Despite A Disappointing Finish, The Knicks Have Emerged As Contenders

Last Sunday saw the New York Knicks' season end in convincing fashion to the Indiana Pacers. The combination of injuries and hot-shooting by the Pacers resulted in a 130-109 defeat for the team's biggest game of the season. But for the Knicks to even be in that position is nothing short of spectacular. In their third playoff appearance in four years, this year's team was arguably the best of the bunch and there are many reasons to support that statement. 

For starters, the Knicks had their first 50 win season in 11 years and their second overall in the last 24 seasons. They had a talented roster that featured two all stars in Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, along with a resilient group of guys who stepped up despite injuries to multiple key contributors, including their entire front court. Head coach Tom Thibodeau has installed this mentality within the team since taking over, and he became the fifth coach in Knicks history to make the playoffs three times. 

Even when the team won six of their last seven games to clinch the number two seed, people believed they should tank for a more favorable matchup in the playoffs rather than face the Philadelphia 76ers who were riding their own hot streak. However, New York was rewarded for their approach as they defeated Philadelphia in six thrilling games, and were up 3-2 against the Pacers before running out of steam. Even with the result, the Knicks established themselves as contenders going forward. 

At the centerpiece of their team, is point guard Jalen Brunson. Last season, Brunson made an immediate impact leading the Knicks to the second round, but that now seems like a footnote compared to this season. Brunson enjoyed another career year in points and assists, along with his first all-star and All-NBA selections. Through his toughness and creativity, Brunson has become one of New York's most beloved athletes. He might not possess much physical gifts, but Brunson knows how to set up himself and his teammates to succeed. In the playoffs, Brunson continued his brilliance setting a franchise record for points in a playoff game with 47, along with being the fourth player in NBA history to have five or more playoff games with at least 40 points and five assists. 
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However, Brunson isn't the sole reason for the Knicks' success. Although Julius Randle's season abruptly ended with a shoulder injury, he continued to grow his skills since winning Most Improved Player in 2021. After a slow start, Randle began to resemble the All-NBA player he was in two of the previous three seasons, averaging 24 points and nine rebounds. Randle was particularly at his best inside the three point arc where he tied his career best for two-point field goals with 6.9 makes. He was playing some of his best basketball in the last two months before his injury, and should bounce back strong next season. 
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The Knicks additionally fielded a strong group of role players who excelled in different areas. In December, they traded fan-favorites RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley for OG Anunoby who proved to be a perfect fit with his defense and ability to score off the ball. In every game he suited up, the Knicks went 26-5. 
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Josh Hart and Isaiah Hartenstien also became beloved role players with their hustle and willingness to make impact plays that didn't always appear in the box score. Their durability was essential during the second half of the season along with the playoffs. Hartenstien made 37 more starts than any other season combined while Hart played four playoff games without resting. 
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Donte DiVincenzo enjoyed a career year in his first season wearing orange and blue. He averaged personal bests in scoring and three point percentage. In addition, he had a knack for big shots which occurred in the closing seconds of playoff wins against Philadelphia and Indiana. 
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Mitchell Robinson was still a reliable rim protector when healthy. He was initially diagnosed with a season ending ankle injury in December, but came back before the playoffs and was giving the team solid minutes before Joel Embiid grabbed his ankles while air-born. Yet Robinson came back during the series and was part of a team effort that contained Embiid in the fourth quarter of game six. 

Miles McBride went from being seldom used to the team's primary ball-handler off the bench. After trading for Anunoby, the Knicks gave McBride a three year, $13 million contract extension which now looks like a bargain. McBride grew more comfortable running the offense while remaining a tenacious defender. 

While the Knicks roster lacked the stability that other playoff teams enjoyed, the on-court chemistry every one of their players shared was undeniable. One can point to how Brunson, Hart, and DiVincenzo, who played together at Villanova, possessed their own skills that benefited the team. Or the fact that Anunoby immediately made a difference despite admitting to not fully knowing the plays early on. Unselfish sequences like Hartenstein keeping possessions alive, and the team's hard-nosed defense were common throughout the year. 

But none of that is possible without Thibodeau installing his philosophy of hard work, toughness, and resilience toward each player. Every player bought in to Thibodeau's culture and it was evident at various points of the season whether it was during the team's red-hot January, or against Philadelphia where all but one game wasn't decided until the final minute. Even during the most adverse times, such as a rough February, their mental toughness never faded. There were multiple players such as Brunson and Robinson playing through injuries, while Anunoby tried playing through a hamstring injury in game 7 before ultimately having to sit out. That type of competitive mindset is what enabled the Knicks to make it so far. 

This offseason will be more about keeping the roster intact than trying to find a star player. Perhaps no evidence better supports this case than their NBA-best 14-2 record in January. That was the healthiest version of the Knicks' current roster, and they were in the midst of a nine game winning streak at the time of Randle's injury. Despite playing the last two games of the month without him, New York's 246 point differential during the month was higher  than any other NBA team in a single month this season. 

The Knicks will certainly try to resign Anunoby and Hartenstien who are both free agents this summer. Anunoby is expected to return while Hartenstien will be coveted by other teams though he has voiced a desire to stay. Brunson is also eligible for an extension and is reportedly willing to take less money if it means signing this summer. With those moves and some much-needed rest for everyone, a big year could be on the horizon.