IT’S been a while since any major league team from the Big Apple had won a title, yet New York (NY) fans had stuck to their favorite teams.
We had been transplanted to this place and had observed the fanaticism. It would not be uncommon to see people displaying their NY loyalties on their shirts, sweats, and caps. During winter season we see scarves, mittens, and jackets with logos and in the colors of their teams.
The New York Knicks, compared to their crosstown rivals Brooklyn Nets, had for several years been disappointing and their fans had suffered much. It has been ages since Bill Bradley and Walt Frazier raised championship banners at the Madison Square Garden rafters in 1970 and 1973. Gone are the memorable Patrick Ewing era from 1985 to 2000 when he ruled the paint backed with notable stars like Mark Jackson, Doc Rivers, John Starks, Charles Oakley, Larry Johnson, Allan Houston, Marcus Camby, and Latrell Sprewell.
In the last 20 years, the Knicks had 11 head coaching changes, a league high. They changed their front office eight times, also a league high and haven’t been to the playoffs since 2013, the National Basketball Association’s third longest active dry spell behind the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns. Their last division title was in 2013 and their last conference title was in 1999.
They are now getting the wins – although not that much– and became more competitive. There’s a chance they’ll get to the playoffs for the first time in seven years, but it’s going to be a long, hard climb as they have one of the most difficult schedules after the All-Star break. At least now, you won’t get tempted to switch channels before the half. And yes, they found a way to play defense with Coach Tom Thibodeau.
As of this writing, the Knicks are 19-18, two games away from the 21-game overall total wins they had last season. They had eclipsed their five-year worst 2018-2019 seasons with a 17-65 win-loss record.
Fans are looking forward to their games, this writer included, because first-time All Star Julius Randle is playing like an All-Star. Rookie guard Immanuel Quickley is most of the time delightful and second year combo guard RJ Barrett had improved on his three-point shooting. Big men Mitchell Robinson, Nerlens Noel, and rookie Obi Toppin are doing well although Toppin is stuck behind Randle in the rotation. Kevin Knox looks lost as coach Thibs prefers using Reggie Bullock. Knox is a good stretch four and could use a change of scenery.
With former league Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose showing how backcourts should be done, things had gotten more organized. Young guards Quickley, Barrett, and Frank Ntilikina should learn from D-Rose. This could make Elfrid Payton and Austin Rivers expendable considering their ages.
Knicks fans are re-invigorated and the team is showing progress. And maybe, they’re hoping that the star-studded Nets will collapse to the weight of their combined egos.
I’m still a big Laker fan but because we’re in New York, I also cheer for the Knicks as my male co-workers – to avoid ridicule and teasing – are fans not only of the Knicks, but also of the Yankees, Mets, and Giants. At least now, the Knicks are kicking. Until when is anybody’s guess./PN
