The key takeaway from the Eastern Conference Finals came from Pacers coach Rick Carlisle after his team squandered a 20-point lead, allowing the Knicks to even the series. Much of the Knicks’ rally occurred while their star point guard Jalen Branson was sidelined due to foul trouble. Carlisle attributed the comeback to the Knicks having “better defensive players” on the floor.
Defense has historically been a challenge for New York, and this past season was no exception. As the team heads to Cancun, it’s clear that their core players struggled to contain the fast-paced Pacers, particularly in the games featuring Branson and Karl Anthony Towns. Throughout the series, Branson had a minus-26 impact on the Knicks, who were collectively minus-11 when he played. This raises a crucial question: can the Knicks truly advance with these two as their top players?
Following the series, some could argue that OG Anunoby stands as New York’s second-best player. Even if players were ranked, the Knicks still could potentially reclaim one of the top seven spots in the league this season. The question now is whether Leon Rose and the front office can secure a high-quality rotation player who can defend and allow coach Thibodeau to trust his bench next season.
Reflecting on the season, this was the Knicks’ best in decades—their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000, with an electrifying atmosphere at Madison Square Garden. Timothee Chalamett’s connection to the team drew attention, and New York recorded its fifth league victory, reaching the final four. There was a missed opportunity here; with a healthy roster, the Knicks defeated Eastern powerhouse Boston before Jayson Tatum’s injury, making them the stronger side in the series. The path to the championship could have been within reach and might still be next season, especially with injuries expected to impact other Eastern powerhouses like Boston and Milwaukee.
The Knicks clearly need depth and stronger defense. Branson and Towns made the All-NBA team and fueled New York’s fifth-best offense, but they also contributed to the team’s defensive shortcomings. Although defensive improvements were noted after the All-Star break, especially by Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks still exhibited vulnerabilities, particularly against transition buckets, which the Pacers exploited.
Coach Thibodeau faces a dilemma: while Branson and Towns boost the offense, they both pose defensive liabilities. Game 6 highlighted frustration over defensive lapses, especially regarding Towns’ coverage in pick-and-roll situations. This has been a consistent issue, leading to multiple team meetings during the season.
This playoff run, the first conference finals appearance in over 20 years, is cause for celebration. Knicks fans can argue that if the team had not blown a 20-point lead in Game 1 and lost in overtime, they might have won the series or at least forced a Game 7. Throughout the series, the Pacers controlled much of the play, powered by Tyrese Halliburton’s ability to orchestrate and uplift teammates, contrasting with Branson’s more ball-dominant style. Halliburton perfectly fit a more collaborative team approach.
New York’s offense, led by Branson, tends to be predictable, relying heavily on isolation plays after extensive ball movement. While effective for most teams due to their talent, it falls short against elite defenses. Opponents have developed defensive schemes aimed at protecting Towns, such as using wing defenders and assigning rim protection on drives, making it tougher for the Knicks to break through. Against defenders like Pascal Siakam and rim protector Miles Turner, the Knicks’ approach faces challenges.
Branson’s dominance in handling the ball leaves the Knicks lacking offensive diversity. To counter this, Coach Thibodeau leaned heavily on adjustments during the Pacers series, aiming to introduce more aggressive offensive variety. Some NBA executives have expressed skepticism about Branson’s style, suggesting there’s a ceiling to success with a player who controls the ball so much and emphasizing the need for complementary players.
The Knicks need to create more shooting opportunities around Branson and require other players to shoulder more offensive responsibility. Bridges was expected to fill this role, but after trading five first-round picks to acquire him, the team faces tough decisions about his contract and future. Anunoby emerged as a key secondary shooter in the playoffs, but the Knicks must invest in finding additional players who can contribute creatively while also being strong defenders—a difficult task.
New York is close to breaking through but must make these incremental improvements to surpass teams like the Pacers, Cavaliers, and potentially Boston next season. The Knicks can’t afford to have a negative plus/minus in crucial minutes when their stars are off the court. While Branson’s talent is undeniable, the team needs more support around him to maximize their championship window.
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Fan Take: This season’s Knicks run matters because it brings fresh excitement back to a storied franchise that has long struggled in the playoffs. If New York can successfully add depth and defensive grit around their stars, they not only could change their franchise’s trajectory but also add a thrilling new power dynamic to the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
