The New York Knicks were swept by the Detroit Pistons in the regular season, losing all three matchups by significant margins (15, 31, and 28 points). Despite this, recent trade acquisition Jose Alvarado dismissed concerns about the series outcome.
"Playoffs is a whole different ball game," Alvarado told reporters. "When it counts, that's when it matters." The Knicks have a history of regular season struggles against Eastern rivals but postseason success, having beaten the Boston Celtics in the playoffs last season despite being swept in the regular season.