Knicks Glory Cuts City Crime in Half

The New York Knicks are close to winning a championship for the first time since 1973. Their success has brought excitement to fans across the city. The police department reports that violent crime has fallen sharply during this playoff run. Murder rates are down almost 21 percent. Shootings have reached the lowest level ever recorded for the first five months of the year. Overall major crime has dropped 10. 6 percent since May. The city’s safety improved as the Knicks advanced. In the last 11 playoff games, crime fell by 78 percent. That is a dramatic change that many people link to the team’s performance. The city still feels busy, but more residents feel safe when the Knicks play.The Knicks have won 13 straight playoff games. They are the second team ever to reach that mark in a single postseason, after the 2016‑17 Warriors. Their road win streak ties the 2000‑01 Lakers for longest in one playoff series. The team is two wins away from a title. Coach Mike Brown says the players must stay present. He reminds them not to dwell on past or future events. “I constantly — boom — flick myself in the head, ” he told reporters, demonstrating the point. He says the players have embraced this mindset and live it every moment of the run. Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley predicts a different player will earn Finals MVP. He praises Karl‑Anthony Towns for his strong performances in the first two games. Barkley believes Towns deserves the honor.