We have arrived. When the Knicks (53*-28) host the Hornets (43-38) tonight at Madison Square Garden, their common season will draw to an in depth.
What a season it has been. Successful by most measures, for certain, but disappointing at occasions. So like life. The obviousness of the Pistons and Celtics stealing the highest two seeds from our heroes is simply obvious in hindsight, however who amongst us has by no means misjudged one other to regrettable ends?
Perhaps like our heroes, you will have additionally skilled many highs and lows since opening night time on October 22. We endured a tough winter right here in upstate New York as I added on one other 12 months. Although I’m older than Taj Gibson, I’m proud to say I may nonetheless give an NBA workforce six fouls an evening. How a lot of you possibly can make such a daring declare?
The morning solar is shining on tulips sprouting from my flower mattress. Where they arrive from yearly, I haven’t a freaking clue. I didn’t plant them. The damned issues are all over the place, even within the yard, and a little bit of a nuisance, truly. But (faux that the world just isn’t on fireplace and) rejoice! A season of renewal is upon us. And tonight’s recreation pairs two groups that look rejuvenated and prepared for some postseason shenanigans.
In the present marketing campaign, the Knicks took an NBA Cup from the San Antonio Spurs, which served as a type of trial run for playoff glory. They additionally gave us loads of causes to chew on towels throughout this marketing campaign, like after they began the calendar 12 months on the unsuitable foot, going 2-8 over the primary three weeks.
Since January 21, nonetheless, New York has gained 28 of 38 video games. They are at the moment having fun with a five-game win streak that included victories over three potential postseason opponents: the Celtics, Hawks, and Raptors. Josh Hart has found the Fountain of Three, taking pictures 53% from deep over his final 10 video games (and 43% during the last 20). Just in time, the workforce is totally wholesome (though we’re pensively monitoring OG Anunoby’s ankle). And after two years of taking part in collectively, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have lastly unlocked their pick-and-roll potential. Everything is falling into place at exactly the suitable second because the Knicks put together for a marathon run deep into the playoffs.
Rooting for the Charlotte Hornets (additionally Bobcats) will need to have its ups and downs, too. For one factor, the Spectrum Center provides nice seats at far more reasonably priced costs than MSG. On the opposite hand, followers needed to watch the Bees paste collectively a 16-28 file to begin the season. This workforce appeared to have its sights set on a lottery decide. A video recorded throughout that stretch (I may seek for it, however sloth) confirmed LaMelo Ball in road garments, dapping up his teammates as if he have been being traded. If reminiscence serves, that got here earlier than Mr. Road Menace smashed right into a automobile at a Charlotte intersection. In addition, a Hornets fan has needed to endure the profession of Miles (look it up) Bridges, and 5 seasons of Terry Rozier earlier than he went to Miami. Tough stuff, Carolina.
But now, sophomore head coach Charles Lee turned it round. Since January 21, Charlotte has gained 27 of 37 video games. The workforce now ranks eighth for web score because of a high 5 offense and an improved protection. How? For one factor, rookie Kon Knueppel has exploded, averaging 18.6 factors per recreation on 43% three level taking pictures and breaking Kemba Walker’s single-season franchise file for made threes with 270 and counting. His protection is bought, too. This child needs to be a lock to beat former Duke roommate Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year.
The workforce has benefited from improved play by Brandon Miller, too. In his third 12 months, the small ahead has averaged 20 factors. For the third straight season, his long-range taking pictures has improved, and this 12 months he has averaged 38%, including to their harmful arsenal. The membership additionally made a wise transfer on the commerce deadline, including Coby White to guide the bench. In their frontcourt, Moussa Diabaté has blossomed right into a effective heart. And consider it or not, Ball has realized to cease heaving from half courtroom with 14 seconds on the clock (…largely).
New York leads the season sequence 2-1, successful the primary two video games by 28 and 15 factors. However, Charlotte beat the Knicks 114-103 in an virtually wire-to-wire win on March 26 in North Carolina. They bought an enormous night time from Kon Knueppel, who posted 26 factors, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. For our heroes, Brunson dropped a 26-point, 13-dime double-double.
The Stingers must win to safe the ninth seed and home-court benefit for his or her upcoming Play-In event recreation in opposition to the Miami Heat. A win (or a Heat loss) ensures the 9/10 matchup is in Charlotte, whereas a loss and a Miami win drops them to tenth. As for the Knicks, they’ve 5 gamers (three starters: KAT, Hart, and Anunoby) on the harm record and have secured the third seed. ESPN.com predicts them to win at 51%, and ending Mike Brown’s first season with a six-game win streak can be proper good. I simply can’t see them exerting an excessive amount of effort immediately, although. Besides, Mike’s already eclipsed Tom Thibodeau’s better of 51 wins as a Knicks coach, and it’s a sunny day exterior. Relax, take it simple, fellas, and savor a job properly completed earlier than embarking on the march to the Finals.
Who: New York Knicks (53*-28) vs Charlotte Hornets (43-38)
Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
Place: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
* Should be yet another, however NBA Cups are product of tin foil.
