The New York Knicks turned from a feel-good story to a tough matchup in the Eastern Conference. New York's strong play, especially their work on defense was discussed by Turner Sports Analyst Greg Anthony, per Chris Franklin of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. 

“If you take the second half of the season, I think they’ve probably been the best defensive team in the league,” Anthony remarked. “They’re right there with Philly [Philadelphia 76ers] and the [Los Angeles] Lakers. They’re going to create some challenges. Julius Randle has played at an All-NBA level and MVP caliber. With what Derrick Rose has done really solidifying their bench, they will be a challenge.

I would still give the advantage to Philadelphia, but we saw last year that it’s not a given thing that having the best regular season record means that you are going to advance.”

Anthony started his career with the Knicks, but he has valid points and was objective enough to say that the Sixers still have the edge in a potential matchup.

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But the fact remains, the Knicks will not be a cakewalk for anyone in the Eastern Conference. While Philadelphia has improved, New York took a massive leap forward from being one of the most pathetic teams in the league. 

The Knicks slow the pace of the game down, which runs counter to what most teams are doing, and play a brand of tough defense. Randle has rounded out his game and taken it to the next level and this is evidenced by his first All-Star selection. Meanwhile, Rose is a spark off the bench that brings veteran savvy to a team with a bunch of young talents.