Fansided

3 reasons the Knicks can win at least one playoff series

By Steven Kubitza

DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 16: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks celebrates with RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks as the Knicks take on the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on April 16, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 16: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks celebrates with RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks as the Knicks take on the Dallas Mavericks in the fourth quarter at American Airlines Center on April 16, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 05: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 05, 2021 in New York City. The Nets defeated the Knicks 114-112. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

1. The experience of Tom Thibodeau

The Knicks are in this position because of Tom Thibodeau. He totally changed the dysfunctional culture of the Knicks and brought in some of his own guys, like Rose, to help turn things around.

This is a head coach with a ton of postseason experience. He took Chicago to the playoffs in all five of his seasons there and even willed the Minnesota Timberwolves to the postseason in 2018. Jimmy Butler helped in Minnesota, but the point remains.

Thibodeau is not going to let his young team get rattled in the first round of the playoffs. He has been there before and can keep everyone grounded if the first game is a blowout loss, or even a great win.

It is easy to list cliches when it comes to Thibodeau. Culture, grit, and other overused terms come to mind when talking about his impact on the Knicks. But the results are there and the Knicks are playing hard like those Bulls teams from a decade ago. So why not get caught up in sports talk cliches?

The Knicks are far from being title favorites. Winning a series, on the other hand, should be an expectation more than a wish.

dark. Next. Knicks fans freak out after clinching playoff berth

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