The crisp autumn air always reminds me of that first whiff of Madison Square Garden – the mix of polished hardwood and anticipation that signals basketball’s return. I was digging through my closet last weekend, pulling out my worn-in Knicks jersey, when my phone buzzed with the notification. There it was, laid out in glorious detail: the New York Knicks 2023 NBA Preseason Schedule. I scrolled through the dates, matchups and key games feeling that familiar thrill. It’s more than just a list; it’s the prologue to our winter-long saga.
October 5th kicks things off against the Celtics in Boston – a tough opening act, honestly. Rivalry games in the preseason always have a different energy. They’re supposed to be casual, but you just know the ghosts of past battles will be lurking in that arena. Then, three days later, we’re back home at the Garden to host the Wizards on October 8th. There’s nothing quite like that first home game, even if it doesn’t count in the standings. The roar when the team runs onto the court… it’s a sound that stitches the summer back together.
I remember last year’s preseason, watching Jalen Brunson find his footing. You could see the gears turning, the new plays being tested. That’s the real magic of these games. They’re a laboratory. This year, I’m personally most intrigued by the October 17th matchup against the Timberwolves. It’s our final preseason game, a last dress rehearsal before the real drama begins. I think that’s where we’ll see the closest thing to the actual rotation Coach Thibodeau plans to use when the lights are brightest. It’s the final piece of the puzzle.
And that’s the thing, isn’t it? The anticipation has been building all summer. THE stage is set. Every dribble, every three-pointer in these exhibition games feels like a hint of what’s to come. We’re not just watching basketball; we’re watching a team learn to breathe together before the grind of 82 games. I’ve got my calendar marked, ready to overanalyze every possession. Because for us fans, the season truly starts the moment that first preseason ball is tipped. Let’s see what this new chapter holds.