Postseason basketball fits teams like the New York Knicks who invite contact and love to play a tough, physical style of basketball on the court.
The Knicks have been one of the most fun teams to watch during the 2024 NBA playoffs because they’ve been able to pull out wins despite some adverse circumstances.
However, New York also appears to be wearing down quickly as they’ve lost several key members of their rotation due to injury.
The Knicks entered the playoffs without Julius Randle, who underwent season-ending shoulder surgery, but the team has also seen Mitchell Robinson, Bojan Bogdanovic, and OG Anunoby miss games.
Even Jalen Brunson isn’t completely healthy as he’s been dealing with a foot injury he suffered earlier in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers.
Despite the injuries that have piled up, Brunson sent a clear message regarding the team’s attitude and approach, via Knicks Videos.
“No matter what the situation is, we’re gonna have each other’s backs,” Brunson said.
“No matter what the situation is, we’re gonna have each other’s backs.”
Jalen Brunson talks about the injuries the Knicks are dealing with: pic.twitter.com/C8R14BDIKt
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 18, 2024
New York has looked like a close-knit team both on and off the floor and Brunson’s comments signal the next-man-up approach head coach Tom Thibodeau has preached.
Brunson and the rest of the roster get the benefit of playing Game 7 back home at Madison Square Garden, but eliminating the Pacers won’t be easy given they’re healthy and coming off a strong Game 6 win.
However, it would be foolish to count the Knicks and Brunson out because of how much grit and resilience the team has shown throughout this series.
NEXT:
Tom Thibodeau Reveals OG Anunoby’s Status For Game 7
