The New York Knicks may be sitting in the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference standings, but by the numbers-both traditional and advanced-they’re playing like the East’s top dog. From net rating to defensive efficiency, they’re checking all the boxes of a team that’s not just winning, but doing so with purpose. And yet, if you ask the players, their sights aren’t set on the teams behind them in the standings-they’re focused on the heavyweights out West.
OG Anunoby: "We're Hunting OKC"
Ahead of their NBA Cup semifinal win over the Orlando Magic, OG Anunoby made it clear during an interview with Sirius XM Radio: the Knicks are measuring themselves against the best, and right now, that means looking westward-specifically at the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“I feel like we’re hunting OKC and teams in the West we don’t see as much,” Anunoby said.
That’s not just talk. The Thunder have opened the season with a level of consistency and explosiveness that’s turned heads across the league.
They’re deep, young, and fast-and the Knicks know that if they want to be a serious Finals contender, they have to prove they can hang with that caliber of team. It's less about regional bragging rights and more about chasing greatness.
The East Is Top-Heavy-And the Knicks Are Carrying the Load
While the Eastern Conference has a few strong contenders, it’s clear the Knicks and Pistons have separated themselves from the pack. But out West?
It’s a different story. The Thunder may be leading the charge, but the conference is loaded with teams that can make a deep run-Denver, Houston, San Antonio, and the Lakers all bring different threats to the table.
That’s the reality New York is preparing for. If they want to reach their ultimate goal-a trip to the NBA Finals and a shot at a championship-they’ll need to be ready for whatever the West throws at them. And that means treating every game like a test, every matchup like a measuring stick.
Big Goals, Bigger Expectations
After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last season, expectations around this Knicks team have skyrocketed. This isn’t just about building on last year’s run-it’s about proving they belong in the title conversation.
The front office has built a roster with depth, versatility, and defensive grit. The players are locked in.
The coaching staff has them playing disciplined, unselfish basketball.
But to take the next step, they’ll need to do more than dominate the East. They’ll need to show they can go toe-to-toe with the best from the West-the Thunder, yes, but also teams like the Nuggets and Spurs, who bring playoff experience and elite talent.
For the Knicks, it’s not about chasing a seed. It’s about chasing a standard.
And right now, that standard is being set by the top teams out West. If New York wants to be taken seriously as a title contender, they’ll need to keep stacking wins, keep sharpening their identity, and keep proving that they’re not just a good team in the East-they’re a great team, period.
And they know it. That’s why they’re hunting.