### Knicks Look to Build on Strong Season Despite Playoff Heartache

In the fallout of a season-ending loss like the one the New York Knicks experienced, tough questions are inevitable. How do the players feel about the future? Do they still believe in their coach? On Saturday, after the Knicks fell to the Indiana Pacers 125-108 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals, star guard Jalen Brunson faced these very questions.

When asked about his confidence in the team's ability to take the next step, Brunson didn't hesitate. "The most confident," he said. "Overconfident. Seriously. There's not an ounce of any type of doubt that I'm not confident with this group."

The conversation soon turned to head coach Tom Thibodeau. A reporter's question about Thibodeau's future prompted Brunson to respond curtly, "Is that a real question right now? You just asked me if I believe that if he's the right guy. Yes."

For New York fans, the sting of this loss will last a while. Reflecting on the blown double-digit lead in Game 1, the wasted 36-point effort from Brunson in Game 2, and the costly turnovers in Game 6 adds salt to the wound. The Knicks were their own worst enemy as much as the Pacers were.

"To make the moves to win and then come up short hurts," said Karl-Anthony Towns. "It hurts not to bring an opportunity to the city for a championship. We've got a bunch of great guys in that locker room and we hope the plan now is to just put ourselves in this position again and succeed next time."

Despite the heartbreak, there is a compelling case for the Knicks to largely maintain their current roster. The team recorded 51 wins last season, their highest tally since 2013, and made it to the conference finals for the first time since 2000. A healthy Mitchell Robinson could bolster the defense, and contributions from Delon Wright and Landry Shamet have shown promise. A strategic addition could put them right back in the same favorable position next year.

For Thibodeau, the season was a mixed bag. Criticized for overextending his starters and an outdated offensive scheme, Thibodeau still helped guide the team to a high level of success. After making lineup adjustments in Game 3, including giving extended minutes to Wright and Shamet, the Knicks started fighting back in the series. The question remains whether a better alternative exists.

As for the roster, while the Knicks are always in search of a star, their tradeable assets are constrained after recent deals for OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. Instead, they might benefit from focusing on internal growth. Jalen Brunson proved his mettle in the playoffs, performing brilliantly against top-tier defenders, and Karl-Anthony Towns, despite his imperfections, remains a formidable co-star. Combined with a strong defender like Robinson, the team has the pieces to make another deep run.

Reflecting on the future, Brunson said, "It's definitely tough to look ahead, but even when you win, it's always about what's next. Regardless, we're going to go into the summer and work. We're going to get better and figure out a way how we can change this outcome."

The playoffs were undoubtedly a missed opportunity for the Knicks, but progress was made. Looking to successful teams like Milwaukee and Denver, continuity and consistency play a crucial role in eventual championships. The Knicks have the foundation; they just need to build on it wisely.