Julius Randle, Kristaps Porzingis, Knicks. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
The NY Knicks have had plenty of heated rivalries over the years, particularly with Eastern Conference opponents like The Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and Indiana Pacers. This is the first time in a while that The Knicks have been in solid playoff contention this late in the season. They haven’t had many opportunities in recent years to play intense, meaningful basketball late in the season, but that’s exactly what they’ll be doing Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks.
Maybe some don’t consider the Mavericks a conventional “rival” given they play in another conference, but when Kristaps Porzingis was traded to The Mavericks in January of 2019, it certainly left some animosity in the hearts of Knicks fans.