NBA Playoffs: 3 reasons why we need a Heat-Knicks first-round series

NBA New York Knicks Julius Randle (Mike Stobe/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA New York Knicks Julius Randle (Mike Stobe/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports)
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Miami Heat
Miami Heat president Pat Riley (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

Why we need a Knicks-Heat series in the NBA Playoffs: The Pat Riley angle

Any Knicks or Heat fan remembers the Pat Riley element. He was with the Knicks in the early-1990s and then made the move to the Heat in 1995. He’s been with the Heat, in one way or another, since and the Knicks simply haven’t had much success in the league since.

Call it a Riley curse (though they did make the NBA Finals in 1999) if you want, but I’m sure Knicks fans would not be entirely on that boat. Either way, the Riley narrative plays an important role in the history of both of these franchises and would undoubtedly be part of the storyline should these two teams meet in the playoffs again.

On many levels, there is a lot to look forward to in a potential first-round playoff matchup between the Knicks and Heat. These are two of the most intriguing teams in the East this season and would give NBA fans plenty of theater in a playoff series. Here’s hoping that it comes to fruition.