Repeating as defending champions in any given sport is never easy, but the New York Knicks already have a head start. They are the envy of every other organization in the NBA due to their continuity. Coming off an impressive playoff that ended a 53-year championship drought, this team has everything positioned for them to win it all again next season.
The Knicks’ Closing Argument
As long as the Knicks have Jalen Brunson, they always have a chance. Not only has he proven himself in pressure-packed situations, but he’s established himself as one of the best closers in the game. Knowing how to finish is a skill that is often mastered through playoff experience and postseason failure. It took a few seasons of disappointing outcomes, but the Finals MVP eventually figured it out and was able to deliver the Knicks a third title. Just to clarify how good he was in the clutch, Brunson had a +83 plus/minus in the fourth-quarter of the playoffs, and averaged 9.9 points in the final period.
The former NBA Clutch Player of the Year showed up when his team needed him the most, as he scored 17 points on 7-13 shooting with no turnovers during the last two minutes of the Finals. Comparing Brunson’s fourth-quarter numbers to Victor Wembanyama’s, the difference is night and day. Wemby only had four points with two turnovers, as he went 1-7 from the field in that same time frame. Just like with Brunson, it’s going to take the failures and mistakes in order to master being a successful closer. The Knicks have one of the best with Brunson, which gives them an advantage heading into next season.
More Than a Fluke: Why the Knicks Are Built To Last
The Knicks are reportedly keeping their core intact in order to build on their continuity. All of the starters are under contract until after the 2027-28 season, setting the team up to extend their title streak. In the NBA, it’s difficult to find the right balance and chemistry among players. It’s taken some franchises years at a time, but a few of them have done it faster than expected.
The Knicks’ inevitable title run was made possible through the financial sacrifices Brunson made. The decision to leave money on the table so the organization could pursue other players was selfless, and showed that he values winning over money. During the Knicks’ championship celebration, head coach Mike Brown had on a T-shirt with the Knicks logo. Underneath the logo was the word “sacrifice,” something the team agreed to do at the beginning of the season. Brown went on to explain the meaning behind the message.
“You’ve got to sacrifice. If you got guys on your team that aren’t sacrificing, you could be in trouble, because it’ll mess with your connectivity:”
Statistically Unstoppable: Ready for Next Season and Beyond
During their historic run through the postseason, the Knicks were able to dominate on both ends of the floor. Every point scored in the playoffs is usually earned, and is difficult to come by. The Knicks made it look easy, as they led all playoff participants with a 120.4 offensive rating. Although Brunson is their biggest offensive threat, the supporting cast all did their part whenever their numbers were called.
The Knicks also played the best defense and accumulated a 104.9 defensive rating. Karl Anthony Towns posted the best individual defensive rating (99.2), even beating out Wemby with the second-best rating among qualified players (101.5). Expect the Knicks to dominate on both ends during their title defense. Their 16-3 playoff record proves that their success should be highly sustainable throughout next season and beyond.
