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New York Knicks: Five games to look forward to in 2017-18

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 07: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks and Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks fight for position at Madison Square Garden on December 7, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 07: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks and Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks fight for position at Madison Square Garden on December 7, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 13: Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 13: Head coach Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 13, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

A Win For Coach Hornacek?

Date: Friday, November 3
Opponent: Phoenix Suns
Venue: Madison Square Garden

A season ago, the New York Knicks were caught in a downward spiral that began with an overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, December 13. It was a gut-wrenching defeat that saw New York erase a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter, only to lose 113-111.

The Knicks will have an opportunity to avenge that loss and send a message of commitment to the head coach as early as November 3.

Prior to becoming head coach of the New York Knicks, Jeff Hornacek held that same position with the Phoenix Suns. Despite leading the Suns to 48 wins in 2013-14 and an above .500 record through the trade deadline in 2014-15, Hornacek became owner Robert Sarver’s scapegoat.

General manager Ryan McDonough blew up the roster in the middle of another postseason-caliber season under Hornacek, and the coach took the fall.

After everything that Hornacek was put through, his players could make a statement here. This is the perfect opportunity to rally around the coach and show him that he has their full attention and support with an early win over his former team.

The Knicks failed to do so in 2016-17, but a win over Phoenix in 2017-18 could set the tone for the creation of a new and healthier culture.

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