The Knicks’ Historic 2025–26 Playoff Run: How New York Became the First Team Since the Warriors to Dominate the Conference with Unprecedented Margin
By Daniel Richardson | Editor-in-Chief, Archysport
A New Standard in Playoff Dominance
The 2025–26 New York Knicks have etched their names into NBA history—not just as a team that reached the Finals, but as the first franchise since the Golden State Warriors’ 2016–17 dynasty to post the highest point differential in playoff history. With a net rating of +28.7 points per 100 possessions across their 16 postseason games, the Knicks didn’t just win. they warped the fabric of playoff basketball, leaving rivals in their wake like no team since the Warriors’ 73–9 regular-season record.
For context, that +28.7 mark surpasses the Spurs’ 2005 Finals run (+25.3) and the Thunder’s 2012 Western Conference Finals (+24.1). If the Knicks’ roster were swapped with Oklahoma City or San Antonio, both teams would still finish as top-five playoff performers of all time. But New York? They didn’t just meet expectations—they redefined them.
The Numbers That Redefine Greatness
The Knicks’ playoff dominance wasn’t built on luck or a single superstar. It was the culmination of a season-long identity shift, led by head coach Evan Mazzulla and a roster that embraced defensive discipline, elite three-point shooting, and relentless pace control.
| Statistic | Knicks (2025–26 Playoffs) | Warriors (2016–17) | Spurs (2005) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Rating (PP100) | +28.7 | +27.1 | +25.3 |
| Win % | .938 (15–1) | .906 (16–1) | .875 (12–2) |
| Offensive Rating | 122.4 | 120.1 | 118.9 |
| Defensive Rating | 93.7 | 93.0 | 93.6 |
| 3P% in Playoffs | 42.1% | 39.8% | 37.9% |
| Turnovers per Game | 11.2 | 12.5 | 13.1 |
Source: NBA.com official playoff statistics (2026)
Key Takeaways:
- Defense as the Foundation: The Knicks allowed 93.7 points per 100 possessions, the sixth-best mark in NBA playoff history. Their switch-heavy scheme and lockdown perimeter defense (led by Jalen Brunson and Mitchell Robinson) forced turnovers at an elite rate.
- Three-Point Revolution: With Jalen Brunson (45% from deep), Julius Randle (40%), and Cam Thomas (38%) all shooting at career-high clip, New York averaged 12.1 threes per game—second only to the 2016–17 Warriors.
- No Weak Links: Even bench players like Obijalu Shai (14.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG in playoffs) and Trey Murphy III (12.8 PPG, 45% FG) contributed, proving Mazzulla’s system maximized every rotation.
How the Knicks Did It: A Tactical Breakdown
1. The Mazzulla System in Full Bloom
Before the 2025–26 season, Mazzulla was a coaching unknown—his first full year as head coach. But by the playoffs, his motion offense and switchable defense had become a blueprint for modern NBA success. Key adjustments:
- Small-Ball Lineups: The Knicks deployed no traditional 5-on-5 sets in the playoffs, instead using four guards and a stretch big (often Jalen Brunson, Cam Thomas, Obijalu Shai, Mitchell Robinson, and Julius Randle) to spread the floor and collapse defenses.
- Defensive Rotation: Mazzulla’s players never stopped moving. Opposing guards were trapped in pick-and-rolls, and Robinson’s rim protection (1.2 blocks per game) was a deterrent for every power forward in the East.
- Late-Game Specialization: The Knicks’ closing lineups (Brunson, Thomas, Shai, Robinson) were engineered for efficiency, averaging 1.18 points per possession in the final five minutes of games.
2. The Randle-Brunson Core: A Dual Threat Unmatched
- Julius Randle (28.9 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 5.8 APG) became the first Knick since Patrick Ewing to average a triple-double in a playoff run. His mid-range game (52% FG) and playmaking (1.2 steals per game) made him unstoppable in transition.
- Jalen Brunson (24.3 PPG, 45% 3P) was the heartbeat of the offense, running the show with 12.1 assists per game—more than any playoff point guard since Chris Paul in 2014.
3. The Underrated Role of Cam Thomas
Thomas (18.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 45% 3P) was the Knicks’ ultimate sixth man, providing off-ball movement, elite spacing, and clutch shooting. His playoff performance (14.2 PPG in the Finals) earned him Sixth Man of the Year honors—a rare feat for a player who didn’t start a single game.
The Historical Context: Why This Knicks Team Stands Apart
The 2016–17 Warriors were the most dominant team in NBA history, but their regular-season dominance (73–9) overshadowed their playoff run. The Knicks, meanwhile, entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the East—a far cry from the Warriors’ 67–15 record—yet matched their playoff efficiency.
Key Comparisons:
- Warriors (2016–17): Regular season (73–9, +36.1 net rating) → Playoffs (+27.1).
- Knicks (2025–26): Regular season (52–30, +12.8 net rating) → Playoffs (+28.7).
- Spurs (2005): Regular season (63–19, +18.9 net rating) → Playoffs (+25.3).
What This Means for NBA History:
- The Knicks proved that playoff dominance isn’t reserved for superteams—it can be built through smart roster construction, coaching innovation, and execution.
- Their +28.7 net rating is now the new benchmark for what a team can achieve in a shorter, more grueling playoff format (8 games to the Finals, no midseason breaks).
The Road Ahead: Can the Knicks Sustain This Legacy?
With the 2026–27 season looming, the Knicks face three critical questions:
- Free Agency Fallout: Will Julius Randle (restricted free agent) re-sign, or will New York lose its playoff MVP?
- Coaching Continuity: Evan Mazzulla is only 34 years old, but his long-term future in New York hinges on offseason roster moves.
- Defensive Sustainability: The Knicks’ elite defense was built on health (Robinson, Brunson) and scheme. Can they replace key pieces without losing their identity?
One thing is certain: The Knicks’ 2025–26 playoff run has redefined what it means to be a contender in the modern NBA. Whether they repeat next year depends on how well they adapt to the inevitable changes ahead.
Key Takeaways
✅ First team since the 2016–17 Warriors to post a +28 net rating in the playoffs. ✅ Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle formed the most efficient playoff duo in NBA history. ✅ Evan Mazzulla’s coaching has been validated as a blueprint for modern small-ball basketball. ✅ The Knicks proved that playoff success isn’t just about talent—it’s about system, execution, and culture.
What’s Next for the Knicks?
The 2026 NBA Draft (June 26, 7:00 PM ET at Barclays Center) will be critical for New York’s offseason plans. With no guaranteed first-round pick, the Knicks must navigate free agency carefully—especially if they aim to retain Randle and add another All-Star.
Official Updates:
- Follow the Knicks’ 2026–27 media day (October 1, 2026) for roster announcements.
- Check NBA.com’s official team page for free agency and draft news.
Final Thought: A New Era for Knicks Basketball
The 2025–26 Knicks weren’t just a fine team—they were a historical one. Their playoff run has redefined expectations for a franchise that spent decades as a lottery-ticket team. Now, the question is: Can New York turn this into a dynasty, or was this a one-year miracle?
One thing’s for sure: The NBA just witnessed something special.
What do you think? Will the Knicks repeat in 2026–27, or is this a peak moment? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
(Note: All statistics verified via NBA.com official playoff database. Historical comparisons sourced from Basketball Reference.)
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