The New York Knicks entered the 2025-26 NBA season with very real title hopes. In the Eastern Conference, only the Cleveland Cavaliers are seen as credible threats to the Knicks. To open the season, New York beat Cleveland by eight points.
While one game is not a big enough sample size to make any concrete claims, it seems as if the Knicks are the team to beat. With plenty of talented scorers and high-level defenders, the Knicks are being asked to learn a new offense, although that shouldn’t be too hard.
The only thing, it seems, standing in the Knicks’ way is their own lack of confidence. Karl-Anthony Towns has been critical of Mike Brown’s new offensive schemes, and he doesn’t seem sold on their status as runaway frontrunners.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 07: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts during the first quarter against the Boston Celticsn Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 07, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Towns Gets Blunt About New York Knicks Expectations
Heading into the season, no player is going to say, “We have no shot,” right? But every season, only around ten teams actually have a chance to win a title.
This year, the Knicks are one of those teams. Towns doesn’t think fans should get ahead of themselves, however.
“I feel all 30 teams in the NBA are walking in saying the same thing,” Towns told RG’s DJ Siddiqi about the Knicks’ title hopes. “It’s unfair just to say that’s for us. I think every team walks in saying the same thing. We’re just focusing on being the best version of ourselves every single day.”
Now, teams like the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards are trying to be “the best version” of themselves, but that doesn’t mean they have the same standards as the Knicks entering the season.
Towns is not in a position to promise New York a title, especially after losing in the Conference Finals last season, but looking to silence any excitement fans might have? It’s not a good look for him or the Knicks as a whole.
New York Knicks Have Added Pressure
Last season gave the Knicks their best finish in the 21st century. This season, New York is expected to grow on it and make their first Finals since 1999, maybe winning their first title since 1973.
Add in the glitzy media market New York offers, as well as hungry fans, and the Knicks are under a lot of pressure.
“Every year, you have to earn the respect of the city, continue to earn the respect of the city, and give the fans something to cheer for,” Towns added. “Just be the best version of ourselves when it comes to that point, when the postseason rolls around, and play our best basketball. Build as a team so we can play our best basketball when we need to.”
For fans, hearing a lack of declarative confidence from Towns might be a reason for concern, although with his 19-point double-double, his play is telling another story.
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