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The New York Knicks don’t pop off the page. They don’t have a player who talks junk or a superstar with a paralyzing signature move. Yet this team is on an 11-game winning streak, sweeping two playoff teams completely and awaiting to face the Spurs in the NBA finals. Just how are they doing this?
Everybody's a star
Landry Shamet has been on a roll in the playoffs, making 11 of 12 3-point shots in the Knicks series against Cleveland.
Landry Shamet has made NBA history as having the highest 3-point percentage (91.7%) in a single playoffs series.
Deuce McBride’s name is chanted whenever he’s open for a shot, even in away game areas.
Fans are hoping Mitchell Robinson recovers from his broken pinky enough to be clear to play in the finals.
Shamet. Deuce. Mitch. Notice anything about these players? Each of their names have been buzzing throughout the playoffs and they aren’t in the starting 5.
The Knicks have a deep roster and aren’t afraid to use it. One day, Brunson may be on fire. Another day, KAT, and yet another day, Shamet. Everybody gets the chance to be a star on the court.
Team > Player
A lot of people say the Knicks have had an easy run because “the East is weaker than the West”. The West is full of very talented players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Victor Wembenyama.
There’s no denying that there are very talented players in the West, but what about the TEAMS? Basketball is a team sport, and the New York Knicks as a TEAM have been phenomenal. They just swept the last two teams leading up to the finals! That is no easy feat even if you believe the “East is easier”. The Knicks team as a whole is proving their going to be a force to be reckoned with in the final series.
It ain’t about the noise, but the poise
If you’ve noticed, the Knicks don’t go crazy when they win a game or even a series match. They don’t get over excited or revel in one singular win, instead they keep a calm demeanor.
In fact, the team actively tries not to think about how their performance has impacted New York as a whole. Brunson and Hart even spoke to this on their Roommates show podcast:
“-while you're in it you really don’t think about it. Once you start doing that, you start opening the door to the outside noise.” - Josh Hart via Roommates Show
Instead of getting excited or wrapped up in the noise of the media, the Knicks stay locked in, sharpening their skills with practice and keeping their heads down. The team’s got their eyes on a championship, and Brunson makes sure the team keeps a level head about it.
Sure, the New York Knicks aren't known for players who can jump out of the gym or have flashy moves. But the Knicks know ball, and they can PLAY, which is key in the NBA playoffs. Brunson isn’t focused on having back-to-back 50 point games or being a flashy super-star. He’s focused on helping lead a team of skilled players to a championship that could break New York’s 53-year slump. We’re already witnessing history be made, but who knows!? Could this be a run that goes down in history and up in the rafters?
Sources
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart don't often think about the true impact they have on New York
Landry Shamet shot 11-of-12....- https://x.com/ClutchPoints/status/2060571361777795248?s=20
Picture Source, edited with Canva
Hey there! I’m Shila! I’ve loved books since I could read, and decided I would write books I wanted to see written for others! Check my children’s book Imagination on Amazon!
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