The New York Knicks have what it takes to win it all this season, according to former NBA champion Richard Jefferson. In an exclusive interview with TMZ Sports, Jefferson said the team's talent, coaching, and ability are playoff-caliber—but their biggest obstacle is self-inflicted mistakes.
Fresh off the Knicks' dominant 140-89 Game 6 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, Jefferson emphasized that the losing team should not be embarrassed. It was simply New York's night. With stars like Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson leading the charge, Jefferson believes the Knicks are legitimate contenders.
"They're real," Jefferson said. "The only reason they have ever been questioned is because they themselves haven't played real. It's not their talent, it's not their coaching, it's not their ability. The Knicks are real. They got a chance."
When asked about potential matchups with Western Conference powerhouses like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jefferson took a pragmatic view: anything can happen in a seven-game series.
Jefferson also weighed in on the Golden State Warriors, dismissing calls for a rebuild. "If you got Steph Curry, that's all that matters," he said, adding that the team should retain coach Steve Kerr and veteran Draymond Green. It's not the end of an era just yet.