The New York Knicks, in a reminiscent fashion from their glory days, clinched their eighth consecutive victory by concluding a remarkable January.
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The New York Knicks, in a reminiscent fashion from their glory days, clinched their eighth consecutive victory by concluding a remarkable January with a commanding 118-103 triumph over the Utah Jazz.
This month’s success, marked by 14 wins, mirrors the glory of the Patrick Ewing-led team under Pat Riley, which last achieved such a feat in March 1994. The nostalgia of that era is set to resurface as the red-hot Knicks, now positioned in third place in the Eastern Conference, prepare to face the Indiana Pacers, renewing a classic rivalry.
The echoes of the spring and summer of 1994, where the Knicks came tantalizingly close to an NBA title, will likely reverberate once again during Thursday night’s clash. Both teams enjoyed a day off on Wednesday following their Tuesday matchups, with the Knicks dominating the Jazz and the Pacers facing a setback against the Boston Celtics.
For the Knicks, Randle (shoulder injury) and Robinson (ankle injury) will not be playing the game. As for the Pacers, Mailburton (hamstring injury), Mathurin (toe injury), McConnell (illness), and Smith (back injury) are questionable for the game.
A January marked by both resourcefulness and triumph has ignited hope in a city longing for an NBA title. New York, thirsting for championship glory since 1973, has faced postseason challenges, making it past the first round only twice since their 1999 Finals appearance. Despite key starters such as OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Julius Randle each missing two games in January, the resilient Knicks have surged forward.
Although Brunson and Hartenstein have returned to the lineup, Anunoby remains day-to-day with a right elbow injury, and Randle is sidelined indefinitely due to a separated shoulder. The team’s ability to persevere in the face of these challenges has added a layer of determination to their quest for success.
The Pacers exhibited moments of excellence throughout January, positioning themselves as potential contenders for a deep postseason run. Currently holding the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference, they could face the Knicks in the first round if current seedings persist. Their January campaign boasted a 10-7 record, commencing with back-to-back victories over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Initiating a season-long six-game winning streak, the Pacers secured their fourth and fifth wins during those matchups. This impressive run was followed by another three-game winning streak from January 8-12. However, the final two-plus weeks of the month saw a fluctuation in performance, with Indiana posting a 4-6 record in their last 10 games. This stretch featured a three-game losing streak, followed by a three-game winning streak that concluded with a setback on Tuesday.
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