Why We’re Not Worried About Knicks’ 2027 Title Defense

The New York Knicks had a slow start to the 2026-2027 regular season, going 0-3 in their first three games. Since then, they’ve won four of their last five games, improving their record to 4-4. 

Two of their losses have been against the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that made major moves in the offseason in hopes of dethroning the Knicks as Eastern Conference champions. While they have gotten the best out of the Knicks, there still isn’t any reason to worry about New York’s title defense this season.  

A lot of the issues this team has run into are self-inflicted. New York has been in every game they’ve played, but consistent mistakes in the fourth quarter have been the driving force behind their losses.  

On the other hand, the Knicks have also been able to get some big wins to start the year. Their first win came against the Detroit Pistons, the first seed in the Eastern Conference in 2025-2026. 

They also had a 19-point comeback against the Chicago Bulls in a game that made the Knicks look like their 2026 postseason selves. 

In their last two games, they’ve managed to win convincingly against the Brooklyn Nets and the Bulls again, and it feels like they’re slowly starting to hit their stride on the season. 

The way this team can continue its success is to be led by star player Jalen Brunson. When Brunson is able to create easy shots for himself and get to his spots, that’s when the Knicks are most dangerous. 

The fourth quarter is when New York needs him the most. During their championship run, in every close game, he was the one who had the ball in his hands for New York. He is the true offensive leader of this team, and the Knicks need him to take over games down the stretch.  

If Brunson can sustain the success he’s had early this season, the Knicks will be in good shape to contend for a championship once again.  

Other players on the Knicks, like forward Mikal Bridges, have had struggles shooting from the field, but those are things that can be fixed as the season progresses. New York will have to find ways to keep themselves in the game and give Brunson a chance to compete late. 

New York has reminded the rest of the league why they were the NBA champions in June, and now the goal is to continue to play consistently for four quarters in every game.