The New York Knicks went 3-1 last week, defeating the Brooklyn Nets, Denver Nuggets, and the downward-spiraling (slight hyperbole) Cleveland Cavaliers. Here are three key takeaways while you plan the Knicks’ parade route.
- Coach Jeff Hornacek deserves some patience. After the Knicks started 0-3, ESPN’s Ian Begley tweeted that Hornacek could be on the hot seat. Hornacek followed up with three wins. The Knicks could use a shot of stability, which means giving the coach time to implement his system — especially since his first season was so triangle-focused.
- Playoffs or lottery, the Knicks will be fun to watch with Frank Ntilikina on the court. The rookie point guard’s commitment to defense was infectious in his Madison Square Garden debut against the Nets. The eighth-overall pick still has plenty of jitters to shake — he looked in awe while guarding Dwyane Wade — but it will be exciting to watch him mature this year.
- Starting Jarrett Jack has already been a huge upgrade compared to Ramon Sessions. Both Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr.have seen a sizable improvement in their respective shooting percentages with Jack on the floor (through Game 5).
The Knicks will host the Houston Rockets, the Phoenix Suns, and the Indiana Pacers this week. Can they keep streaking?