The 2024-2025 New York Knicks season stood out as they were able to beat the defending champions and contend in the Eastern Conference Finals. However, their loss to the Pacers highlighted several issues that they felt needed to be handled immediately within the season. The thing is, we still don’t know yet if it’s the right move.
The Good
Strong Regular Season Performance
The Knicks finished the regular season with a 51-31 record, securing the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference and 2nd in the Atlantic Division. This was a marginal improvement over their 50-32 record in the 2023-2024 season.
They had a point differential of +336, aligning closely with their Pythagorean expectation of 51.1 wins, indicating consistent performance.
December was their best month, with a 12-2 record and an 85.7% win percentage, showcasing their ability to dominate.
Playoff Success
The Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years (since 2000), defeating the Detroit Pistons (4-2) in the first round and the defending champions, the Boston Celtics (4-2), in the semifinals. This marked a significant milestone, as it was also the first time in 26 years they clinched a playoff series at home.
Jalen Brunson emerged as a standout playoff performer, leading the team in scoring (26.0 PPG) and assists (7.3 APG), solidifying his role as a superstar point guard.
Key Additions And Roster Strength
The Knicks bolstered their roster with significant acquisitions, including Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, Cameron Payne, along with draft picks like Pacôme Dadiet (No. 25), Tyler Kolek (No. 34), and others. These additions enhanced their depth, defense, and versatility.
The team featured two All-Star and All-NBA players, with Brunson and Towns leading the charge. Towns averaged 12.8 rebounds per game, providing a strong presence in the paint.
The combination of Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart formed one of the league’s best defensive wing duos, contributing to the team’s competitive edge.
Fan Engagement And Organizational Stability
The Knicks saw strong fan support, with an electric atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, the oldest NBA arena still in use.
The front office, led by Leon Rose, was praised for strategic moves like acquiring Bridges and Towns, building on a 50-win season and fostering optimism.
The Bad
Playoff Elimination And Home Struggles
Despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, the Knicks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in six games (2-4), falling short of the NBA Finals.
The team struggled at home during the playoffs, going 3-5 at Madison Square Garden, including losing two out of three games against the Pistons in the first round. This was a notable weakness for a team known for its strong home atmosphere.
Coaching And Strategic Issues
Criticism emerged regarding coach Tom Thibodeau’s strategies, including over-reliance on starters, rigid rotations, lack of offensive creativity, and poor in-game adjustments. These issues were cited as reasons for the Knicks’ decision to fire Thibodeau after the season on June 3, 2025.
There was notable fan frustration with the team’s suboptimal deployment, suggesting that despite a talented roster, the Knicks underperformed relative to their potential.
Injuries And Departures
While no major injuries were reported during the 2024-2025 season, the previous season’s injury to Mitch Robinson lingered as a reminder of the team’s vulnerability to key player absences.
Key departures included Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo (traded to the Timberwolves), Bojan Bogdanovic, Alec Burks, and Isaiah Hartenstein, which may have impacted team chemistry.
Perimeter Defense And Team Building Concerns
Despite having strong defensive wings like Bridges, Anunoby, and Hart, some fans and analysts noted that the team’s perimeter defense was unexpectedly poor, calling into question the effectiveness of their defensive strategy.
The 2024 offseason was criticized by some as a failure in team building, given the high expectations after acquiring draft picks and a superstar like Towns. Fans felt the team’s peak as a 3rd seed was underwhelming for an “all-in” roster.
