The New York Knicks have made it to the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2000, after eliminating the defending champions Boston Celtics in the second round.
For Knicks fans this is a special moment as the team has had had much success since their last Eastern Conference Finals appearance.
The Knicks throughout the years have been through many rough years with head coaches and teams that were not strong enough to compete in a winning situation. An attempt was made in 2011-2013 when Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire were both on the team, but it wasn’t able to translate to much.
The arrival of Tom Thibodeau changed the landscape of the New York Knicks. Thibodeau was the assistant coach of the Knicks in their last ECF appearance, so he knows what that means to the city.
When Jalen Brunson arrived to the team, it gave the city of New York hope. A guy who analysts laughed at the idea that he would be a game changer, ended up becoming one of the most dangerous scorers in the league. Bringing along college friends Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart has also helped Brunson turn the Knicks into winning contenders. Karl Anthony Towns also has been a major factor in that as well.
The Knicks face off against the Indiana Pacers who was the same team they lost to in their last ECF appearance. The Knicks and Pacers have a major playoff rivalry that was ignited in the 90’s thanks to Reggie Miller. Last year the Pacers defeated the Knicks in seven games in the second round of the playoffs. If the Knicks want a chance at the championship, they need to overcome their storied rivals.