The Never-Say-Die New York Knicks

“Down to twelve seconds. Brunson holding. Knicks trying to wait until the end. Brunson puts up a three…BANG! BANG! JALEN BRUNSON HITS THE THREE! WITH 4.3 REMAINING!”

An iconic call from legendary Knicks broadcaster, Mike Breen, as Jalen Brunson drills a crossover three-pointer to cap off a 40-point performance in Game 6 to propel the Knicks past the Pistons in the first round. The NBA’s 2024-2025 Clutch Player of the Year recipient was once again at his best when his best was needed.

The Knicks survived a 6-game slugfest against the Detroit Pistons in round one. Detroit, led by young star Cade Cunningham and complimentary players Jalen Duran, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Shroader, proved to be quite the test for the Knicks. Their game plan was simple: raise the level of physicality and force your opponent to match it. Each game was a back-and-forth war of attrition that tested the depth and durability of each roster. In fact, the final four games of the series were decided by three points or fewer. Although depth is not one of the Knicks’ strengths, the physical conditioning and durability of each starter has been unmatched. 

Game one of the Eastern Conference semifinals was nothing short of a rollercoaster as well. Midway the third-quarter, the Knicks were down by 20 points and looked dead in the water. A couple of quick threes from OG Anunoby provided a slimmer of hope. Enhanced defensive intensity, a plethora of missed threes by Boston, and timely baskets by New York’s role players continually inched them closer. Then, when the Knicks needed him most, Jalen Brunson knocked down a flurry of three-pointers to give his team the lead with four minutes remaining in regulation. Unbelievable. With their backs flat on the mat, the Knicks went on a 31-11 run to steal the lead from the Celtics. The last few minutes of regulation went back and forth, ultimately leading to an overtime period. 

Overtime belonged to Mikal Bridges. The 8th year wing out of Villanova hit a huge go-ahead corner three and made two king-sized defensive plays to seal the win. Bridges, who many thought the Knicks wildly overpaid for in an offseason trade, proved his value in game one. And oh yeah, he also played 51 minutes.

Even though Boston will still be rightfully favored to win the series, the Knicks inserted themselves into the conversation with their efforts on Monday night. Obviously, the majority of the weight will be on superstar Jalen Brunson. However, they will need Karl-Anthony Towns to step it up if they want to win four games. The versatile big man averaged over 24 points and 12 rebounds during the regular season, but has yet to be much of a factor in the first seven games of the postseason. With Kristaps Porzingis’ health in question heading into game two, KAT needs to take advantage of an opportunity to dominate. The Boston Celtics certainly have a more talented roster from top to bottom, but only a fool would count out the never-say-die New York Knicks.