We are the Champions, the ring wearers, the undisputed number one team in the NBA. After a lack luster 53 win season, third place finsih, and appearing to be a level below the Pistons, we set an NBA playoff record with a total differential of 283 points.
This Knick core of Anunoby, Bridges, Brunson, Hart and Towns (in alphabetical order) jelled at just the right time, game 4 of the playoffs. Every night thereafter, different Knicks led the way. To achieve a significant point differential, the defense gets as much credit as the offense, and this core has three outstanding defenders. Karl-Anthony played well and acquitted himself very nicely against Wemby and the Spurs. The shift in offense took advantage of KAT’s passing ability and opened the offense to all.
Because of the team’s top heavy salary structure, the bench is worrisome. After Andre Drummond, we only have Mohamed Diawara as a promising big. Kevin McCullar Jr. is an inch taller than Josh, but Hart plays like he’s 6’8″. The excess of guards is due to they are cheaper. Competent bigs come with heftier salaries.
Can we run it back? With continued good fortune in the injury department, we should be the team to beat come the playoffs. The caveat is that we must run a lot more of the offense thru Karl-Anthony and Josh Hart. The Knicks are all competent scorers, so ball movement will create open shots. When Mike Brown came aboard he spoke of increased pace, more threes and quick decision ball movement. It took 85 games for that change to take place. The results speak for themselves. This is a championship team without a single MVP.