With a 112-98 win at home against the Phoenix Suns, the New York Knicks did something they had not done since 1995. They had back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time in three decades. Small Forward OG Anunoby led the way with 32 points. He is playing the best basketball of his career.
Anunoby has the third-most points in the NBA over the last 20 days. The Knicks also saw Point Guard Jalen Brunson return following 15 games missed with an ankle injury. It was a positive debut. He left the game healthy and scored 15 points. Will the New York Knicks go on a deep playoff run?
New York Knicks Season Summary
New York is the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 50-28. With four games remaining in the regular season, the Knicks need either one more win or an Indiana Pacers loss to lock up the third seed. The Knicks have been led by one of the league’s offenses. They are ninth in points scored, fourth in field goal percentage, and eighth in three-point percentage. Brunson and Center Karl-Anthony Towns have both had strong regular seasons. They will be crucial for the New York Knicks in the postseason.
The Knicks have been mediocre on defense. They are ninth in points allowed, 22nd in opposing field goal percentage, and 24th in opposing three-point percentage. New York has been a defensive-led team in recent years, but they have shifted toward an offensive focus this season.
Final Thoughts
New York returns to the court Tuesday when they host the Boston Celtics. The Knicks have struggled mightily against the league’s best teams this year. They are 0-8 this season against the Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Cleveland Cavaliers. This lack of success against the upper echelon gives the team a hard ceiling heading into the playoffs.
