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New York Knicks: Three things to celebrate on Thanksgiving

By Rob Wolkenbrod

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 1: Frank Ntilikina #11 and R.J. Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks during the game against the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden on November 1, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 1: Frank Ntilikina #11 and R.J. Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks during the game against the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden on November 1, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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On this national holiday, what is there for the New York Knicks to celebrate?

Thanksgiving is a day of feasting, being with family, and celebrating this national holiday. There are no basketball games to be played, and the New York Knicks will not return to the court until Friday. However, it’s still a day to appreciate Manhattan’s basketball team.

Appreciate the Canadians

Today is American Thanksgiving, but the Knicks have the Canadians, RJ Barrett and Ignas Brazdeikis to celebrate on this holiday of giving.

Barrett has flashed upside through the first month of the season, including that red-hot start in October. He looked like a future star, and while the production has not matched that furious beginning, he still is one of this team’s long-term building blocks.

As for Brazdeikis, his NBA time has come in garbage minutes, but his extensive play in the G League has garnered attention. An opportunity will happen on the main roster down the road, and the wait will be worth it for the other member of the Knicks’ 2019 draft class.

Frank Ntilikina’s chance

The cries and screams were heard throughout the 2018-19 season, extending into this campaign’s first few games. “We want Frank,” the Madison Square Garden faithful cheered. Once Dennis Smith Jr. and Elfrid Payton left the team for separate reasons, Frank Ntilikina stepped in and finally started to fulfill his potential.

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The defensive work has ascended, including a six-steal game against the San Antonio Spurs. More than that, however, is Ntilikina’s shot making. He is still below 40 percent from the field for the season, but since joining the starting lineup, the slash line is .412/.353/.765. Not too shabby.

For however long Ntilikina’s opportunity lasts, fans will celebrate his prominent spot in the Knicks rotation. He continues to improve, too, so if Coach David Fizdale sees enough, perhaps this role lasts for the rest of the year.

The fans

Yes, the loyal Knicks fans are a reason to celebrate this team.

No matter how poorly the team plays, or what happens with the front office and coaching staff, the fans flock to Madison Square Garden to cheer on their team. It’s a scene unlike any in the NBA, as the commitment to one of the league’s highest-profile organizations is locked in. Whether they are 54-28 or 17-65, the fans buy tickets, appear at the arena, and cheer on their team.

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A 4-14 start is nothing to applaud, but MSG will continue to be full of loud, passionate fans. That’s something to forever appreciate.

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