Despite all the New York buzz, the Knicks pose little real threat to the Celtics

New Yorkers tend to overrate two things: their pizza and the significance of the Knicks.

On Monday, the Celtics and Knicks kick off their best-of-seven playoff series, bringing the Big Apple’s buzz, media circus, and flair to TD Garden. But behind all the hype lies a harsh reality — playoff heartbreak is a familiar story for Knicks fans, and their postseason runs rarely last long.

For Boston, this is just the next step toward a fourth straight conference finals. The Knicks, however, are fighting for respect, for relevance — to shed their reputation as the Sbarro of the NBA.

Yes, there’s added spice because it’s Boston vs. New York. Former Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau now coaches the Knicks. Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet once wore New York blue and orange. And the rivalry between these cities runs deep — think Yankees vs. Red Sox, Patriots vs. Jets.

Madison Square Garden may be iconic, but it hasn’t hosted many meaningful games lately. Its most consistent draw? Billy Joel. Meanwhile, arenas in Miami, Milwaukee, and elsewhere have seen far more postseason action.

The Knicks haven’t reached a conference final since 2000. Their last title came in 1973. Since then, it’s been more noise than results. Even Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant chose the struggling Nets over the Knicks when given the chance — and the Knicks may have dodged a bullet.

This season, New York went all-in, trading for Karl-Anthony Towns and adding defenders like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. Still, they lack depth and flexibility under the cap. Their 51-31 record looks less impressive considering their 1-11 record against top teams.

If the Celtics stay focused and healthy, they should advance easily — because if Boston takes the Knicks seriously, no one else really has to.