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The Nova Knicks' Historic Run to the 2026 NBA Finals
It is almost June, and that can only mean one thing: the NBA Finals are here. On this episode of Running It Back, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray sit down to process the immaculate, unexpected vibes of a New York Knicks squad that has defied expectations to play for basketball's ultimate prize. Why is Knick Nation so uncharacteristically quiet right now? Because they know exactly how fragile a postseason run can be.
The guys break down how this team evolved from the top-down, starter-heavy grind of the Tom Thibodeau era into a selfless, 10-deep "Voltron" unit under head coach Mike Brown]. With the Knicks boasting top offensive, defensive, and net ratings in the playoffs, the conversation shifts to their potential Western Conference opponents: will they face a resilient but banged-up OKC squad, or the "Godzilla" presence of Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs?
But it wouldn't be Running It Back without a detour through sports culture, personal milestones, and a healthy dose of perspective. Before diving deep into the hardwood strategy, Tarlin opens up about getting beat in HORSE by his daughter following his hip surgery, launching an unofficial injury rehab support group, and executing a passionate corporate takedown of Starbucks' existential mobile-ordering crisis.
Whether you are a die-hard member of the blue-and-orange faithful or just love elite sports storytelling, this episode captures the exact blend of nostalgic history, advanced-stat breakdowns, and authentic banter you need.
What’s Inside the Episode
The Starbucks Living Room Rant: Tarlin calls out why hanging drapes and plants can't fix a business model completely dominated by mobile-ordering robots.
1994 vs. 1999 vs. 2026: Mike looks back at the heartbreak of the Patrick Ewing era—complete with the infamous June 17, 1994 OJ Simpson chase interruption—and contrasts it with the collective, selfless basketball of the current "Nova Knicks".
The Mitchell Robinson "Granny Shot" Campaign: How a broken pinky might force Mitch to go full WWE Cowboy Bob Orton with a heavy hand club, and why MSG is ready for a Rick Barry-style free-throw revival.
The Mike Brown Masterclass: A look at how Brown's player-coach mentality empowered Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns while keeping the starters fresh for the fourth quarter.
Generational Finals History: Celebrating Jalen and Rick Brunson as they become the sixth father-son duo to reach the NBA Finals.
Episode Timestamps
00:00 - Welcome to June: The Knicks are Finals bound.
01:00 - Tarlin’s quick hitters: Memorial Day HORSE matches and driving tests.
02:00 - Creating an injury support community and calling out Starbucks' identity crisis.
04:00 - Assessing Knick Nation’s quiet confidence and the scars of past postseasons.
05:00 - Mitchell Robinson’s broken pinky, WWE clubs, and the legendary "granny shot".
06:00 - Scouting the West: Banged-up OKC vs. Victor Wembanyama's Spurs.
07:00 - Nostalgia lane: The heartbreak of '94, the OJ chase, and the '99 miracle run.
09:00 - Deep dive into the numbers: #1 ratings and a 10-deep rotation.
14:00 - Top-down vs. Player-empowered leadership: From Thibs to Mike Brown.
16:00 - The "Nova Knicks" chemistry, KAT’s defense, and 2014 Spurs-style ball movement.
22:00 - All-NBA slights, media potshots, and the "team of destiny" narrative.
27:00 - Rick and Jalen Brunson join rare father-son Finals history.
29:00 - Bandwagons, 30th college reunions, and non-alcoholic beer survival tips.
View all episodes
By Palmer Media
5
1515 ratings
It is almost June, and that can only mean one thing: the NBA Finals are here. On this episode of Running It Back, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray sit down to process the immaculate, unexpected vibes of a New York Knicks squad that has defied expectations to play for basketball's ultimate prize. Why is Knick Nation so uncharacteristically quiet right now? Because they know exactly how fragile a postseason run can be.
The guys break down how this team evolved from the top-down, starter-heavy grind of the Tom Thibodeau era into a selfless, 10-deep "Voltron" unit under head coach Mike Brown]. With the Knicks boasting top offensive, defensive, and net ratings in the playoffs, the conversation shifts to their potential Western Conference opponents: will they face a resilient but banged-up OKC squad, or the "Godzilla" presence of Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs?
But it wouldn't be Running It Back without a detour through sports culture, personal milestones, and a healthy dose of perspective. Before diving deep into the hardwood strategy, Tarlin opens up about getting beat in HORSE by his daughter following his hip surgery, launching an unofficial injury rehab support group, and executing a passionate corporate takedown of Starbucks' existential mobile-ordering crisis.
Whether you are a die-hard member of the blue-and-orange faithful or just love elite sports storytelling, this episode captures the exact blend of nostalgic history, advanced-stat breakdowns, and authentic banter you need.
What’s Inside the Episode
The Starbucks Living Room Rant: Tarlin calls out why hanging drapes and plants can't fix a business model completely dominated by mobile-ordering robots.
1994 vs. 1999 vs. 2026: Mike looks back at the heartbreak of the Patrick Ewing era—complete with the infamous June 17, 1994 OJ Simpson chase interruption—and contrasts it with the collective, selfless basketball of the current "Nova Knicks".
The Mitchell Robinson "Granny Shot" Campaign: How a broken pinky might force Mitch to go full WWE Cowboy Bob Orton with a heavy hand club, and why MSG is ready for a Rick Barry-style free-throw revival.
The Mike Brown Masterclass: A look at how Brown's player-coach mentality empowered Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns while keeping the starters fresh for the fourth quarter.
Generational Finals History: Celebrating Jalen and Rick Brunson as they become the sixth father-son duo to reach the NBA Finals.
Episode Timestamps
00:00 - Welcome to June: The Knicks are Finals bound.
01:00 - Tarlin’s quick hitters: Memorial Day HORSE matches and driving tests.
02:00 - Creating an injury support community and calling out Starbucks' identity crisis.
04:00 - Assessing Knick Nation’s quiet confidence and the scars of past postseasons.
05:00 - Mitchell Robinson’s broken pinky, WWE clubs, and the legendary "granny shot".
06:00 - Scouting the West: Banged-up OKC vs. Victor Wembanyama's Spurs.
07:00 - Nostalgia lane: The heartbreak of '94, the OJ chase, and the '99 miracle run.
09:00 - Deep dive into the numbers: #1 ratings and a 10-deep rotation.
14:00 - Top-down vs. Player-empowered leadership: From Thibs to Mike Brown.
16:00 - The "Nova Knicks" chemistry, KAT’s defense, and 2014 Spurs-style ball movement.
22:00 - All-NBA slights, media potshots, and the "team of destiny" narrative.
27:00 - Rick and Jalen Brunson join rare father-son Finals history.
29:00 - Bandwagons, 30th college reunions, and non-alcoholic beer survival tips.
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