Knicks Fans Will Love Blake Griffin’s Bold Finals Prediction

Could the New York Knicks be on the verge of a milestone they haven’t reached since 1999? According to six-time NBA All-Star Blake Griffin, the answer might be yes.

Griffin, now an analyst for NBC Sports, recently shared his bold forecast on the Post Moves with Candace Parker and Aliyah Boston podcast, suggesting the Orange and Blue could reach the NBA Finals for the first time in more than 25 years.

Blake Griffin’s Hot Take

“I’ll give you a hot take,” Griffin said (h/t SI.com’s Logan Struck). “I think Denver got better this summer. Denver took Oklahoma City to seven games. I think Denver gets to the Finals. New York or Cleveland in the East. I’ll take New York. Maybe they learned from some mistakes, and they make a few tweaks.”

The Knicks earned their first conference finals appearance since 2000, and fans have made it clear the team is now operating in a Finals-or-bust mindset. While progress in the NBA isn’t always linear, Griffin’s endorsement signals national recognition of the Knicks as a legitimate championship threat.

The Eastern Conference Is Wide Open

Griffin’s perspective aligns with a growing consensus: the Eastern Conference is poised to be dominated by either Cleveland or New York.

• The Boston Celtics will face challenges keeping Jayson Tatum healthy for a full season.
• The Indiana Pacers are limited without a full season from Tyrese Haliburton.
• The Philadelphia 76ers rely heavily on Joel Embiid, whose health remains a question mark.
• The Atlanta Hawks have talent but would need both Trae Young and Jalen Johnson to have All-NBA seasons to contend.
• The Miami Heat boast depth but lack a true secondary playmaker beyond Tyler Herro or Bam Adebayo.

Even the Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner, have limits, while developing teams like the Detroit Pistons aren’t ready for title contention.

The Orlando Magic have improved, adding Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones, but they only join Cleveland and New York as legitimate threats in the East.

Mike Brown Could Be the X-Factor

A critical piece of Griffin’s prediction involves head coach Mike Brown.

After firing Tom Thibodeau despite reaching the conference finals, the Knicks clearly believe their championship core is already in place. Brown’s innovative, movement-heavy offensive system could unlock the full potential of stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, giving New York the edge it needs to compete at the highest level.

Additionally, offseason additions like Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson provide crucial depth, ensuring the Knicks can maintain high-level rotations throughout the grind of a playoff run.

A Bold Gamble That Could Pay Off

While no prediction is guaranteed, Griffin’s take reflects a broader narrative: the Knicks are emerging as a serious championship contender in the East. With strategic coaching, a balanced roster, and national attention on their potential, New York could finally end its decades-long Finals drought.

For Knicks fans, that makes this 2025 season one of the most exciting in years.

Related posts:

Mike Brown should bring big man he knows well to the Knicks Tom Thibodeau Left a Big Question for Mike Brown One Change Could Unlock a Career Year for Karl-Anthony Town Celtics and Knicks Cooling on Ben Simmons as Other Options Emerge