The New York Knicks extended their impressive winning record last night after a big win against the Toronto Raptors. Jalen Brunson was the star of the show once again as his 26-point performance propelled the Knicks to a famous win away from home. This year everything has clicked for the Knicks. They’ve performed exceptionally well under pressure and the acquisition of OG Anuboby has been a revelation. Fans of the New York Knickerbockers from Lower Manhattan to the Upper East Side have begun to dream. However there’s a huge shadow of doubt hanging over the team from the Empire State, can they sustain this form in the playoffs?
The Blue and Orange have been spectacular this season. They’ve climbed up to the 3rd seed in the East after a series of sensational performances. Jalen Brunson is an all-star and maybe, just maybe, a dark horse for the league MVP. The trade of Obi Toppin and RJ Barret along with Evan Fournier to various outfits across the National Basketball team has led to them recruiting new talent such as Precious Achiuwa and the prolific small forward, OG Anuboby. The resurgence of Julius Randle has buoyed the Knicks to their best-ever record in years. The Knicks’ regular season has been a resounding success, but as the dreaded playoffs draw closer, will the Knicks finally go all the way and relive the glory days of the early 1970s, or will Tom Thibodeau’s team choke in the playoffs one more time.
The Knicks have fallen short in the playoffs time and time again. Last season they were defeated by the Heat in the Conference Semi-finals, and in the playoffs of the 2020-2021 season, Tray Young and the Atlanta Hawks had their number in the first round. The Knicks haven’t made the Eastern Conference finals since the turn of the century. Despite their large fanbase and their value skyrocketing in recent years, a ring has been a far-fetched prospect for the famous franchise.
If the Knicks want to win that long-awaited chip, then Julius Randle has to perform. He is one of the most tenured players in this relatively young side and he has to affirm his role as the leader of this franchise. Jalen Brunson will also have to lead the team from the Point guard position, his playmaking capacities will certainly be challenged by the Milwaukee Bucks and The Cavaliers. To make it out of the East, the Knicks will have to go through perennial contenders, The Boston Celtics. The Knicks’ defense has to show up if they want to lock down Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. All in all, The Knicks have to be brave and bullish if they want to stand a chance at winning that Eastern Conference Final and head to the Championship game to meet the best of the West.
All this heartache for fans from the Big Apple begs the question, are the New York Knicks for real? Will they finally go all the way and clinch the Championship 41 years after Willis Reed led them to the greatest prize in Basketball or will they fall short once again? With just under 3 weeks remaining for the regular season to end and the playoffs to begin, Will the New York Knickerbockers crumble once again or will Madison Square Garden see a tango with that Championship Trophy after two scores?
