The Knicks are heading west for a New Year’s stretch that should get their attention. They visit Phoenix on Dec. 31, then play Denver on Jan. 2 in the next stop of the league’s national television slate.
It is a serious way to start 2027: two road games against teams that can punish a lazy first quarter, a loose defensive possession or a bench unit that drifts through its minutes.
For Jalen Brunson, Denver is another chance to run the offense in one of the league’s tougher buildings. The Knicks will need more than a big scoring night from their lead guard, though. Road games like this put every part of the rotation under a microscope.
The Knicks get a useful early-January test
Phoenix is first, which matters. The Knicks cannot look ahead to Denver and sleepwalk through New Year’s Eve. Then comes the altitude, a road crowd and a game that will demand clean execution late.
Jalen Brunson reacts against Denver. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
I like that stretch because it gives the team something concrete. There is no need to overreact to one regular-season trip, but games against Phoenix and Denver can show whether a group is handling its details when the setting gets uncomfortable.
Denver will test the Knicks’ discipline
The Knicks have the kind of roster that should welcome nationally televised road games. They also know the difference between a fun schedule spot and two nights where every missed box out or bad turnover gets punished.
January is far away, but the calendar already handed them a serious road checkpoint. The trip will be more interesting than the usual holiday schedule filler.
