By: Randy Louis
Alright, it has been over twenty-four hours since the final buzzer hit 0.0 concluding the magical run for the New York Knicks losing Game 7 to the Indiana Pacers. The Knick fan in me is surely disappointed at the end result of what looked to be a promising run to a possible Conference Finals berth however, what has been constant with this season lead to our unfortunate undertaking at the hands of the Pacers. It’s okay to give the Pacers credit on facing the competition as they were. It’s also okay to imagine what it would have looked like with a fully loaded & HEALTHY Knicks squad against the Pacers. Unfortunately we can’t play the “IF” game because injuries did happen and it was only a matter of time when even the basketball gods spared the Knicks embarrassment should they have won last night. There was no way the M.A.S.H unit that was the Knicks would put up much of a fight against Eastern Conference hopeful Boston Celtics. Before we eulogize the end of a fantastic season, lets retrospect on a season that has brought the buzz back to The Garden.
The Knicks began the season with high expectations improving on their 47 win season which saw them lose to the rival Miami Heat in 6. They got off to a modest start and began facing adversity early, losing Mitchell Robinson until March due to a fracture in his left foot. Change was needed to take the next step which saw home grown talent RJ Barrett & Immanuel Quickley traded to the Toronto Raptors for O.G. Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, & Malachi Flynn in a late December trade that immediately saw success in January. The team went 14-2 during January and sans Mitchell Robinson many began wondering “What If” upon the team’s true potential until January 27th in the 4th Quarter game against Miami. Julius Randle caught a pass and drove down the lane against Heat Rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr drawing a blocking foul shooting 2 free throws in a game the Knicks had a sizable lead. Tell me when you heard the story before, (2012 Game 1 Chicago vs Philly) .. yeah that one. Now let’s flash forward to Julius clutching his right shoulder noticeably hurt the first domino to go down. Then OG went down needing surgery in addition to Robinson out.
Reinforcements came in the way of a starting rotation of Donte Divencenzo, Isaiah Hartenstein, Josh Hart, & trade acquisitions Bojan Bogdonovic and Alec Burks supporting All-Star Jalen Brunson in what has been arguably the best individual season for a Knick. Outside of the adversity and overcoming odds, this year was the best coaching of Tom Thibodeau’s career. From roster changes, and debilitating injuries, a platoon of men who have embodied the identity of their head coach, the Knicks ended up winning 50 games and clinched a top 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. In a year that saw the Knicks scratch and claw against a really good Sixers team in the opening round, many fans felt the Conference Finals was the destination however once again, fate would deal the final blow in the second round.
Despite a 2-0 start on Indiana and an Andrew Nembhard miracle 3 away from a 3-0 series lead, injuries derailed the dream many Knick fans have hoped for since May of 2000. OG goes down (hamstring strain), Brunson (bruises his foot & breaks his left hand), Josh Hart (abdominal strain), Robinson (ankle). It’s a miracle this team pushed it to 7 games. This run showcased the heart and tough minded identity that represents New York to the fullest. Yes the Pacers are moving on with a chance at destiny but deep down, they know they haven’t seen the Knicks at their best. Even in defeat, the overwhelming support from Knick alumni perhaps has been the major highlight of this season. The buzz is officially back at Madison Square Garden and these Knickerbockers have restored a feeling that hasn’t been felt since the 90s Knicks. As the sun sets on another second round exit, there’s only one thing left to say.
The Knicks Are Back !
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