Knicks Reach First East Finals in 25 Years

The New York Knicks have reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, sparking debate about the team's overall talent and their struggles at home, where they have a 3-5 record at Madison Square Garden. ESPN's Mike Greenberg faced backlash for saying Jalen Brunson 'single-handedly dragged a very average team' to the Finals, with many arguing that the Knicks have a strong supporting cast. Boomer Esiason has attributed the team's poor home record to the distracting presence of celebrities like Timothée Chalamet, Spike Lee, and Ben Stiller courtside. Former Knick Julius Randle echoed concerns about the unique pressures and distractions of playing in New York. Despite these challenges, the Knicks currently trail the Pacers 3-2 in the series, with Game 6 approaching. The situation underscores the passionate scrutiny and unique pressures faced by the Knicks during their playoff run.