About this Episode
In this episode of Podcasty NBA, hosts Niko and Stella explore the New York Knicks’ dramatic 2024-25 season—a roller-coaster marked by historic playoff victories over Boston but ultimately ending in heartbreak against Indiana in the Eastern Conference finals. They discuss key moments such as Jalen Brunson's clutch performances, Karl-Anthony Towns' defensive struggles highlighted by internal communication issues, and Tom Thibodeau's coaching decisions amid lineup challenges. Reflecting on decades of Knicks dysfunction contrasted with recent progress under Leon Rose's leadership, they analyze whether this team can evolve into true title contenders next year while maintaining fan optimism amidst uncertainty.
Article Discussed: "The Knicks’ Thrill Ride Ends—or Is It Just Beginning?"
Author:
https://www.theringer.com/2025/06/02/nba/new-york-knicks-offseason-trade-rumors-tom-thibodeau
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Episode Transcript
Niko: Welcome to Podcasty NBA! Today, we're diving into the wild ride that was the New York Knicks' 2024-25 season. From historic playoff wins to heartbreaking losses, the Knicks gave their fans a roller-coaster of emotions.
Stella: Absolutely, Niko. It was a season filled with highs and lows — including their first trip to the Eastern Conference finals in 25 years and some tough moments against the Indiana Pacers. We’ll explore how this season unfolded and what it means for the future of the franchise.
Niko: Let's start with that unforgettable Game 6 against the Boston Celtics. With just over a minute left, Madison Square Garden erupted as fans sang “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye,” celebrating a 119-81 win — the largest margin in Knicks playoff history. Mike Breen even called it a special night for loyal fans who had endured years of disappointment.
Stella: That victory sparked a massive celebration on Seventh Avenue, with fans climbing lampposts and billboards in pure joy. It felt like a championship moment despite being only the second round. But as we know, things took a turn shortly after.
Niko: Right, that momentum didn’t carry into the Eastern Conference finals opener against Indiana. The Knicks blew a 14-point lead late in Game 1 thanks to Aaron Nesmith’s incredible six 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and Tyrese Haliburton’s buzzer-beater that sent it to overtime. That game set the tone for what became a heartbreaking series loss.
Stella: The Pacers stole Game 1 in overtime, reshaping the series trajectory. Despite strong performances from Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns throughout the playoffs, communication issues and defensive lapses plagued New York’s effort, especially on Towns’ end according to reports from The Athletic.
Niko: It’s fascinating how this season encapsulated everything Knicks fans have come to expect: moments of brilliance mixed with frustrating collapses. Even though they finished with an impressive 51-31 record securing third seed in the East, they struggled against top teams during regular season play — going 0-10 against Boston, Oklahoma City, and Cleveland.
Stella: And yet there were bright spots like Brunson’s clutch plays — including his iconic ankle breaker against Ausar Thompson that ended their first-round series dramatically. Plus, Julius Randle's resurgence and Deuce McBride's bench contributions helped form what fans dubbed “Wingstop,” rounding out their solid roster heading into playoffs.
Niko: "Wingstop" indeed! But despite those positives, there were persistent issues with lineup chemistry and communication throughout their postseason run. Coach Tom Thibodeau even made rare adjustments by swapping Josh Hart for Mitchell Robinson late in the conference finals after dropping two games early on.
Stella: "The Athletic" highlighted frustration around Towns’ defensive habits — players felt he often executed incorrect coverages without explaining why. This disconnect seemed emblematic of broader communication problems within this talented but inconsistent squad.
Niko: "Exactly. The core group is signed through next season though, so there's hope these issues can be addressed with more time together off-season-wise. Still, given Towns' similar track record in Minnesota, some wonder if his defensive quirks are just part of his package."
Stella: "Jalen Brunson expressed utmost confidence about running it back next year with this group—he said he's 'overconfident' even—showing strong loyalty despite all challenges faced this season."
Niko: "But questions remain whether Thibodeau is still the right coach or if new pieces might better complement Brunson’s strengths moving forward. The Knicks didn’t get to see last year's squad fully healthy again after falling just short last year — something many fans regret."
Stella: "Looking ahead though, injuries to other contenders like Jayson Tatum and Damian Lillard might open up opportunities for New York next season. Despite flaws exposed this year—including turnovers and defensive lapses—the team outperformed nearly every Knicks roster we've seen in recent memory."
Niko: "So to sum up: The Knicks’ thrilling playoff run ended disappointingly but also marked significant progress after decades of struggles under previous managements like Isiah Thomas or Phil Jackson."
Stella: This season showed both promise and pain—a mix of overachievement tempered by missed chances due largely to communication breakdowns and defensive inconsistencies from key players like Towns. Yet with Brunson leading them forward, Knicks fans finally have real hope again. Thanks for tuning into Podcasty NBA—we'll keep following New York's journey closely!
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