Knicks Red-Hot: Brunson Burden & NBA Cup Twist?

Knicks Heating Up: Can They Keep It Going?

The New York Knicks are red-hot and, for once, it's not just the back pages of the tabloids hyping them up. With a sparkling 19-7 record, a seven-game win streak, and only two losses in the last month, the Knicks are suddenly one of the most dangerous teams in the East. They’re not just winning — they’re doing it with style, grit, and some actual offensive flair for once.

They’ve entered the rarefied “Razzo zone” — top five in points per game, threes made, and three-point percentage. Add in the fact that they won the inaugural NBA Cup and it’s clear: this team’s not your slightly older cousin’s Knicks. They’re second in offensive rating (only Denver is better), fourth in net rating, and fourth in opponent points per game. That’s a two-way threat if we’ve ever seen one.

So what's changed? Well, for starters, the bench is no longer a black hole. Actual production from the second unit means Jalen Brunson doesn’t have to be a one-man band every night. Mike Brown’s offensive tweaks have injected some fresh energy, and he's allowed the team to loosen up and play through mistakes. It’s a much-needed break from the usual grind-it-out style of the Tom Thibodeau era, where every misstep felt like it came with a timeout and a glare that could melt steel.

Is Jalen Brunson Doing Too Much?

As great as the Knicks have looked, there’s still one big question hanging over their heads like a neon sign at Madison Square Garden: are they asking too much of Jalen Brunson?

He’s the engine, the steering wheel, and sometimes even the gas pedal. The Knicks' offense still revolves around him, and while reinforcements like OG Anunoby and a revitalized bench help, it's clear this team goes as Brunson goes. If he hits a cold stretch in April or May, things could get dicey faster than a dollar slice on Sixth Avenue.

There’s a bit of comfort knowing that the bench has been reliable, but let’s not kid ourselves — this team is built in the Brunson mold. Like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in OKC, he’s the straw stirring the drink. If he’s flat, the whole thing goes flat. But as long as he’s cooking, the Knicks are a real threat in a wide-open East.

The Dylan Brooks Dilemma

Dylan Brooks is back in the headlines, and no surprise — he’s still playing the villain role like he’s auditioning for a Marvel movie. The latest episode? A questionable play that had fans clutching their pearls. But was it really that bad? Depends on who you ask.

Brooks has always been a lightning rod. In Memphis, he broke Gary Payton II’s arm and made some boneheaded plays that arguably cost the Grizzlies a playoff series. But he was also a huge reason they were so good that season. Now in Houston, he’s embraced the “us-against-the-world” mindset and found a fanbase that actually loves his edge.

The league and fans alike seem to be caught between loving his intensity and cringing at his antics. But here’s the thing — he’s not faking it. He’s always been this guy. The problem isn’t Dylan Brooks. The problem is he keeps going toe-to-toe with everyone’s favorite superstars, which makes him easy to hate. But in the right setting, that chip on his shoulder might just be gold-plated.

NBA Cup Chaos: Cameron Indoor?

In a plot twist no one saw coming, the NBA is reportedly considering moving next year’s NBA Cup Final to Cameron Indoor Stadium — yes, the tiny, raucous Duke venue that holds just 9,000 fans. Let’s just say reactions were... mixed.

On one hand, it’s a bucket-list spot. Ask any hooper and they’ll tell you Cameron Indoor is legendary. But for an NBA showcase? It makes about as much logistical sense as putting the Super Bowl in a high school gym. Durham isn’t exactly a travel hub, and getting media and fans there won’t be easy. Vegas, love it or hate it, just works. It’s accessible, it's flashy, and it screams “event.”

This feels like the league is trying really hard to drum up excitement for the NBA Cup. And while we respect the hustle, the move to a college gym — even one as iconic as Cameron — may not be the slam dunk they think it is. Unless they plan to bring in the Cameron Crazies to cheer for, well, whoever, the vibe could fall flat.

Takeaways: Bet Smarter, Not Harder

• Ride the Knicks: They're one of the hottest teams in the league right now. Betting on them to cover spreads or hit the over in high-scoring matchups is looking solid.
• Brunson Props: Until proven otherwise, he's the hub. Consider overs on points and assists, but be cautious during back-to-backs where fatigue could hit.
• Dylan Brooks Undervalued: Yes, he’s chaotic, but he’s also a defensive asset. When the Rockets are underdogs and he's active, they’re worth a second look.
• NBA Cup Futures: If the league keeps tinkering with locations and format, expect variance. That makes longshot bets more intriguing than usual.

The Knicks are cooking, Dylan Brooks is still stirring the pot, and the NBA Cup might be headed to a college gym. The league is wild, unpredictable, and better than ever. So keep your eyes open, your bets sharp, and your popcorn ready — because this season is just getting started.