Saint Joe's Star Shines in the NBA Finals 

By Richie Adenau 

Published On 6/6/26

The New York Knicks are putting together one of the most dominant playoff runs in NBA history. As the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, New York opened its postseason against the Atlanta Hawks. After a Game 3 loss on April 23 left the Knicks trailing 2-1 in the series, the team responded in a big way. Since that defeat, the Knicks have not lost a game, winning 13 consecutive games while outscoring opponents by a combined 273 points. They closed out the Hawks in six games before sweeping both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite entering the NBA Finals as underdogs against the San Antonio Spurs, the Knicks have continued their incredible run, winning the first two games of the series at San Antonio.  For the Spurs to win the series, not only do they have to go through a red-hot Knicks team riding a 13-game winning streak, but also make NBA Finals history. After dropping the first two games at home, San Antonio faces the daunting task of becoming the first team ever to recover from an 0-2 Finals deficit after losing both opening games on its home court.  Now, with the series shifting to Madison Square Garden, the Knicks are just two wins away from capturing their first NBA championship since 1973 and completing one of the greatest playoff runs the NBA has ever seen. 

Saint Joseph High School alumnus Karl-Anthony Towns has been one of the driving forces behind the Knicks' playoff success. Through New York's first 16 postseason games, Towns has averaged 17.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. While continuing to score at a high level, he has evolved into one of the team's primary playmakers, averaging a career-high assist total for a playoff run. His ability to create opportunities for teammates has made New York's offense even more dangerous.

However, Towns' impact goes beyond the stat sheet. In the NBA Finals, he has been tasked with defending Victor Wembanyama, who finished third in MVP voting. Through physical defense and relentless effort, Towns has forced Wembanyama out of his comfort zone and into several costly mistakes. Long criticized by some as not being a physical player, Towns has answered those doubts by matching one of the league's most dominant stars with toughness and intensity on both ends of the floor.

Towns' offensive versatility has also created major problems for San Antonio. Widely regarded as the best three-point-shooting center in NBA history, he forces Wembanyama to defend far from the basket. This allows the Knicks to space the floor with a five-out offense, opening driving lanes for guards and wings while preventing Wembanyama from using his elite rim protection in the paint. As a result, Towns has become one of the biggest reasons New York finds itself just two wins away from an NBA championship.

As the Knicks chase their first championship in more than 50 years, Towns has proven that his value goes far beyond points and rebounds, establishing himself as one of the most important players in New York's historic playoff run. 

By Richie Adenau

Published On 4/24/26

The New York Giants entered last night's NFL Draft with 2 top-10 picks and a goal to define the future.  While both players they picked have clear potential, some decisions have raised questions about the team's direction.

With the 5th overall pick in the draft, the Giants selected Edge/ Linebacker Hybrid Arvell Reese from Ohio State.  He is one of the most talented players in the draft, with exceptional speed and power.  

Even though Reese is an elite prospect, drafting an edge was not an immediate need for New York when they already have Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux.  Head Coach John Harbaugh has already said they will not move on from Thibodaux, keeping all four on the team.  Wide Receiver Malik Nabors has already questioned the pick, saying, "We just drafted somebody last year to do that same position."  If the Giants can find a role for him on the field, it may be a great choice, but if not, it may feel like a wasted first-round pick.

With the 10th overall pick in the draft, the G-Men drafted Offensive Tackle Francis Mauigoa from Miami.  Mauigoa is one of, if not the best, offensive linemen in the draft, with excellent hands and strength.  New York made this pick to help protect Quarterback Jaxson Dart going into his sophomore season.  

However, there are some concerns about Mauigoa.  He is currently dealing with a herniated disc in his back.  Also, he played right tackle for three straight seasons at Miami, but he will most likely need to switch to right guard for the Giants, in order to not take the spot of Jermaine Eluemenor.  

It is a good idea to get help for your young quarterback on the offensive line, but drafting Safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State would have solidified New York's young defensive core.  When Malik Nabers saw that the Giants passed on Downs and instead went to the Cowboys, he was visibly upset, saying, "I got to play against this thing again," referring to Caleb Downs.

This draft looks eerily similar to the 2022 NFL Draft.  In both drafts, New York had two top-10 picks, drafting an edge with their first pick and a lineman with their second.  The edge, Kayvon Thidodeaux, has not lived up to his hype in the NFL, and the lineman, Evan Neal, has been a complete bust.

Hopefully, history won't repeat itself, and these two newly acquired New York Giants will play at an elite level in the NFL.