Rick Pitino Declares Knicks the Best Team in NBA Playoffs Despite OKC Threat
Former New York Knicks coach Rick Pitino has declared the Knicks the best team in the current NBA playoffs, surpassing even the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Speaking to the New York Post, Pitino highlighted the Knicks' improved offensive ball movement and depth following their second-round sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks are set to face either the Detroit Pistons or Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. While Pitino acknowledged home-court advantage as a potential negative depending on the opponent, he praised the team's adjustment to utilizing Karl-Anthony Towns as a point big man, which has fueled a seven-game playoff winning streak. However, ESPN analysts Jay Williams and Brian Windhorst offered more measured perspectives. While Williams noted the Knicks look like championship contenders, Windhorst urged caution, pointing out Oklahoma City's undefeated 8-0 playoff record and advising fans to focus on the immediate conference finals challenge before making broader comparisons. The Knicks also anticipate the return of OG Anunoby from a hamstring injury for the next round.
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