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One major takeaway for the New York Knicks from 2023 NBA Finals

By Alejandro Lopez

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 16: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets is defended by RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in the first half at Ball Arena on November 16, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 16: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets is defended by RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in the first half at Ball Arena on November 16, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Justin Tafoya/Getty Images) /
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Watching the NBA Finals is always an exciting time for basketball fans around the world. But for New York Knicks fans, these finals may bring a particular sense of envy that this fanbase is not used to feeling.

After the Knicks’ hard-fought series against the Miami Heat, there is a feeling amongst fans that “it could have been us” on the big stage instead of Miami. But where there is defeat, there is a learning opportunity. These two NBA finalists have shown the Knicks and the rest of the league the importance of continuity.

Nuggets, Heat continuity should stick out to New York Knicks

The NBA can be, and often is, a volatile league. When a team falls short of expectations drastic changes are soon to follow. This season hasn’t officially come to a close yet and already we have seen four teams let go of big-name head coaches because of the pressure and weight of meeting expectations.

While it is true that sometimes teams need a change of direction, it can often be a slippery slope, and a slope the Knicks should stay away from. As disappointing as the series loss to the Heat may have been, the Knicks easily surpassed expectations and had a successful season. Losing to a team that went on to make the NBA Finals is nothing to hang one’s head over.

Yet as sports fans tend to do after a season-ending loss, overreactions and calls for change immediately swarmed social media feeds. Rants to fire Tom Thibodeau and pleas to trade Julius Randle were the loudest among them.

But if these two NBA finalists have shown anything, coming up short does not mean drastic change is the right decision. Two seasons ago, the Heat were swept by the Bucks a season after making it to the finals, and last season they lost in a crushing ECF Game 7 to the Celtics. The Nuggets were also swept out of the playoffs two seasons ago by the Suns, and last season were bounced out in five games by the Warriors in the first round.

Even through disappointment, defeat, and maybe even embarrassment, neither of these teams fired their coaches or traded their star players. Now one of them will soon be crowned NBA Champions.

The Knicks have a bright future ahead of them, and if they want to keep it that way then they should follow successful habits.

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