The New York Knicks are for real
- Kenny McDonald
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
This is what it’s all about to be a Knicks fan. The consistency. The dedication. The sound, fundamental basketball. All of those elements clicking at once led to an absolute dismantling of the Philadelphia 76ers in four games during the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
By the Numbers
In just four games, the Knicks outscored the 76ers 497-408, securing an average margin of victory of 22+ points. Games 1 and 4 were both 30-point blowouts, a masterclass in how to open and close a playoff series.
Jalen Brunson further solidified his presence as the captain and undisputed No. 1 option, registering a 35-point outing in Game 1 and a 33-point performance in Game 3. However, I have to give some love to the supporting cast. I'm looking at you, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Bridges was clinical, shooting 63% from the field and nearly 40% from deep while averaging 17.5 PPG. While Brunson provided the scoring punch, Towns served as the series' premier facilitator, leading the team with 30 total assists (7.5 per game) across 4 games. When Bridges is shooting like that and Towns is dishing, it completely opens up the floor, allowing the Knicks to command the pace in the half-court. It’s a snowball effect that creates even more high-quality looks for guys like Brunson and OG Anunoby.
Translating Momentum to the Eastern Conference Finals
How do the Knicks translate this fire into the Eastern Conference Finals? Two big themes need to carry over:
#1. It starts with shooting.
The Knicks were red hot in the Semis, shooting a scorching 54% from the field and 44% from three. Eight players attempted 7+ threes and shot 35% or better from beyond the arc.
Even with OG Anunoby - one of the top playoff shooters so far - sidelined for the last two games with a hamstring injury, Deuce McBride picked up right where he left off. McBride had a career performance in Game 4, scoring 25 points on 7-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc. He was a +33 in 29 minutes and simply could not miss. That kind of production is a game-changer.
The Knicks have found their stroke at the right time. Brunson, Anunoby, McBride are scorchers from deep who can swing a game with their shooting alone, as seen in this series.
#2. Winning the first half
The first half is arguably more important than the second; it sets the blueprint for how a team will attack. From the jump, the Knicks suffocated the 76ers in nearly every first half of the series:
Game 1: 74-51 in favor of the Knicks
Game 2: 62-61 in favor of the 76ers
Game 3: 60-52 in favor of the Knicks
Game 4: 81-57 in favor of the Knicks
Even in Game 2 when they trailed by one at the break, it never felt like Philly could pull away. The Knicks proceeded to lock down on defense and held the 76ers to 12 points in the fourth quarter of Game 2. They made shots when they needed to and put the pressure on Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe to do it all for the 76ers. That led to a grind down quarter and a 2-0 series lead. Whether they were keeping it close or straight-up demolishing Philly, the Knicks' pressure was relentless.
Final Thoughts
Keep the hot shooting going and first half wins flowing, and the Knicks will be en route to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. For reference, I was an infant at that time and didn't quite know what basketball, or the Knicks for that matter, were. 27 years later, the Knicks are in a groove and I can enjoy every second of it with my conscious mind.
The Knicks will face either the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Detroit Pistons in the next round. While the Knicks struggled with Detroit in the regular season, the Pistons haven't looked like their best selves lately, struggling with turnovers and inconsistent shooting outside of Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris.
Cleveland doesn't worry me much more, even with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. I don’t believe they have the interior presence to stop Towns or Mitchell Robinson, nor do they have a bench that can match our depth.
The Knicks will be well-rested, OG Anunoby will be back, and the momentum is on our side. Don’t make the same mistakes as last year and finally get to the Finals. We’ll worry about the Thunder, Spurs, or Timberwolves when we get there. For now, let’s enjoy the ride.
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