The New York Knicks have suffered mediocrity for decades. Due to poor management, a toxic culture, and all-around bad decision-making, the franchise was clouded with doubt and shame.
But upon the arrival of Leon Rose, and head coach Tom Thibodeau, the narrative regarding the Knickerbockers is starting to change.
After last season’s playoff berth (the first in years for the franchise), they came into this season hoping to build upon their progress. So far, the Knicks are certainly heading in the right direction as Thursday night’s victory pulled them up to a four-way tie for the East’s top position.
Whether or not it’s sustainable is arguable, but Knicks fans are enjoying the moment nonetheless. After securing the narrow win, the community took to Twitter to celebrate, making sure to share the current Eastern Conference standings.
KNICKS TOP OF THE EAST pic.twitter.com/fMBoKlVoKl
— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) October 29, 2021
The #Knicks searched long and hard for a Coach and couldn’t find the right fit. Thibs has changed the culture and brought respect back to the orange and blue. Love that dude!
— Brian Rappaport (@BRappy55) October 29, 2021
That damn Thibs got the Knicks looking like the BEST basketball team in NEW YORK!!! Something about that Culture right now hit different! Carry the hell on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) October 29, 2021
KNICKS ARE 4-1. 🍎🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 29, 2021
Knicks best team in the East????
— i. (@Pacino13__) October 29, 2021
TALK TO ME NICE pic.twitter.com/Wiompe6k13
— The Knicks Wall (@TheKnicksWall) October 29, 2021
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) October 29, 2021
Damn! I’m very happy the @nyknicks won the game, but can you do anymore to try and blow it?? Damn! Coaching! Randle’s missed FT’s. How about putting Rose in the game with Kemba? Damn!
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) October 29, 2021
After so much dysfunction, it’s nice to see the Knicks do well on the court, even if it’s just 5 games into the season.
In the past, the Knicks have always been valuable, largely due to their central location in the heart of New York City and the millions upon millions of people who call themselves fans worldwide.
No doubt, the air has always been different at Madison Square Garden.
“It’s different. I can’t even lie to you,” Walker said of being a Knick. “I was just telling [Taj Gibson] the other day, we come in and every year, every team they come give you sweatsuits and bags. My New York sweatsuit just hit a little bit different than my other sweatsuits from the last couple years. I just feel like me being from here — like, I’m really, really from here. Born and raised in the Bronx, you know? So, it’s definitely just a little bit more special.”
But now, with the team winning games and on the fast track to the post-season, the levels of hype and excitement are only going to get higher.
At this point, the whole world is rooting for this team — let’s just hope they don’t mess it up.
