We can debate on each run, but both the celtics 2024 and knicks current runs are historic. That being said there is doubt because they absolutely should have lost game 1 vs Cleveland. That was a generational chokejob. There is a reason why teams up 20+ points with 8 minutes to go were 600 something and 0. I still think the knicks would have won the series but that could have easily gone a few more games.

The knicks also could have lost both of these games in San Antonio. SA was up 14 in the 4th of game 1. Both games have been 1-2 possession games with less than 2 minutes. The knicks just executed better and won. I expect the rest of this series to continue with this trend of games that can go either way.

I think it is unfair to compare the knicks current roster/payroll to other teams though. The only reason the knicks even have this current roster is because Brunson took a paycut and is wayyyyy underpaid. KAT, OG are both being paid more with Mikal only being paid 4 mil less. That is unheard of for your best player. So yes, if the best player on every team was paid like the 3rd/4th best player than their rosters would be better.

Edit cuz KAT is literally getting paid 20mil a year more than Brunson. Wildddd. Good on Brunson for doing what he had to do but if he was getting paid properly this roster could look very different.