NEW YORK — The New York Knicks reached the NBA Finals in the 2025-26 season, capping a dominant playoff run that included 11 straight victories and two consecutive series sweeps. Former Knicks guard John Starks praised the team’s chemistry, resilience, and leadership in a podcast interview.

Starks pointed to the collegiate championship experience of several players, including those from Villanova, as a foundation for the team’s composure under pressure. "A lot of these guys have been through a championship in college with the Villanova guys. They understand what it takes," he said. He also emphasized the leadership of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. "We’ve got a great leader in Jalen [Brunson] and Karl-Anthony Towns. I’m excited about it," Starks said.

Starks lauded team president Leon Rose and executive William Wesley for assembling a cohesive roster. "These are such even-keeled individuals. All those guys. I think Leon [Rose] and [William Wesley] did a great job putting together like-minded individuals," he said.

Brunson, who was named Most Valuable Player of the Eastern Conference finals after averaging 25.5 points and 7.8 assists while shooting 48.6% from the floor, echoed Starks’ sentiments about unity. "It means a lot, but I wouldn’t be here without my teammates. The belief they had in me — this coaching staff, this organization, this fanbase — I mean, without them, none of this is possible. They give me confidence. They let me be me. I think most importantly, we all believe in each other, from top to bottom. It’s an honor to play with them, honestly," Brunson said.

Knicks forward Josh Hart also emphasized selflessness as a defining trait of the group. "The character of those guys, the character of the guys in the locker room — we don't really care who gets the shine, the shots, the minutes, those kind of things. We're focused on winning. And I think everyone is willing to sacrifice their own personal agendas or performance for the betterment of the team. And when you have a group of guys that do that, you know, sky's the limit," Hart said.