New York has always been dubbed as the “mecca of basketball,” but for much of the 21st century, that sounded like a joke. The city’s pro hoop team, the New York Knickerbockers were among the NBA’s worst since the 2000s, with one terrible draft pick, free agent signing, front office, or coaching hire after another, consistently setting the franchise back.

Fortunately, the tide has changed over the last few years. The team has made the playoffs thrice in the last four seasons, and the culture is steadily changing for the better, thanks in good part to head coach Tom Thibodeau, who has brought defense and tough mindedness, and Jalen Brunson, who’s spearheading the group’s offense and promise.

The Knicks were an injury bug away from an Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 2023-24 – perhaps even the NBA finals, or dare I say, a championship. Exaggeration or not, the front office followed it up with some sweet moves, and excitement is overflowing.

First, they re-signed two-way wing OG Anunoby, a mid-season acquisition who was quickly beloved by fans, and traded for Mikal Bridges, likewise a two-way player, only he can score in bunches more frequently.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Knicks Leon Rose and his men pulled off a blockbuster this past week, acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. They did have to let Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo go, and most likely another first-round draft pick, but if you’re NY, it’s a deal you can’t pass up.

There’s a lot to unpack there, like why did the Timberwolves do it in the first place when they are coming off the franchise’s best season in 20 years and just went to the Western Conference Finals?

One that’s most intriguing, however, is the dramatically ignited firepower, and how it can possibly match up with the defending champion Boston Celtics. 

The Celtics are currently the gold standard, and it’s not only due to winning the title. They are simply a well-run organization that has top-notch coaching and a collection of great talent that fit together to a tee (that’s rare), hence the elite offense and defense, number one regular season record, and almost spotless postseason run.

It seems silly to compare a new-look squad to their battle-tested, championship-winning core, especially since Boston won four of the five regular season meetings in 2023-24. Having said that, the way things are similar and different are quite fascinating.

With reigning Finals MVP Jaylen Brown and 2022, 2023, and 2024 All-NBA First Team member Jayson Tatum leading the charge, the Knicks have Anunoby, Bridges, and Josh Hart as their supposed stoppers. Regardless of who has who, it’s bound to produce intense showdowns.

The PG spot has a similar energy, but inverted. New York has the deadly offensive weapon in Brunson, while Boston has the defensive ace in Jrue Holiday. It’s equally exciting, and Brunson posted 27.4 points per game on the stout Celtic defense last season, among the highest they’ve allowed.

X-Factor Derrick White is mirrored by Hart, and it can be an underrated matchup as it transcends the actual one-on-one. They are sure to one up each other in hustle, timely baskets, or whatever play is needed.

Lastly, for stretch big man and rim protector Kristaps Porzingis, newly-minted Knick Towns is the answer. NY has the nod here overall, but we’ve seen how well Porzingis operates with Brown and Tatum getting massive attention.

In the end, though…

The Celtics are champions for a reason, and they’ll be the NBA’s top dogs until they are not, while the Knicks are still grinding their way to look like a legit opponent, although make no mistake about it: they are well-positioned to be a tough competition.