“Just find a way to win.”

For years, that saying has been a mantra for New York Knicks head coach, Tom Thibodeau.

In Game 2 v. Miami, New York played a Heat team without superstar Jimmy Butler in the lineup (suffered an ankle injury in the 4th quarter of Game 1). The scrappy Heat, led by Caleb Martin, Bam Adebayo & Gabe Vincent, was neck & neck with the Knicks for the entire game & even took a 6-point lead with over 7 minutes to go.

Any version of New York, over the past few years, would have faltered under the pressure, despite being the favorite to win. Instead, Jalen Brunson led a poised group (down the stretch) that executed beautifully. Brunson, himself, made two clutch baskets following a timeout after Martin’s three-pointer that gave MIA a late lead.

NYK found back-to-back treys of their own and got contributions from players like Josh Hart (10! 4th-quarter points) and Isaiah Hartenstein (strong work on the glass and defensively) to come away with a narrow W (111-105).

Though New York was expected to defend home court against a Heat squad sans Butler, it was refreshing to see zero letdowns when it was all said and done. The Knicks fully believe they have a roster (& style) capable of making the Conference Finals and beyond.

With their first home, Semifinals victory in over a decade, NYK’s chances to continue rolling (in Miami) look a lot brighter.

It’s going to take more attention to detail to win Games 3 & 4 in Miami but if Brunson (30! & 5 boards), RJ Barrett (24 pts) & Julius Randle (25, 12 & 8 dimes!) can approach their production from Game 2, there’s an excellent chance to take full control of the series.