The New York Knicks are on a remarkable winning streak, having secured 17 victories in their last 21 games, including a string of seven consecutive wins. Their last defeat occurred during the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup against the Atlanta Hawks on December 11, marking a turning point for the team. This impressive performance has propelled the Knicks up the NBA.com power rankings, where they now sit at No. 3, a significant jump from their previous position of No. 7.

According to NBA.com writer John Schuhmann, the Knicks have faced some challenges but have managed to maintain their winning momentum since their last loss. With their current form, they have established themselves as a top-three contender in the Eastern Conference. The team is poised to end 2024 with a back-to-back game against the Washington Wizards, followed by a matchup against the Utah Jazz to kick off the new year. This stretch will see the Knicks play 14 of 16 games against teams that are struggling offensively, which could provide them with a competitive edge.

In the rankings, only the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers surpass the Knicks, as both teams currently lead their respective conferences. Despite facing less formidable opponents recently, the Knicks have demonstrated their ability to execute effectively and secure wins. Earlier in the season, they stumbled in games they were expected to win, but their recent success indicates significant growth. If the Knicks maintain their current pace, they could soon challenge the Boston Celtics and Cavaliers for top positioning in the Eastern Conference standings.