What happened: New York enters the preseason attempting to replicate the performance that secured the 2026 title. The Knicks rely on their experienced roster to maintain that high standard of play.

Why it matters: The league's nine-year gap between back-to-back champions highlights the difficulty of navigating a full schedule as the defending titleholder. The franchise is betting that its current group possesses the necessary traits to overcome that historical trend.

What to watch: The team continues its exhibition schedule to prepare for opening night.