Ranking 10 games Knicks fans should be amped up for in 2022-23

2. New York Knicks at Dallas Mavericks (Dec. 27)

Of course, when Luka comes to town, the game will be focused solely on him. But this one’s in Dallas, so there’s a whole other reason why it matters.

Jalen Brunson was one of the most coveted players in free agency this offseason. Like usual, when the Knicks got him, he went from a top free agent to an overpaid get. Sound familiar?

Either way, the Knicks have their point guard and it didn’t come without some attention, including from the NBA itself, which is investigating New York for potential tampering.

While there may be some hard feelings between the two franchises, who have had no shortage of history in terms of exchanging players in the past, this one hits different since it was Brunson making the decision in the end.

I’d assume most Mavs fans would welcome him back with a round of applause, but there will undoubtedly be some jeers too. It’s the give and take with a player leaving on his own terms, rather than the franchise trading him on their terms.

And, as is the case with any big free agent pickup, that first return to the place that drafted you and who you played for — in Brunson’s case for four seasons — is gonna get emotional. Expect the tears to flow, and the cheers and jeers to erupt. It’ll be awkward.

But Knicks fans will be the ones smiling in the end.