Through 48 games we have yet to write about the Knicks on this blog. While I have been watching the team as I usually do, it’s been difficult to work them into the production schedule here at the Breakdown. But with football slowing down soon, I felt it was time to take it to the hardwood and breakdown a season that is quickly becoming a lot of fun.

The Knicks went 14-2 in the month of January, a run that was capped by a 118-103 win over the Utah Jazz at the Garden, one I was in attendance for. They currently sit in second place in the Eastern Conference at 31-17 thanks to their current eight game win streak, a streak that has seen them play some wonderful team basketball. This group is becoming a breath of fresh air compared to teams of the past, which admittedly isn’t hard for them to do given the low bar many prior teams have set. That breath of fresh air is capturing the city and its pretty infectious right now.

Sweet Music at the Mecca

As much as New York loves all of its teams, when the Knicks are going right, it feels like the population identifies with them an unparalleled level. The city at its heart is hard working and blue collar and all the best Knicks teams typically have that in their locker. This group has carried that grit over from last year and they look primed to carry that forward this season thanks to a couple of players who are helping to define their identity.

This groups success begins and ends with MVP candidate Jalen Brunson but one of his fellow former Villanova teammates has helped to key the offensive improvements we have seen this year. Donte DiVincenzo has helped the Knicks offense go from having to grind games out to being more explosive thanks to number zero’s lethal shooting from deep. While this group benefits from knowing how to battle it out after last year, the ability to hit one from the parking lot simplifies the approach and brings plenty of electricity to MSG.

While DiVincenzo brings the electricity, Isiah Hartenstein continues to play a critical role on this team bringing his hard-working style to every game. He’s playing well at both ends of the floor, especially in the absence of Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson and it’s putting the league on notice. The rebounding and defensive ability he provides is key, but it feels like his passing flies under the radar. Number 55’s strong game makes the orange and blue tough to play against down low, something that will only be enhanced by the eventual return of Mitchell Robinson.

Before we move on, I need to recognize an emerging fan favorite, Precious Achiuwa. Achiuwa is proving to be much more than a throw in from the trade with the Raptors as he has thrived in a New York uniform. He plays a hard game at both ends of the floor every night and you can tell head coach Tom Thibobeau is gaining trust in the 24-year-old. He feels like the type of player that will be a valuable asset in the postseason as the Knicks look to make another run in the east.

Buzzer Beater

As we wrap up here, it will be interesting to see what the Knicks do at the deadline. They seem to be looking for more quality depth to add that can boost their offense in the playoffs. Dejounte Murray, DeMar DeRozan, and Bruce Brown have all been mentioned as potential targets that could be on their way to the World’s Most Famous Arena on the February eighth trade deadline. Leon Rose has a lot of chips to work with so it should make for an exciting week ahead as the Knicks go shopping.

Before I go, I’d like to share an interaction I had with a NCAA legend pregame on the concourse. As I waited online at a concession stand, I picked out March Madness icon Thurl Bailey. Bailey played for the Jazz from 1983-1999 and now works as an analyst for the team on TV. He is best known however for being a part of the “survive and advance” NC State Wolfpack 1983 National Championship team.

Upon recognizing Thurl I got to speak with him briefly about the magic of that run and the wonderful character of his head coach, the late Jim Valvano. Thurl even posed for the selfie you see below and couldn’t have been nicer to speak with, as he talked with countless fans before the game. If you’d like to learn more about Bailey, Valvano and his teammates I can’t recommend the outstanding ESPN 30 for 30 documentary about the 83′ team enough. It will teach you a lot about that era while moving you to both laughter and tears with its terrific Jimmy V content. As a sports nerd, meeting Thurl was the cherry on top of a great night at the Garden!

We will have more Knicks content in the weeks ahead as our schedule changes here at the breakdown. Keep an eye out for a Ranger recap that is still to come this week as well as further collaborations with our friends at The Rangers Ed Podcast. You can find me on Twitter @YNWA9623 and subscribe to the site by hitting the follow button in the bottom right corner and entering your email address. Also, check out our new Instagram feed @thebroadwaybreakdownsports for special gameday content and promotional content. We have a lot of exciting developments ahead and we look forward to sharing them with you. We’ll be back with more soon!