Charles Barkley not confident about New York Knicks' playoff chance despite strong run

After losing back-to-back games to the Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks earlier this month, the New York Knicks are now on an eight-game winning run. They just beat the short-handed Golden State Warriors to hike their record to 18-13, where they’re now sixth in the Eastern Conference.

While covering the Warriors versus Knicks matchup on TNT, Charles Barkley had this to say about the Knicks’ playoff hopes:

“I’m with you Shaq, whoop-de-doo! They’re not even the best team in the same state. I gave love to them. I just said they’re playing great but they’re not even the best team in their city.”

The best team in New York distinction currently belongs to the Brooklyn Nets, who own a 19-12 record. Brooklyn is also on a six-game winning streak and has won 10 of their last 11 games. The Knicks’ inter-city rivals also have more popular superstars in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

The New York Knicks have shot to relevance this season by going back to what made them tick a year ago. Behind Tom Thibodeau’s superb defensive game plan, the Knicks were the surprise team in the NBA in 2021.

New York placed fourth in the Eastern Conference that year and could do the same this season behind the same tried and tested formula.

The season isn't even halfway through yet, so Charles Barkley isn’t buying the Knicks’ current surge. New York has a history of falling off when they’re supposed to be a solid team. They didn’t even make the playoffs last season, despite hefty expectations.

The New York Knicks defense has turned around their season

Golden State Warriors v New York Knicks

During the New York Knicks current eight-game winning run, they’ve had a 100.9 defensive rating, per StatMuse. They’ve been the best defensive team by a wide margin during that stretch.

For the season, they are in seventh place with a 110.4 DRTG. Tom Thibodeau’s teams have always been known for their defensive identity. Whether they can keep up their rediscovered mojo on that end throughout the season could determine their postseason hopes.

During the 2020-21 season the Knicks finished fourth in defensive rating with 107.8, which was the backbone of their fourth-placed spot in the playoffs. They have gone that way this season in the hopes of fighting for a postseason spot.

Julius Randle became a laughingstock last season for his many blown defensive assignments. He was often caught barely putting in the effort to box out, close out on shooters and sprint back on defense.

He has been more engaged this season and the New York Knicks are following his lead. Quentin Grimes, RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson have been scrappy and have shown hustle during their recent surge.

It also helps that Mitchell Robinson has been healthy and has given the Knicks a legitimate rim protector. Robinson is averaging 2.0 blocks per game and has also altered shots throughout the course of a game.

The New York Knicks seem invigorated after their offseason acquisition of Jalen Brunson from the Dallas Mavericks. They’re running more like a well-oiled machine than last season’s inept team that often got in the way of themselves on offense.

Defense, though, is their calling card. They’ve proven to be successful before with a lockdown effort and they’re looking to put a stamp on that end moving forward.