This is a team in transition. Julius from all-star to potential all NBA. Brunson from also ran to All Star. Quickly from gritty player to 6th MOY who can now run an offense. And the list goes on. They’ve transitioned that individual improvement to team improvement by learning how to play together and that’s fun to watch
Reminds me of the Yankee dynasty team. Bernie, Jeter, Pettitte, Mo, and Posada weren't stars when they won their first championship. It was as if only true Yankee fans knew how good they were when they won in 1996. They won and then became stars.
I KNEW I'D AWAKEN TO A NEWSLETTER TODAY! Like Charles Barkley said in his 80's Right Guard commercial, "Anything else would be uncivilized". Thank you Mac!
I actually cheered for something Julius did last night.... first time I cheered for him in two years. It's more than just basketball and stats for me. The dude is becoming a MAN right before our eyes. I appreciate that more than anything.
Ha! Did Riley leave last night’s game early? I’m sure he has a fax machine at home where someone can forward him the details on our latest cute win.
Crazy fourth quarter last night. I see a few commenters here complaining about our lack of execution during the final minute of this game. I mean….. whatever. Miami is no pushover and this idea that they’re now done for the year seems like a stretch to me. Great job by the team in going down to south beach and getting a W.
Eleven games on the plus side of .500 now. There isn’t one person who either writes for or reads this newsletter who wouldn’t have signed up for that two months ago.
I had forgot that Allan Houston shot had been on my birthday. I was 22 years old at the time driving to my aunt's home. I listened to most of the game on the radio including the game winning shot which almost caused me to drive off the side of the road! Two rounds later we would get to see LJ's 4 point play!...fortunately I saw that on TV.
My college roommate and i had a small tv on top of our fridge in the only common space in our tiny apartment on east 79th. If we missed the game too bad. Now i live in guatemala and can sit in bed 3 hours after game time and still watch every second.
Very well written Macri. You captured everything I was thinking and more importantly feeling after this game. As fun as it would’ve been to blow the Heat out by 20 this was a more impactful playoff prep exercise. If we make a playoff run it will be through a scratch and claw effort. Great reminder to play a full 48 minutes against playoff caliber teams (as you noted) and a learning opportunity hit your free throws early in big games so they don’t bite you in the end when things tighten up. l love this team and am fully onboard for whatever success or heartbreak is to follow.
This team is special and I do believe! Sunday against Boston is gonna feel like playing with house money to me but win or lose I don’t see the team playing that way. Not giving up and playing for each other are key parts of what makes this team special!
As an aside, “while he bears some responsibility for the fallow periods” - fallow - what a beautiful word choice at 3 AM or whenever you got around to writing this. Good job Jon.
I knew we could count on you Jonathan! I subscribe to a number of Substack paid newsletters but you are definitely the MVP of that crowd!
🙏🏻🙏🏻
This is a team in transition. Julius from all-star to potential all NBA. Brunson from also ran to All Star. Quickly from gritty player to 6th MOY who can now run an offense. And the list goes on. They’ve transitioned that individual improvement to team improvement by learning how to play together and that’s fun to watch
Reminds me of the Yankee dynasty team. Bernie, Jeter, Pettitte, Mo, and Posada weren't stars when they won their first championship. It was as if only true Yankee fans knew how good they were when they won in 1996. They won and then became stars.
Yes! And for those who think you need to go get a star: Consider ! Teams do make their own stars.
I KNEW I'D AWAKEN TO A NEWSLETTER TODAY! Like Charles Barkley said in his 80's Right Guard commercial, "Anything else would be uncivilized". Thank you Mac!
I actually cheered for something Julius did last night.... first time I cheered for him in two years. It's more than just basketball and stats for me. The dude is becoming a MAN right before our eyes. I appreciate that more than anything.
I love the reference Unk!
You know that Taurus Intellect rolls, Bruh! 😉
Well, isn't there a lesson in that? There is a man inside all of us. Those we love help us find him.
I know that to personally be true, Bruh!
Our MFing team! 🧡💙
Ha! Did Riley leave last night’s game early? I’m sure he has a fax machine at home where someone can forward him the details on our latest cute win.
Crazy fourth quarter last night. I see a few commenters here complaining about our lack of execution during the final minute of this game. I mean….. whatever. Miami is no pushover and this idea that they’re now done for the year seems like a stretch to me. Great job by the team in going down to south beach and getting a W.
Eleven games on the plus side of .500 now. There isn’t one person who either writes for or reads this newsletter who wouldn’t have signed up for that two months ago.
I still can’t believe it. I see it and I don’t believe it!
I know . . . I even watched the game again this afternoon to make sure I saw it right the first time. lol
Such an amazing shot by Randle to win it.
I had forgot that Allan Houston shot had been on my birthday. I was 22 years old at the time driving to my aunt's home. I listened to most of the game on the radio including the game winning shot which almost caused me to drive off the side of the road! Two rounds later we would get to see LJ's 4 point play!...fortunately I saw that on TV.
My college roommate and i had a small tv on top of our fridge in the only common space in our tiny apartment on east 79th. If we missed the game too bad. Now i live in guatemala and can sit in bed 3 hours after game time and still watch every second.
Thank you Jon!!!
I was shocked to see the score after that Alan Houston bucket was 78-77. A totally different era.
It was also nice see Pat Riley and Alonzo Mourning taking in the action court side in an arena filled with Knick fans.
That’s a halftime score now lol
Back alley defense in those days.
Turns out we do have a second superstar. HIS NAME IS JULIUS RANDLE.
One of the top duos in the league. Team growing together and around them. Good time to be a Knicks fan.
Absolutely. Randle-Brunson is the duo we never knew we needed
Very well written Macri. You captured everything I was thinking and more importantly feeling after this game. As fun as it would’ve been to blow the Heat out by 20 this was a more impactful playoff prep exercise. If we make a playoff run it will be through a scratch and claw effort. Great reminder to play a full 48 minutes against playoff caliber teams (as you noted) and a learning opportunity hit your free throws early in big games so they don’t bite you in the end when things tighten up. l love this team and am fully onboard for whatever success or heartbreak is to follow.
Always appreciate your kind words my friend.
Great stuff, that Celtic choke didn’t do the Knicks any favors last night.
Great stuff was hoping you put one of these out . Amazing win and team something special brewing !
This team is special and I do believe! Sunday against Boston is gonna feel like playing with house money to me but win or lose I don’t see the team playing that way. Not giving up and playing for each other are key parts of what makes this team special!
As an aside, “while he bears some responsibility for the fallow periods” - fallow - what a beautiful word choice at 3 AM or whenever you got around to writing this. Good job Jon.
Thank you Peter, I was proud of that one :)
It's like Christmas morning...twice. First with Julius's shot and then reading this article when I woke up.
Thank you Brian!
Yes, yes I believe!!!
Def a playoff atmosphere, good test for us!
Does it get better than this, Jon?
Nope! I’m sold!!!