Why Knicks vs. Mavs is Must-See TV

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lance Roberson | Last updated Nov 27, 2024 12:16 PM ET

Although the New York Knicks experienced success last season, reaching the second round of the playoffs for two consecutive years, they had one void in their otherwise triumphant 2023-24 campaign. The Dallas Mavericks swept the Knicks for their 2023-24 regular-season series. The Knicks seek revenge on Wednesday as part of the ESPN primetime game.

On the heels of their best victory of the 2024-25 season, the Knicks' momentum collides with the Mavericks at an intriguing point of their respective seasons. On the Knicks' side, they finally beat a playoff-caliber team soundly. Meanwhile, the Mavericks showcased their competence by accruing a 3-1 record without Luka Doncic during the 2024-25 campaign.

However, the Knicks offer the Mavericks quite the defensive challenge. OG Anunoby's 40-point performance alludes to peak confidence on offense, and Jalen Brunson's career-high 17 assists reiterates his command of Tom Thibodeau's offense.

Furthermore, the insertion of Karl-Anthony Towns adds a new wrinkle to the Knicks' offense they lacked last season: a big man who can shoot and put the ball on the court.

Although Towns' last contest vs. the Mavericks saw him drop the ball to extraordinarily horrible levels during the Western Conference Finals, he's since exploded for multiple 40-plus scoring performances.

Despite a positive record without Doncic, the Knicks' defensive pieces could rain on the Mavericks' parade. Spencer Dinwiddie and Jaden Hardy have a history of struggling vs. longer defenders, which the Knicks have in spades.

Both sides give their respective fan bases reason to believe their team will win. Regardless of what occurs on Wednesday, the Knicks and Mavericks will have quite the conversation starter during Thanksgiving festivities.