The Knicks have been one of the worst-performing franchises in the last two decades. However, this season is showing them in different light, as they are sitting on #5 after seven straight wins. Most recently, they defeated the Hornets 109-97 and took their W-L to 32-27.

Now, the NY-Based team will next face the Hawks in a game that will decide who gets to sit on #4 in the EC rankings. While the team’s defining show has impressed most critics, former champion Shaquille O’Neal is far from pleased. 

Shaquille O’Neal shared the only route that help can the Knicks

After painfully losing back-to-back two-point games against the Nets and the Celtics, the Knicks pulled seven straight wins. Just one more win, and they’ll match with their March 2014 record of eight straight wins. Still, NBA analyst Shaquille O’Neal wants more from them if they are to impress him.

The 49-YO retired player spoke against the ideas of WNBA veteran Candace Parker and expressed, “Why is Candace making faces? Say that they’ve been terrible last year. They got to get home-court advantage, stop it… to be back… They’re good, but they’re not back. You don’t get the back towel until you get through the first round of the playoffs. This puts 5th, 6th, 7th with that talent, but to impress me, get through the first round… The way they’re playing, they step up to the fourth, and I’ll be like, okay, the Knicks are back.”

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Just to say, the team at #4 on the rankings will get a home-court advantage in the first round of the postseason. Shaq sees no other way for them to advance any further if they can’t pick that spot. Earlier, the team’s center, Nerlens Noel, had also detailed how they don’t see themselves stuck in a play-in situation after putting in such hard work. 

Read also – Pelicans’ Zion Williamson Opens Up About Former College Teammate and Knicks’ Guard RJ Barrett

How the team blew away the Hornets in the second half

The Hornets, even without Gordon Hayward and LaMelo Ball, were 66-60 ahead in the first half. However, the Knicks defense allowed them only 31 points in the entire second half to take away a big victory. The anchoring and shot-blocking of Nerlens Noel with an equally amazing defense work from Taj Gibson helped their case. 

Next up, star guard, RJ Barrett enjoyed a 21-point second half after scoring just 3 points in the entire first half. Further, the combination of Reggie Bullock and Derrick Rose played a match-winning offensive role to dilute the efforts of Terry Rozier and PJ Washington.

Interestingly, the credit for RJ Barrett’s renewed self after a 1/8 first half goes to Julius Randle. The latter told RJ “Big second half, Nine” and ensured he got the young guard enough open looks to regain confidence.

That’s the teamwork that can make them a #4 team and also take them deeper into the postseason. We hope Shaq agrees here!