Over in the East after a big win on Monday, the New York Knicks have just secured their spot in the NBA Finals. This being the teams first finals appearance since 1999. While the team has two NBA championships, both came before 1975. Thus, for many Knicks fans they have dealt with mediocrity all their lives.

However, the Knicks slow and methodical rebuild over the past half decade has officially turned them into an absolute powerhouse. Their main core revolves around iconic stars that built the dominant NCAA Champions, the 2010’s Villanova basketball team. Players like Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges all have existing chemistry built upon their time in college.

With additional key acquisitions like Karl Anthony-Towns, and OG Anunoby, the Knicks have semmented themselves as a powerhouse in the Eastern conference over the past couple years. 

However, their championship hopes started shaky, when they were put against their rival team: the Atlanta Hawks. Ever since the 2021 playoffs in which Trae Young and the Hawks eliminated the Knicks from the playoffs, the Knicks fans have held a hatred for the team and especially Trae Young, in which the phrase “F Trae Young” has accompanied Trae any time he enters Madison Square Garden.

Despite the initial adversity, the Knicks have looked dominant sweeping both the 76ers and Cavaliers to advance to the finals. With the combination of their dedicated fanbase and dedicated fanbase the Knicks are many’s favorite to win the chip.

When asked about the Knicks success, Princeton Haroutoonian (12) believes the Knicks wins are supernatural, believing, “The Knicks are only winning because Danhausen is cursing the other teams, without them they’d lose round one.” For those who don’t know, Danhausen is a professional wrestler known for giving people bad luck by cursing them.

While the Knicks have secured their spot in the Finals, the West is still battling over who can represent the conference. In the West, the Spurs and Thunder have been trading wins over the past week to move on.

The Spurs are led by the genetic alien Victor Wembenyama, who stands at 7 ‘4 and moves as if he was six feet tall. Historically, big men like Wemby have been slow and stocky and only ever used in the post. However, despite his massive frame, Wemby almost acts as if he were another guard.

While for the Thunder, they are led by the reigning two time MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander,who has asserted himself as the best guard in the NBA. Normally, teams like the Thunder with a young and fun core, connect with fans, yet the Thunder are one of the most hated teams in the NBA.

When asked about the Thunder and their antics James Makridis (12) stated “If the Thunder win I won’t even watch the finals. Every play is a flop and drawing a foul; it is some of the most boring basketball to watch.”

The Thunder are consistently called out for their poor play by the internet due to their insistent flopping on offense then hard fouls not called while on offense. While many like the young core, like internet stars Jared McCain, that does not change the overall animosity many feel for the team.

While the Knicks have looked good, many claim that this matchup in the west will truly determine who will become champions. Now, who will end up on top? Will Wemby take down evil, and keep basketball fun, will the Thunder flop their way to another championship, or will the Knicks hand a surprise upset? My prediction is the Knicks to win since they’ve been so dominant, but only time will tell.