If you thought the Knicks were top-heavy, think again.
New York didn’t win the NBA Cup because Jalen Brunson was the best scorer on the planet, which he’s capable of being. The Knicks didn’t win this because Karl-Anthony Towns shot the ball like we know he’s capable of. Mikal Bridges wasn’t spectacular. Josh Hart has had better games.
The Knicks won because of heroics from the bench. Tyler Kolek, a second-round draft pick last season, scored double digits off the bench. Jordan Clarkson hit huge 3 after huge 3. Mitchell Robinson dominated Victor Wembanyama on the offensive glass.
New York needed something from everyone to raise its first banner since 1973. Yes, the Knicks are going to hang a banner inside MSG because everyone on the team agrees that when you work for something, you honor that.
The Knicks entered the conversation as legitimate NBA title contenders by beating the Spurs, who took down the almighty Thunder to have a spot in the final.
New York doesn’t need Giannis. It doesn’t need to make a big trade. It needs to see if what it has is as real as it appeared tonight.
