A Miracle Season for Knicks Continues
The New York Knicks are up 2-0 against the defending champion Boston Celtics, and no, you did not read that wrong.
Maybe start calling them the Miracle Knicks, as being down by over twenty points in back-to-back games against a team of the caliber of the Celtics and finding a way to win could suggest that this is finally the year your Knicks bring another championship home to Madison Square Garden. Mikal Bridges has been clutch on the defense side in both games, as he stole the ball and the game for the Knicks in both playoff games. Everyone was writing the Knicks off, especially after their lackluster playoff series win against the young Detroit Pistons.
What people are not realizing, however, is that no matter how young the Pistons are, they play a physical style of defense that not many teams in the NBA employ at the moment. The Pistons play more physically than the Celtics do, and that series only battle-tested New York, making them commit even more to their defensive style under head coach Tom Thibodeau.
It has been quite a while since the Knicks last made the Eastern Conference finals; in fact, the last time was in 2000, when they lost to the Pacers.
And as fate would have it, that rematch from 2000 could be in the cards if the Pacers continue to outplay the number one seed Cavaliers, and the Knicks shock the Celtics.
This Knicks team is not a mirage or a lucky team, as they have battled adversity all year and each time have come out with flying colors. The Knicks are a better road team in the playoffs than at home, which is usually not the norm. Charles Barkley, while I love his commentary, has shared his opinion that the Knicks were done and would not win another game before this series, and even after Game 1. The same goes for Colin Cowherd, who stated, “he has not seen a more meaningless one-win game in NBA history.”
Even Celtic legend Paul Pierce said, “If the Celtics lose game 2 at home, I’m walking here tomorrow, 15 miles! In my robe, no shoes on, barefoot…Put the house on this game!” I don’t know if he has made it to work yet or how his feet are feeling, but the downgrading of these so-called experts on the Knicks has only fueled their desire to silence them all. It is New York against everyone.
Jalen Brunson is the guy who not only leads this team but shows his heart in every game and he has been such a blessing since arriving for the Knicks he changed the whole dynamic of New York basketball while also showing his commitment to the city and the franchise by taking his contract early instead of trying to max out his value later on.
Karl-Anthony Towns has brought a physical game and gobbles up any boards that come his way, while also providing elite offensive production. Acquiring Mikal Bridges has bolstered the defensive side of the ball. Although it took multiple picks to secure him last offseason, the investment was made for games like this against a team like Boston, which the Knicks have been missing over the previous few years. OG Anunoby’s decision to come over last year, followed by his re-signing with the team, also helps shore up the defensive side of the ball.
Adding pieces like him has been the game plan for Leon Rose, which is finally coming to fruition. Losing Donte DiVincenzo hurt the most among the players who are off the roster, as even though Julius Randle found new levels to his game in New York, I don’t think anyone will argue that having KAT brings way more upside to the team.
Mitchell Robinson
The one weakness the Knicks have is Mitchell Robinson, who is an excellent defensive player and shot blocker. However, his Achilles’ heel, free throws, has led to some rough moments in intense game situations when teams employ their ‘hack-a-Mitch’ technique. This has not cost them games yet, but I fear that when the game is on the line and you have to have Robinson in there, his failure to convert on his free throws could damage the team. In those times, you do miss Isaiah Hartenstein, who now calls Oklahoma City home.
This year’s Knicks team has the pieces assembled through complex trades and free agent signings, along with a commitment from their superstar, Jalen Brunson, to dedicate his prime years to the Knicks. This could be the year that has evaded the orange and blue for so many years, in which they can finally bring home a championship banner to hang up at Madison Square Garden.
Saturday is a huge game, and here’s hoping it will continue to be an orange and blue sky in these playoffs.
PHOTO: David Butler II/Imagn Images
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