The Knicks <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/04/06/sports/knicks-50-wins-shouldnt-be-dismissed/">have recorded back-to-back 50-win season</a>s for the first time since Pat Riley was head coach in the 1990s.

That’s a positive sign the Knicks are heading in the right direction, and it’s something fans might be able to hang their hats on.

But Tuesday’s <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/04/08/sports/knicks-suffer-ot-loss-to-celtics-to-remain-winless-vs-nbas-best/">overtime loss to the Celtics</a> — the Knicks’ fourth defeat to the defending champions this season — was another painful reminder that this New York team might not have what it takes to be a legitimate NBA Finals contender.

Let’s start with the good news. The Knicks have recorded back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time since Pat Riley was head coach in the 1990s. That’s a positive sign the Knicks are heading in…{ai:summary}<p>The Knicks have achieved back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time since the 1990s, indicating progress for the franchise. However, their recent overtime loss to the Celtics highlights ongoing challenges, raising doubts about their potential as a true NBA Finals contender. </p><p>#sports</p>