By Mark Halpern
Billy Joel’s song title “The Longest Time” is the perfect statement for Knicks fans. For the longest time Knicks fans have a real reason to be electrified about this Knicks team that is in contention for the third place in the playoff race.
The New York Knicks are 44-30 and are second in the Atlantic division and fourth in the Eastern Conference one game behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for the third spot. The Knicks have had their ups and downs this season. Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson and O.G. Anunoby have all dealt with injuries, Anunoby returned but has been sidelined again still dealing with his elbow. The Knicks need Randle to return and this team will be even stronger when he does. Jalen Brunson is the Captain of this team because he has done it all with his leadership on and off the court is inspiring. Brunson is having an MVP year averaging 27.9 points/ 3.6 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game. The Knicks have used many different lineups this season (because of injuries) and no matter what combination of players that are on the floor are working as a unit. Big men such as Robinson and Hartenstein are cleaning up the boards and both averaging career highs in rebounds per game .The team is tied for fourth in the NBA in Rebounds per game. This has been a key reason the Kicks keep the points coming is the offensive rebounds have increased this season and making second chance opportunities count. When the Knicks got Josh Hart last season, I was very excited cause I knew what he was going to bring to this team. His play whether he has started or come off the bench he always makes his presence known. I like to consider him the clean version of Draymond Green but with more points and a much better attitude. If you have been watching the electric play of Donte DiVincenzo, then you get the feeling has when opening a cold Ice Tea on a hot summer day. His chemistry with Brunson and Hart has made him one of the most important additions this season. The Knicks traded for O.G. Anounoby and his presence on the floor has been felt. He has been bothered by an elbow injury and has missed some time but when he has been on the floor his defense has been helpful since Randle went down. Last but, not least is Julius Randle and hopefully he will return soon. Once he is ready to join this powerful team. It has been some time since Randle has been on the floor and I am sure he will be a little rusty and now is the time to get him ready for the playoffs.
This New York Knick team is a threat on all fronts of the game and Thibs has done a great job and this team is returning to greatness. With the playoffs ahead the Knicks are a real contender to go far in the playoffs but we know all roads go through Boston.
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