The 2025-26 Knicks: A New Contender in the Conversation for NBA Greatness

In a surprising turn of events, the 2025-26 New York Knicks have etched their name into NBA lore by delivering one of the most commanding playoff performances in history. After a rocky start, where they lost two games to the Atlanta Hawks in the opening round, the Knicks rebounded spectacularly, sweeping through both the second round and the Conference Finals. When they reached the NBA Finals, they dropped only one more game, ultimately claiming the Larry O'Brien Trophy for the first time in over 53 years.

During the regular season, New York had a solid yet unspectacular record of 53-29, finishing fifth in the league with a net rating of plus-6.4. However, their playoff game elevated to a whole new level, as they recorded an impressive plus-16.0 net rating and a remarkable 16-3 overall postseason record. Their playoff winning percentage of 83.3% now ties them for the 10th-best in NBA history, on par with the 2023-24 Boston Celtics, and surpassing legendary teams like the 1996 Chicago Bulls and the 1986 Boston Celtics.

Additionally, the Knicks achieved a historic feat by posting the best point differential in NBA playoff history at +283, outpacing the previous record held by the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors, who finished with a +230 differential. While the Warriors had an outstanding championship run, the Knicks' margin of victory in the playoffs surpassed all other teams, solidifying their status among the greatest franchises in basketball history.

New York's transformation from a solid regular-season team to a postseason powerhouse is remarkable. They recorded the second-largest disparity in point differential between the regular season and the playoffs in NBA history, only behind the 1955-56 Los Angeles Lakers. The Knicks' regular-season point differential was plus-6.3, while their playoff differential soared to plus-17.6, highlighting their exceptional playoff performance.

The Knicks' success can be attributed to a well-rounded team effort. In the Finals, star guard and reigning Finals MVP Jalen Brunson faced shooting challenges, but his teammates, including the underrated OG Anunoby and a solid defense, stepped up. Brunson ultimately shined in Game 5, scoring 45 points and leading his team to victory. With contributions from Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and others, New York showcased a nearly flawless roster suited for modern NBA competition.

While some may attribute their success to a comparatively weaker Eastern Conference, the Knicks' five-game triumph over the favored Spurs in the championship series speaks to their dominance. Even their two early losses were characterized by flukes, demonstrating how formidable this team truly is. Moreover, the Knicks also secured the NBA Cup this year, marking them as the first franchise to achieve both the NBA Cup and the championship in the same season. As discussions begin about the greatest teams in NBA history, the 2025-26 Knicks are certainly a contender that cannot be overlooked.