There are exclamation points and then there is the Knicks finish to the season. For the first time since 2013, the blue and orange have won 50 games and further endeared themselves to this great city along the way. This was a group that was just 18-15 on January first, a group that felt rather unimpressive and disjointed at times. But to their immense credit the found a way to mesh as the season went on and got the added benefit of new faces joining the lineup that provided impact. Going 32-17 the rest of the way is no small feat, especially considering the injuries they had to deal with along the way, and it was enough in the end to earn them the number two seed in the Eastern Conference. We’ll preview their playoff matchup, one that begins Saturday, later in the week once we know who their opponent is. For now, let’s just celebrate the season they have had to this point.

The Straw that Stirs the Drink

Or at least Reggie Jackson was…Jalen Brunson certainly does one hell of an Mr. October impression though (minus the drama). Number 11 was brilliant last year in his debut season on Broadway, but he has outdone himself in 2023-24. Averaging 29 points, four rebounds and seven assists per game are certainly MVP caliber numbers even if he won’t win the award. He is undoubtedly this teams MVP and should be credited with doing something that has not been done since the days of Patrick Ewing, at least in my opinion.

As wonderful as Carmelo Anthony was at times in a Knick uniform, he and his co-stars never quite connected with this city and its legions of Knicks fans (outside of 2013). Sure, that group was well liked, but it feels like Brunson and his teammates have crossed over into the “beloved” category and that’s without a run to the Finals, one that hopefully isn’t too far away. The relationship between the Knicks and the Garden faithful had become a bit frayed over the years, as it honestly felt like fans were just going out of habit…it’s the only logical explanation given the product on the court. But now fans have been rewarded with a group of talented, likeable, and hard-working players that are led by a true superstar player.

Whenever the Knicks are “in trouble” Brunson steps and delivers, seemingly never phased by what is going on in the game. Many past Knick free agent signings underwhelmed in these critical moments, which in some cases was the least of their problems considering what went on off the hardwood. Brunson is a model representative for this city and this franchise, and if he can lead the Knicks on a long playoff run, something they are in good position to do, his fame will hit new heights.

The Supporting Cast

The supporting cast certainly deserves their fair share of praise as they have done their part and then some to help Brunson led this team to regular season success. The aforementioned injuries to key players have made it even more necessary that the Knicks rotational pieces step up. Fortunately, they are blessed with talented scorers and solid all-around grinders that make the Knicks a deeper group that is tough to play against. Any conversation about the supporting cast begins with Donte DiVincenzo, who has thrilled the Garden all year long.

Number zero has been as advertised after signing as a free agent last summer. His 16 points per game and 40% shooting from deep has helped make the Knicks offense much more lethal than a year ago. This group needed an easier way to generate offense and “Divo” has done exactly that night in and night out, including a special evening at home where he broke the Knicks single game record for made three pointers. This will need to continue in the postseason for the Knicks to make a deep run.

Now that you have met two of the three Villanova amigos, let’s talk about the “glue guy” on this roster, fellow Nova alum Josh Hart. While Brunson and Divo do the flashy work, its Hart who is this groups heart and soul. Number three is a grinder, who does so much of the dirty work to help this team succeed night in and night out. He’s averaging eight rebounds per game and that will have to continue come playoff team as second chance points and extended possessions could make a huge difference.

If there is an x-factor on this roster it is OG Anunoby. Number eight arrived from the Raptors midseason and while injuries have hampered his ability to contribute at times, one cannot question the value he brings to this group. The Knicks are 20-3 with OG in the lineup and are clearly better at both ends of the floor, particularly on defense where he seems to torture opposing offensive players. He has fit this team like a glove from the outset and will be leaned on heavily in the playoffs in the absence of Julius Randle. Don’t overlook Deuce McBride, Isaiah Hartenstein, Precious Achiuwa, Bojan Bogdanović and the recently returning Mitchell Robinson who will help makeup the rest of this solid rotation. They provide versatility and quality play at both ends of the floor which will help immensely.

The Braintrust

Before we wrap up, I would be remiss if I did not praise head coach Tom Thibodeau and GM Leon Rose. It’s now Thibs fourth season on the Knicks sideline and the long-term vision that he and Rose have had for this team had fully taken shape. They have made the playoffs in three out of four seasons, and this is probably the best chance the Knicks have had at winning a title since 1994. The squad is deep and balanced, looking primed to make a run. It will now be up to Thibs to push the right buttons in game and adjust as series progress. Hopefully he and his Ranger counterpart Peter Laviolette can coach their teams on deep runs, just like the two teams did in the spring of 94.

That’s a wrap on the 23-24 New York Knicks season! One of the best in a long time. Hopefully there is more fun ahead. The playoffs start Saturday the World’s Most Famous Arena so remember everyone, keep calm, get loud and “Go New York, Go New York Go!” 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 Instagram feed @thebroadwaybreakdownsports for special gameday and promotional content. We have also launched a new podcast which carries the same name as the Instagram account. We are embarking on an exciting partnership with our friends at the Rangers Ed Podcast, so stay tuned for more announcements regarding this endeavor in the weeks ahead. We’ll be with back content this week as we have lots to discuss regarding all the New York teams. Stay tuned!