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3 reasons the Knicks can win a first-round playoff series

By Josh Cornelissen

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 24: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks heads for the net as Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on January 24, 2023 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 24: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks heads for the net as Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden on January 24, 2023 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks. (Photo by Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports) /

Reason No. 3: The Knicks are genuinely a great team

The last time the New York Knicks made the playoffs, they rode a tough defense and plenty of shooting luck. Julius Randle was their lone offensive star, and the team sputtered out in the first round against the Atlanta Hawks.

This time around, they have a much more sustainable team concept. While Randle is having the best season of his career, and not simply because of hot shooting, he is just half of the team’s two-headed monster. Instead of relying on Alec Burks and the ghost of Derrick Rose to create shots, the Knicks have one of the league’s best point guards in Jalen Brunson to attack opposing defenses.

The Knicks also have more playoff experience to bear; the holdovers from two years ago got to bank that experience, and now have played plenty of games since together. Jalen Brunson went to the Western Conference Finals last season. This team is a bit more ready for what they are facing. Contrast that to Cleveland, a likely opponent, which is starting three players without a minute of playoff experience.

Finally, this season’s Knicks have the league’s seventh-best net rating and have been playing even better as of late. They are incredibly deep, have a dynamic combination of youth and experience, and have versatility on both ends of the court to face playoff tests.

These Knicks are more experienced, are playing better, and have a diverse offensive attack to deploy in the playoffs. Add in their success against other East contenders, and the Knicks have an excellent chance to win a playoff series this year.

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