For the first time all season, the New York Knicks finally look whole. This weekend, the team welcomed back their leading scorer, Jalen Brunson along with backup guards Miles McBride and Cameron Payne. Their return gives the Knicks a much-needed boost as the postseason approaches. Sunday’s game showcased a Knicks roster closer to full strength than fans have seen in months. The timing could not be better. New York faces some of its most crucial tests of the regular season this week, with an opportunity to silence doubters. The Knicks (50-28) are set to host the Boston Celtics on Tuesday and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. Sandwiched between is a road game against the Detroit Pistons, a team they might see in the playoffs. This week presents a golden opportunity for the Knicks to overcome their ‘boogeyman’, improve morale and determine their playoff opponent.
Knicks Must Seize Opportunity To Control Playoff Future And Morale
A Chance To Rewrite The Narrative
New York’s record against elite teams has been ugly. They are 0-8 against the NBA’s best: Oklahoma City (64-14), Cleveland (62-16), and Boston (58-20). It’s the glaring flaw critics point to when dismissing the Knicks as serious contenders. The final week of the season offers a rare reset. With two games against top competition, New York can prove it belongs in the conversation. Victories over Boston and Cleveland would not just snap the losing streak—they would shift the perception entirely.
A win now would boost team morale heading into the most important games of the year.
If the Knicks plan to reach the Finals, they will likely need to go through the Celtics or Cavaliers. Setting a tone this week could have ripple effects deep into the playoffs.
Boston’s Motivation: Pride, Not Pressure
Of course, beating Boston is no easy task.
The Celtics have been a juggernaut all season long. Though they have already clinched the East’s second seed, they still have pride to play for.
Boston can reach 60 wins with a strong finish.
Securing back-to-back 60-win seasons would cement this core’s place in franchise history.
Even without postseason stakes, expect the Celtics to bring intensity. After all, the Celtics have gone 16-2 over their last 18 games, winning games they easily could have mailed in.
Still, the Knicks have a real opening here.
Boston might prioritize health over dominance, resting key players or managing minutes.
New York must capitalize if that happens. The Knicks cannot afford to ease into the matchup.
They must treat Tuesday as a must-win, regardless of Boston’s lineup decisions.
However, if the Celtics rest multiple stars, it could become a lose-lose scenario for the Knicks. If the Knicks win against a shorthanded team, the win will have an asterisk and be seen as less impactful. If they lose, the blowback could be massive, reinforcing the perception that the Knicks aren’t true contenders.
Knicks Could Determine Playoff Opponent Against the Pistons or Improve Morale
There’s the Pistons matchup, which adds another layer of intrigue. The Pistons are currently a game behind the Bucks in the standings and could move up to fifth, avoiding a first-round meeting with the Knicks. Interestingly, the Bucks and Pistons will face each other in a two-game mini-series to close the season. The Knicks could do a bit of strategic positioning by losing to the Pistons, helping them leapfrog the Bucks. If that happens, the Knicks would likely face the Bucks in the first round—a more favorable matchup, especially with Damian Lillard out indefinitely due to blood clots. Or the Knicks could just beat the Pistons, sending a clear message ahead of the playoffs.
Cleveland: A True Postseason Test
Friday’s showdown with the Cavaliers may be even more critical than the Celtics game. The Knicks need to send a message. Winning Friday would not just boost confidence—it would plant seeds of doubt in Cleveland’s minds. The psychological edge heading into the playoffs cannot be overstated. Moreover, beating Cleveland would signal to the league that New York’s season is more than smoke and mirrors.
Time To Control Their Destiny
The Knicks have an incredible opportunity this week. The Knicks can enter the playoffs riding a sky-high morale, or they can limp in with unanswered questions. The path to the Finals goes through the East’s best teams. No matter how they spin it, the Knicks must beat Boston or Cleveland at some point to reach their ultimate goal.
That journey can—and must—begin this week.
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