The New York Knicks have been making headlines lately, especially after their recent playoff game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In game three of the first-round series, the Knicks rode their lockdown defense to a 99-79 victory, which allowed them to retake the series lead (New York Post). The Cavaliers’ All-Star guard Darius Garland had a rough night, thanks to the Knicks’ stymieing defense, which made it nearly impossible for him to make a significant impact on the game (New York Post).
Despite the tough defense, Knicks’ rookie Quentin Grimes left the game early with a bruised shoulder, bringing uncertainty for his future playoff games (New York Post). However, RJ Barrett was not fazed by any potential setbacks, as he broke a shooting slump and scored 19 points in game three, helping the Knicks edge closer to the playoffs’ second round (New York Post).
Leading up to game three, Donovan Mitchell had a tough decision to make: should he play his heart out and potentially become the hometown hero of his New York friends or stay true to his Utah Jazz roots? (New York Post) Ultimately, Mitchell chose to stay loyal to his team, but the Knicks would undoubtedly have welcomed him onto their roster with open arms after seeing his skill on the court.
After years of disappointment, Madison Square Garden was roaring with excitement as the Knicks gave fans an electric performance in front of a sold-out crowd (New York Post). Even Jalen Brunson, a seasoned NBA player, was in awe of the Garden’s atmosphere, where wearing a Knicks jersey felt significant (New York Post). With that kind of home-court advantage, it is no surprise that SportsLine’s computer model predicted the Knicks would win their third game in a row against the Cavaliers (CBS Sports).
The Knicks are well on their way to potentially winning their first NBA championship since 1973. With a passionate fan base and talented players, New York City is buzzing about the team’s prospects. However, there are still many games left to play, and anything can happen in the playoffs. Fans will have to continue watching and cheering on their beloved Knicks as they try to make history.
