As the regular season has ended, fans across the country and New Hyde Park are tuning into this year’s NBA playoffs. After over a month of rigorous and exciting playoff games, the final matchup is set with New York’s very own Knicks versus the San Antonio Spurs led by defensive player of the year Victor Wembanyama. This is the first finals for the Knicks this century as well as a possibility of New York’s first ring in over 50 years.
This year’s eastern conference had an amazing first round. Every series, besides the Knicks, went down to the wire in game 7s. In the eastern conference semifinals, the Cleveland Cavaliers crushed the Detroit Pistons in Game 7, placing them in the conference finals against the Knicks, who came off a strong 4-0 sweep against Philadelphia in their semifinals series. Using this momentum, the Knicks would go on to also sweep the Cavaliers.
The western conference was just as exciting with the finals containing a matchup of Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP of the league, versus what some would call the future of the entire NBA, Victor Wembanyama. Social media portrayed the series as one heavily dictated by the referees and their decision making, stating that calls normally favor Oklahoma. In game 7, Victor Wembanyama proved why he is widely seen as one of the best players of the league, leading his team to victory.
“It’s really crazy how chaotic these playoffs were. The Spurs and OKC matchup was one of my favorites so far, especially with people even tracking who’s reffing before the game. This year’s final matchup is going to be just like 1999 with Ewing and Robinson turning into KAT and Wemby,” freshman Darren Cho said.
The Spurs against the Knicks in the finals has been building up for a while. This is a rematch of the 1999 finals, as well as a rematch of this year’s NBA Cup where the Knicks prevailed. There was also much tension between both sides last year. This became evident when Wembanyama threw the ball into the stands at the end of the game—the same ball with which Jalen Brunson recorded a career high 61 points. Even with the Knicks’ dominant playoff run, the Spurs have been the betting favorites in the series thanks to the win over the Thunder, who had the best record in the league.
“I have never really had an interest in basketball, but seeing the Knicks make the finals when the last time I’ve seen it was in 9th grade. I believe the Knicks will win the finals and make New York proud,” art teacher Mrs. Livoti said.
The story of the New York Knicks is not just a huge story within New York but a huge story across the NBA. After a rocky start against the Atlanta Hawks in round one, with fans questioning the very core of the team, the Knicks subsequently went on to win 13 games in a row and set an NBA record of having over a 272 plus point differential in the playoffs. The Knicks have come back from 20 point deficits and when it really matters in series clinching games, the Knicks won by an average of 39.3 points. This was also a conscious team effort with coach Mike Brown getting the entire team involved. Laundry Shamet, who struggled to find a roster spot this season, has been a crucial pillar of this playoff team by constantly making clutch three pointers and contributing significant performances. To no surprise, the captain of New York has not shied away from any spotlight. Jalen Brunson had tremendous fourth quarters whenever the game was close and ultimately carried his team towards success. Unfortunately, the historic 13 game win streak came to end when the Knicks lost 115-111 at their home stadium, Madison Square Garden.
“This playoff run really showed how much of a team the Knicks are. Laundry Shamet, a role player, was draining game tying threes while you have Josh Hart giving his life for a loose ball. It really shows the identity of New York,” freshman Joshua Varghese said.
“Jalen Brunson is what you think of when you think of New York. He really shows what it means to be a Knick,” seventh grader Zachary Silver said.
