The New York Knicks have been making big strides all season long and they’re not stopping yet. The Knicks recently ended their four-game Western Conference road trip and managed to get three wins.
The Knicks had a strong regular season so far, reaching 41 wins after facing the Golden State Warriors in California on March 18. The last time the Knicks got over 40 wins this quickly was back in 2013. This season has been a replica of 2013, if not better.
Since the start of the season, the Knicks have been strong with their offense and defense. NBA All-Star Jalen Brunson is having his best season averaging 27.5 Points per game and four 40point games. Josh Hart has been working hard trying to help in every category from points and rebounds to simply being a supportive, energetic team player.
Donte DiVincenzo has been shooting confidently and efficiently from all over the court as we saw in his 31–point outing during the 105-93 win against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, in which he shot 12–of–24 from the field. Miles “Deuce” McBride scored a career-high 29 points against the Warriors and 26 points in 48 minutes of playing time against the Nets.
The Knicks this season look very similar to the 2012–13 team in events like Brunson becoming the second fastest to reach at least 3,000 points with the Knicks, only behind 10-time all-star Carmelo Anthony. Also, during the 2012-13 season, the Knicks shot a field goal percentage of 44.79 percent while they’re currently shooting 46.1 percent.
This Knicks team has reached new heights that fans only dreamt of in seasons prior. With the coaching staff, offense, defense and a winning attitude, the Knicks have come a long way. However, while hard work and success usually go hand-in-hand, hard work can also steer a team in the wrong direction if it results in the wear and tear of your team.
Many would argue that everything is going great for the Knicks. However, Coach Tom Thibodeau is running players into the ground. OG Anunoby returned from just under a twomonth absence from an elbow ailment in the victory against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 12 and was ruled out again after his elbow was re–aggravated.
Mitchell Robinson has been out for more than three months with an ankle injury and has returned to light practice, but he needs to go through more contact and receive approval from the doctor.
Julius Randle has also been out with a dislocated shoulder injury since late January and although trying to return for the playoffs, it’s essential that Randle rests until his full recovery so as to not cause re-injury.
With these three Knicks’ starters out with injuries, it’s important to note that though hard work is important, every player needs time for recovery. Even though the Knicks are making big strides and will now end the season with a winning record, every player on the current roster is playing extended minutes and will be exhausted by the first round of the playoffs.
The simple solution to combat this would be to at least take out players like Brunson and Hart when the lead is secure to give chances to players who don’t see a lot of playing time, like Jericho Sims. Another solution would be to play the minute-heavy players with the less active players to help teach them to have more on-court fluency during necessary situations.
Every Knicks milestone so far is a result of hard work and dedication from each player understanding their roles on the team and what’s expected of them. Playing through fatigue can result in more injuries and will be a detriment to the Knicks’ playoff aspirations.
The New York Knicks will find a way to propel to victory during the last few games of the season and eventually to the first-round of the playoffs. Until then, all the players need to remain sharp and ready to play.