The New York Knicks have firmly established their presence, and their resilience under coach Tom Thibodeau has been evident throughout the regular season. Their hard-fought victory against the Chicago Bulls in overtime, securing the No. 2 seed, epitomizes their tenacity.
Gone are the days of the Knicks being labeled as overachievers; they are now a formidable force in the Eastern Conference, even in the absence of Julius Randle.
Former Knicks player and NBA coach Mark Jackson emphasized this point, stressing that excuses are no longer acceptable.
In a recent episode of his ‘Come and Talk 2 Me’ podcast, Jackson emphasized the urgency for the Knicks to deliver results.
Mark Jackson on Knicks playoffs: "No excuses…You're #2 seed…Got a lot to be proud of…Mentality if I'm them: 'Why not us?'"
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 16, 2024
…
"Jalen Brunson, I don't know how you defend him. Now all of a sudden…he's a willing passer…He's an assassin…" pic.twitter.com/wfhlQTRjOB
Their consistent performance throughout the season, highlighted by the emergence of Jalen Brunson as a standout player, has caught Jackson’s attention. He commended Brunson’s demeanor as a silent but deadly competitor, capable of shouldering the team’s scoring and playmaking responsibilities.
Jackson also praised the coaching prowess of Thibodeau, underscoring the Knicks’ disciplined approach on both ends of the court. Despite any perceived limitations in talent, the Knicks compensate with remarkable team chemistry and relentless effort.
However, lingering concerns persist, particularly regarding injuries—a common issue with Thibodeau-led teams. The physical toll of the playoffs and the challenges of the upcoming season loom ahead.
Nevertheless, the New York Knicks find themselves in a promising position to make a significant postseason impact and potentially return to the grandest stage of all.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!