Jonathan, as a Knicks fan since childhood, my earliest memory is celebrating a championship, which made me think supporting the Knickerbockers (were you aware that Marv Albert might have been the last to regularly use that name?) would always be this easy. However, we've certainly experienced more heartache than wins.
Discovering your newsletter was a real turning point for me. Finally, there was someone whose daily writing echoed my intense Knicks obsession. I appreciated your approach – not snarky or negative, but genuinely invested in every game's outcome, every trade, and every injury. So, thank you for that consistent voice and connection. I listened to all three hours + of your post-game show and honestly, I would have happily tuned in for a ten-hour marathon.
There were many impressive aspects to last night's game. Beyond the team's unwavering focus from start to finish, I was particularly struck by their serious demeanor after the final buzzer. There was no excessive celebrating or clowning around. From the moment the game ended through all the post-game interviews, their message was clear and consistent : they were satisfied with the win but understood there's still a long road ahead before any real celebration. The players truly mirrored their captain's attitude – pleased and thankful for the victory, but not acting as if they've achieved their ultimate goal.
That unified purpose, the constant talk about playing for each other, and the immediate shift to needing to review the game film were incredibly impressive. They put the win behind them instantly to concentrate on the task at hand, and we all know what that task is.
100%. We've come a long way since waiting for Warner Wolf to go to the videotape for a few grainy highlights, and/or listening to ESPN idiots make inane, uninformed comments.
Shocking!!!! How this series ended, I could have envisioned a 2 point win or loss. Although up by forty I was nervous for every basket Boston made. After all the Knicks came back from 20 twice. The Knicks really saved their best for last. Many have said throughout this playoff run “the Knicks have won without playing their best”. Well we saw their best tonight. And it was Shocking!!!!
Let me count my blessings... my high school sweetheart is my best friend (and I somehow convinced her to be my wife), I am a girl dad to now a 26 year old and 23 year old whom I adore (and whom adore me). I have two beautiful grandchildren. I met and hung out with John Starks, my childhood idol, at a meet and greet just a few weeks ago.
And, I have KFS. Jon won my heart with an article about the 90s Knicks a couple of years ago. If my wife came into the room now, she would see my crying, roll her eyes, and tell me it's a just a game and a team. And she's right. But this KFS family gets me and I get them. I feel connected to all of you, and Jon, well, brother, there are talented people, which you are. But, then, way beyond that, there are gifted people. You are HIM. Thank-you and thank-you KFS family. I am going to enjoy this one for a while.
It's been such a blessing, as a native New Yorker from Chelsea who moved away in 92 but retained my Knicks fandom, to be able to connect with other Knick fans of all ages, ethnicities, cultures, et cetera. It's really made this experience special.
My goodness Brian…I thought I was done with tears for this weekend. I don’t really know what to say to that other than thank you, and that I feel like the luckiest guy in the world. I get to do my dream job every day, and it never feels like work. Thank you for helping make it possible.
I was 12 the last time we clinched the ECF. Last night I watched the game with my 8 year old son and 6 year old daughter. I was nervously pacing like a mad man in the 3rd quarter and the Knicks were up by 35, and my son goes “Dad, can I walk with you?” He meant, “can I walk with you around the house like a lunatic, too?” I probably won’t forget it for the rest of my life
Congrats to Jon, KFS, long-time fans and our NY Knicks.
The energy in MSG was incredible from the opening tip and we witnessed a truly dominant Knicks performance on a surreal night.
The Knick came out ready for the moment bringing intensity on D and focus across the board with major contributions from all of Thibs’ trusted seven.
The crowd went absolutely bonkers in 2nd quarter watching Mitch smother Jaylen Brown in the corner and Deuce’s incredible chase down block of Derrick White. The domination had started with a 38-17 2nd quarter.
We saw a basketball game evolve into a garden party during 3rd quarter. The lead pushed over 40 and Brown would be serenaded off the court after quickly picking up fouls 4, 5 and 6.
The party pushed into 7th Ave with our 8 wins and more Knick basketball ahead.
Excited for a rematch with the Pacers in the ECF after this amazing rollercoaster ride through the Pistons and Celtics.
I was fortunate to be in the building last night and from the opening tip, the game just felt different. I often find myself expecting the other shoe to drop even when things are seemingly going well, but last night, early on, you could see the Celtics were overmatched. What a surreal experience.
The entire organization deserves kudos. I gave KAT grief after the last game, but he played with a controlled aggression on offense that if maintained, gives us a legitimate chance against anyone. The wingstop duo of OG and Mikal validated the offseason vision. Josh did all the things to compensate for the offensive flaws as he’s done so many times. Mitch turned the series. After looking lost in the first round, Deuce was tremendous. And with JB, we continue to have one of the best offensive weapons and closers in the game. Finally, shoutout to Thibs. Can we put to rest the notion that he’s merely a floor-raiser and incapable of leading a team to the promised land? We just beat the Celtics. If you’re a good enough coach to do that, you’re a good enough coach to win it all. To pull that off, any coach needs the talent, injury luck and maybe a lucky bounce or two along the way. Why not us? LGK
Some random observations from Section 118: Great crowd from the get-go, Defensive rotations that were beautiful to watch, intensity level off the charts, some ref foul calls that can make you question their integrity (particularly the “kick out” call on KAT while he was making a 3), pure joy, Deuce stepping up big time, and the sound when the Garden explodes. For this 55+ year Knicks fan, destroying the despised, arrogant and OVERRATED Celtics is almost as sweet as a title. It is important that they get the chip, because then maybe Brunson and KAT will finally get a good whistle. Just like Jon on the Pod, I also had tears of joy in my eyes when the karaoke “New York, New York” was cued up on the Big Screen in the 4th Quarter. Yes, there is crying in Basketball. Let’s Go Knicks!
Patrick Ewing was my idol. When I scored a whopping six points in an elementary school basketball game, he was the inspiration. Suddenly the Knicks are in the ECF and I feel like a kid again. It seems like Marbury and Starks are experiencing similar emotions watching this team.
I often wake up at 5 for work, and at my age, I just wake up at 5 all the fucking time. So it's nice to be able to read Jon's newsletter that early! What a nice young whippersnapper he is! And easy on the eyes too!
Jonathan, I can’t thank you and the KFS team enough for all that you do in bringing this community of Knicks fans together. Your Newsletter is a daily ritual with the morning coffee. As many have said before, you elevate the highs for us and help us get through the low points.
Your monologue during the post game last night was one for the ages!
I was 8 when the Knicks won the title in 1973 and will forever be grateful to my Dad for getting me out of bed to watch the 4th quarter of Game 5 on the west coast when the Knicks clinched. I remember him saying to my Mom “of course I got him up for this, you never know when it will happen again”. He was a prophet in that regard. Fast forward to last night and I’m watching the game with my 12 year old son and he is wearing his number 10 jersey, and all I could do was hope for him to have a “forever moment” …. And now hope for several more moments before this year is done.
I fully admit I was never “all in” on this team making a run. I now offer an open apology to my team for not believing we had a prayer of beating Boston.
Perhaps the highest compliment I can give you is I actually turned down Mike Breen many times during the broadcast so that I could hear your reactions in real time during the watch a long.
Thank you SO much for sharing this Vince. And yes, that is absolutely the best compliment I can imagine. Blessed to be a part of this team at KFS, and more generally, this community. We’re all nuts, but we’re nuts together.
Ah joyous collection of words there brother! 3 hours sleep, going out on piss in York and reading this has being the highlight of my morning! Some dope said to you last week they were on a hiding to nothing and boy never being so happy to be wrong. Great work Jon pal!
ORANGE AND BLUE SKIES !! Congrats to everyone on the Substack. As I said yesterday, WE deserve this. What a special night and special team. As I have done on every win this series - shout out to the coach! I have been particularly hard on him but last night was another masterpiece (2 highlights: going back to KAT after the first hack a Mitch last 3 mins of 1Q + the Timeout with 6-7 mins left in 2Q and a little C’s momentum. He drew up an amazing play for a Brunson drive). So proud of this team. So proud of this city. And shout out Mike Breen - he’s been through it all with us and came back to MSG year after year even when he made it big at ESPN. Was destiny for him to get the call last night. Now imagine him calling the Knicks in the finals !!
Appreciates the tears on the pod last night. I shed some also. 25 years in the making. We’ve suffered enough. Now it’s time to take down the HATED Pacers. I can’t wait to keep reading your writing of the 2024-25 Knicks. This story may only just be beginning !!
Game 7 vs Boston in 1973 has been my favorite Knicks victory my entire life. Boston had never lost a 7th game at home. Knicks won 92-73 on way to 2nd title. Red Holzman (who makes Thibs sound gregarious) told Phil Jackson (not the media) that 'today good triumphed over evil' .
Last night's win equals my feelings for that win 52 years ago. The Knicks absolutely destroyed Boston in a game that was decided before half time.
My very first Knicks memory is of my dad cursing at the TV. My first visual memory is of Phil Jackson bricking a shot for the post-Reed declining team. My first favorite Knick was Hawthorne Wingo, because he looked so graceful floating toward the basket for a lay-in. My first real fandom was during the Bernard King playoff run. My first memory of being in the Garden was at the game when King returned after his year plus mysterious knee rehab.
After that I phased out a bit, but when the Knicks got Mark Jackson and Oakley, I was back in. And I followed them all through the 90's as religiously as I could, even though I had moved to California. All through the near championship in 94, the heartbreaks in 95, 96, 97, Ewing's wrist injury in 98, the Camby and Sprewell refresh, and the heartbreak in 99 when Ewing got hurt against Indiana and the Knicks didn't have much of a chance against the Spurs.
By that time, Ewing was declining and was soon gone, and the wilderness ensued. So I learned all too well that you only get so many chances when great players are in their primes.
I remember perking up when the Knicks got Marbury. But I also remember being in a bar in LA, watching them lose in the playoffs to the Nets (2002 or 2003?), and thinking, "What the fuck is this bullshit? Where's the fucking defense?"
I think it was at that point that I became obsessed with the idea of what it took to build a great team. What are the components? How might they be assembled? How can one recognize a prospect in the draft? How might the right trades be made?
How can we build this again?
We've had so many fits and starts. I thought the Felton/Wilson Chandler/Gallinari/Amare team had real promise and I was kind of crushed by the Melo trade.
I also thought the Jeremy Lin / Iman Shumpert backcourt had real chemistry, even accounting for Lin coming back to earth. I was again crushed by the Lin letgo.
Since Rose and Thibs got here, you can see they have a real plan of how to build this and have not been perfect but have largely made the right moves. But it's been a long 4 years since 20-21 - the 21-22 dip, the elation of 22-23 even though they didn't quite make it past the Heat, and the injury disappointment of the loss to the Pacers in 23-24.
This time is fleeting and the chances are only so many. That's why losing iHart was kind of crushing. Going all in on Mikal and making that Randle for Kat trade was a big swing, and toward the end of the season it looked like it might be a miss. Would the Brunson years trickle away like the Ewing years had? Would I forever wonder about that KAT trade like I had about the Mark Jackson for Charles Smith trade so many years ago?
Thankfully, the crucible of the playoffs has allowed this team to find something. For Thibs, the stubborn coach who always favors hard work over trying something else, I think he finally found a defensive scheme that works for *these* players, rather than trying to fit these players into the scheme that worked for last years player. And all season, my experience with observing what works and what doesn't in the NBA told me Mitch was an essential piece to this team. Thank Leon the front office agreed with me.
OK. Phew. The Knicks finally showed me something last night that I've been waiting to see and wondering if I'd ever see. I think we're - finally - back in the state where we're giving ourselves a shot for the next few years. But we can't waste this opportunity. Who knows - it could be the best one we get.
It feels good, and it's so freaking awesome to have KFS and KFTV and P&T and thestrick.land and James Edwards III and Ian Begley and Fred Katz and Alan Hahn and all these guys providing coverage that's so extensive and intelligent and accessible.
Peter, this entire piece resonated with me greatly (and I should say, your presence in the Stack community has been so welcome), but the part that got me the most was how you really turned your attention to team-building when things got bad here. I was the same way. Bad Knicks teams just made me look harder at the good teams and how they got there. Leon 100% had a plan from the start, but I also think he’s done a nice job deviating when necessary. Kudos all around.
Thanks Jon! I'm glad that my presence is welcome - hope others here feel that way too! My life hasn't gone the way of being a full time writer or sports analyst but I have really enjoyed writing about the Knicks over the years and the vibe over here is really welcoming and thoughtful, win or lose. Apreciatecha!
Great post. Great win. Did you hear them on the broadcast almost imploring Thibs to get the starters out? Thank god nobody got hurt. He left them all in to the almost 5 minute mark. And Deuce was left in to the 2 minute mark. He might be a good coach in certain ways, however in my opinion he is way too much of a stubborn bastard.
He has gotten us this far, which is further than anybody else in a great number of years, but if someone had been heard in the last 10 minutes, we all would've been nauseous so I'm not disagreeing and I don't see the purpose to it but maybe he wanted to show total dominance or maybe you're right and I just don't want anything negative from last night to even think about
Jonathan, as a Knicks fan since childhood, my earliest memory is celebrating a championship, which made me think supporting the Knickerbockers (were you aware that Marv Albert might have been the last to regularly use that name?) would always be this easy. However, we've certainly experienced more heartache than wins.
Discovering your newsletter was a real turning point for me. Finally, there was someone whose daily writing echoed my intense Knicks obsession. I appreciated your approach – not snarky or negative, but genuinely invested in every game's outcome, every trade, and every injury. So, thank you for that consistent voice and connection. I listened to all three hours + of your post-game show and honestly, I would have happily tuned in for a ten-hour marathon.
There were many impressive aspects to last night's game. Beyond the team's unwavering focus from start to finish, I was particularly struck by their serious demeanor after the final buzzer. There was no excessive celebrating or clowning around. From the moment the game ended through all the post-game interviews, their message was clear and consistent : they were satisfied with the win but understood there's still a long road ahead before any real celebration. The players truly mirrored their captain's attitude – pleased and thankful for the victory, but not acting as if they've achieved their ultimate goal.
That unified purpose, the constant talk about playing for each other, and the immediate shift to needing to review the game film were incredibly impressive. They put the win behind them instantly to concentrate on the task at hand, and we all know what that task is.
100%. We've come a long way since waiting for Warner Wolf to go to the videotape for a few grainy highlights, and/or listening to ESPN idiots make inane, uninformed comments.
Loved Warner Wolf and his “you could have had the Boston Celtics and 37 points and you still lost”.
Yet puzzling that he always called shots “swish” even when they caught rim.
1) you don’t know how much this means to me. Thank you.
2) could not have put your words about the team any better myself.
Hear, Hear!
Shocking!!!! How this series ended, I could have envisioned a 2 point win or loss. Although up by forty I was nervous for every basket Boston made. After all the Knicks came back from 20 twice. The Knicks really saved their best for last. Many have said throughout this playoff run “the Knicks have won without playing their best”. Well we saw their best tonight. And it was Shocking!!!!
best is yet to come
Let me count my blessings... my high school sweetheart is my best friend (and I somehow convinced her to be my wife), I am a girl dad to now a 26 year old and 23 year old whom I adore (and whom adore me). I have two beautiful grandchildren. I met and hung out with John Starks, my childhood idol, at a meet and greet just a few weeks ago.
And, I have KFS. Jon won my heart with an article about the 90s Knicks a couple of years ago. If my wife came into the room now, she would see my crying, roll her eyes, and tell me it's a just a game and a team. And she's right. But this KFS family gets me and I get them. I feel connected to all of you, and Jon, well, brother, there are talented people, which you are. But, then, way beyond that, there are gifted people. You are HIM. Thank-you and thank-you KFS family. I am going to enjoy this one for a while.
It's been such a blessing, as a native New Yorker from Chelsea who moved away in 92 but retained my Knicks fandom, to be able to connect with other Knick fans of all ages, ethnicities, cultures, et cetera. It's really made this experience special.
Jon was born to do this, to be this.
Hamish, you’ve been such a loyal reader for so long. It is incredibly appreciated.
Brian, Knick bloodlines run deep.
Amen and agreed. :)
My goodness Brian…I thought I was done with tears for this weekend. I don’t really know what to say to that other than thank you, and that I feel like the luckiest guy in the world. I get to do my dream job every day, and it never feels like work. Thank you for helping make it possible.
I was 12 the last time we clinched the ECF. Last night I watched the game with my 8 year old son and 6 year old daughter. I was nervously pacing like a mad man in the 3rd quarter and the Knicks were up by 35, and my son goes “Dad, can I walk with you?” He meant, “can I walk with you around the house like a lunatic, too?” I probably won’t forget it for the rest of my life
You weren’t the only one pacing up 35 Lee.
Congrats to Jon, KFS, long-time fans and our NY Knicks.
The energy in MSG was incredible from the opening tip and we witnessed a truly dominant Knicks performance on a surreal night.
The Knick came out ready for the moment bringing intensity on D and focus across the board with major contributions from all of Thibs’ trusted seven.
The crowd went absolutely bonkers in 2nd quarter watching Mitch smother Jaylen Brown in the corner and Deuce’s incredible chase down block of Derrick White. The domination had started with a 38-17 2nd quarter.
We saw a basketball game evolve into a garden party during 3rd quarter. The lead pushed over 40 and Brown would be serenaded off the court after quickly picking up fouls 4, 5 and 6.
The party pushed into 7th Ave with our 8 wins and more Knick basketball ahead.
Excited for a rematch with the Pacers in the ECF after this amazing rollercoaster ride through the Pistons and Celtics.
Go NY, Go NY, Go
🏀🏀🏀
I was fortunate to be in the building last night and from the opening tip, the game just felt different. I often find myself expecting the other shoe to drop even when things are seemingly going well, but last night, early on, you could see the Celtics were overmatched. What a surreal experience.
The entire organization deserves kudos. I gave KAT grief after the last game, but he played with a controlled aggression on offense that if maintained, gives us a legitimate chance against anyone. The wingstop duo of OG and Mikal validated the offseason vision. Josh did all the things to compensate for the offensive flaws as he’s done so many times. Mitch turned the series. After looking lost in the first round, Deuce was tremendous. And with JB, we continue to have one of the best offensive weapons and closers in the game. Finally, shoutout to Thibs. Can we put to rest the notion that he’s merely a floor-raiser and incapable of leading a team to the promised land? We just beat the Celtics. If you’re a good enough coach to do that, you’re a good enough coach to win it all. To pull that off, any coach needs the talent, injury luck and maybe a lucky bounce or two along the way. Why not us? LGK
Would be cool if Thibs gets some flowers for all this, although his greatest challenge might be ahead of him in this series.
Some random observations from Section 118: Great crowd from the get-go, Defensive rotations that were beautiful to watch, intensity level off the charts, some ref foul calls that can make you question their integrity (particularly the “kick out” call on KAT while he was making a 3), pure joy, Deuce stepping up big time, and the sound when the Garden explodes. For this 55+ year Knicks fan, destroying the despised, arrogant and OVERRATED Celtics is almost as sweet as a title. It is important that they get the chip, because then maybe Brunson and KAT will finally get a good whistle. Just like Jon on the Pod, I also had tears of joy in my eyes when the karaoke “New York, New York” was cued up on the Big Screen in the 4th Quarter. Yes, there is crying in Basketball. Let’s Go Knicks!
Can't imagine the MSG crowd against the Pacers
Just watch the clip of Larry Johnson’s 4 point play in ‘99, and that will show you what it will be like.
they showed in the LJ intro last night and I still remember Chris Childs running over to remind LJ he need to hit the FT
OMG I was convinced that KAT kick out foul was going to come back to bite us.
Patrick Ewing was my idol. When I scored a whopping six points in an elementary school basketball game, he was the inspiration. Suddenly the Knicks are in the ECF and I feel like a kid again. It seems like Marbury and Starks are experiencing similar emotions watching this team.
I love the whole Marbury redemption arc.
Sent at 4:32. That is early for you but I guess you couldn’t wait to send it just like I couldn’t wait to read it.
Nicely done.
I often wake up at 5 for work, and at my age, I just wake up at 5 all the fucking time. So it's nice to be able to read Jon's newsletter that early! What a nice young whippersnapper he is! And easy on the eyes too!
Ha…I wish I still had some whipersnapper in me. I feel more like Indiana Jones’ whip…old and weathered, but still useful from time to time.
Jonathan, I can’t thank you and the KFS team enough for all that you do in bringing this community of Knicks fans together. Your Newsletter is a daily ritual with the morning coffee. As many have said before, you elevate the highs for us and help us get through the low points.
Your monologue during the post game last night was one for the ages!
I was 8 when the Knicks won the title in 1973 and will forever be grateful to my Dad for getting me out of bed to watch the 4th quarter of Game 5 on the west coast when the Knicks clinched. I remember him saying to my Mom “of course I got him up for this, you never know when it will happen again”. He was a prophet in that regard. Fast forward to last night and I’m watching the game with my 12 year old son and he is wearing his number 10 jersey, and all I could do was hope for him to have a “forever moment” …. And now hope for several more moments before this year is done.
I fully admit I was never “all in” on this team making a run. I now offer an open apology to my team for not believing we had a prayer of beating Boston.
Perhaps the highest compliment I can give you is I actually turned down Mike Breen many times during the broadcast so that I could hear your reactions in real time during the watch a long.
Thank you again KFS and LFG!!!!!
Thank you SO much for sharing this Vince. And yes, that is absolutely the best compliment I can imagine. Blessed to be a part of this team at KFS, and more generally, this community. We’re all nuts, but we’re nuts together.
Ah joyous collection of words there brother! 3 hours sleep, going out on piss in York and reading this has being the highlight of my morning! Some dope said to you last week they were on a hiding to nothing and boy never being so happy to be wrong. Great work Jon pal!
Thank you Chris!
ORANGE AND BLUE SKIES !! Congrats to everyone on the Substack. As I said yesterday, WE deserve this. What a special night and special team. As I have done on every win this series - shout out to the coach! I have been particularly hard on him but last night was another masterpiece (2 highlights: going back to KAT after the first hack a Mitch last 3 mins of 1Q + the Timeout with 6-7 mins left in 2Q and a little C’s momentum. He drew up an amazing play for a Brunson drive). So proud of this team. So proud of this city. And shout out Mike Breen - he’s been through it all with us and came back to MSG year after year even when he made it big at ESPN. Was destiny for him to get the call last night. Now imagine him calling the Knicks in the finals !!
Appreciates the tears on the pod last night. I shed some also. 25 years in the making. We’ve suffered enough. Now it’s time to take down the HATED Pacers. I can’t wait to keep reading your writing of the 2024-25 Knicks. This story may only just be beginning !!
I hope there’s a few more chapters left to go! And great call on the play call for that Brunson drive. Was huge in the moment.
Jon- you summed it up perfectly.
Game 7 vs Boston in 1973 has been my favorite Knicks victory my entire life. Boston had never lost a 7th game at home. Knicks won 92-73 on way to 2nd title. Red Holzman (who makes Thibs sound gregarious) told Phil Jackson (not the media) that 'today good triumphed over evil' .
Last night's win equals my feelings for that win 52 years ago. The Knicks absolutely destroyed Boston in a game that was decided before half time.
That's why we kept watching for decades.
Amazing stuff Tim. Been a long time coming, that’s for sure.
I was 13... That is the last time I have felt this... My entire adult life... LETS FUCKING GO KNICKS!!!
My very first Knicks memory is of my dad cursing at the TV. My first visual memory is of Phil Jackson bricking a shot for the post-Reed declining team. My first favorite Knick was Hawthorne Wingo, because he looked so graceful floating toward the basket for a lay-in. My first real fandom was during the Bernard King playoff run. My first memory of being in the Garden was at the game when King returned after his year plus mysterious knee rehab.
After that I phased out a bit, but when the Knicks got Mark Jackson and Oakley, I was back in. And I followed them all through the 90's as religiously as I could, even though I had moved to California. All through the near championship in 94, the heartbreaks in 95, 96, 97, Ewing's wrist injury in 98, the Camby and Sprewell refresh, and the heartbreak in 99 when Ewing got hurt against Indiana and the Knicks didn't have much of a chance against the Spurs.
By that time, Ewing was declining and was soon gone, and the wilderness ensued. So I learned all too well that you only get so many chances when great players are in their primes.
I remember perking up when the Knicks got Marbury. But I also remember being in a bar in LA, watching them lose in the playoffs to the Nets (2002 or 2003?), and thinking, "What the fuck is this bullshit? Where's the fucking defense?"
I think it was at that point that I became obsessed with the idea of what it took to build a great team. What are the components? How might they be assembled? How can one recognize a prospect in the draft? How might the right trades be made?
How can we build this again?
We've had so many fits and starts. I thought the Felton/Wilson Chandler/Gallinari/Amare team had real promise and I was kind of crushed by the Melo trade.
I also thought the Jeremy Lin / Iman Shumpert backcourt had real chemistry, even accounting for Lin coming back to earth. I was again crushed by the Lin letgo.
Since Rose and Thibs got here, you can see they have a real plan of how to build this and have not been perfect but have largely made the right moves. But it's been a long 4 years since 20-21 - the 21-22 dip, the elation of 22-23 even though they didn't quite make it past the Heat, and the injury disappointment of the loss to the Pacers in 23-24.
This time is fleeting and the chances are only so many. That's why losing iHart was kind of crushing. Going all in on Mikal and making that Randle for Kat trade was a big swing, and toward the end of the season it looked like it might be a miss. Would the Brunson years trickle away like the Ewing years had? Would I forever wonder about that KAT trade like I had about the Mark Jackson for Charles Smith trade so many years ago?
Thankfully, the crucible of the playoffs has allowed this team to find something. For Thibs, the stubborn coach who always favors hard work over trying something else, I think he finally found a defensive scheme that works for *these* players, rather than trying to fit these players into the scheme that worked for last years player. And all season, my experience with observing what works and what doesn't in the NBA told me Mitch was an essential piece to this team. Thank Leon the front office agreed with me.
OK. Phew. The Knicks finally showed me something last night that I've been waiting to see and wondering if I'd ever see. I think we're - finally - back in the state where we're giving ourselves a shot for the next few years. But we can't waste this opportunity. Who knows - it could be the best one we get.
It feels good, and it's so freaking awesome to have KFS and KFTV and P&T and thestrick.land and James Edwards III and Ian Begley and Fred Katz and Alan Hahn and all these guys providing coverage that's so extensive and intelligent and accessible.
Savor this, Knick fans! Beat those Indianas!
Peter, this entire piece resonated with me greatly (and I should say, your presence in the Stack community has been so welcome), but the part that got me the most was how you really turned your attention to team-building when things got bad here. I was the same way. Bad Knicks teams just made me look harder at the good teams and how they got there. Leon 100% had a plan from the start, but I also think he’s done a nice job deviating when necessary. Kudos all around.
Thanks Jon! I'm glad that my presence is welcome - hope others here feel that way too! My life hasn't gone the way of being a full time writer or sports analyst but I have really enjoyed writing about the Knicks over the years and the vibe over here is really welcoming and thoughtful, win or lose. Apreciatecha!
The next step for KFS is to give fans like yourself a platform to write in a format that's easier for fans everywhere to see. Stay tuned.
Well said
Great post. Great win. Did you hear them on the broadcast almost imploring Thibs to get the starters out? Thank god nobody got hurt. He left them all in to the almost 5 minute mark. And Deuce was left in to the 2 minute mark. He might be a good coach in certain ways, however in my opinion he is way too much of a stubborn bastard.
He has gotten us this far, which is further than anybody else in a great number of years, but if someone had been heard in the last 10 minutes, we all would've been nauseous so I'm not disagreeing and I don't see the purpose to it but maybe he wanted to show total dominance or maybe you're right and I just don't want anything negative from last night to even think about
He can be stubborn.
You think? :). Or as they say stubborn to a tee.
Hurt not heard
I understood :)