The New York Knicks are enjoying a stellar season, currently holding a 42-23 record and sitting No. 3 in the Eastern Conference standings.
Under head coach Tom Thibodeau, the team has displayed remarkable consistency, blending the leadership of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns with the contributions of a deep roster.
With the playoffs approaching, the Knicks are in a prime position to secure home-court advantage in the first round.
In their most recent game, the Knicks edged out the Portland Trail Blazers in a thrilling 114-113 overtime victory.
Mikal Bridges was the hero of the night, scoring a game-winning buzzer-beater three-pointer to cap off his 33-point performance.
Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and 7 rebounds, while Josh Hart contributed a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
The Knicks’ showed ability to execute in clutch moments were on full display, even without their star point guard, Jalen Brunson.
Brunson, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, has been a cornerstone of the Knicks’ success this season, leading the league in ball-handling minutes at 8.7 per game.
Brunson's absence for the Knicks presents an opportunity
However, as Chris Herring noted in ESPN’s NBA Power Rankings: Injury Outlook for All 30 Teams, Brunson's absence presents a unique opportunity for the Knicks.
"As New York closes in on securing home-court advantage for the first round of the playoffs, it is without floor general Jalen Brunson, who's slated to miss at least two weeks with an injured ankle," Herring writes.
"Brunson's absence undoubtedly stifles the team's ball handling -- he possesses the rock for an NBA-high 8.7 minutes per game -- but it also gives the Knicks a chance to develop a better attack for the postseason when he's not on the floor."
This period without Brunson allows the Knicks to explore alternative offensive strategies and give their bench players more responsibility.
Players like Miles McBride and Landry Shamet have stepped up, showcasing their potential to contribute in high-pressure situations.
