Knicks: Five Reasons New York Will Make The Playoffs

5. Hunger & Desperation

This may not show up in any box scores or advanced analytics, but you can’t count a team out that won’t quit. Teams that grind out every possession tend to wear down their opponents and thus put themselves in a position to win.

Even if the New York Knicks don’t play a grind-it-out style, there’s a starvation amongst the players on the roster for team success.

Carmelo Anthony, Joakim Noah, and Derrick Rose have all made it to the Conference Finals. None have been able to make it back, however, and now bring that hunger together to form a trio of high-caliber players on a mission.

Courtney Lee made it to the NBA Finals, but never won a championship, which gives New York four starters with a chip on their shoulders.

Brandon Jennings is out to prove he still belongs in the NBA after an up-and-down 2015-16 campaign. Kristaps Porzingis is out to prove he’s not a fluke and Lance Thomas is looking to reward the Knicks for being the first team to give him a real chance.

The Knicks are hungry, desperate, and talented—a recipe for success in any sport.

Next: The Coach