Why the Knicks Are Built to Dethrone the Celtics
As the 2024-2025 NBA season looms, the New York Knicks find themselves in an unfamiliar position compared to the past; they are now poised as severe contenders to dethrone the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference. After years of rebuilding and strategic moves, the Knicks have constructed a roster with depth, talent, and the chemistry and toughness needed to challenge the conference’s elite. With the addition of key players and the continued development of their young core, New York has quietly assembled a team built to disrupt Boston’s reign. This article delves into the key reasons why the Knicks are now equipped to topple the Celtics and emerge as a force to be reckoned with in the East.
Depth
A critical factor in the Knicks' ability to challenge the Celtics this season is their exceptional roster depth, which gives them a significant edge over many teams in the league. Unlike previous years, where the Knicks were heavily reliant on their starting five, they now boast a bench filled with impact players who can contribute on both ends of the floor. Miles McBride has developed into a defensive specialist, capable of locking down opposing guards and shifting the momentum of games with his relentless energy. A recent addition from two years ago, Donte DiVincenzo brings championship experience, versatility, and reliable three-point shooting, making him a crucial piece in the second unit. Alongside them, Josh Hart’s versatility allows him to guard multiple positions and contribute as a secondary playmaker, while his toughness and hustle set the tone for the team’s bench. This level of depth enables the Knicks to maintain a high level of play throughout games, keep their stars fresh, and adapt to various game scenarios, giving them a unique advantage in a potential playoff series against the more top-heavy Celtics. This depth is a significant reason why the Knicks are now built to seriously challenge Boston’s dominance in the Eastern Conference.
Positional Size/Defense
Another crucial reason the Knicks are primed to dethrone the Celtics this season is their impressive positional size and defensive versatility on the wings, which enables them to match up with Boston’s lineup effectively. With players like Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, OG Anunoby, and the newly acquired Mikal Bridges, the Knicks have assembled a formidable group of wing defenders capable of guarding multiple positions, from one through five. Hart and DiVincenzo combine grit, hustle, and defensive intelligence, making them ideal for locking down perimeter threats. Anunoby, with his physicality and ability to guard both forwards and centers, adds a layer of toughness and flexibility. At the same time, Bridges, one of the league's premier two-way players, offers elite wing defense and the ability to switch to any position. This collective defensive prowess allows the Knicks to counter the Celtics' dynamic offense, containing key players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown and disrupting Boston's rhythm across the court. The Knicks’ ability to deploy multiple versatile defenders makes them well-equipped to handle the Celtics' size and skill, providing a significant advantage in a head-to-head matchup.
Star Power
Another compelling reason the Knicks are ready to challenge the Celtics this season is the elevated star power they now possess, particularly in the form of Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges. Jalen Brunson has proven himself a legitimate playoff performer, showcasing his ability to take over games with clutch scoring, crafty playmaking, and unshakable composure under pressure. His breakout performances in previous postseason runs have established him as a go-to leader when the stakes are highest. Additionally, the acquisition of Mikal Bridges significantly boosts the Knicks' star power. Bridges, who emerged as a leading scorer and elite defender in the latter part of last season, provides the Knicks with another dynamic offensive threat and a lockdown defender. His ability to create his shot, stretch the floor, and guard the opposition’s best players makes him an ideal complement to Brunson. Together, Brunson and Bridges give the Knicks a formidable one-two punch, capable of matching and even surpassing the star power of the Celtics in critical moments, particularly in the playoffs, where individual brilliance often determines the outcome of a series.
With their deep roster, versatile wing defenders, and star power from Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, the Knicks are positioned better than ever to challenge the Celtics for Eastern Conference supremacy. The depth, defensive flexibility, and proven playoff performers give New York the tools to contend with Boston's strengths and exploit their weaknesses. As the 2024-2025 season unfolds, the Knicks have the potential to compete with the Celtics and finally dethrone them, marking a new era of success in New York basketball.
