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 Again, not a "hot-take" discussion that often carries common narratives (that are often outdated or untrue) but an updated and realistic assessment - Thibs is a candidate for NBA Coach of the Year.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.

Recent Favorites

Exorcising Demons with a Breen "Double Bang!"

These sorts of moments feel like they don't happen to us. Well, they happen VERY rarely - I'm talking Larry Johnson's 4-point play-rare. Yeah, it's been THAT long. But watching this New York Knicks team score eight points in less than thirty-five seconds, including a sequence that will forever live in my fandom, sits right with that LJ garden-rocking shot. I sat on my couch in absolute shock at what I just saw. "How the hell did they just win that game?!" It's the kind of moment this fanbase deserves. It's the moment that releases and exorcises some demons that haunt us from the trauma of experiences. Namely you, Reggie Miller. I loved it. And the icing on the cake was Mike Breen - Oh, Mike Breen, the loveable man with the most epic voice that has narrated so much of my basketball-loving fandom - with not one, but two signature "Bang!" calls. I'll never let this one down. Ever. I'm not sure where this team will wrap up the se

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/28/24

3 Up 1. DiVincenzo Shot - Yeah, I'm biased. And you know what, I don't care. This moment brought me so many jobs this week, and it still is. "Bang! Bang!" 2. Caitlin Clark Effect - Well, here we go. So many of the WNBA teams have begun moving their games against the Indiana Fever to larger arenas. The upcoming WNBA season is going to be so incredibly interesting. 3. Candace Parker - Rounding out a hoops-heavy "Up" this week is the retirement of Candace Parker. Yes, she drives the Knicks fanbase bonkers, but Parker is one of the greatest to ever lace them up. It's a shame she had to retire due to injury, but nonetheless, she should be proud. I personally will remember the 2021 WNBA Finals where she led her hometown Chicago Sky over the star-studded Phoenix Mercury. 3 Down 1. Campus Protests - I've witnessed them personally at NYU. And we are set to see these protests continue, and likely grow, on campuses over the next few weeks. We are likely to s

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 4/14/24

3 Up 1. Gun Control? - Wow. We have somewhat new gun legislation - so it is possible?! Of course, I'm being a bit cheeky in regards to the recent new plan to offer background checks for gun purchases, which really is a big part of the gun control debate. No? 2. Solar Eclipse - I didn't get a chance to experience it, but the idea of it is rather cool. Our world - and universe - is a remarkable experience and thought. 3. Women's Basketball Ratings - The boost continues as women's hoops continue its surge in ratings, interest, and overall star power. It will likely continue next week with the WNBA Draft. 3 Down 1. Iran Missiles on Israel - The entire saga in Gaza continues to get more complex. Throwing Iran into the mix, and now the US intercepting drones and missiles, the entire thing is super sad as innocent people continue to be killed. 2. Tennessee Teachers Carry - Well, just when we thought the gun debate was moving toward a reasonable decision, we get the sta

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