The New York Knicks have nearly solidified themselves as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. That’s nothing to bat an eye out for, especially considering the historic pace of the current top seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. As we move further into the season, there are increasing concerns about the Knicks legitimacy as a Championship contender.
These questions stem from their struggles against top teams in the Eastern and Western Conference. On Thursday, the Knicks once agains came up short when countering a team of equal footing. After conceding to the No. 2 Lakers in overtime, Knicks dropped to 0-9 against each conference’s top teams. That includes Cleveland, Boston, Los Angeles, and No. 1 seed Oklahoma City.
The Knicks Have Ongoing Struggles Against Elite Teams In The East
Before thinking about whether or not the Knicks can win a title, they first have to get there. The last time the Knicks won an NBA Championship was 1973 against the Lakers, therefore there’s frustration among the Knicks fan base.
While last season was their first step in showing strong capabilities come playoff time, this season comes with much larger expectations. Reaching the finals is less likely especially after poor play against top tier teams. They’ve dropped all three games against Boston and both games versus Cleveland.
When looking more closely at those matchups, four of those five meetings were all losses by double-digits, including all three to Boston. In fact, the C’s demolished them 131-104 at Madison Square Garden in February. The Knicks average margin of defeat to Boston is 21. As the current playoff situation shakes out, the Knicks would be in line to play them in the second round.
That could certainly change after Jalen Brunson suffered an injury on Thursday, but a second round date with the defending champs is appearing likely. It’s difficult to have confidence in the Knicks given their past performances as of last. Take last night as a perfect example, The Knicks blew a 13 point lead on the road.
In fact, the Knicks two losses against the Cavaliers should speak volumes. While their first loss to Cleveland was decided by six points, the second matchup was disastrous. Defeated 142-105 by the Cavaliers, the Knicks suffered their worst loss of the season. Defeated in every facet, it raises concerns as the playoffs loom.
The Knicks Fare Well Outside of the Top Tier Teams
The playoffs are always weird. Sometimes the top seeds get knocked out in the first round — not too often, but you never know. Depending how the seeds go and what injuries pop up, an insurmountable matchup on paper can even out as the bracket progresses. While it’s pretty unlikely the Knicks could somehow avoid both Cleveland and Boston, wilder things have happened.
The Knicks are 4-1 against the Nos. 4 and 5 seeds, Milwaukee and Indiana. They’re 2-1 versus Detroit, as well. Out west on the Nos. 3-5, the Knicks are 5-1. That group includes Denver, Memphis, and Houston.
It’s not as though the Knicks are waiting to be run over come playoff time. They’re a good team. While a solid regular season team, the Knicks may not have the ability to matchup with the Celtics and Cavaliers well. Just take a look at their defensive, which has been especially dreadful over the last 10 games.
The Knicks Must Get Through The Celtics, Cavaliers, To Win A Championship
As a result, it’s difficult to envision them getting out of the East. Offensively, the Knicks enter Friday with the fifth best scoring team (117.2 PPG), but that number drops to 106.0 against Boston and 104.5 versus Cleveland. The Knicks field goal percentage as a team, which is the fourth best in the NBA at 49.0, also shrinks in those games.
There’s no way to overlook the Knicks 0-9 record versus the top four teams in the league. If their title aspirations come to fruition, they’ll have to minimally get through two of those teams. In addition, it’s likely several top squads, including the Celtics, will meet them in the second round or the Finals.
If there’s one thing to consider, it’s the talent mixed with last year’s experience in the playoffs that could alleviate their regular season woes. The Knicks overwhelmed Philadelphia in the first round with their hustle, defensive prowess, and ability to knock down 3s. All three of those things will be needed and then some to overcome their demons against top teams. Can the Knicks get some extra help aside from Mr. Clutch Jalen Brunson?
