2. New York Knicks
Similar to the Celtics, the New York Knicks have looked the strongest they have in years as well. They are relatively unproven in the playoffs over the last decade aside from last year when they reached the Eastern Conference semi’s. But Jalen Brunson has reached a higher level in his individual game.
Brunson has injected new life to the franchise, averaging a career-high 28.6 points. He also has close relationships with core teammates Josh Hart and acquired Donte Divencenzo over last summer; both of whom he went to college with. The Knicks earned the second seed in a tight Eastern Conference and picked up some huge wins down the strecth of the regular season in the process, despite losing Julius Randle to season-ending shoulder surgery.
Could this be the year that leadership and chemistry from Brunson can lead New York over the hump?