Were advancing beyond the point of small-sample-size silliness now. The Knicks are 11-2 since trading for Anunoby and completely repurposing their roster, and three of those wins have come against the Timberwolves, the 76ers and, now, the Nuggets, three established members of the NBAs high-rent group.

This is how you know that the New York basketball globe is properly spinning on its axis again.

Tom Thibodeau has pushed enough of the right buttons to maintain the Knicks roster's attention and his employment in the most volatile of jobs.

The appreciative cheers for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley turned into MVP chants for Jalen Brunson as the Knicks beat up the Raptors, 126-100.

This is the kind of play that brings a basketball court to life, that makes it hum with enough electricity to power 40 city blocks.

The Knicks are now 15-1 against teams with losing records on the season, and the Blazers are a confirmed member of the NBA dregs right now.

In OG Anunoby, the Knicks acquire a two-way player who ought to be a perfect fit inside their core rotation

If the Knicks do take advantage of this portion of the schedule, which leads right into the trade deadline, then the inevitable second phase of Leon Rose in-season reconstruction can take place.

There were moments when it was hard not to let your imagination swirl a little bit.