The battle-tested Knicks had no choice but to vie for the second seed.
Whether you've been present at the arena or tracking the action from afar, the Knicks' approach to their regular-season finale against Chicago on Sunday afternoon was crystal clear. There was no hint of strategic maneuvering for specific matchups in the Eastern Conference playoff landscape. This team, guided by their coach and propelled by their MVP candidate, viewed the Bulls' red jerseys as merely another obstacle to overcome in their quest for victory. While it may sound cliché, it's undeniably true that this sentiment encapsulates the essence of New York's 50-win season, culminating in an overtime triumph over the Bulls and clinching the No. 2 seed in the upcoming playoffs. Despite enduring numerous absences due to injuries from key starters throughout the season, the Knicks have epitomized a "next-man-up" mentality. Reflecting on their journey, Donte DiVincenzo, the Knicks' offseason acquisition who has flourished with a career-best performance ...