The New York Knicks find themselves in a commanding position in the 2026 NBA playoffs, holding a 2-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs and are favored at -500 by DraftKings to win the championship. This marks a stunning turnaround for a team that was once a 30-to-1 underdog just to advance past the Atlanta Hawks in the first round.

Historically, the Knicks are in an enviable position:

• They are one of only three teams to win the first two games of the NBA Finals on the road, alongside the 1993 Chicago Bulls and 1995 Houston Rockets, both of whom went on to win the championship.
• The Knicks are currently on a 13-game playoff winning streak, matching the record set by the 2017 Golden State Warriors.
• They boast the best point differential in playoff history, outscoring opponents by 282 points this postseason.

As they prepare for their first home game in two-and-a-half weeks at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks must avoid complacency. Mikal Bridges delivered a crucial reminder after Game 2, urging his teammates to maintain a mindset of “Zero-zero. Stay desperate at all times.” This advice resonates deeply, as only four teams in NBA history have blown a 2-0 Finals lead, and Bridges experienced this firsthand with the 2021 Phoenix Suns.

The Knicks have thrived under pressure, having battled back from adversity in previous playoff runs. Their experience and the lessons learned from past failures position them well for this pivotal moment. With the right mentality and a desperate approach, they aim to clinch a championship title and finally shake off a 53-year drought. Bridges' message is clear: the journey is not over, and staying hungry is essential for success.