“I don’t think they are good enough” — Shaquille O’Neal questions whether the Knicks are built for the postseason

As the Knicks prepared to break through the competition Shaquille O'Neal came and invalidated their momentum. The Knicks post regular season numbers shine but Shaq is doubtful they will succeed in the playoffs. The Knicks face an important decision with postseason tournaments approaching since Shaquille O’Neal asks whether they will succeed in big moments like playoffs after showing strong regular season performances.
With the playoffs on the horizon, NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal has raised some eyebrows regarding the New York Knicks' chances. Even though they've had a solid regular season, O’Neal stated, “I don’t think they are good enough to advance to the second round.” His straightforward take has ignited discussions among fans and analysts.
The Knicks achieved exceptional regular season results by winning 50 games out of 28 while earning the third Eastern Conference seed. Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson provide the majority of the team's achievements during their successful regular season campaign. Towns continues his strong streak with 34 points and 12 rebounds per game recently while Brunson scored 27 points alongside 10 assists during the tight 119-117 overtime match against Boston Celtics on April 8, 2025.
Even with these accomplishments, O’Neal still doubts the Knicks can go far in the playoffs. His skepticism isn’t new; he voiced similar concerns earlier in the season, saying,“They’re nowhere close to winning a championship.”
The Knicks' recent game against the Celtics brought to light some of their difficulties. They held the lead at different moments but failed to seal the deal, with crucial defensive errors giving Boston the chance to tie it up and eventually take the win in overtime.
The Knicks are gearing up for some key games against the Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Brooklyn Nets. The Pistons, especially, have really stepped up this season, earning a playoff spot for the first time since 2019.
The doubts expressed by Shaquille O'Neal about the New York Knicks' postseason qualification are fairly valid. The team completed the regular season with 50 victories in 78 games yet they faced significant problems battling Eastern Conference leaders. The Knicks faced their fourth defeat at the hands of the Boston Celtics during the 2025 season while enduring a 119 to 117 overtime loss on April 8th. The New York Knicks maintain a 0-3 defeat record against the Cleveland Cavaliers together with a 9-18 losing streak against teams which rank within the top 10 defensive standings.
Also Read: NBA 2025 Playoff Bracket and Standings: Who’s Clinched So Far
As the playoffs draw near, the New York Knicks are facing a crucial decision point. They've had a solid regular season, but there are lingering doubts about their chances in the playoffs. Shaquille O’Neal's straightforward observations bring attention to the uncertainty regarding the team's ability to move beyond the first round.