The red-hot Knicks carried a seven-game winning streak into their game against Atlanta on Wednesday. They sit in the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference with new aspirations of getting home court advantage in the opening round, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes. If they finish fourth, they’ll achieve that goal.
“We have a mentality there is no seventh, eighth seed for us. It’s strictly focused on the 4-5-6 and making sure we have a solid spot,” center Nerlens Noel said. “We worked really hard this season. It would be tough to put in that much work in and have a play-in thing. We have to take advantage of the position we’re in now and finish strong through this last stretch of the season so we’re in position to have one of those locked-in spots.”
We have more on the Knicks:
- New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said that indoor capacity for both the Knicks and Nets can increase from the current 10% to 25% for the playoffs, Steve Popper of Newsday tweets. The relaxed restrictions will kick in May 19, though the Knicks might have a play-in game on May 18.
- The team’s season has already been a massive success regardless of how the rest of the campaign plays out, John Hollinger of The Athletic writes. Julius Randle has proven he can carry a team offensively, Immanuel Quickley has shown he’ll a long-term backcourt starter, and coach Tom Thibodeau’s offensive and defensive schemes have given the franchise a much-needed identity.
- Randle has reached another potential bonus, Bobby Marks of ESPN tweets. Randle has appeared in 58 games and if the Knicks get a top six spot in the Eastern Conference or reach the first round via the play-in tournament, he’ll add another $945K to his bank account. He’s already earned a $945K bonus for being an All-Star.
Knicks have already declared the massive success of the season
John Hollinger has a nba doctorate degree
The R-Train carried Kentucky to the Final Four when nobody thought they were good enough. Can he do the same for Knicks? No but fun to think about.
ECF Champion?
Another OT win. These Knicks seem to get better stronger late in gm. This is a good trend. Finally we are closing gms. And it’s a total team effort with Randle leading the way. He’s truly stepped up this yr. He’s playing better now than the first half of season. Great to see a player finally reach his potential. He deserves a lot of credit. Never giving up on himself. When other teams did. Knicks right now making a statement for that 4th seed. Nice to be playing for something in NY. This is a gutsy team effort. Led by Randle and Thibs. Great win tonight. Go Knicks
Thibs is the main reasson why knick so good this season.always love him since he was bulls hc
Randle truly deserves the credit he’s getting this year. Quickley has been very good, but Obi hasn’t blossomed yet. Barrett has improved but not exponentially. Guys like Noel, Bullock and Burks have been solid role players.
But to be in the mix for homecourt? That’s really a testament to JR’s season, and to Thibs getting the team as a whole to buy in defensively.
What I’m most impressed is thibs is playing those young guys quickley,toppin, knox in crucial situations which is building there confidence. I the entire coaching staff should be commended on great job of developing,staying consistent which will benefit these young players for years to come. This tells everyone that you don’t need superstars continue adding pieces.