Reggie Bullock has helped spark the New York Knicks in the month of April.
On April 8, the New York Knicks were two games under .500, at 25-27, and sitting in the 8th seed of the Eastern Conference standings. They were looking at an uphill climb to just make the playoffs and an even bigger one to possibly make it out of the first round.
However, since that point, something has clicked for the Knicks. Over the last 10 games, New York is 9-1, which is the best record in the NBA over that stretch, and has climbed back up the East standings.
With 10 games remaining on the team’s schedule, the Knicks are 4th in the East and could end up hosting a first-round playoff series. I’m not sure that’s something many believed could have come to fruition just a few weeks ago.
Reggie Bullock’s hot April has helped spark the New York Knicks
One key player that has helped spark the Knicks during the month of April has been Reggie Bullock. While Bullock was already having a solid season for the Knicks during the first three-quarters of the season, he has really caught fire during the month of April.
In April, Bullock is averaging 14 points and three rebounds per game on 50 percent shooting from the field and 45 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’s been a consistent starter for the Knicks this season and has taken his game to another level during the team’s hot streak.
Collectively as a team, their offense as a whole has also clicked during the month of April. During this month, the Knicks have jumped to a top 5 offensive rating while also maintaining a top 10 defense.
In their last 10 games, the Knicks have the league’s top-ranked offensive rating. It’s not a surprise that the Knicks’ recent hot streak has coincided with an offensive explosion. New York has a good-to-elite defense and when their offense gets going, there’s no question this team becomes that much more dangerous.
And if Bullock can continue on this recent hot streak heading into the playoffs, the Knicks could emerge as a team that no one will want to face in the first or second round. New York’s stingy defense will make it difficult enough on opposing teams. An offense that is beginning to possibly click at the right time could transform the Knicks into a dark horse threat in the East.
While I’m not willing to argue that the Knicks could possibly make a deep run in the East playoffs, but if the Knicks are entering the postseason with a top5 defense and a top 10 caliber offense, then all bets are off. New York might be playing their best basketball at just the right time.