The Knicks loss laid bare the areas that require urgent improvement if New York is serious about challenging the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers for a shot at the Eastern Conference throne.

During the Knicks’ current nine-game winning streak, most of their victories have come against some of the NBA’s worst teams, including two wins against both the East’s worst Wizards and injury-depleted Magic, in addition to wins over the Raptors, Jazz, and Pelicans.

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