The New York Knicks have reached the Eastern Conference finals for the second time this century, marking a significant milestone in the franchise’s history. This success comes 23 years after their most recent appearance on this stage during the 1999-2000 campaign. Along the way, they came within four wins of the NBA Finals in 2007. Those were three close calls for the Knicks in 2013, 2023 and 2024. Now, bolstered by new leadership and some significant players on their side, they are looking primed to make a deeper playoff run.
Aside from all that firing and hiring, Jalen Brunson has been the real reason the Knicks have gotten this good this season. Signed in the last summer’s free agency class, Brunson instantly emerged as a fundamental piece of the team’s success. No one has led the way for Brunson’s maturation like head coach Tom Thibodeau. Thibodeau, who was an assistant coach for the Knicks from 1996 to 2003, gives them the experience to go with their talent. Their personal bond has been key in helping each other through the rigors of playoff hockey. That collaboration built a competitive six or seven game series against the Indiana Pacers earlier in 2023.
Family Legacy on the Sidelines
The Brunson family’s ties to the Knicks extend beyond Jalen’s contributions on the court. As it happens, his father, Rick Brunson, has been an assistant coach for the New York Knicks since the 2022-23 season. Rick Brunson has an interesting and significant history with the franchise. He never played in a third game against Indiana during his NBA playing career. This familial connection delivers a one-of-a-kind vibe to the team’s playoff run. It casts a shadow of legacy that flows mightily from father to son.
As the team faces off in the Eastern Conference finals, Rick Brunson’s presence on the sidelines will likely provide valuable insights and support for Jalen and the rest of the players. This unique blend of coaching experience and family connection will provide The Garden’s home team with a competitive advantage as they continue to work toward greatness.
A Look Back at Past Playoff Runs
Today, the Knicks’ estrus playoff run is a strong increase reminder of what they’ve accomplished and what they’ve lost. Yet the franchise has faced steep odds through the decades. They just kept coming up short from advancing out of the second round to the potential Conference finals – and doing so narrowly. Their last deep playoff run was 2000. They missed out on playing for the title by only four wins.
Though they did not pass it three times in recent years — most closely in 2013, 2023, and now 2024. Each meeting has shaped the club and community. More than anything, it’s ignited their thirst to restore their place among the NBA’s elite. The jubilation over this year’s playoff run gives reason for optimism about the franchise. To be fair to them, of course, they’ve been through the ringer.
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