New York Knicks: 5 Reasons They Might Be Legit In 2016-17

New York Knicks: 5 Reasons They Might Be Legit

Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) celebrates his game-winning shot with forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 106-104. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 10, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks fans during second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden. The Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks 110-82.Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Home Prowess

Having a home-court advantage doesn’t really matter much in the playoffs unless you, ya know, secure home-court advantage, but we have to give the 2016-17 Knicks props for turning Madison Square Garden back into their home, rather than a stomping ground for opposing stars to light it up on a nightly basis.

Through 12 home games, the Knicks boast a 9-3 record, good for the third-best home record in the NBA and second-best home record in the East. They’ve also posted a +2.9 point differential at MSG, the seventh-best mark in the conference.

Again, New York has a long way to go if the intention is to actually cash in on this developing home-court prowess, since their 11-9 record overall is only good for fifth in the Eastern standings.

But if the Knicks are able to climb further up the standings, building on their 8-3 turnaround following a disappointing 3-6 start, they could put themselves in contention for a top-four seed. If they can do that, and reconcile their excellent play at home with their ugly 2-6 road record, they could be in good shape in a first round playoff series down the road.

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