Game 1 of the first-round series between the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks tips off today at Madison Square Garden, and the organization’s marching orders are unmistakable: reach — and win — the NBA Finals. During a winter radio appearance, team owner James Dolan said, “We want to get to the Finals. And we should win the Finals … getting to the Finals, we absolutely got to do.”
First-year head coach Mike Brown told reporters he is not rattled by that directive. “Everybody in that locker room has a competitive spirit … we’re competing, like everyone else, to win it,” Brown said, according to The Athletic.
Towns Sees Legacy Opportunity
Center Karl-Anthony Towns acknowledged the season will be judged strictly by postseason success. “The regular season doesn’t mean anything if we don’t capitalize on this opportunity,” he noted.
The matchup with Atlanta could highlight Towns’ impact. With 6-8 Onyeka Okongwu — a natural power forward — expected to defend him, Towns shot 11-for-14 from the field and 4-for-6 from three in limited head-to-head minutes this season. He averaged 28.5 points in two meetings with the Hawks, his highest mark against any opponent.
Brunson-Centric Roster Under Microscope
President Leon Rose and the front office have structured the roster around point guard Jalen Brunson through a series of free-agent signings and major trades. The playoffs will test whether that blueprint can end the franchise’s five-decade championship drought.
Robinson Prepared for “Hack-A-Mitch”
Center Mitchell Robinson, healthy after missing last postseason, expects opponents to exploit his career 50.8 percent free-throw rate. Brown said contingency plans are in place: “We’ve talked about it … we understand that’s what teams may want to do, especially if our offense is clicking at that point in time.”
The Knicks finished the regular season with 53 wins, and the real evaluation begins today on their home floor.
Source: Hoops Rumors
