Never too high never too low: Led by their captain’s demeanor Knicks look to return to ECF

The Knicks have won 5 straight playoff games, as they look to take a commanding 3-0 series lead on the 76ers tonight in Philadelphia. Remember how you felt after consecutive first round playoff losses (by 1 point) to the Hawks in the first round? Me neither. What a difference two weeks make. Just ask Mikal Bridges. Who went from potentially being taking out of the starting lineup, to harassing Tyrese Maxey and shooting close to 70 percent from the field in these two wins at MSG. That is the guy they traded for, and thankfully he got his swagger back. The Bockers have played championship caliber basketball, and they have reached a level we simply have not seen from this group in the Jalen Brunson era. That is in large part to the play of OG Anunoby. Who has turned into the second coming of Kawhi Leonard. And there is not a person reading this that would not give up their healthy hamstring to ensure that the dynamic two-way star (yes hes playing like a star) can continue his incredible display of high-level hoops. Unfortunately, when we think about this kind of injury our minds naturally go back to the 2024 playoff run. But after initial positive reports, I will not let a small bump in the road steal my orange and blue joy. This team is no stranger to adversity. They have a real leader in #11, who won't allow the ball club to get too high or too low. And inevitability you’re going to have to overcome uncomfortable circumstances. Think back to the 2-9 stretch New York had in January. The fans were ready to burn it down and give up on this core. How did they respond? 8 straight wins. And after having some execution issues in crunch time of round 1, Brunson was right back to work down the stretch of game 2 on Wednesday night. Never shying away from the moment, making consecutive jumpers in his office, to help them pull away in the 4th. That is resilient behavior from the captain. And the team follows. It’s what is required if they want to play for that sought after gold ball in June. That and Karl Anthony Towns staying ON the floor. It would be hard to write something about this playoff run and not bring up the stellar play of the big bodega. Shoutout to Knicks super fan Benjy Kleiner, who to my knowledge is the leader of the KAT fan club, and his support of the all NBA center never wavered. Having said that he needs to understand his value to the team, and stay away from the unnecessary fouls. (KAT not Benjy) Especially with the status of OG unknown. Hopefully the healing powers of Jordan Clarkson is a real thing. And as our favorite basketball team heads down the turnpike this weekend for a business trip, we can be sure of one thing...crap is going to come up. But the 2025-2026 Knicks have proven they will always have a counter.