Fortunately, the team's head coach, Thibodeau, was a renowned coach who was exceptionally strict, stubborn, and experienced.
As long as he maintained his authority, that strictness could serve as a firm hand that kept the players in check and pushed them to improve.
The head coach and team leader worked in perfect harmony, while the team's second option was relatively pragmatic and easygoing, with both a desire to win and some leadership experience.
With all those factors working together, the Knicks could easily iron out the flaws that had just surfaced in the shortest possible time.
Losing a game was no big deal, and the extra practice afterward was not just about finding their shooting touch.
For a championship contender, what mattered more was the players' collective resolve: whether they could work toward a shared goal, pool their strength, and pull in the same direction.
A few minor hiccups would not affect the team's overall progress.
The New York Knicks continued following the schedule arranged by the league.
On the evening of January 10, they remained at home to welcome their next challenger.
Notably, the form the Knicks players displayed in this game was completely different from their previous outing.
At home against the Portland Trail Blazers, they finished with a score of 131–101.
The Knicks easily secured another thirty-point blowout.
The entire team rediscovered its wonderfully fluid offense.
The players' individual performances also returned to their usual levels.
Under those circumstances, the visitors from Portland had no way to fight back. They spent the entire game pinned to the floor and getting steamrolled.
Their starters were outmatched, falling behind by double digits halfway through the first quarter.
Their bench was outmatched too. Across two transition periods, they were outscored 24–11, sending the deficit straight into the twenties.
In