The New York Knicks are closing in on 50 wins for the first time since 2012-13. Additionally, they are pushing upward in the Eastern Conference. Their defensive tenacity and success have rekindled fond memories of past Knicks eras. The Team holds a 41-27 record and is fourth in the Eastern Conference.
If the playoffs were to start today, the Knicks would face the fifth-seeded Orlando Magic. However, it is worth noting that the standings can change quickly. New York has become a serious contender for a deep playoff run. Furthermore, individual standouts such as Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and even Precious Achiuwa push the Knicks as a contender.
How can the Knicks make a deep playoff run with the playoffs on the horizon? Here are two main things New York can do to be successful.
New York Knicks Must Stay Healthy!
Without Anunoby, the Knicks’ offense tends to plummet. He also had elbow surgery and will have to deal with lingering soreness. Fortunately, Brunson only missed one game recently, on March 5 (a blowout loss to the Atlanta Hawks). Brunson is an MVP candidate and the Knicks’ most valuable player.
Randle and Robinson’s health are more glaring concerns going forward. Although Robinson’s injury is more serious, Randle hasn’t been cleared for complete contact despite pregame workouts with the team. Contact is crucial with him, so he needs to be on the floor.
Robinson, initially thought to be out for the season, could return after all. His shot-blocking and rim-protecting abilities can help the New York Knicks big time. If the Knicks are at full strength, they can be a dangerous team come playoff time. The Knicks are behind the No. 3 Cleveland Cavaliers (43-26), the No. 2 Milwaukee Bucks, and the one-seeded Boston Celtics (55-14).
Defense Must Perform Well! Ride the Defense!
The New York Knicks rank seventh overall defensively and led the NBA, giving up less than 100 points in 21 games. The team is at its best when they don’t give up many points in games. Since December, Anunoby has been a Tom Thibodeau favorite on the defensive side of the floor. After all, he was an All-Defensive honoree last season.
Even when the Knicks are not 100%, they are still challenging to play against, given their physical play on the court. New York will fight claw and nail to the end of the game, which will be needed when playing teams like the Celtics and the Bucks. The Knicks’ physical play will make opposing teams earn every point with their active hands and feet.
In a recent five-game stretch, the Knicks were outstanding on defense. They held opposing teams under 100 points. New York allowed only 422 points total in that five-game stretch, and they are the first team in over six NBA seasons to hold teams to those points. What a truly impressive compliment, given how offensively driven the NBA is.
If the New York Knicks can keep their tenacity in defense, they will be a tough team to face come playoff time.
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