Road form going to cost New York Knicks dearly in Playoff race

The New York Knicks are currently third in the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division, having won 16 of their 29 matches so far this season. At Madison Square Garden, the Knicks have been outstanding, losing just five games all year. On that form, Jeff Hornacek’s men stand a decent chance of nicking a playoff spot but their road record could go against them.

Away from their home court, New York have won just two of their 10 road games so far this campaign. Simply put, that record is not good enough to take the Knicks to the playoffs – the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics will both make easy work of New York. The Knicks must find a way to hit top form at home and away in order to stay competitive at the business end of the season.

At the time of writing, the Knicks are on a four-game winning run and New York fans will be hopeful of a change in fortune on the road. They are still well within touching distance of the best teams in the East and some supporters will be quietly confident of a hefty playoff push.

The Knicks are better than most at bouncing back when going behind and some may wish to take advantage of in play betting markets on New York this weekend.

Realistically, Hornacek’s side are a long way off competing for the NBA Championship but in sport, you never know. Stranger things have happened and the Knicks could secure a third title at some point in the future. In previous seasons, New York have focused on the present but the Knicks are now building a roster capable of competing in years to come.

B-Easy getting buckets. pic.twitter.com/3dZLpJ5dNP

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 17, 2017

The Knicks have found their niche and it would be foolish for New York’s hierarchy to tinker too much with what is currently a winning formula. Building around consistent youngsters is the best way for New York to develop as a franchise and that will give the Knicks the best possible chance of future success. It would be foolish to predict a dynasty era but at least there is a plan in place.

Imagine if three of these young New York stars mature into elite talents? The Knicks could have their very own power trio in the not-so-distant future. The Cleveland Cavaliers have one, the Golden State Warriors have one and the San Antonio Spurs had one – and what do all three franchises have in common? Titles. New York’s last championship was back in 1990 and that simply isn’t good enough.

Expecting the Knicks to go on and win the NBA title would be foolish but Hornacek has got this side trending in the right direction. In time, a serious challenge may be possible but you would be hard pressed to go against either Golden State or Cleveland at the moment.

Scott Perry is an excellent general manager and both he and Hornacek can continue to build this New York Knicks franchise into a potential contender.

(Originally submitted Dececmber 11)