The New York Knicks are close to achieving something they haven't done since 2013 -- securing their third consecutive playoff berth. New York has sat in the No. 3 spot in the East for most of the season, and is currently three games ahead of No. 4 Indiana.
The Knicks have had a few unexcusable losses since Jalen Brunson sprained his ankle, but have won their past two games. A win over the Clippers on Wednesday would mean one significant thing for New York: another trip to the playoffs. The Knicks will try to do something in 2025 that hasn't been done since 2000 -- an Eastern Conference Finals appearance.
What does magic number mean?
A team's magic number is the number of games they must win to secure a playoff spot.
What is the Knicks' magic number?
New York's magic number to secure a playoff spot is one, so if the Knicks beat the Clippers tonight (March 26), they'd officially secure a postseason berth.
UPDATE: New York lost to LA on Wednesday, but clinched a playoff berth on Thursday after Atlanta lost to Miami.
Your New York Knicks have clinched a spot in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. pic.twitter.com/ciRZEGE4xq
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 28, 2025
What NBA teams have clinched 2025 playoff berths as of March 28?
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Boston Celtics
- New York Knicks
Knicks' playoff history since 2000
2024: Beat the Sixers in first round (4-2), lost in second round to the Pacers (3-4)
2023: Beat the Cavaliers in first round (4-1), lost in second round to the Heat (2-4)
2021: Lost in first round to the Hawks (1-4)
2013: Beat the Celtics in the first round (4-2), lost in second round to the Pacers (2-4)
2012: Lost in first round to the Heat (1-4)
2011: Lost in first round to the Celtics (0-4)
2004: Lost in first round to the Nets (0-4)
2001: Lost in first round to the Raptors (2-3)
2000: Beat the Raptors in the first round (3-0), beat the Heat in the second round (4-3), lost in Eastern Conference Finals to the Pacers (2-4)