The New York Knicks have started three consecutive seasons in postseason-caliber form. The 2015-16 and 2016-17 campaigns ended in disappointing fashion, but the Knicks had a .500 record as late as the 44th and 32nd games of the respective seasons.
That could cause fans to temper their excitement about New York’s current 7-6 record, but head coach Jeff Hornacek has created a different kind of environment than in past seasons.
Kristaps Porzingis recently stated that the difference between the 2017-18 team and the groups of previous seasons is the commitment to learning the system. He believes the 2016-17 team attempted to get by on talent instead of learning how to play as a unified group.