The Knicks have played another 50 games since the opening night disaster in Boston, achieving their stated goal of steadily improving during the season that began primarily with two new starting players.
More than three months later, the Knicks (34-17) will ultimately face the second defending NBA champion, with a great chance to be drawn to even a loss column in Saturday night's yard.
They also mark the first game of the third Seed Knicks and the second Celtics (36-16) after both teams essentially putts ahead of Thursday's trade deadline.
“This is the next test,” Tom Thibodeau said after practicing in Tarleytown on Friday. “It's about understanding how to prepare for each game and the pros and cons of the team, and we need to know them well.
“Obviously, they're a dangerous team. They're defending champions, so they have to be ready to play really good 48 minutes of basketball.”
Asked what stands out most from the season that began his 132-109 defeat in Boston on October 22nd, Thibodeau replied, “The three-point shooting was probably a game difference.”
Certainly, the Celtics matched the NBA record with 3-pointers on 29 three-pointers after raising the championship banner, ruining the Knicks' debut in Karl Anthony town and Mikal Bridge.
“We're a different team now,” said Towns, who was named an All-Star starter for the first time in his career. “[It’s] Just understanding each other, we understand continuity, what our strengths are. we [have] There are also different ways of thinking as a team. …I had time to nurture the culture.
“Obviously you always want to get the best [standings] It's in a possible position, but all games deal with it [you’re playing] Boston Celtics. ”
Point guard Jaylen Branson was also named his first All-Star starter, giving the Knicks two stars to fight the Celtics duo of Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Boston was defeated by the Mavericks on Thursday. The Mavericks didn't have Anthony Davis in their lineup yet, following the blockbuster trade that sent Luka Donsic to the Lakers.
“It's another stepping stone to see where we are,” Branson said. “Each game is a test to see where we can improve. …There's a lot of respect for Boston around the league as when the team wins their way, everyone is chasing them. .”
The Knicks made a small move to acquire veteran Wing Deron Wright from the Bucks of Reserve Centre Jericho Sims.
“I really love our group,” Thibodeau said. “They have worked so hard throughout the start, to where we are today. We still have a lot to do and I think we can get better.”
Added Town: “Our mentality hasn't changed. We've always thought this was our team from day one. When we started, we'd like to achieve what we wanted to achieve this year. I said, this has always been our team. We have always had an incredible faith that it is something we are trying to move forward.”
Branson also mentioned the Knicks roster as he is “more than happy” as he is trying to go deeper into the playoffs after the second consecutive second round elimination.
“The people who wear New York on their chests at the trade deadline are who we are and who we trust,” Branson said. “No matter what happens, this is the team we'll be going to with and I have the utmost respect and confidence in them. I'm ready.”
