Skip to main content

50 Wins and the #2 Seed


The New York Knicks are the #2 Seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. 

Unbelievable. 

Oh yeah, they also put together an unbelievable fifty-win season to do so. 

I've already expressed some thoughts on this season - from the trade of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Julius Randle's injury and obvious absence to the brilliance that was Jalen Brunson - there has been so much to take in, and appreciate. 

I can't say it enough - I love this team. THIS team. 

Just a few other quick thoughts as we reflect on 50 wins and the #2 seed before heading into a tough first-round series with either the Miami Heat or Philadelphia 76ers: 
  • I know Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the hot narrative for MVP and there is a big-time Serbian in Denver who easily makes a claim for the award once again, but damn it, Jalen Brunson deserves recognition and some lower-place votes. That's all I'm asking for...
  • Speaking of giving flowers to Jalen Brunson, it's about time a real basketball discussion is had regarding Tom Thidbeau. Again, not a "hot-take" discussion that often carries common narratives (that are often outdated or untrue) but an updated and realistic assessment - Thibs is a candidate for NBA Coach of the Year. The Knicks for a large stretch of 2024 played with seven healthy guys - two of whom were G-League or Two-Players! 
  • Josh Hart may be my favorite player beyond Brunson and Randle. Hard not to love the way he plays. 
  • How do even quantify a player like OG Anunoby? Seriously, I've never encountered a player who affects winning basketball in such an influential way that often isn't seen in a box score. 
  • Finally, my absolute favorite part of the 23-24 Knicks season is proving every narrative wrong. There was the Randle disbelief (became a 3x All-Star), the Brunson neglect (1st-time All-Star and MVP candidate), and the countless times the Knicks were said to have been "missing a piece" or the tired-ass narrative of "needing a superstar". It's not the ultimate vindication, but believing in something against the grain added an element that bonded fans like me to this team. 
Labels:

Recently Read

Would You Rather: Questions 121-130

This edition of "Would You Rather" is credited to the NBA Would You Rather NBA Account on Instagram ( See Here ). Adding to the fun, this edition (and possibly future ones) are all NBA basketball questions.  121. Who would you rather have on your favorite NBA team - Giannis Antetokounpo or James Harden?  Seeing how I'm a lifelong suffering Knicks fan, the thought of any of these guys in blue and orange is hard to believe. With that said, I'm taking the Greek Freak for this reason - I enjoy watching him play a bit more. Nothing against Harden who is amazing as well, but at times, the ball sticks and that isn't always fun. Plus, I feel like we haven't yet seen a finished Giannis. 122. Would you rather have Giannis Antetokounpo with no driving ability or James Harden with no Three-Point shooting ability?  This is definitely a weird and unique one, but I'll take Harden. Giannis without his strength doesn't offer much. However, if Harden's d...
Read more

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...
Read more

Knicks Postseason 2026, Conference Finals vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

It feels like forever since we've played.  But we've got our opponent, and it's go time!  Review Thoughts from Round 1 Review Thoughts from Round 2 Like every other Knick fan, I too hoped for a seven-game series between the Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and that's what we got. The long series added time for our squad to rest up (get healthy, OG!) and more time to scout exactly what we'll have to deal with in the Eastern Conference Finals.  We've been here before, and a trip to the NBA Finals once again feels all too close. All too real!  The Cavaliers present some interesting dynamics with their electric backcourt and the size up front with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. There are also two players on the roster, Dennis Schroder and Max Strus, who often find ways to stick it to the Knicks. Sam Merrill seems like the kind of guy who would join that group in this series.  Nonetheless, the Knicks are on a historic run. The Cavs have been knocking on t...
Read more