The Resurgence of the New York Knicks

Author: Patrick Sullivan

Editor: Brian Symons

The New York Knicks are currently 36-28 thus far in the 2020-2021 NBA season as their 9 game win streak came to an end against the Phoenix Suns. Although the Knicks lost to the Suns, they were in the lead for the first 35 minutes of the game and stayed close the entire time. Outside of some incredible shooting for the SUns and some help from the referees, the Knicks truly could have won this game. Regardless, the Knicks have proven yet again that they can hang around with the elite teams of the NBA and truly compete with any team.

Before this loss, the Knicks truly proved themselves to the league as not only a surprise this season, but a legitimate playoff team granted they remain in the playoff picture with 10 games remaining which seems very likely. Likewise, prior to the 9 game win streak, the Knicks were hovering around as a 500 team and no fan was truly sure if the Knicks were actually a good team. The 9 game win streak and the level of competition they are providing to the best teams in the NBA, prove that they are no doubt a good basketball team which no one has been able to say about the Knicks since 2013.

It's safe to say that this is finally the resurgence of the Knicks and fans have hope and excitement about the team for the first time in a long time. Coach Tom Thibodeau has the team playing together and great on both sides of the ball. IT truly shows how coaching can have a major impact on the performance of a team granted the Knicks have the lowest payroll in the NBA showing how they are doing more with less which is just a testament to Thibodeau’s great coaching. Furthermore, as most of the Knicks players are contributing, it is important to point out the great play of Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and Derrick Rose as of late. They are truly leading the Knicks to the first playoff berth in 8 years. However, it wouldn't be right to not point out the great play that Immanuel QUickley, Alec Burks, Nerlens Noel, and Reggie Bullock are bringing to the table as well. The play of all these guys and others is great to watch as a Knick fan and it’s making the Garden an electric place to be once again.

Looking ahead to the playoffs, the Knicks will most definitely need to keep up their level of defensive play to have a chance in a series with any playoff team and will also need to be more consistent on the offensive end as they have been during the 9 game win streak. To be completely honest and fair, it is hard to see the Knicks go deep into the playoffs considering they don;t have the stars that some playoff teams have, but its sports and anything can happen at any time. Nevertheless, the Knicks are back and the fans are ecstatic to see their team playing good basketball once again.

SPORTS ARE OUR UNIVERSE