The New York Knicks have been unstoppable this postseason, especially in their last 11 games, winning all. Not only haven’t they lost a game in that stretch, but they have been blowing out the competition. New York is making the game look super easy right now.
The Knicks are headed to their first NBA Finals in 27 years, and New York fans haven’t seen their team represent the East since the 1998-99 season. They’ve earned their spot, but with how good the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder are looking, do the Knicks actually have a chance at winning the title?
Based on regular-season records, the Thunder and the Spurs would be heavily favored entering a series against New York. Rightfully so, both of these teams had better records than the Knicks throughout the season, but those records mean nothing come playoff time. New York won two games out of three against San Antonio this season, with one of those wins coming in the in-season tournament final. While they lost both games against Oklahoma City this season, all of these numbers don’t mean much because it’s about who’s playing at their best right now.
One advantage that the Knicks will have in these finals is the number of rest days leading up to the series. New York ended their conference final series against the Cleveland Cavaliers quickly, winning the series in a clean sweep. On the other hand, the Thunder and Spurs series looks likely to go the distance. They’re tied at two games apiece currently, and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if this series went to a game seven. Rest is valuable in a playoff run to get back to 100 percent, barring any injuries, and being able to game plan for your next team.
Sometimes, too much rest isn’t great because it can take your mind off the task at hand, and the focus level of the team can be shut off. No matter who the Knicks end up playing in the finals, they will most likely be the underdogs, but that doesn’t mean they should be taken lightly. They’re the hottest team in the league right now, and New York is putting everyone on notice that it is the team to beat.
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