Ever since Tom Thibodeau became the head coach of the New York Knicks, it’s like they have been rejuvenated. This is a team that hasn’t made it to the playoffs since 2013 and hasn’t been alive in the league for almost two decades now. However, this season, they have turned their fate around and are not just in the top five teams of the Eastern Conference but also on an eight-game winning streak. Even LeBron James can’t help but show some appreciation for them.
LeBron James reacts to Knicks’ success
The New York Knicks are one of the most loved, followed, and popular franchises in the NBA. Despite not being relevant, their die-hard fans have been waiting for the day they can see them back in their true form. Well, it looks like 2021 is the year for them. Standing fourth with a 33-27 record, they are showing promise of being more than just a playoff team.
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Their eight consecutive wins is the longest streak they have had in seven years, In fact, if they continue down this path, they might soon take over the Milwaukee Bucks‘ third spot and they are just four wins behind from doing so. A while ago, this would have seemed impossible, but not anymore.
Their success has not only ignited a Twitter debate on whether or not the Knicks are actually “back” but has also led LeBron James to laud what they have accomplished so far. He stated, “The league is just better off when the Knicks are winning.”
Ain’t no denying DIPSET! And the league is simply better off when the Knicks are winning. https://t.co/Zifxs2OtVH
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 22, 2021
What’s different about them this season?
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The Knicks’ moves in the offseason helped improve their roster defensively. But a lot of the credit goes to former Los Angeles Lakers player, Julius Randle, who is having the best season of his career. He is averaging 23.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. In their last bout against the Atlanta Hawks, Randle finished with a 40-point performance along with 11 rebounds.
Other than him, R.J. Barrett has also shown drastic improvement with his shooting and is coming up clutch averaging 17.4 points. With a mix of veterans like Reggie Bullock and Derrick Rose along with young stars like Mitchell Robinson, Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley, the Knicks have a perfect blend of talent.
For a franchise like the Knicks to prosper is beneficial for the league. However, only time will tell if their road to success will continue in the postseason or not.
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Read also- WATCH: New York Knicks’ Fans Animated Celebration After the Team Takes No.4 in the East