In August, Madison Square Garden became a stage for Jalen Brunson, who was celebrated as the team captain of the New York Knicks. During this heartfelt ceremony, he paid tribute to his parents, Rick and Sandra, for their unwavering support throughout his basketball journey. Brunson also expressed his excitement over a recent, team-friendly contract extension and outlined his ambitious goal for the season: “How we can get past the second round.”
As the 2024-25 season commenced, there was an air of skepticism surrounding the Knicks. Many believed they were on a trajectory to experience yet another second-round playoff exit, likely facing either the Cavaliers or Celtics—two teams that had thoroughly outperformed them in the regular season.
At first glance, it seemed the Knicks were fated to repeat their historical struggles in the playoffs. However, just two weeks later, the storyline took a dramatic turn.
Against all odds, the Knicks delivered a stunning performance, achieving Brunson’s seasonal ambition by rallying from massive 20-point deficits to secure wins in Games 1 and 2 on the road. Their decisive victory, clinched on a Friday night, showcased their relentless team defense. With this accomplishment, the Knicks are poised to make an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.
Outside the arena, ecstatic Knicks fans flooded the streets, sharing their joy on social media, celebrating their team’s unexpected success.
Yet, inside the locker room, the players’ thoughts were focused. “I feel like we have a long way to go,” Brunson stated, underscoring the team’s collective determination and identity. He emphasized their desire to strive for more, saying, “We tend to be unsatisfied.”
Reflecting on their earlier Game 5 loss in Boston, the Knicks recognized they had underperformed, letting the game slip away due to a lapse in focus. “The whole day of Game 5, it just wasn’t us,” Brunson recalled. This self-awareness paved the way for their progressive mindset going into their next challenge.
The players soon emphasized the importance of video reviews and a critical meeting held between Games 5 and 6, which they credited as pivotal for their resurgence. “We had to talk it out, (figure out) how to communicate better,” Miles McBride mentioned, attributing their energized performance to the outcome of that discussion.
The Knicks found early energy from Karl-Anthony Towns, whose assertive play starkly contrasted with his previous outing. His ability to exploit Boston’s defensive choices set the tone for success. Coach Tom Thibodeau highlighted Towns’ dual contributions on offense and defense, which played a crucial role in their victory.
With a balanced team effort, Josh Hart stood out with an impressive triple-double, while Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby each scored over 20 points, limiting Boston’s scoring opportunities. Brunson contributed significantly with 23 points and six assists, while the Knicks dominated the boards, out-rebounding their opponents by seven.
“The way we prepared and communicated was pivotal,” Brunson emphasized, noting that a focus on defense allowed them to sync well on offense. Looking forward, as they prepare for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers on Wednesday, the Knicks will take a moment to relish their victory against Boston but are keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
“There’s more work ahead,” Bridges asserted confidently. “We fought hard to get this win, but our journey is far from over.”
