The New York Knicks will go into the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. After securing the seed last night, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau was asked about how focused his star guard Jalen Brunson is, to which Thibs had a hilarious response.
“He doesn’t have Facegram or whatever you call it"
Josh Hart saw how his coach responded to the question and shared a message with his teammate and podcast host on Twitter/X.
"Yo Jalen Brunson, hit me on FaceGram."
Hart is jokingly teasing Thibodeau for not saying Instagram. I find it hard to believe that Thibs doesn't know what Instagram is after all these years, but nobody is surprised to find out Thibs doesn't care for the social media app. As far as fans on NBA Twitter go, everyone knows Hart in particular is pretty active on the text-based app.
Both Hart and Brunson will be imperative in the Knicks trying to make a playoff run without Julius Randle. Brunson has solidified his status as an All-NBA guard and fringe MVP candidate by averaging 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists over the season. Hart is one of the premier role players in the NBA, averaging 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals this season.
Are The Knicks Bound For The Conference Finals?
The New York Knicks are the most interesting team in the East playoffs. While many expected them to be a competitive roster at the start of the season, they've emerged as the second-best team behind the Celtics. Whether this momentum will carry into the playoffs is the biggest question around the team, especially knowing that Julius Randle will not be available this season.
If the Knicks had fewer injuries, they likely would have outperformed their 50-32 record to end the season. In the 23 games they've played since acquiring OG Anunoby, the team went 20-3, which is an extremely encouraging number heading into the postseason with Anunoby healthy. Even without Randle, Brunson's increased offensive production and Anunoby's defense can carry the Knicks very far.
Outside of Anunoby, Brunson has a very talented supporting cast. Josh Hart is the ultimate gritty role-player while Donte DiVincenzo has emerged as one of the best shooters in the NBA. Isaiah Hartenstein went from a backup center to one of the most dependable starting centers in the East, maintaining the starting spot after Mitchell Robinson's return. Miles McBride has also thrived with increased opportunity.
The roster is solid and Thibodeau is the perfect coach for the franchise. It'll be a hard road, but the Knicks are well-positioned to make an Eastern Conference Finals run and then possibly upset a team like the Celtics to make the NBA Finals.
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