The Knicks are kicking

It’s been a while since any major league team from the Big Apple had won a title, yet New York fans had stuck to their favorite teams. We had been transplanted to this place and had observed the fanaticism.  It would not be uncommon to see people displaying their NY loyalties on their shirts, sweats and caps.  During winter season we see scarves, mittens and jackets with logos and in the colors of their teams.

The New York Knicks, compared to their crosstown rivals Brooklyn Nets, had for several years been disappointing and their fans had suffered much.  It has been ages since Bill Bradley and Walt Frazier raised championship banners at the Madison Square Garden rafters in 1970 and 1973.  Gone are the memorable Patrick Ewing era from 1985 to 2000 when he ruled the paint backed with notable stars like Mark Jackson, Doc Rivers, John Starks, Charles Oakley, Larry Johnson, Allan Houston, Marcus Camby and Latrell Sprewell. 

In the last 20 years, the Knicks had 11 head coaching changes, a league high.  They changed their front office 8 times, also a league high and haven’t been to the playoffs since 2013, the NBA’s third longest active dry spell behind the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns.  Their last division title was in 2013 and their last conference title was in 1999.

They are now getting the wins, although not that much, and had become more competitive, winning three of their last five games.  There’s a slim chance they’ll get to the playoffs but at least this time, you won’t get tempted to switch channels before the half.  And yes, they found a way to play defense with coach Tom Thibodeau.

As of this writing, the Knicks are 14-15 and are just seven games away from the 21-game overall total wins they had last season.  They are three games away from eclipsing their 5-year worst 2018-2019 season with a 17-65 win-loss record.

Fans are looking forward to their games, this writer included because Julius Randle is playing like an All-Star.  Rookie guard Immanuel Quickley is most of the time delightful and second year combo guard RJ Barrett is showing promise.  In lieu of injured big man Mitchell Robinson, Nerlens Noel and rookie Obi Toppin are doing well, although Toppin is stuck behind Randle in the rotation.  Kevin Knox looks lost as Coach Thibs prefers using Reggie Bullock.

With former league MVP Derrick Rose showing how backcourts should be done, things had gotten more organized.  Young guards Quickley, Barrett and Frank Ntilikina (recuperating from an injury) should learn from D-Rose.  This could make Elfrid Payton and Austin Rivers expendable considering their ages.

Knicks fans are re-invigorated and the team is showing progress.  And maybe, they’re hoping that the star-studded Nets will collapse to the weight of their combined egos.

I’m still a big Laker fan but because we’re in New York, I also cheer for the Knicks as my male co-workers, to avoid ridicule and teasing, are fans not only of the Knicks, but also of the Yankees, Mets and Giants.   At least now, the Knicks are kicking.  Until when is anybody’s guess.