The New York Knicks finished second in the Eastern Conference last year with 50 wins.
The only team ahead of them was the Boston Celtics, but the Celtics ran through the East, finishing ahead of the Knicks by a whopping 14 games.
This year, the gap may be closer, at least according to Jayson Tatum.
While appearing on "The Tonight Show" with Jimmy Fallon, Tatum was asked if the Knicks' record would improve next season.
"They'll win a few more," Tatum said, drawing cheers from Fallon and the crowd.
While it's not some provocative declaration by Tatum, it is at least a recognition that the Knicks may challenge the Celtics this year. Many in the NBA world thought the Knicks were the biggest threat to the Celtics last season. The two teams nearly met in the Eastern Conference Finals, but an injury-riddled Knicks squad fell to the Indiana Pacers in seven games in the semifinals.
Now, the Knicks return with a revamped squad that many think is designed to contend with the Celtics. With OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges on the wings, the Knicks have two elite defenders to match up with Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
During the NBA Finals, Julius Randle, who missed all of the postseason with a shoulder injury, took aim at the Celtics, saying he hopes the Knicks can knock them off next season.
The Knicks will get an early opportunity to see how they match up with the Celtics — they play Boston on opening night.
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