Yup, we’re doing this again. The Knicks are 4-3 on the season, and thus invigorating their fanbase with early season glory.
Now, to give the Knicks some credit, they’re doing it right this time. The rebuild, that is. Rather than banking on a washed-up star’s glimpse of past glory, the Knicks have a decent core to build around, and young, emerging talent any fanbase would be excited to watch on a nightly basis.
With Tom Thibodeau at the helm, the Knicks are embracing a win-now approach, while refusing to lose sight of their long-term aspirations. New York knows only one expectation, and it’s been far too long since the Knicks were at the pinnacle of basketball acceptance.
In fact, Knicks fans didn’t quite know how to handle it.
Julius Randle and RJ Barrett led the way offensively for the Knicks over the Hawks
Randle had 28, while the upstart from Duke, Barrett, poured in 26 of his own. Randle’s contributions have come as no surprise in Thibs system.
The major storyline from Monday night’s win, however, remains Immanuel Quickley. The Kentucky product has shown flashes, but nothing like his all-around entertainment in the ATL.
Thibs likes what he sees in the young gun.
“He can shoot. Just the way he approaches the game, attitude, approach. He has that one skill that opens everything up. Every day he’s getting better and better. When you’re as intelligent as him he picks up things quickly. We were searching and struggling and found a group and rode with it,” Thibodeau said.
Despite not having much frontcourt depth with Obi Toppin injured for the time being, the Knicks held their own against Trae Young and Co. Suddenly, even with the presence of their star-studded neighbors in Brooklyn, the Knicks are the story in the Big Apple.
Fans should embrace it while it lasts.