NBA Power Rankings: Knicks Rising After All-Star Break?
The New York Knicks are trying to get their groove back after dropping six of seven going into last weekend's All-Star festivities in Indianapolis.
In the first week of games back from the All-Star break, the Knicks won two of three including Monday's controversial 113-111 win over the Detroit Pistons. That was good enough for the team to move from 11th to sixth in the latest NBA power rankings from CBS Sports, which were paced by divisional rival Boston.
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"The hobbled Knicks were outclassed by the Celtics this week, but picked up wins over the 76ers and Pistons to keep the fight alive for a top-three seed in the East," CBS Sports' Colin Ward-Henninger writes. "Jalen Brunson is pretty much a one-man show offensively these days, averaging 30 points and 11 assists over the three games."
Oklahoma City, Denver, Milwaukee, and Minnesota beat out the Knicks to round ou the top five.
Boston, which took a 116-102 decision from the Knicks on Saturday night, remaining the overwhelming favorite in the East, but the Knicks are keeping pace for the runner-up spot despite the continued absences of OG Anunoby (elbow) and Julius Randle (shoulder). Entering Tuesday play, New York (35-23) continues to sit in fourth place in the East, three games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for second.
The Knicks continue a four-game homestand on Tuesday night against New Orleans (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG) before welcoming in Golden State on Thursday. March play opens with a crucial showdown against the Cavs on Sunday night.
