The 2024–25 New York Knicks season was one of the most exciting and emotionally charged campaigns in recent memory. With a strong regular-season finish, two intense playoff series wins, and a hard-fought battle in the Eastern Conference Finals, this team proved they belong in the NBA’s upper tier — even if the season ended just short of the Finals.
Regular Season Overview
The Knicks finished the regular season with a 51–31 record, earning the 3rd seed in the East. Coach Tom Thibodeau’s squad was built on defensive intensity and improved offensive versatility, thanks to the addition of Karl-Anthony Towns at the trade deadline.
Jalen Brunson emerged as the team’s superstar, averaging over 28 points during the season and winning the 2025 NBA Clutch Player of the Year award. The loss of Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson to injury could’ve derailed the year, but the Knicks’ depth stepped up when it mattered.
First Round: Beating the Pistons in 6
The Knicks faced off against the upstart Detroit Pistons in Round 1. New York dropped two games at home but showed their mental toughness by winning all three road games — a rare and impressive feat. They closed the series out in six, leaning on Brunson’s leadership and gritty team defense.
Semifinals: Knocking Out the Champs
In the Conference Semifinals, the Knicks faced their biggest challenge yet: the defending champion Boston Celtics. The series was physical and dramatic, but the Knicks prevailed in six games behind explosive performances from Brunson and key stops from OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein.
This win sent the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals since 2000 and had fans dreaming of a Finals run.
Eastern Conference Finals: Falling to the Pacers
The Knicks were matched up with the Indiana Pacers — the very team that ended their season in 2024. This year’s series was competitive, but Game 6 was where things unraveled. Despite a strong first half and a 22-point, 14-rebound performance by Towns, the Pacers pulled away in the second half.
Pascal Siakam dropped 31 points and was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP. The Knicks’ defense faltered late, and offensive rhythm was hard to come by. The loss ended their season, 4–2 in the series.
Key Player Performances
- Jalen Brunson: Averaged 30.1 PPG and 7.0 APG during the playoffs. Solidified his place as one of the top guards in the NBA.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: Contributed heavily on both ends, especially in the Celtics series and Game 6 vs. Indiana.
- OG Anunoby: Defensive ace, regularly tasked with guarding the opponent’s top scorer, and contributed timely buckets.
What’s Next for the Knicks?
This season was a turning point. New York proved they’re more than a feel-good story — they’re real contenders. With the core of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby locked in, and Mitchell Robinson expected to return healthy, the Knicks are well-positioned to push even further in 2026.
What they need:
- Continued growth from role players like Miles McBride and Josh Hart
- Another 3-and-D wing off the bench
- Improved late-game execution and scoring depth against elite defenses
While the season didn’t end in a parade, it ended in pride. The Knicks gave New York something real to believe in again — a team that fights, competes, and has the tools to build something special. The Garden is loud again. And the future? It’s bright.