I wanted 50 wins. I'm proud of this team for going for it just like they have all season. It's awesome and an incredible accomplishment that even after everything that happened this year, we earned the 2 seed.
I know Philly and Miami may not be the most favorable first round matchups, but the Pistons, Wizards, and Hornets aren't walking through that door anymore. It's the playoffs. Everyone on the bracket is a good team. The Knicks (rightfully) have aspirations of making a deep playoff run. That involves beating good teams. And we're a good team. I'm not overlooking anyone, but I believe we can beat anyone.
I’m honestly kinda disgusted with Cleveland. It makes sense what they did, but the brazenness of it was just jarring. This is a team that has zero goals beyond “please let’s win a round so it looks like we’re making progress”. It’s so transparent.
"What? Throw a game? You want US to throw a GAME? This team is a walking keg of dynamite right now with all fuses lit and you want them to go out with a poof on the greatest stage in the League? GTFOH! Maybe you forgot where half this team is from. Maybe you forgot they are from Philly and want nothing more than to return there and show them who they are now!" I know this because after the game three of them immediately got together to discuss if the Bucks had lost, and when the word was yes, they looked very happy! Philly, in fact, was watching the Knicks game closely, and there was no joy when the Knicks won it. Bucks or Knicks, either way, the Sixers know they are up against it if they survive Miami.
Replying to myself yes.. I’m going to change it even if I didn’t love the deadline deal for Bogey and Burks. Rose and Wes huge part of this turnaround even if I don’t like their media policy and some draft misses/roster moves.
Personally, I understand and greatly appreciate Thibs' commitment to winning--regardless of the consequences-- then taking on the next hurdle and committing to winning again--whatever might lie ahead. Play your best, do your best, be your best.
It says it all that I woke up this morning and instinctively looked for the newsletter I knew wasn't coming until 10 am ET.
Jon, the season is far from over, but THANK YOU for making something so many of us look to for fellowship, solace and joy. I don't read many other NBA newsletters AND know this is the very best - hands down and without question.
Well I’ve had thoughts about finishing my MA but I have been vacillating. I don’t look forward to the hours and the writing with the mundane, mind numbing assignments. I will however write something to you J Mac, the least I can do with all the words you have and continue to write.
The epitome of fandom mixed with smarts, passion and brains, the epitome of hard work; wearing many different hats, juggling what life throws at you and finding time to breath and write about the Knicks.
I think of my brother who’s a principal in NYC, three kids, an over priced house on Long Island, a demanding wife and always view you as somewhat of a parallel to him; you being a teacher, new father, having lived on the Island and moving etc. I couldn’t imagine my brother writing about the Knicks cause of these life demands and constraints. I don’t know how you do it and excel.
It’s funny waxing poetic to someone you don’t even know & Im not a big social media or twitter guy or whatever. I just love the Knicks and want to let you know we all appreciate your work, commitment and continued growth the last few years that serve us Knick fans. Great season by you. Again, I don’t know how you do it but thank you.
I really appreciate that you took the time to write this Arel. It's funny...yes, I have a wife and 2 kids (which is FAR, far more manageable than 2, IMHO), a mortgage (although in Brooklyn now, thankfully, because if I was in LI I'd want to kill myself) and a full time job to balance on top of KFS, but the extra work is countered 10-fold by the fact that it brings me incredible pride and joy to be able to do this. If I didn't have KFS, frankly, I'd be miserable. And that's no shade on my wife and daughters, whom I adore and who make me happy, but I need something else to drive me besides just being a good dad and husband. Always have. In any case, good luck on your decision to finish your MA. I'm sure whatever you decide will be the right call.
I, like many, had the thought looking at the scoreboard, “Now that fourth is impossible, maybe we should relax this fourth quarter.” Get the Pacers and still avoid the Celtics.
But watching how hard BOTH teams played yesterday, I’m ashamed for having said thought. And even more than that, I’m absolutely disgusted with all the teams that didn’t show up yesterday, across both conferences. It’s way worse than tanking for a draft pick in my mind (tho that sucks, too), and the NBA needs to do something about it.
I’m optimistic we can beat either first round opponent, and I’m proud to root for a team that always plays hard until the final buzzer.
I was at the game, and briefly, after the Cleveland result, I found myself thinking that maybe it’s no big deal if the Knicks lose. But then seeing how much they were scrapping, I thought, ‘this is our team - it’s how they’re wired’ and I was fully invested. The reality is the conference is tough and all potential first-round opponents would present different challenges. The Pacers are a handful offensively, the Magic with Suggs and Isaac could give Brunson fits, the Cavs would have the revenge angle. Nothing is easy or guaranteed so let’s get after it.
On another note, the Bulls are scrappy. Assuming they beat the Hawks, I wouldn’t be crazy about playing them in a single-elimination game, which is what the Sixers or Heat could face.
My son and I do a shot after every W (he's a teen, so its usually apple juice, although he went 1/2 fireball this time :). This is a kid who was sporting a Stoudemire jersey at age 2, and bleeds orange & blue, despite never having lived in NY like his dad. Yesterday we toasted to 50 wins, the 2 seed and our 1A. Magical season for this fucking team and we're just getting started.
Thanks for helping to make this season a magical, mystery tour. And, there's more thrills and chills yet to come. The Knicks are a first love, embedded deep in the heart. Both joy and pain. This is joy.
Thank you for all the newsletters covering this fantastic season. As mentioned before, I would be excited to buy a book about this season if you decide to write one. There are so many story arcs and the playoffs haven't even started yet.
I love this team. I admit, I wavered in the game when I realized losing meant the Pacers and winning meant the Heat or Sixers. I'm so proud of these stubborn bastards for winning anyway. I think we're getting the Heat in round 1 and I look forward to exorcising those demons.
I wasn't inferring they didn't beat anyone good. I just had to check why everyone was so excited about the 8 game winning streak. I just wasn't all that impressed. Just as I'm not impressed when many don't give the Knicks a chance against Miami or Philly.
"You play to win the game."
I wanted 50 wins. I'm proud of this team for going for it just like they have all season. It's awesome and an incredible accomplishment that even after everything that happened this year, we earned the 2 seed.
I know Philly and Miami may not be the most favorable first round matchups, but the Pistons, Wizards, and Hornets aren't walking through that door anymore. It's the playoffs. Everyone on the bracket is a good team. The Knicks (rightfully) have aspirations of making a deep playoff run. That involves beating good teams. And we're a good team. I'm not overlooking anyone, but I believe we can beat anyone.
Thanks Jon for another great season with terrific writing throughout.
Let's go win some playoff games.
Thank you Patrick!
I’m honestly kinda disgusted with Cleveland. It makes sense what they did, but the brazenness of it was just jarring. This is a team that has zero goals beyond “please let’s win a round so it looks like we’re making progress”. It’s so transparent.
I don't think Cavs management and Donovan are on the same page.
It would be extremely funny if Orlando punched them in the proverbial mouth like the Knicks did last year.
We'll all be rooting for it, I'm sure
I would have paid a large sum of money to be in a room where Leon or World Wide Wes sat Thibs down and brought up throwing the game yesterday.
"What? Throw a game? You want US to throw a GAME? This team is a walking keg of dynamite right now with all fuses lit and you want them to go out with a poof on the greatest stage in the League? GTFOH! Maybe you forgot where half this team is from. Maybe you forgot they are from Philly and want nothing more than to return there and show them who they are now!" I know this because after the game three of them immediately got together to discuss if the Bucks had lost, and when the word was yes, they looked very happy! Philly, in fact, was watching the Knicks game closely, and there was no joy when the Knicks won it. Bucks or Knicks, either way, the Sixers know they are up against it if they survive Miami.
Funny we have the same profile pic…
Replying to myself yes.. I’m going to change it even if I didn’t love the deadline deal for Bogey and Burks. Rose and Wes huge part of this turnaround even if I don’t like their media policy and some draft misses/roster moves.
Personally, I understand and greatly appreciate Thibs' commitment to winning--regardless of the consequences-- then taking on the next hurdle and committing to winning again--whatever might lie ahead. Play your best, do your best, be your best.
It says it all that I woke up this morning and instinctively looked for the newsletter I knew wasn't coming until 10 am ET.
Jon, the season is far from over, but THANK YOU for making something so many of us look to for fellowship, solace and joy. I don't read many other NBA newsletters AND know this is the very best - hands down and without question.
Amen.
Thank YOU Bobby for always being such an incredible member of this community. It's an honor to have you be a part of it, really.
You stating you’re not Pete Nance sounds exactly like something Pete Nance would say
Touché.
Well I’ve had thoughts about finishing my MA but I have been vacillating. I don’t look forward to the hours and the writing with the mundane, mind numbing assignments. I will however write something to you J Mac, the least I can do with all the words you have and continue to write.
The epitome of fandom mixed with smarts, passion and brains, the epitome of hard work; wearing many different hats, juggling what life throws at you and finding time to breath and write about the Knicks.
I think of my brother who’s a principal in NYC, three kids, an over priced house on Long Island, a demanding wife and always view you as somewhat of a parallel to him; you being a teacher, new father, having lived on the Island and moving etc. I couldn’t imagine my brother writing about the Knicks cause of these life demands and constraints. I don’t know how you do it and excel.
It’s funny waxing poetic to someone you don’t even know & Im not a big social media or twitter guy or whatever. I just love the Knicks and want to let you know we all appreciate your work, commitment and continued growth the last few years that serve us Knick fans. Great season by you. Again, I don’t know how you do it but thank you.
Thank you very much.
Go Knicks 🙏
I really appreciate that you took the time to write this Arel. It's funny...yes, I have a wife and 2 kids (which is FAR, far more manageable than 2, IMHO), a mortgage (although in Brooklyn now, thankfully, because if I was in LI I'd want to kill myself) and a full time job to balance on top of KFS, but the extra work is countered 10-fold by the fact that it brings me incredible pride and joy to be able to do this. If I didn't have KFS, frankly, I'd be miserable. And that's no shade on my wife and daughters, whom I adore and who make me happy, but I need something else to drive me besides just being a good dad and husband. Always have. In any case, good luck on your decision to finish your MA. I'm sure whatever you decide will be the right call.
I, like many, had the thought looking at the scoreboard, “Now that fourth is impossible, maybe we should relax this fourth quarter.” Get the Pacers and still avoid the Celtics.
But watching how hard BOTH teams played yesterday, I’m ashamed for having said thought. And even more than that, I’m absolutely disgusted with all the teams that didn’t show up yesterday, across both conferences. It’s way worse than tanking for a draft pick in my mind (tho that sucks, too), and the NBA needs to do something about it.
I’m optimistic we can beat either first round opponent, and I’m proud to root for a team that always plays hard until the final buzzer.
I was at the game, and briefly, after the Cleveland result, I found myself thinking that maybe it’s no big deal if the Knicks lose. But then seeing how much they were scrapping, I thought, ‘this is our team - it’s how they’re wired’ and I was fully invested. The reality is the conference is tough and all potential first-round opponents would present different challenges. The Pacers are a handful offensively, the Magic with Suggs and Isaac could give Brunson fits, the Cavs would have the revenge angle. Nothing is easy or guaranteed so let’s get after it.
On another note, the Bulls are scrappy. Assuming they beat the Hawks, I wouldn’t be crazy about playing them in a single-elimination game, which is what the Sixers or Heat could face.
My son and I do a shot after every W (he's a teen, so its usually apple juice, although he went 1/2 fireball this time :). This is a kid who was sporting a Stoudemire jersey at age 2, and bleeds orange & blue, despite never having lived in NY like his dad. Yesterday we toasted to 50 wins, the 2 seed and our 1A. Magical season for this fucking team and we're just getting started.
I think 1/2 fireball is MORE than OK
Thanks for helping to make this season a magical, mystery tour. And, there's more thrills and chills yet to come. The Knicks are a first love, embedded deep in the heart. Both joy and pain. This is joy.
And we know from experience to cherish the joyous times when they are here, because they can be fleeting.
You're also incredibly welcome.
Thank you for all the newsletters covering this fantastic season. As mentioned before, I would be excited to buy a book about this season if you decide to write one. There are so many story arcs and the playoffs haven't even started yet.
You're welcome Andrew, and thank you for all of your insightful comments throughout the year. Might just have to get around to writing that book... ;)
On Brunson:
"The impossible became possible, the improbable became likely, and the old norms became a distant memory." -JMac
THIS LINE GAVE ME AN INSTANT WOODY! I TURNED MAMA OVER, AND GAVE HER THE HIGH HARD ONE! EVERYONE IS HAPPY HERE TODAY! 😄
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I love this team. I admit, I wavered in the game when I realized losing meant the Pacers and winning meant the Heat or Sixers. I'm so proud of these stubborn bastards for winning anyway. I think we're getting the Heat in round 1 and I look forward to exorcising those demons.
I wasn't inferring they didn't beat anyone good. I just had to check why everyone was so excited about the 8 game winning streak. I just wasn't all that impressed. Just as I'm not impressed when many don't give the Knicks a chance against Miami or Philly.