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Pressure mounts on Knicks to win NBA playoffs first-round matchup
TL;DR
The Knicks face increasing pressure to win their first-round NBA playoff matchup after a strong regular season. Despite finishing third in the Eastern Conference, injuries and exhaustion led to their early exit last season.
Key points
- Knicks finished third in the Eastern Conference
- Team won 51 games last season
- Injuries and exhaustion led to early playoff exit
- Pressure mounts to win first-round matchup
- Coaching change shifted team dynamics
KnicksBoston CelticsIndiana PacersDetroit Pistons
You ask, and you shall receive. The pressure is on. Now, itâs time to produce. But did it have to be this way?After winning 51 games last NBA season, things were great in New York. The Knicks were back. Fans trusted the process, and their prize was a team that finished third in the Eastern Conference. Following a tough series against the up-and-coming Detroit Pistons, the Knicks came through as underdogs against the Boston Celtics. What happened next, though, wasnât great.
Beating the Celtics was the heavy lift. It almost seemed too easy to beat the Indiana Pacers and return to the NBA Finals. The problem, though, is that the Knicks were spent, and Tyrese Haliburton went nuts. Injuries and exhaustion took hold, and New York was sent packing after six games. But sunglasses were needed, as man, the future was bright.
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The Coaching Change That Shifted Everything
Karl-Anthony Towns still had to find consistency in the offense, as did Mikal Bridges, and more depth was needed. Aside from his rough demeanor and aversion to using his bench, Tom Thibodeau seemed like the perfect coach for the Knicks. Until he wasnât. In a shocking decision, Thibodeau was fired, and Mike Brown took over.
Q&A
What challenges did the Knicks face in the last NBA playoffs?
The Knicks struggled with injuries and exhaustion, which contributed to their early exit after losing to the Indiana Pacers.
How did the Knicks perform during the regular season before the playoffs?
The Knicks won 51 games and finished third in the Eastern Conference, leading to high expectations for the playoffs.
What impact did the coaching change have on the Knicks' performance?
The article suggests that a coaching change shifted the team's dynamics, although specific details on the impact were not provided.
