The New York Knicks won the NBA Cup Championship on Tuesday night, but there is no rest for the wicked. 

On Thursday, they played a close game against the Indiana Pacers, where they trailed by double digits before ultimately winning thanks to a game-winner by Jalen Brunson. 

They were right back in action Friday, losing to the Philadelphia 76ers, 116-107.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Brunson was asked if he gave any grace to the team for the loss, given their tough schedule. 

"No. We have to hold each other to a higher standard. I have to hold myself to a higher standard. It's not like we got blown out. It was very winnable. You have to give them credit, they made plays down the stretch and we didn't. To answer your question, no. No," he replied.

The Knicks came into the season as one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference after a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. The Knicks dismissed head coach Tom Thibodeau, bringing in Mike Brown to be the voice on the bench. 

The Knicks returned all five of their starters and added Jordan Clarkson to be a spark plug off the bench. 

At this point last year, New York was 17-10, losing to the Atlanta Hawks in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup. They would end up finishing third in the East before losing in six games to the Pacers in the conference finals. 

They are ahead of pace this year with an NBA Cup Championship, a 19-8 record, and sitting second in the East. 

They are currently favored to the win the East and are third favorites to win the NBA Championship, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets

Speaking to Forbes before the season, Brunson said he's been comfortable being a leader his whole life. 

"I've always been raised by my parents to be a leader. So there have been times where I've not been the lead guy when it comes to role on the basketball court, I still feel like I'm a leader in every other aspect. It's different, but for me, it's a big deal when you can help lead. I've always been a leader, sometimes it's verbal. Sometimes it's by showing what you can do, obviously leading by example," he said. 

The Knicks star has taken another step this season, raising his scoring average by two points, increasing his rebounding rate, and turning the ball over less.