Knicks continue to struggle against elite competition

After re-establishing themselves as serious postseason contenders in recent years and coming within reach of the Eastern Conference Finals last season, the New York Knicks entered the 2024-25 campaign with heightened expectations. 

The blockbuster acquisitions of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges signaled an aggressive push toward championship contention. However, reality has painted a far different picture.  

Despite sitting third in the Eastern Conference with a strong 37-20 record, the Knicks have faltered against the NBA’s elite — a troubling trend with the playoffs looming.  

Their latest setback came in a 118-105 loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday, where Jayson Tatum torched them with a near triple-double, posting 25 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. The loss dropped New York to 0-3 against its conference rival, a team it would almost certainly need to overcome in a seven-game series to realize its championship ambitions.  

The Knicks did manage to erase a 27-point deficit and cut the lead to just four at one stage, but ultimately, the Celtics proved too much — just as the Cleveland Cavaliers had days earlier, dismantling New York in a stunning 142-105 blowout.  

The trend is undeniable. Against the likes of Boston, Cleveland and the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, the Knicks have failed to register a single win this season, sitting at a dismal 0-7 in such matchups.

Beyond their struggles against top-tier opponents, head coach Tom Thibodeau has once again faced scrutiny over his heavy reliance on key players. The Knicks' starters are logging significant minutes, with no fewer than 34.9 per game. However, Thibodeau remains steadfast in his approach.  

“We’ve got to [have lineups that are] strong on both sides of the ball, and then, ‘Can your guys handle minutes?’” Thibodeau said via the New York Post. “There’s different minutes in the course of the game. If you look at Jalen [Brunson] and [Karl-Anthony Towns], their minutes are what other the main players are.

“The wings are different. OG [Anunoby] is at 36 [minutes]. Mikal [Bridges] is the highest, and Josh [Hart’s] are high as well. Both of those guys can handle minutes, and they want the minutes. If they can handle the minutes, give it to them. If they can’t, cut it back.” 

With a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on the horizon on Feb. 26, the Knicks have a chance to course-correct for the time being. But unless they can prove they can compete — and win — against the NBA’s true contenders, their regular-season success may mean little when the postseason arrives.