The Knicks finally stood atop the NBA world this week, even if it was just the in-season tournament. Winning the NBA Cup was a nice way to head into the holidays but the franchise and its fans are looking for something much bigger – a trip to the Finals and the Larry O’Brien trophy.
They reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season for the first time in a quarter century, only to get knocked out by the underdog Pacers. They haven’t sniffed the Finals since the 1998-99 season, when the Spurs’ Twin Towers of David Robinson and Tim Duncan bounced them in a five-game series.
As their long-time fans know, the Knicks haven’t hoisted the trophy since 1973, when the iconic starting five of Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley and Earl “The Pearl” Monroe carried them past the Lakers.
The Eastern Conference certainly seems ripe for the taking. The Pistons have been nothing short of marvelous during the first two months of the season but they haven’t won a playoff series since 2008.
The Cavaliers, who rolled to the top seed in the conference last season, are hovering around .500. Perhaps a young team like the Magic can get hot at the right time but currently the Knicks are a solid favorite to come out of the East.
Via trades and free agency, the Knicks have assembled a formidable starting five (or six, if you count Mitchell Robinson) in Most Valuable Player candidate Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart.
Offensively, they rank in the top five in points and 3-point shooting while keeping their turnovers down. Defensively, they rank in the top five in field goal percentage.
Their bench may be somewhat underwhelming, though they have some veteran pieces. Their ability to make moves is severely hamstrung by the fact that they’re hard-capped and barely below the second tax apron.
That brings us to today’s topic: Is this the season the Knicks finally reach the Finals again and perhaps even win the championship for the first time in 53 years? If not, what do you think will hold them back?
Please take to the comments section to weigh in on this topic. We look forward to your input.
19 What !!? 73 !!?
Just kidding guys. I love my fellow Hoops fans that are Knicks diehards. You know who you are.
You all are good people, great commenters, and I enjoy reading what you write. You’re very fair and provide excellent basketball analysis.
Go Knicks !! I’m one warrior fan who wishes NY well this year. The Warriors are down and out so hoping the Knicks can get it done and go all the way.
They’re close enough to get over the hump. Maybe they can push through?
Oh jebus….sorry not sorry Al. It’s good for the game when a big market like NY are relevant but, c’mon. Much respect for the knicks storing that banner where it belongs….nowhere to be seen, it’s 100% not the end goal.
Knickerbocker Al? He’s a different cat. Not a nice man. Had to close the door on him and Davey for my sanity. So much more peaceful the last month lol
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Been a fan since the early 90s, and this group is the best I’ve felt about the Knicks since the late 90s. They’ve got a solid chance to go to the Finals if everyone stays healthy. Detroit looks like legit competition, though. Celtics are a wild card if they can stay in playoff position and Tatum returns. Everyone else in the east is very beatable, imo.
Detroit does look good, but I follow the formula of needing to “get there and fail first” before you can reach the promised land. You have to wander in the wilderness for a year or two, in preparation.
But yes, they’re certainly on their way it would seem.
Oh my goodness the 90s. Charles Smith blocked three times, Pat Riley, Starks with the greatest dunk in the history of the world over Pippin was it.., or Pippin and Jordan?
Patrick Ewing, Oakley, wow what a time to be alive. Right there at the door. Can imagine you pulling your hair out some of those seasons.
I was just talking to a friend the other day about how if John Starks goes like 5-18 instead of 2-18 in Game 7, they probably win a championship that year. Either way, Starks is still one of the favorite Knicks ever and his journey to the NBA is legendary.
Your Warriors were quite fun back then, too. Didn’t win a whole lot but Run TMC was very fun to watch. For my money, Mullin and Richmond are two of the most underrated players from that era.