Knicks stars want more after best start in nearly three decades: ‘Long way to go’

Nothing truly will be decided nor accurately measured until the Knicks prove they can defeat the NBA’s most elite teams and advance deeper into the playoffs.

Even they know that. 

Still, essentially two-thirds of the way into their schedule, the Knicks’ 36-18 record represents their best through 54 games since they were 39-15 at this stage in 1996-97, when their current best players either were toddlers or not yet born. 

“We’ve done good thus far, but we have a long way to go,” team captain Jalen Brunson told the MSG crowd during a walk-off interview following Wednesday’s overtime win over the Hawks. “I’m excited to get down the stretch, man. It’s going to be fun.” 

Only three teams in the NBA own a better winning percentage at the All-Star break than the Knicks’ figure of .667, which is tied for fourth overall with the Grizzlies. 

But with the goal of advancing deeper into the playoffs after two straight second-round eliminations, the Knicks also are winless in five head-to-head matchups against the Thunder (0-2), the Cavaliers (0-1) and the defending champion Celtics (0-2).