Knicks Rooting for Nuggets

The New York Knicks, despite their regular-season struggles against top teams, could secure home-court advantage through the NBA Finals if the Denver Nuggets win their Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This unexpected turn of events could be a crucial step toward the Knicks' first title in over 50 years.
While the importance of home-court advantage, especially in the NBA Finals, might seem obvious, recent data suggests a shifting trend. Home teams have a slightly lower winning percentage in the current postseason (53.8%) compared to the regular season (54.4%). This difference is more pronounced in Game 7s, where home teams have a significantly lower win rate since 2021 compared to the league's first 73 seasons.
Despite these trends, Knicks fans should unequivocally root for the Nuggets. There is no logical reason to prefer losing home-court advantage. The Knicks performed significantly better at home during the regular season, with a higher winning percentage and a superior point differential per 100 possessions compared to their road games.
Knicks fans should fully embrace their temporary Nuggets fandom. Cheer for Nikola Jokic, hope for a standout performance from Jamal Murray, and even support unexpected contributions from players like Julian Strawther. Supporting the Nuggets for one game is not a betrayal of the Knicks but an act of ultimate fandom, done in the best interest of the team.
Dan Favale is a Senior NBA Contributor for FanSided and National NBA Writer for Bleacher Report.