Patrick Ewing is 'very happy' watching the Knicks' NBA resurgence originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
It's a bit of a sports cliché, but there are certain franchises that just make leagues better when they are relevant. Despite a long history of losing and dysfunction, the Knicks are one of the clearest examples of this in the NBA.
Thankfully for the league, and for Knicks fans specifically, New York is enjoying a resurgence this season. After a slow start to the year, the Knicks have caught fire, including a recent nine-game winnings streak.
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They've surged to the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, riding a strong team effort led by star big man and former lottery pick Julius Randle.
Their most famous alumnus, Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing, has been keeping a close tab on the Knicks' success from afar as he coaches at his alma mater. And he, like everyone else associated with the storied franchise, is thrilled with what he's seen.
"I know the Knicks fans, if you watch or listen to any New York station, they’re all applauding, they’re all happy. I know the fans are very happy. I know they wish that the city was open and they could have sellout crowds," Ewing told NBC Sports Washington ahead of Saturday night's critical Wizards matchup. "But Tom [Thibodeau] is doing an outstanding job of getting those guys to believe, not only that they can beat anybody, but also they’re doing it defensively. Their best player, he’s a grinder, he’s like somebody from out of our era where he’s going to be the first one in the gym and the last one to leave. He’s been doing an outstanding job for them."
Randle has been a superstar in the second half of the season for New York and looks like a long term franchise player under Thibodeau' tutelage.
Ewing has a long history with the Knicks' latest head coach, and he's thrilled to see everything coming together for his friend.
"I’m very happy for Tom Thibodeau," Ewing continued. "He coached me with the Knicks, we worked together in Houston, so he and I are very good friends and I’m very happy to see the Knicks doing well."
With just five games left in the regular season, the Knicks are poised to make the playoffs for the first time since 2013. And you can be sure Ewing will be watching every step of the way.
To see the full interview with Patrick Ewing, tune into NBC Sports Washington Saturday night at 6 p.m. for Wizards Pregame Live ahead of the team's crucial battle with the Indiana Pacers.
