This has been some kind of season for the New York Knicks, and they have shown the type of sustained excellence and potential they haven’t shown since the 1990s.
They have the fourth-best record in the Eastern Conference at 33-22, and a recent trade that landed them sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanovic and 3-and-D wing Alec Burks could make them even better after the All-Star break.
The Knicks’ most recent surge has come without starting center Mitchell Robinson, who has been out since late December with an ankle injury.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau said per Ian Begley that Robinson has reached a milestone in his recovery, as he’s no longer wearing a walking boot and has begun doing some shooting.
Mitchell Robinson’s walking boot is off but he hasn’t started jogging/running yet, Tom Thibodeau says. He’s been doing some shooting.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 20, 2024
In 21 games this season, Robinson has averaged 8.7 rebounds and 7.1 points per game, and his energy and activity have been big keys to New York’s success over the last couple of seasons.
Under Thibodeau, they have been winning with defense, but that defense has fallen off a bit lately as they have lost five of their last six games.
Lately, the Knicks have also been without forward Julius Randle, who has been named to the All-Star team in three of the last four seasons including this one, due to a shoulder injury.
There is a growing feeling around the league that the Knicks are emerging as championship contenders and that come playoff time, they could even be the second-best team in the Eastern Conference.
But for them to live up to those expectations, they will need to get and stay healthy soon.
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