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Knicks' Title Shocks Coaches
17 Jul
Summary
- Coaches question Knicks' championship win using analytics and game length.
- Jalen Brunson averaged 9.9 fourth-quarter points in the playoffs.
- Knicks built roster over years through trades and signings.
Recent comments from coaches like Kenny Atkinson and Sean Sweeney have questioned the New York Knicks' championship win, with some suggesting analytics or hypothetical shorter game lengths would have yielded different results. These sentiments disregard the Knicks' sustained dominance throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season.
The Knicks entered the playoffs as the third seed in the East and proved themselves to be a truly great team. Their remarkable 13-game winning streak, which lasted from late April until early June, showcases their consistent performance. A key factor in their success was Jalen Brunson, who elevated his game in the fourth quarter, averaging 9.9 points during the playoffs, a feat matched only by Dirk Nowitzki in NBA history. Brunson’s clutch scoring accounted for a significant portion of the Knicks' points in the Finals.
The championship is the culmination of years of deliberate roster building by Leon Rose. Strategic moves, such as the trade for OG Anunoby and other player acquisitions, were meticulously planned to enhance the team's championship prospects. This carefully crafted roster, rather than a collection of random talent, ultimately delivered the long-awaited title, putting an end to decades of heartbreak for Knicks fans.
