Matt Vautour: Knicks’ hype aside, they’re no real threat to the Celtics

New Yorkers love their pizza and the Knicks—but only one is consistently satisfying. As Boston and New York tip off their playoff series Monday, the hype machine rolls in from Manhattan with flash, media buzz, and nostalgia. But beneath the glitz, the Knicks remain a team more about noise than results.

They haven’t seen a conference final since 2000 or hoisted a title since 1973. While this year’s squad made bold moves—trading for Karl-Anthony Towns, adding Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby—their lack of depth and cap space leaves little room for error or future upgrades.

The Knicks were just 1-11 against the NBA’s top four teams and 2-9 against their current Eastern Conference rivals. Their first-round survival hinged on a missed call. Now they face a Celtics team chasing its fourth straight conference final—and built to win.

Jaylen Brown says Boston won’t take the moment for granted. If the Celtics stay healthy and focused, no amount of New York dazzle will be enough.