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beyond the back page

How the Knicks’ supporting cast fueled a thrilling, series-tilting win

By
Social Links for Ryan Dunleavy
Published May 15, 2024, 7:43 a.m. ET
New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein reacting after dunking the ball against Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner during an NBA playoff game.
New York Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein reacting after dunking the ball against Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner during an NBA playoff game. USA TODAY Sports

Did Isaiah Hartenstein, Miles McBride and Alec Burks all secretly attend Villanova, too?

No? Then maybe it’s time (not a moment too soon) to reimagine the Knicks.

In the most important NBA game played at Madison Square Garden in 24 years, the injury-riddled Knicks didn’t look like a three-headed shorthanded team that is overly reliant on the chemistry of former college teammates. Or like a tired team. Or like an intimidated team.

It wasn’t just the Villanova-trained trio of Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart versus the Pacers. It was also the other Big Three who breathed life into the Knicks.