The past season saw Jalen Brunson elevate the New York Knicks to capable playoff competitors. The addition of talented wing Mikal Bridges to their core has raised up another level, making them legitimate threats to the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks are entering the 2024-25 season with heightened expectations after a significant offseason trade. While reaching the second round of the playoffs has been viewed as a success in recent years, the acquisition of Mikal Bridges has elevated the team’s ambitions.
Though Bridges is not yet an All-Star, his elite three-and-D skills align well with the Knicks’ goals, particularly as they rally around Jalen Brunson, who is seen as the team’s cornerstone. With a roster bolstered by Bridges and a full season from OG Anunoby, the Knicks are positioned for improvement. A record prediction of 56-26 reflects their potential to compete among the Eastern Conference’s elite.
As the Knicks strive for their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in years, the blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent could be the key to their aspirations this season.
The Reason Why New York Knicks Are a Threat to the Milwaukee Bucks Next Season
There’s no denying the improvement New York has made up to this point. The thing is, their progress has pitted them directly against the Bucks, which has been explained in an NBA analysis by Sports Illutsrated’s Cody Smith.
“Last season, Jalen Brunson brought a certain buzz back to Madison Sqaure Garden that’s been absent since the days of either Carmelo Anthony in the 2010s or Patrick Ewing in the 1990s.
And the hype has only continued to grow since trading for the NBA’s ironman in Mikal Bridges earlier this offseason. Since entering the NBA in 2018-19, Bridges has yet to miss an NBA game. He was also part of the Villanova’s core when they won the national titles in 2016 and 2018, playing alongside current Knicks teammates Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart and Brunson. Heading into his first season as part of the “Nova Knicks” Bridges will be featured prominently in Tom Thibodeau’s rotation, who is famously known for high minute loads throughout the regular and postseasons,” Smith wrote.
Meanwhile, the Bucks are entering the 2024-25 season with high hopes after a disappointing playoff exit last year. Following the acquisition of Damian Lillard and the hiring of Doc Rivers, the team aims for improved performance.
With a new roster on both sides, fans will want to see how the Bucks and Knicks will fare next season. Nevertheless, their matches will surely draw a lot of fans to see which team will emerge on top.
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