3 realistic goals for New York Knicks in 2021 NBA Playoffs

1. Win at least one series

Development is important as is restoring the team’s reputation. But the ultimate goal is still to survive and advance.

The Knicks aren’t showing up as title favorites, so winning one series is a truly realistic goal. That is especially true given their No. 4 seed.

Winning a playoff series also goes a long way toward accomplishing the other goals. The team last made the playoffs during the 2012-13 season. That also marks the last time the Knicks won a playoff series.

That was also the first time the team had won a series since the 1999-00 season. So since the start of the 2000-01 season, Knicks fans have celebrated only one playoff series victory. That speaks to the dysfunction and how difficult it’s been to build a talented core.

Bringing in Thibodeau as head coach brought an actual winner to the bench who was able to bring his classic style to New York. There were no gimmicks and no wild promises. He just showed up to work, and the results speak for his abilities.

Now it’s time to prove that the new culture can actually win. This goal beats out the rest, and just one series victory will have fans talking about how the Knicks are so close to being true Finals contenders again.