Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast: Hour 4 – Last Call Crew
Release Date: May 27, 2025

Hosts:

• Don Hahn – ESPN New York broadcaster
• Peter Rosenberg – Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality
• Alan Hahn – Sportswriter and New York Knicks broadcaster

1. Introduction and Transition to Current Broadcast (00:31 – 00:44)

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.

2. Guest Segment: Tessa and Personal Anecdote (00:44 – 02:00)

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.”

3. In-Depth Analysis: Knicks vs. Pacers Series (02:00 – 06:47)

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.”

4. Caller Interaction: John’s Insights on Team Strategies (08:46 – 12:15)

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.”

5. Advanced Team Analysis and Player Comparisons (12:15 – 19:41)

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.”

6. Social Commentary: WNBA and Social Media Controversies (19:42 – 24:28)

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.”

7. Conclusion and Upcoming Coverage (24:28 – 25:06)

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.”

Insights and Conclusions

• 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.