New York Knicks: Who are their 3 biggest rivals in 2021-22?

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 23: New York Knicks' Derrick Rose, left, fouls Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young (11) as he drives to the basket during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series on May 23, 2021 in New York City. The Hawks defeated the Knicks 107-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Seth Wenig - Pool/Getty Images) /

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New York Knicks Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images /

New York Knicks Rival No. 2: Brooklyn Nets

In general, rival teams are at the same level, or at least share some common goals, to begin with. In this case, we can say with certainty that the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets are not shooting for the same prize this year.

However, the fact that this is an inner-city battle makes this matchup one for the calendar. On top of that, the presence of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, both of which rejected the Knicks and opted to join the Nets in 2019, makes this one a hell of a storyline.

After making the playoffs last season but failing to make it past the first round, the goal for the Knicks is simple: repeat the same success, but make it as far as possible in the playoffs.

For the Nets, well, this year it’s pretty much championship or bust. After failing to win it last year, they have run out of excuses. This superteam absolutely has to win this year, otherwise, the legacies of their star players will be on the line.

After this spectacular game between these teams last season, you just know that their first matchup about a month into the season will be one you simply cannot afford to miss.

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