Is this real life or is it fantasy? The New York Knicks are back in the playoffs after a seven year absence.

The squad officially clinched their playoff spot after the Boston Celtics lost their matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers today, cementing their place among the top six seeds.

This season has been the absolute perfect storm for Knicks fans, but the biggest reason for the turnaround has to be the breakout season from first-time All-Star Julius Randle. The big man acknowledged the feat, but made sure to reiterate that this is only just the beginning for their New York side.

Randle also earns a sweet bonus for the playoff appearance the Knicks are about to make. He already earned close to a million for his All-Star selection earlier this season. Tack on another near million dollars for the man thanks to the postseason bonus. Knicks fans won't argue that he truly deserves it.

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Aside from Randle, there have been a number of storylines to follow that have contributed to the Knicks success this year. Derrick Rose has been terrific after joining the squad midseason. Tom Thibodeau has been exactly the coach they've needed after going through a slew of play-callers in recent years. R.J. Barrett has found his footing in his sophomore season and could potentially turn his potential into stardom down the line, just as Randle has.

All these things make for happy New York Knicks fans. They'll be the first to admit that this was not at all expected at the beginning of the season, but that's what makes it that much more gratifying.