Knicks’ season hinges on first-round success: breakthrough or failure?
For the New York Knicks, the 2025-26 season will ultimately be judged by one question: can they win a first-round playoff series? After building one of the most competitive rosters in the Eastern Conference, expectations in New York have shifted. Led by All-Star guard Jalen Brunson, the Knicks have established a clear identity built on toughness, defensive intensity, and efficient half-court offense.
Knicks’ season hinges on first-round success: breakthrough or failure? originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
For the New York Knicks , the 2025-26 season will ultimately be judged by one question: can they win a first-round playoff series? After building one of the most competitive rosters in the Eastern Conference, expectations in New York have shifted. This is no longer a team simply fighting to make the postseason — it’s one expected to advance.
Anything less could be viewed as a step backward. Led by All-Star guard Jalen Brunson, the Knicks have established a clear identity built on toughness, defensive intensity, and efficient half-court offense. Brunson’s leadership and scoring ability have been central to their rise, particularly in high-pressure moments.
Around him, a deep and physical roster has allowed New York to compete with some of the conference’s top contenders. However, regular-season success only goes so far in a city like New York. The Knicks have reached this point before a solid team with promise but without a defining playoff breakthrough to validate their progress.