Long time coming for the Knicks, in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
For decades, New York has struggled as a franchise, including missing the playoffs from 2013-2014 through 2019-2020. The drought ended in 2020-2021. But New York’s record was only so-so that year (41-31), and it took only five games for the Hawks to knock them out of the playoffs.
That was then. Now the Knicks are on a roll, having made the playoffs four seasons in a row. But getting there was one thing; staying there was another. “Short” was the definition of their stay in the first two seasons. The Heat, then the Pacers, knocked them out in the conference semifinals. Not to be denied, the Knicks have reached the Eastern Conference Finals the last two seasons, and now, they have punched their ticket to the final round.
Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges are three reasons for the turnaround.
–Brunson averaged 26 PPG in 35 MPG this season, earned an All-NBA 2nd Team selection, and received his third consecutive All-Star nod. He also added 27 PPG and 7 APG in these playoffs. He is thriving as New York’s top scoring option and facilitator.
–KAT has contributed as a top playmaker with 17 PPG, 11 RPG (Rebounds Per Game), and 6 APG.
–Mikal Bridges has served as a reliable third scoring option in these playoffs with 15 PPG and a perfect 100% from the line (19-19).
How did the Knicks evolve into one of the NBA’s best teams? They did it the old-fashioned way, through trades and smart signings to get established players. The big get was signing Brunson in 2022 after he declined to remain with the Mavericks. Then, in 2024, they acquired KAT from the Timberwolves and Bridges from the Nets.
New York is riding an 11-game winning streak going into Wednesday night’s Game 1. Still, many pundits and fans don’t give them a chance against the powerful Spurs. One reason is the San Antonio star that everybody is talking about, Victor Wembanyama.
That said, New York combines star power and a passionate fan base. Can the Knicks walk away with their first NBA championship since 1973, the glory days of Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, and Bill Bradley?
Long odds for sure, but still well worth a watch.
