The holiday season is here, and that patented wonderful feeling is in the air. That’s right! It’s New York Knicks basketball!
Times are great in the Big Apple, as the Knicks seem to have figured out a way to mesh. The “Mid 3” of RJ Barrett, Jalen Brunson, and Julius Randle is clearly better than anybody expected, as the Knicks’ three best players have all looked like All-Star-caliber players over this hot streak.
Over the last nine games (before Friday’s matchup against the Bulls), Barrett has averaged 22 points and 6 rebounds on 46/36/74 shooting splits; Brunson has averaged 20 points and 6 assists on 42/50/97 splits; and Randle has led the way averaging 27 points and 11 rebounds on 43/33/83 splits.
The Knicks have looked excellent, led by their three lefties (and the supporting cast as well), notably Quentin Grimes, who has averaged 12 points on 45% three-point shooting. Grimes has added much-needed shooting, a stat the Knicks have been below-average in.
The catalyst of the Knicks’ holiday win streak has been their defense, though. Through December, the Knicks have had the second-best defensive rating in the league at 103.6, only trailing the first-place Memphis Grizzlies’ 103.0 rating.
As for Christmas in New York, the Knicks have been naughty for the last 50 years, but now it looks as if they’re being nice, and the team and fans deserve presents! What should we wish for as a fanbase, though?
5 Christmas gifts Knicks fans should have on their list to Santa
Gift #5: A Win on Christmas vs. the Philadelphia 76ers
I’m putting a win against the 76ers first. Wishing for one win isn’t exactly dreaming big, but it’s an important game. A steaming hot Knicks will host Philadelphia, led by Joel Embiid and James Harden in the first game on NBA Christmas Day.
The Knicks are on a run that would have way more eyes on it if they were a flashier team. If the Knicks keep the streak going or continue to play at this level, nationally televising their success would be a major plus.
A win on national television against a flaming hot Embiid and Harden, who is playing like an elite point guard, would be a major victory for New York, especially since the Knicks are 3-7 against Philly in their last 10 matchups.
Joel Embiid recently made headlines with a weird statement saying that he thinks 76ers fans want him traded. Believing the Knicks will land Joel Embiid via some trade is far-fetched, but Embiid will get to see MSG under the brightest lights, which will definitely draw the attention of the superstar that loves to draw attention.