Under the stoic leadership of head coach Tom Thibodeau and the calm demeanor of de facto team captain Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks might not openly declare their New Year’s resolutions for 2025. However, their actions and roster upgrades throughout 2024 make it crystal clear: the Knicks are eyeing their first NBA title in over 50 years.
The Knicks will kick off their quest for a memorable 2025 on Wednesday night when they host the Utah Jazz in their final regular-season meeting.
Both teams had New Year’s Eve off following their Monday night games. The Knicks pulled away from the Washington Wizards with a convincing 126-106 win, while the Jazz fell to the Denver Nuggets, 132-121.
Monday’s victory marked the eighth straight win for the Knicks, capping off a remarkable 2024. New York finished the calendar year with a 56-27 regular-season record and advanced to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, their deepest playoff run since reaching the Eastern Conference finals in 2000.
Karl-Anthony Towns, acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 2, posted 32 points and 13 rebounds on Monday, earning his 27th double-double of the season. OG Anunoby, on the one-year anniversary of his trade from the Toronto Raptors, added 18 points and eight rebounds. Mikal Bridges, obtained from the Brooklyn Nets on July 6, chipped in with 13 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
Holdovers Brunson and Josh Hart continued their solid play, helping the Knicks stand just one game behind the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics for second place in the Eastern Conference. Brunson contributed 18 points, six assists, and two turnovers in 36 minutes, while Hart recorded his third triple-double of the season with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists.
The Jazz, on the other hand, are facing different challenges. Their rebuilding efforts have been hampered by a slew of injuries. Collin Sexton is the only player who has yet to miss a game for Utah, which holds a 7-24 record and is on pace for the fewest wins in team history since the 1974-75 season when the franchise was in New Orleans.
John Collins (left hip) missed his fourth straight game on Monday as the Jazz were outscored 34-23 by the Nuggets in a decisive third quarter. Utah has lost four straight games, all by 11 points or fewer, and has endured 13 defeats this season by the same margin.
Keyonte George, returning from a four-game absence due to a sprained left ankle, had seven points and six assists in 28 minutes against the Nuggets.
The Knicks will be looking to maintain their winning streak and continue their push towards the top of the Eastern Conference, while the Jazz aim to overcome their injury woes and find some momentum. This game will be a test of resilience and depth for both teams.
