The New York Knicks turned the tide against the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Initially behind with a 1-2 record, discussions veered towards a player who wasn’t even on their team: Giannis Antetokounmpo. Speculation swirled about whether the Milwaukee Bucks might trade Antetokounmpo to the Knicks in exchange for top players and draft picks. The idea was that adding a top-five player in basketball alongside Jalen Brunson could propel the Knicks to the NBA Finals.

Three weeks later, any talk of Antetokounmpo has vanished. New York fans have shifted focus entirely, with enthusiasm running high for the current roster. The Knicks surged back against Atlanta, finishing the series with a 50-point blowout victory. They then went on to sweep the Philadelphia 76ers and did the same to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference finals.

The impact is not merely in reaching the NBA Finals, but in the manner in which they accomplished it. The Knicks delivered multiple blowout victories, showcasing dominance reminiscent of legendary teams. Comparisons to icons like Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and the Lakers duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal arise, yet the current Knicks are prevailing with unexpected ease.

As they approach the NBA Finals, the New York team faces either the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs, a team revitalized by the 7-foot-4 talent, Victor Wembanyama. Pre-finals discussions favored the Western teams as potential winners, casting the Knicks in a David versus Goliath scenario.

The prevailing narrative, however, overlooks the genuine intensity this championship promises. The Knicks, armed with one of the deepest offenses observed in the postseason, are ready for battle. This intensity resembles the excitement seen a decade ago when Steph Curry clashed with LeBron James.

If the Knicks maintain their current performance in the finals, the franchise will rewrite its place in basketball history. Four more games of thrilling play could forever alter the legacy of the New York Knicks.