New York Knicks fans were disappointed to be eliminated from the NBA playoffs by the Atlanta Hawks, but they still showed appreciation for a bright season.
The New York Knicks made it to the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2013. However, their run ended in five quick games against the Atlanta Hawks.
On Wednesday night, the Hawks finished off the Knicks at Madison Square Garden with a 103-89 victory in Game 5.
Trae Young was just too much for New York in the end.
Despite the disappointment of a first-round exit, Knicks Twitter was largely positive when they reflected back on the surprising 2020-21 season.
Knicks fans came away from the playoff exit feeling grateful
After the loss, fans wanted to acknowledge what had been an exciting season.
not the way we wanted to end, but what a season it was.
— KNICKS ON MSG (@KnicksMSGN) June 3, 2021
I love this team.
thank you for following along with us 💙🧡 pic.twitter.com/xPajn2RoQn
Thank you NY Knicks for a lot of fun this year! Haven’t felt this in awhile and pumped for the future! Congrats to the Hawks well played!
— Jerry Ferrara (@jerryferrara) June 3, 2021
No matter what, this was a successful season for the Knicks.
— KnicksNation (@KnicksNation) June 3, 2021
Disappointing ending but this is only the beginning
I hope MSG gives the Knicks a massive ovation. Tough series, but an amazing, scrappy year that gives us all so much hope after 20 years of utter shit
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) June 3, 2021
What a year. We will never forget this season. We won't forget this playoff atmosphere at MSG.
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) June 3, 2021
We'll be back. Thank you Knicks. pic.twitter.com/RhHJLvSgHy
Ben Stiller kept his message of support short and sweet.
Love this Knick team.
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) June 3, 2021
Realistically, New York did far more than fans could have hoped before the season.
Despite the loss, what a season from the Knicks:
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) June 3, 2021
• Finished last in division last season (12th in East)
• Best defense in NBA this season (opponent PPG)
• Julius Randle made his first All Star team
• 4th-best record in East
• First playoff app since 2013 pic.twitter.com/GlACKQdZ8M
Julius Randle deserves much of the credit for that despite a muted postseason.
In a weird, roundabout way, Julius Randle’s awful play in the postseason highlights just how incredibly well he played & how valuable he was during the regular season.
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) June 3, 2021
You saw what this Knicks team would’ve looked like if Randle didn’t carry them by efficiently averaging 23/10/6
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic gave the team credit for bringing the fun while outpacing expectations.
This Knicks roster, on paper, did not look like it was going to be particularly fun this year. But they weren’t just a solid team, they were absolutely were a blast to watch because of how much fun they seemed to be having. Congrats to them on a great, surprising season.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) June 3, 2021
That’s not to say everyone was having fun. Some fans are really, really excited to not have to watch Elfrid Payton play basketball anymore.
https://twitter.com/goknickstape/status/1400273677845999619?s=20
The Knicks will now regroup and look ahead to next season. Expectations will be higher than before, knowing Randle has true All-Star ability.
Of course, a ton of decisions will need to be made on the personnel front. Derrick Rose, Alec Burks, Reggie Bullock, Taj Gibson and Nerlens Noel are among the players set to become free agents.
For now, New York fans can sit back and enjoy the rest of the playoffs while appreciating the ride they got in 2021.