"The gauntlet was laid well before New York Knicks owner James Dolan strolled into the WFAN radio studio for a nearly half-hour interview, during which he discussed the Knicks' championship aspirations. "We want to get to the Finals," Dolan said last week ahead of New York's loss to the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons, "and we should win the Finals." Then he lightly slammed his hand on the desk for emphasis, grasping the gravity of his words."
"For Dolan, the Knicks' reaching their first conference finals since 2000, which former coach Tom Thibodeau achieved last season, was not enough. Two-time Coach of the Year Mike Brown was brought in to get the Knicks over that hump -- back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. So far in that mission, New York sits second in the East behind some thrilling moments -- a Christmas Day comeback win and a run to the NBA Cup title chief among them."
"Conference-best continuity and playoff experience The Knicks believed continuity would be an ultimate advantage, arguably one of the biggest reasons why the front office didn't go all-in on the pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo last summer. Along with the fact Dolan fired Thibodeau, hired Brown and there weren't any significant personnel moves before the start of the season gives the impression, he believes the Knicks have more than enough to get there."
James Dolan insists the New York Knicks must reach and win the NBA Finals, emphasizing the expectation by slamming his hand for emphasis. The Knicks sit second in the Eastern Conference with highlights including a Christmas Day comeback and an NBA Cup title, but they have gone 7-7 since Las Vegas and possess the league's 29th-ranked defense. Dolan replaced Tom Thibodeau with Mike Brown to push the team beyond last season's conference-finals appearance. The front office preserved roster continuity, partly explaining the decision not to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Brown has leaned on existing assistants, notably Rick Brunson, for lineup adjustments involving Josh Hart.
Read at ESPN.com
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