Two years after winning an NBA title, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets sees the New York Knicks as a strong contender to end their 52-year championship drought. The Knicks secured their fifth consecutive victory by defeating the Nuggets 122-112, bringing their record to 32-16 and placing them just one game behind the reigning champion Boston in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Knicks have been on a scoring spree, setting a franchise record by totaling 408 points over their last three games. Their season-high score of 145 points was achieved in a previous victory against the Nuggets in November. Jokic praised the Knicks for their impressive performance, acknowledging their strong coaching, pace, and execution in both transition and half-court play.
Jokic, a three-time NBA MVP, considers the Knicks to be among the top five contenders for the championship. The Knicks, who last won the title in 1973 and haven't reached the conference finals since 2000, made significant moves in the offseason by acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson. Both Towns and Brunson were voted as All-Star starters, marking the first time since 1975 that the Knicks had two players in this position.
Brunson showcased his skills by recording 30 points and 15 assists in the recent victory, becoming only the fourth Knicks player to achieve this feat in a single game. Despite being ranked as the fourth choice to win the title by BetMGM, trailing behind Boston, Oklahoma City, and Cleveland, the Knicks remain focused on their current performance rather than future celebrations.
Towns emphasized the importance of staying present and focusing on improving their game to become the best team possible. He highlighted the significance of addressing the current challenges and opportunities, believing that success in the present will pave the way for a promising future.
The Knicks are determined to build on their recent success and continue their pursuit of the NBA championship, with their strong roster and cohesive gameplay positioning them as formidable contenders in the league.
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