Well, it is officially that time of the year. The NBA Playoffs are soon to start, and New York Knick fans have more reason to be optimistic than they’ve had since 1999.
With 54 wins, the NBA’s leading scorer and one of the league’s best defenses, the Knicks had one of their best seasons in team history. Of course, none of that matters if they flame out in the first round for what would feel like they millionth time since 2000.
The Knicks have been no strangers to headlines over the years. From the Isiah Thomas Era to the LeBron Sweepstakes that never was to the Carmelo Anthony Era that has given new life to Knick optimism, there seems to be legitimate reason to foresee a deep playoff run.
On the other hand, injuries have rendered the Knicks a shell of their former 18-5 self and it’s going to be interesting to see how they’ll go about trying to get past the same Boston Celtics who swept them just two years ago.
This season, Anthony has played at an elite level that finally has him leading a team with title aspirations. Not since 2009 have we seen Anthony score so effectively on a team that has a legitimate chance to make a run at a title. Different from that 2009 Carmelo has been a different commitment to defense and stronger leadership.
The Knicks and Anthony will go hand-in-hand just perfectly this postseason, seeing as Anthony has been out of the first round only once in his NBA career.
[caption id="attachment_476" align="alignleft" width="270" caption="Carmelo Anthony has no choice but to advance deep into the playoffs this year. He seems focused and ready to do so."]
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With that said, I fully expect Anthony to answer the bell and take Knick fans on the deep playoff run that has eluded them since 2000. His scoring hasn’t been the only tipping point for the Knicks so far. J.R. Smith has emerged as one of dynamic sixth men in the NBA. His career-high 18.1 points per game served as the catalyst in giving Anthony the scoring partner necessary to give defenses more problems.
The Knicks’ depth has also been a pleasant surprise this season. With all of their injury woes, the Knicks have discovered a gem in journeyman Chris Copeland. Copeland’s 13.7 points per game helped the Knicks’ rotation as they ended the season winning 16 of their last 18 games.
Against the Boston Celtics, the Knicks match up very well from top to bottom. Anthony’s scoring punch is one that can’t truly be prepared for, so the Celtics will have to do their best to negate the efforts of everyone else on the Knick roster.
The problem with that is that the Knicks are relatively strong at every position, especially considering Anthony can play the small forward AND power forward position. If there is any X-factor for the Knicks to rely on, it is going to have to be Raymond Felton.
The difference in Felton’s numbers when you compare New York’s wins and losses is quite glaring. He shoots 45% in Knick wins (compared to 39% in losses), he averages a whole assists less in losses, and his shot-volume increases in losses.
Felton is going to have to strike the perfect balance between efficient and effective for the Knicks to win. With Rajon Rondo out for the Celtics and Avery Bradley likely defending J.R. Smith, Felton will have an opportunity to be the difference-maker for a Knicks’ team that has a legitimate chance at a playoff run.
With Tyson Chandler back healthy, the Knicks can get back to their rebounding and defending ways as Carmelo Anthony goes back to the power forward position that has seen him have his best all-around season as an NBA player.
Nothing in the NBA Playoffs is a foregone conclusion, but the Knicks certainly have the tools necessary to make the deep playoff run that Madison Square Garden has been missing over the years.
Now, it’s time to see just how ready these Knicks are to shine under the bright lights of the New York playoff basketball.
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