The Sun’s Shining on the Empire State! But for How Long?
Taking a closer look at the New York Knicks and their playoff chances.
If you had told me at the start of the season that of the two teams based in New York, the one with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Iriving would NOT be the first one to clinch a playoff spot, I would have laughed in your face. Yet here we are.
In the words of the venerable Stephen A Smith, New York stand up!
The New York Knicks have officially clinched the fifth seed in the eastern conference. And as of writing, it looks like the eastern side of the playoff bracket is largely filled out. But now the question remains: what are the Knicks’ chances in the playoffs? Are they just filling out a spot in the first round? Or are they poised to make a deeper run this playoffs?
On paper, the Knicks are slightly above average in terms of both offense and defense. They do most things, if not all of them, to an acceptable standard. They have two excellent guards in Jalen Brunson and R.J Barrett (always love to see a Canadian doing well), an all-star caliber power forward in Julius Randle, as well as other key players on a roster that is relatively young while at the same time having some key vets. Unfortunately though, several of those names are currently out of the rotation either dealing with injuries or resting up. So much of a team’s playoff success is linked to health and endurance. Which is why I and the New York faithful are hoping that they return healthy and ready to go by the time the first round rolls around. Because looking at their first opponent…
They’re gonna need it.
This match-up feels tragically poetic. The man nicknamed after New York’s own webslinger will be squaring off against the Knicks and Co. in the first round of the playoffs. I know the wound of not getting Donovan Mitchell is still fresh for many Knicks fans so I will do my best not to linger on it.
In many ways the Knicks and the Cavaliers are practically the same. Two hungry franchises led by stars in their respective back courts who are in turn bolstered by key pieces in the front and on the bench. The Knicks have a slight advantage offensively, whereas the Cavs are better defensively. Personally, I believe that the Cavaliers’ star players trump those of the Knicks. And yet I cannot bring myself to say they will win the series. As far as first round matches go, this one may be the one that steals the show.
History is against the New York Knicks. Last year they didn’t make the playoffs. The year prior they lost in the first round. But as much as the Cleveland Cavaliers seem to be the favourite in this match up, I wouldn’t be completely surprised if New York came out on top. Who are you rooting for? Fly your team’s banner proud in the comments and tell me why you think they’re gonna win the day! Either way I can’t wait for the playoffs to begin. And when they do I’ll be waiting excitedly for this series in particular. And I won’t be alone.
