Suddenly, the Knicks are amazing. What does it mean for the NBA Finals?

Key Points:

• One month ago, Knicks coach Mike Brown chose not to change the struggling starting lineup despite calls for a reshuffle, a decision that sparked a historic 10-0 winning streak with dominant margins, the best 10-game run in NBA history.
• Mikal Bridges, initially underperforming, has since become a two-way force, contributing significantly to the Knicks' success alongside stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, with the lineup showing a staggering plus-28.6 net rating.
• The Knicks' playoff surge is driven by elite shooting efficiency, ranking first in both 2-point and 3-point shooting percentages, and their offensive rating leads the postseason by a wide margin, reflecting genuine improvement beyond just shooting luck.
• Comparisons to past teams with similar 10-game streaks suggest the Knicks have a realistic chance at the NBA Finals title, especially given their offensive prowess and potential lineup adjustments like increased use of Landry Shamet.
• Despite being underdogs against Western Conference powerhouses Spurs or Thunder in the Finals, the Knicks have demonstrated the ability to compete at the highest level, making this playoff run a serious championship contender and marking Mike Brown's non-move as a pivotal coaching decision.