The New York Knicks are putting the league on notice-and they’re doing it with both style and substance.
After last season’s crushing exit in the Eastern Conference Finals at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, this year’s Knicks squad has come back with a vengeance. The trio of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Josh Hart has not only galvanized the team but also reignited the championship conversation in New York. And if their recent run is any indication, the Knicks aren’t just chasing a title-they're building a winning culture that’s starting to feel undeniable.
Their December triumph in the Emirates NBA Cup was a statement in itself. But now, during the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, the Knicks have added another trophy to the shelf, winning the Kia Shooting Stars Challenge. Sure, it’s a fun event, but it’s also a reflection of how locked in this team is-even in the spotlight of All-Star festivities, they’re competing to win.
After the event, ESPN’s Malika Andrews caught up with Brunson and Towns, playfully hinting at what could be next:
Malika Andrews: “Y’all have now won at All-Star Weekend, the NBA Cup-is there a third, bigger one coming?”
Jalen Brunson: “If you have the script, tell us.”
Karl-Anthony Towns: “Yeah, that would be great.
Let us know.”
Malika: “We’ll let you know what’s coming.”
It was a light moment, but the message was clear: the Knicks are serious about chasing a championship, and they’re having fun doing it.
Right now, New York sits third in the Eastern Conference standings with a 35-20 record. That’s not just a good season-it’s a sign of consistency, chemistry, and a team that’s learning how to win in different ways.
Brunson has continued to elevate his game, Towns has seamlessly integrated into the lineup, and Hart brings the kind of grit that defines playoff basketball. This isn’t a team built around one star-it’s a collective that believes in itself.
Elsewhere in the East, another major storyline is unfolding in Boston, where Jayson Tatum is inching closer to a return after an ACL tear sidelined him last season. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Tatum recently participated in a full five-on-five practice with teammates, two-way players, and G League call-ups-a major milestone in his recovery.
Players around the league are watching closely, including Brunson, who had high praise for Tatum’s journey back:
“The fact that he’s worked so hard to get to where he is and preparing to come back is a testament to who he is. Basketball fans around the world are definitely excited to see his comeback.”
Tatum’s return could reshape the playoff picture in the East, but the Knicks aren’t looking over their shoulders. They’re focused on what’s in front of them-starting with their next matchup against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks have already collected two pieces of hardware this season. But there’s a third one-shiny, golden, and far more elusive-that they’ve got their eyes on. And if their current trajectory holds, they might just be scripting a story worth remembering.