On September 28th , the New York Knicks opened a new chapter. With Mike Brown's official debut on media day, the team's goal has been upgraded from a playoff regular to an Eastern Conference champion and even a Finals contender.

Brown inherited one of the strongest rosters in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks retained all five starting players from the season before reaching the conference finals, their first in 25 years. However, management fired Tom Thibodeau during the offseason, ending the veteran coach's four-playoff appearance in five years.

New star Karl - Anthony Towns stated frankly that the team needs to stay focused every day: " We understand the opportunity before us, and we must strive to improve every day and present the best of ourselves to the fans. "

All-Star guard Jalen Brunson has transformed under Thibodeau. He admitted to regretting the departure of his former coach, but said he remains committed to adapting to Brown's system. " My job is to help the team win. If they want to change their style of play, I'll fully cooperate. If you want to win, that's what you have to do, " Brunson said.

Mikal Bridges cited last year's loss as a source of motivation: " We're just one step away from the Finals, and we'll use that as fuel. We have to stay focused on the present to get to June. "

Under Brown's leadership, the Knicks are heading towards the finals with a new look and higher expectations.