The New York Knicks were not supposed to be winning. They were pegged to be tanking.
Las Vegas oddsmakers projected them to be just a 22.5-win team this season. But here they are, defying odds and pulling out a gut-wrenching victory in a game they had no business winning.
The Knicks overcame poor shooting in the first half and a 17-point second-half deficit to stun the Washington Wizards, 106-102, Thursday night at The Garden.
Their 23rd win of the season enabled them to climb to fifth in the Eastern Conference.
Earlier in the day, the Knicks front office stood pat at the trade deadline and only made one minor trade dealing away, seldom-used Austin Rivers and Iggy Brazdeikis.