contributions, indicating that strategic substitutions are necessary when defensive performance dips.
Don Hahn (10:34): “If Brunson is playing like a complete defensive liability, switching it up for a while isn’t the worst thing.”
The hosts delve deeper into player performances, comparing Halliburton and Pascal Siakam, and discussing the overall strength of the Pacers versus the Knicks. They acknowledge the Pacers' balanced team play and the emerging talents that challenge the Knicks' dominance.
Key Points Discussed:
Player Performance Metrics: Peter breaks down statistical comparisons, noting that while Siakam scores more points, Halliburton excels in steals and assists, making him a versatile asset.
Peter Rosenberg (17:45): “Halliburton's only 24 years old. Halliburton does better in steals and assists.”
Team Depth and Strategy: Don praises the Pacers’ starting lineup and bench depth, arguing that their comprehensive team performance makes them formidable opponents.
Don Hahn (13:52): “The starting fives of these two teams are a lot closer than people realized.”
Notable Quote:
Don Hahn (14:50): “You picked the Pacers for a reason, because I thought this Pacer team was hot.”
Shifting from basketball, the hosts address a recent controversy in the WNBA involving a disputed incident between the Sky and the Fever. They critique the social media frenzy and racial tensions that have overshadowed the sport, lamenting how external conflicts detract from the game itself.
Key Points Discussed:
Racial Tensions and Media Influence: Don expresses frustration over how racial issues are being conflated with sports events, leading to divisive discussions rather than focusing on the athletic competition.
Don Hahn (19:52): “It's just so nasty to think about something that should be really special.”
Impact on Women's Sports: Peter emphasizes the detrimental effect of such controversies on the visibility and support for the WNBA, questioning whether interest stems from genuine support or sensationalism.
Peter Rosenberg (22:54): “It's not becoming a thing for the right reasons... it's because people aren't finding the actual sport that interesting.”
Notable Quote:
Don Hahn (23:11): “The racial component adds clicks. It just adds clicks and people want to get the clicks.”
As the episode wraps up, Don and Peter tease their next segments, including pregame coverage with Pat O'Keefe and a recap of the Knicks and Pacers game. They encourage listeners to stay tuned for continued analysis and discussions.
Notable Quote:
Don Hahn (25:06): “Hear more of Don, Alan, and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.”
Pacers vs. Knicks Series: The Pacers exhibit strong teamwork and resilience, posing a significant challenge to the Knicks. The series is tightly contested, with both teams demonstrating strategic depth and competitive spirit.
Player Management: Effective foul management and strategic substitutions are crucial for maintaining team performance and preventing defensive lapses.
Social Media's Role in Sports: External controversies, especially those involving race, can overshadow the sports themselves, impacting public perception and support for leagues like the WNBA.
Future Coverage: The hosts promise continued in-depth analysis and highlight the importance of staying connected through their various broadcasting platforms.
This episode offers a deep dive into the dynamics of the Knicks vs. Pacers playoff series, enriched with personal stories, strategic analysis, and commentary on broader social issues affecting sports. Listeners gain valuable insights into team strategies, player performances, and the interplay between sports and societal factors.