Hour 4: Last Call Crew

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 4: Last Call Crew
Release Date: May 22, 2025

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Introduction

In the fourth hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg dive deep into the latest NBA playoffs, focusing primarily on the New York Knicks' performance against the Indiana Pacers. The episode features live listener calls, spirited debates, and insightful analysis, providing fans with a comprehensive overview of the team's current state and future prospects.

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Listener Calls and Discussions

Mark from Brooklyn: Coaching Decisions and Player Fouls ([01:04] - [04:31])

Mark initiates the conversation by expressing his love for the show and appreciation for the dynamic between the hosts. The discussion quickly shifts to the Knicks' strategic decisions in their playoff games, particularly the handling of key players and defensive strategies.

• Peter Rosenberg highlights concerns about player fouls affecting game outcomes:

  "With five fouls, is there any situation where you would keep him on the bench? Because we don't need points. We need defense."
  (02:19)

• Don Hahn concurs, noting the dilemma of balancing offense and defense:

  "If he fouls out late and then they couldn't score, their offense just fell apart."
  (04:24)

• The hosts debate the impact of coaching decisions under pressure, acknowledging the complexity of managing star players in high-stakes games.

Stephen in Melville: Resilience and Mental Toughness ([05:00] - [14:17])

Stephen shares his perspective on the Knicks' recent loss, emphasizing the team's potential for growth and resilience.

• Stephen remains optimistic:

  "I like the idea of the guys. I really like their mental toughness. And I think they're going to regroup and learn from it."
  (05:57)

• Don Hahn reflects on fan reactions and the psychological impact of the loss:

  "Let's give some understanding and empathy to Knicks fans today who woke up worried about a nightmare situation."
  (12:16)

• Peter Rosenberg reinforces the positive outlook, suggesting the team will bounce back stronger:

  "I think we're going to bounce back up. ... The bench played great."
  (13:23)

Fahad and Briarcliffe: Assessing Team Performance ([13:18] - [15:05])

Fahad offers a critical yet hopeful analysis of the Knicks' gameplay.

• Fahad predicts improvement:

  "I think they're going to go in there to, you know, tomorrow and beat the crap out of the Pacers."
  (13:23)

• Don Hahn emphasizes mutual respect for the Pacers' performance:

  "This Pacer team deserves respect. ... they’re a lot closer."
  (14:27)

• The discussion underscores the importance of acknowledging the Pacers' strengths while maintaining faith in the Knicks' abilities to overcome setbacks.

DJ in Iowa: Navigating Team Allegiances ([20:34] - [21:49])

DJ from Des Moines, Iowa, grapples with his allegiance to both the Iowa State team and the New York Knicks.

• DJ expresses his conflicted feelings:

  "I've been an Iowa State fan my whole life. So I try to root for Tyrese Halliburton, but at the same time, he's playing against my Knicks. How am I supposed to feel about that?"
  (20:35)

• Peter Rosenberg humorously labels DJ a "fraud" for his dual loyalties, while Don Hahn encourages embracing his long-term Knicks fandom:

  "You're supposed to feel that you hope he misses every shot in the next win."
  (21:36)

• This exchange highlights the passionate, and sometimes conflicting, emotions fans experience when supporting multiple teams.

Rapid Fire with Listener Frankie and Rod

In a fast-paced segment, Frankie and Rod share their thoughts on recent games and player performances.

• Frankie questions referee decisions, particularly regarding OG Anunoby's foul calls:

  "Why was it that they continued calling a foul when they're clearly pulling on his jersey?"
  (17:47)

• Rod advocates for the Knicks' championship potential:

  "I think it's going to be the Knicks in six. I'm just so tired of, oh, the Knicks came back from 20..."
  (21:35)

• Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg engage with their input, adding depth to the analysis with additional observations about team dynamics and game strategies.

---

Key Topics and Insights

Strategic Balancing of Offense and Defense

The hosts delve into the perennial debate of maintaining a balance between offensive prowess and defensive solidity. The Knicks' recent loss is attributed to potential over-reliance on offensive strategies, leading to critical defensive lapses, especially when key players foul out.

Psychological Impact on Fans and Team

Don Hahn and the team discuss the mental toll that playoff performances take on both fans and players. They emphasize the importance of empathy towards fans' frustrations while also recognizing the resilience required from the team to bounce back from losses.

Evaluating Coaching Decisions Under Pressure

The conversation touches upon the challenging decisions coaches must make during high-pressure games, such as managing player fouls and determining the right time to rotate players. The hosts analyze how these decisions can significantly influence the outcome of crucial games.

Comparative Analysis with Other Teams

Brief comparisons are made with other NBA teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Timberwolves, assessing their strengths and potential threats in the playoffs. This broader perspective situates the Knicks' performance within the larger context of the league.

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Conclusions and Future Outlook

The episode concludes on a hopeful note, with hosts and listeners alike expressing confidence in the Knicks' ability to learn from their setbacks and improve in subsequent games. There's a strong belief that the team possesses the necessary talent and mental fortitude to advance further in the playoffs, provided they address their defensive vulnerabilities and maintain strategic flexibility.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg ([02:19]):

  "With five fouls, is there any situation where you would keep him on the bench? Because we don't need points. We need defense."

• Stephen in Melville ([05:57]):

  "I think they're going to regroup and learn from it."

• Fahad ([13:23]):

  "I think they're going to go in there to, you know, tomorrow and beat the crap out of the Pacers."

• Rod in Hartsdale ([23:43]):

  "I think it's going to be the Knicks in six. I'm just so tired of, oh, the Knicks came back from 20..."

---

Final Thoughts

"Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" deliver an engaging and insightful episode that not only breaks down the intricacies of the Knicks' playoff journey but also connects deeply with listeners' emotions and experiences as fans. Through lively discussions and diverse perspectives, the episode offers a balanced view of the team's challenges and potentials, making it a must-listen for basketball enthusiasts seeking nuanced analysis and passionate discourse.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Don Hahn]

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[Unknown]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Don Hahn]

That sounds like heaven to me. Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3.

[Unknown]

On 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.

[Don Hahn]

Don Hahn and Rosenberg take you up until 7:00. Then you get an hour of Pad O' Keefe. And then we'll have the Thunder T wolves game two here on 8 80, ESPN. New York Mets have the day off. Yankees already won. Now let's get Back to the calls. 1-800-919-3776, Mark in Brooklyn, you're on Don on a Rosenberg.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hey, guys, how you doing?

[Don Hahn]

I want to say I love the show.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's my first time calling into this show. I've called into your other shows several times, and I just love the dynamic you guys have going. So keep it up.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks, man.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Also, you the other, the other day, you and Bart seeing you on get up. That was great. I, I hope you guys will be there in July because that Yankee Mets banter is always amazing.

[Unknown]

I know he'll be there in July. Football stuff begins. I don't know if they'll keep bringing me.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, that's true.

[Unknown]

But, yeah, funny, somebody, somebody complained about that, saying that Bart was making great baseball points and that I have no, I don't know what I'm talking about. Baseball. And that I should never talk baseball again. And Mark, you'll probably remember the entire conversation had nothing to do with baseball.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

It was me just, you know, putting out the usual $700 million doesn't buy you what it used to. And all that other stuff. And Bart blaming the fans for Soto being in a slump and being miserable.

[Don Hahn]

But you know what? Those are the people that thought you were black and they assumed that you were Bart when you were speaking. That's, that's a great. They don't even know who's who.

[Unknown]

That could have been it, too.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. They're confused.

[Unknown]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So I just wanted to, I've gotten a little flack, like in the mixed Twitter community and stuff for, for this take, but I kind of feel like, I mean, I know Brunson is Our star. Obviously, you want him out there, right? But with five fouls, is there any situation where you would keep him on the bench? Because we don't need points. We need defense.

[Unknown]

No, you need offense as far as you need to be able to still run a functional offense and keep pressure on them. Mark and I, we had Tim Legler on, so if you don't want to believe me, believe. Legs, who played in the league for 10 years, he said the same thing, that you bring him back in as your star players, your closer, and you were trying to close the game. And again, I get it. Everybody wants to do the, you know, just put out defenders and they can't score. That's not quite how it works. You still have to have a functional offense and possessions that matter, you know, it's not a decision you rethink. It's only a decision you rethink when the outcome is what it is. He hit a shot that put him up by 14. That should have been enough.

[Don Hahn]

I agree with you. And again, I didn't really think it at the time. Some people claim they did, but I do understand the logic of that. I don't think. I don't. How about this? I'm not gonna kill Tibbs for doing it, but I don't think you can kill somebody for having the opinion that they.

[Unknown]

I've been saying I could have waited. I understand the thinking, but I'm just trying to explain it once again, from the perspective of. From talking to people in. In that role, you're. You're believing I got to put my best players on the floor to close the game. That's just the belief that every coach would have.

[Don Hahn]

But I do think him having five fouls does make it a little bit tougher of a decision.

[Unknown]

I didn't like how he was defending.

[Don Hahn]

Well, that. So that's part of it. You want your best. You want defensive options. He's not great defensively to begin with. Now he's even more confident.

[Unknown]

They were picking up five fouls. Yep.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And.

[Don Hahn]

And if. If he goes out there in the first 30 seconds, come back into the game, fouls out, now my best player isn't available. And if it does get out of hand, can you imagine how things would.

[Unknown]

Look if he fouled out? If he fouled out late and then they couldn't score, Their offense just fell the. Fell the piece.

[Don Hahn]

And that game probably doesn't even go to overtime. They lose the game in regulations. So I, again, I see both sides of it for sure, but it's easy.

[Unknown]

For Us like one thing that funny this morning, J.B. bickerstaff. We were hour into the show. It was great back and forth, debate and everything. And then pickerstaff, who's, as you know, the Pistons coach now sat back and he said, now I know why you guys sound so smart. Because it's the day after, right? You're not doing it live. You're making these decisions after knowing the.

[Don Hahn]

Results and you know, the result. And it makes, and it's true. Listen, it makes it just so much easier. Let's go to Stephen in Melville. You're on ESPN New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hey guys, how are you doing?

[Unknown]

What's up?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I watched the game like everyone else last night. I enjoyed the game. I actually thought it was a great game. And you know, I also watched my fair share of baseball. And when, when a player makes a boneheaded play in the regular season so many times I say to myself, I, you know what? It's a good thing you made it. Now get it out of your system so you can work on it and not do it in the playoffs. So, so, but here we are in the playoffs and like I said, I like to put a positive spin on things all the time. So to have a stink, to have a, a crushing, you know, to kind of choke a game away, I, I like the idea of the guys. I really like their, I like their mental toughness. And I think they're going to regroup and learn from it.

[Unknown]

You know what Steven and what Stephen, I think what he's trying to say is I'd rather this be the first game of the series than the last one, of course is at least you have time to make up for it. Of course, right? I mean, it's obvious, but I think that's what he was trying to say.

[Don Hahn]

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[Don Hahn]

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[Don Hahn]

But the other end of it. Or that's the Knicks side of it. How have you created a monster in the Celt in the Pistons? Why don't I name everybody? They played the Chargers, the Pacers. Have you created a monster, Allen? A team that's now they already were that.

[Unknown]

No, they already were that monster, Don. They were that monster against the Bucks with two comeback game winners. They were the monster against the Cavs coming back from down 18 to eliminate the number one seed on the road.

[Don Hahn]

The alternative to what happened is the Knicks win. So now what? Are the Pacers down 01? No, I'm not saying they're dead, but guess what? For the first time in the playoffs, they're in a deficit. They have not faced elimination, right?

[Unknown]

Yep.

[Don Hahn]

They 4:1, 4:1 never faced elimination. Now all of a sudden, game one, bang, they lose. And, and now they're facing. And now they're down in a series for the first time in the playoff. And now you've made them feel even better about themselves. Now they're nine and two in the postseason. Now you put a lot more pressure on you to win game two.

[Unknown]

That's all.

[Don Hahn]

If you won last night. Yeah, you don't want to lose game two. You don't want to hand them back home court. Not the end of the world. Go down oh, two. Allen, it's not again, you're not dead, but you're close. Rough, you're close. You got to win four of the next five in order to advance. Yeah, you, you went from, oh, we're going to walk over the paces if you're a fan, to now all of a sudden you're, you're, you're, you're down two.

[Unknown]

Oh, but why again? We have done this throughout this whole run. Every time the Knicks lose a game, this is their fifth loss in the playoffs.

[Don Hahn]

Yes.

[Unknown]

Every time they lose a game, our, our initial reaction is never that this is a one off. It's always, well, this series is now could be over if they don't win the next game. Every single time we've done this, Game two against the Pistons, Game five against the Pistons. Game three against the Celtics. Game five against the Celtics. Every time we're like, boy, if they don't win this next one, it's really going to. We won't, we won't let them. They have not lost two consecutive games in the playoffs yet. And every time they lose. But we keep saying they lose this next one, it's all over. Somebody said sweep today. I think we do overreact. This could be just one game, but.

[Don Hahn]

This one is an easy one. To overreact is a much different.

[Unknown]

Well, because you know that it should have been a win. Like Don Don said it best. Now you got to win five times. And because that should have been a win.

[Don Hahn]

And the mental part that it. I don't.

[Unknown]

The mental thing. No, I'm sorry, not this group.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, what? Oh, they're superhuman?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Alan.

[Don Hahn]

No, not anyone who, okay, even like said it can affect any. Everyone's affected now.

[Unknown]

Understand that. I don't feel this team does that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, no.

[Don Hahn]

You feel they're capable of overcoming is what it sounds like. But not that they won't have the feeling hit when they left the building. It hurts. It hurts bad.

[Unknown]

What did like say Today sucks tonight. Okay. I can start thinking about tomorrow. Tomorrow morning, wake up. I got a game excited.

[Don Hahn]

I agree with you.

[Unknown]

Get yourself back.

[Don Hahn]

They seem like the kind of group who will respond. Well, they just have. But we can't deny that a fan like Ballard was texting me this earlier. Being like, why? Why are fans like this? Why do they get so down? And when I responded to Ballard was, I said, I listen, I hear you. Okay. And Pablo Torre had a very smart tweet earlier. Like, let's not forget that in Yankee, in Nick's DNA, there's traces of met's DNA like it is in there. I get it. Right?

[Unknown]

Yep.

[Don Hahn]

But you can actually give some understanding and empathy to Knicks fans today who woke up worried about a nightmare situation.

[Unknown]

Oh, no.

[Don Hahn]

Last night was a nightmare loss.

[Unknown]

But here, to me, the fans, that's why I'm not pushing back on anything. This is what we're here for.

[Don Hahn]

This is the right to feel.

[Unknown]

We're here for therapy. We're here for you. You need answers. You need to get it off your chest. That's what we're here for. That's why we give out the number 81-800-919-3776. Because where else are you going to go? You talk to your friends, you're all saying the same things to each other. We're here for you on that. But I don't think we should be always falling into that same category. As well, we should. We should by now have a pretty good feel about this team. And my feeling is, is there's a lot more good than bad on the tape from game one. And all you got to think about in game two is do a lot of the same things. Clean up a little bit of the things that you didn't like, and then when you're in this position now, you know, throttle down. That's what I see. And if they aren't built like that, then they weren't a championship team anyway.

[Don Hahn]

Fahad and Briarcliffe, you're on ESPN New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hi, I was just calling to say, look, maybe this is a little bit too positive, but I think they're going to go in there to, you know, tomorrow and beat the crap out of the, the Pacers, just like they did in game six to the Celtics. They're going to learn from this. Yeah, it hurts now. It was a horrible loss. Choke sign, Reggie Miller, all of those things. But I think people are overreacting because it just happened. I think they're a much better team. They played great. They shot over 50%. A lot of the guys were involved. The bench played great. I think they take this and we look back when we're in the finals.

[Unknown]

I like what he's saying. I like what Fahad's saying, because how come no one is saying this about Halliburton? Well, we just saw him do the char. Are you serious, dude? Game one, we're doing this. Okay. You just gave me a little more motivation.

[Don Hahn]

Okay. Should have plenty.

[Unknown]

No, but you know what I mean. All right, now I got. But, but, but, but now, now I got a little more reason to want to bury you a little more.

[Don Hahn]

The one thing I. I'll take exception to what Fahad said. They're a much better team. I think what you saw, the way the game was, they're evenly matched.

[Unknown]

They're a lot closer than they are evenly match.

[Don Hahn]

To say it was a fluke, hey, we'll bounce back. All those things are true. All those things may happen. But I think the one thing that became a little clearer to Nick fans at least, is that this, this Pacer team deserves respect. And they're. And they're a lot closer. I think that a lot of Nick fans looked at, oh, we beat the big bad Celtics, and now, you know, we'll worry about the final. That. But we got the Pacers. We should have beat them last year. I heard Michael say this in previewing the series, like, well, how is anything different than last year? If the Knicks were healthy, they would have beat the Pacers. It's the same team. Why can't they beat them? Because it's a different year. And this Pacer team, Since you said Jan.1 over the last 30 games, they found it. They're in a groove now.

[Unknown]

Oh, yeah.

[Don Hahn]

As much as the Knicks feel like they're in a groove, the Pacers feel like they're even in a better groove. And the Knicks just got kicked in the sack. Let's be honest. Any other loss, yeah, there would be naysayers, but this is a different type of loss.

[Unknown]

Right.

[Don Hahn]

It'll be curious to see how they bounce back. I believe they will. But buckle up, man. It's going to be a fun series. It really is. And it's going to be a lot of ups and downs before we finally settle this thing probably two weeks from now. Closing Days this episode is brought to you by State Farm. Knowing you could be saving money for the things you really want is a great feeling. Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the personal price plan. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state. Hey there travelers. Kaley Cuoco here. Sorry to interrupt your music. Great artist BT Dubs, but wouldn't you rather be there to hear it live? With Priceline, you can get out of your dreams and into your dream concert. They've got many millions of travel deals to get you to that festival, gig, rave, sound bath or sonic experience you've been dreaming of. Download the Priceline app today and you can save up to 60% off hotels and up to 50% off flights. So don't just dream about that trip. Book it with Priceline. Go to your happy price. Priceline Memorial Day Door Buster deals are here at Lowe's right now. Rewards members save $80 on the master forged four burner gas grill.

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Unknown]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Don Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Unknown]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want.

[Don Hahn]

Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. All right, let's buzz through the calls.

[Unknown]

Sprinter, can we do all six?

[Don Hahn]

We're going to do all six.

[Unknown]

Let's go.

[Don Hahn]

Think about that. Let's get it going.

[Unknown]

Speed round.

[Don Hahn]

Frankie in the car. You're on espn, New York. Frankie.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hello.

[Don Hahn]

What do you got, buddy?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hey, how's it going?

[Unknown]

What's up?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hey, first time caller, always a pleasure.

[Don Hahn]

Awesome.

[Unknown]

Good to hear from you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listening to you guys. Thank you for getting me through traffic.

[Don Hahn]

And being my therapist, especially today.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now suffering with the ring. Like in last night's game call when they reversed it on the the OG ball that they call the foul.

[Unknown]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like I understand they said it's a loose ball. Why was it that they they continue calling a foul when they're clearly pulling on his jersey?

[Unknown]

That's the point. Yeah, they said that the contact. That's what I didn't understand either, Frankie, because the lower hand was making body contact. They called it marginal. And then they said that he hit the ball first. And anything after hitting the ball is considered incidental. So for some reason, the lower hand and the grab of the jersey, none of that counted in what they decided on that call. And you're right, Frankie. You know you're right. But you can also argue. Hey, og. Just catch the ball cleanly. Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

How about that? Dan and Queen joining ESPN New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. How you doing? I'm not worried, fellas. I think the next action is going to win the next four.

[Don Hahn]

I know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Call me crazy. I just think Tibbs got out, Coach, late in the game. He saved Robinson pretty much through the second and third quarter. Did a great job bringing him out early in the fourth. They went on a big lead, then they took him out. He'll correct that in game two. Mitch Robinson is going to be a big difference down the stretch.

[Unknown]

Huge.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's go, Knicks. I'm confident in them, 100%, real confident.

[Unknown]

We need more of this, Dan. Thank you. But we need more of that.

[Don Hahn]

Winning the next four means.

[Unknown]

Look, he could say the next four. That's strong, but it could happen. But I like that because you got to look at the things that were working.

[Don Hahn]

No, there's a lot of things that. They're not dead. No, the Knicks are a better.

[Unknown]

They had to go 9 for 9 to start the game.

[Don Hahn]

They're a better team, and you were.

[Unknown]

Still winning after the.

[Don Hahn]

I just don't know how much better. Like to say they're a better team and they should win this series, I think, at least. Comes into question.

[Unknown]

Still got to play better.

[Don Hahn]

I mean, you can be better, but.

[Unknown]

You got to play better.

[Don Hahn]

They should have lost by 10 or 12 points last night, but they didn't. And it is kind of what the Pacers do. So next time they're in that situation, hopefully the caller's right, they learn their lesson. Chuck in Jersey, you're on espn, New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hey, I have high hopes for the Knicks. I think we're going to bounce back up. What I wanted to say is that when. When there's seven seconds left and you're on decent, you got to go out of the three line.

[Unknown]

Absolutely. It's, it's. It's unreal how they kept going under the screen on a couple. There was one, they got miscommunication, and it was a wide open three. And then the Josh Hart one. He, he just. His. He slips. He takes a bad step. I don't know if maybe he misread the way he wanted to go. He slips. And that allows Matthew and, But, and again, we still have to say there were two threes that Matheran Neesmith made that were like, oh, my God, like, he just jumps in the air and just. You see his whole body jerk as he shoots it. He was just on one. He even said after the game, it's like the rim looks like a ocean. And he's like, it's such a great feeling. And so tip your cap.

[Don Hahn]

DJ In Iowa. Iowa, New York, what's happening out there in Iowa?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hello?

[Don Hahn]

Dj.

[Unknown]

We got you. Yeah, put the windows up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So I kind of got a. I kind of got a fraud. A fraud Friday type of deal real quick. So I, I'm from Des Moines, Iowa, man. I've been Iowa State fan my whole life. So I try to root for Tyrese Halliburton, but at the same time, he's playing against my Knicks. How am I supposed to feel about that?

[Don Hahn]

Oh, well, how did you become a Knick fan in Iowa?

[Peter Rosenberg]

We don't have any professional teams. I was enamored with New York.

[Don Hahn]

Right. But, but how, yeah, but, but why the Knicks?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I, I, I, I don't really have anything that pointed me in that direction.

[Don Hahn]

But you're, You're. He loves.

[Unknown]

He just said, I love the new.

[Don Hahn]

How long have you been with New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

For? 30 years.

[Don Hahn]

That's it? Yeah. You're a fraud of all of a sudden. Listen, if you want to, like.

[Unknown]

Well, he's saying, how am I supposed to feel?

[Don Hahn]

No, you're supposed to feel that you hope he misses every shot in the next win. Right now, if you, if the, if the Pacers win and you want to, like, continue to root for Halliburton in the finals, then go have at it. But right now, if you've been a knick fan for 30 years, haven't seen a championship in those 30 years, all of a sudden you're going to be, in a way, because Halliburton went to Iowa State.

[Unknown]

I like how we're rolling through these. I love it.

[Don Hahn]

This is Rapid Fire Owen in Newark. What's going on, baby?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hey, what's going on? How you guys doing? Han, I love you, man. I miss you. And brought. I just want to say this. I love the way Hans said what he said in regards to why everybody keeps talking about, like, the Knicks or the champions. Like, you know what they always talk about? What the Knicks didn't do what they should have did. But let's give credit to the Knicks for what they've been doing. They're ahead of schedule in terms of where they need to be in terms of going for the championship anyway. And we may even be a player. Wait. I think we can win it this year. And I'm going to just say this. I think it's going to be the Knicks in six. I'm just so tired of, oh, the Knicks came back from 20. This, that, and the third. It was all about Boston, what they didn't do. But Boston, that's how they play. So when they play and they win these championships, nobody's saying nothing. They miss shots all of a sudden, oh, that had nothing to do with the Knicks defense and what they was doing and the aggression that the Knicks had. Yo, Nick's in six, baby. We gonna make it.

[Don Hahn]

But, yeah. 45 uncontested threes in game one. So don't give me the defense. But it comes in ways.

[Unknown]

It's, it's. It's, you know, a win and a loss. There's two sides to the story, right? Like, it isn't just one team just to stop playing completely. Like, you still have to make shots or make stops or get ready, whatever it is. So I think some fans are just recognized it that way. But look, watch tonight. Thunder and the Timberwolves, you heard, Legs and I both. We thought this was going to be a long series. I'm glad he said what he said. I watched that second half of game one, and I was like, you know what? Hot take? Ain't nobody beating Oklahoma City. It doesn't feel like it, but everybody's playing for second.

[Don Hahn]

I don't know.

[Unknown]

I'm telling you, man, ain't nobody beating that team.

[Don Hahn]

Nobody.

[Unknown]

No, not this year. Nope. That team is too good.

[Don Hahn]

All right, quickly. Rod in Hartsdale, you're on ESPN New York. What's up, baby?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hi. I just wanted to say to all of those out there that are in pain, the Knicks last championship. I was in my senior year at the McBride School in New York, and I'm hungry for another championship like everyone else. But you have to understand, we have to go through a lot of pain as New Yorkers because we're not allowed nice things.

[Don Hahn]

I'm glad you said that, because it's. You just have to know when you're.

[Unknown]

Trying to slay it.

[Don Hahn]

Dragon. It's never easy, man. It was. You had to know going in it wasn't going to be easy.

[Unknown]

Oh, God, no.

[Don Hahn]

Everything comes really hard to this Nick team and to teams that have gone a long time without a championship. So maybe this is just a bump in the road. We'll see hopefully. But it'll be very interesting.

[Unknown]

Watch tonight, Thunder Timberwolves is going to be a very interesting game to see. Can the Timberwolves win this thing or is it going to be more the same? Watch the turnovers and then see if what you could see in the finals.

[Don Hahn]

Hopefully we got you through. Back again tomorrow at 3:00. Pat O' Keefe is coming up next here on 880, ESPN New York and the ESPN New York app.

[Unknown]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but 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.