It wasn't pretty, but if it was, it wouldn't be Knicks basketball.
New York and the Chicago Bulls needed overtime to overcome their self-inflicted wounds, including 21 turnovers and a slow start, but the Knicks did it with a combination of Jalen Brunson and hustle play.
New York defeated the Bulls 120-119, and the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Magic 113-88 to become the No. 2 seed in the East.
Let's take a closer look at it (dates and times for the playoff series are yet to be determined).
Eastern Conference first round playoff bracket
1. Boston Celtics vs. 8. Play-in teams (Heat/76ers/Bulls/Hawks)
2. New York Knicks vs. 7. Play-in team (Heat/76ers)
3. Milwaukee Bucks vs. 6. Indiana Pacers
4. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 5. Orlando Magic
eastern conference play-in games
Wednesday, April 17th
• 7/8 Game: Miami vs. Philadelphia
• 9/10 Game: Atlanta vs. Chicago (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Friday, April 19th
• 9/10 winners, 7/8 losers
First thought:
• The Knicks fought for the No. 2 seed and were rewarded with either the defending Eastern Conference champions or the hottest team in the East, a very dangerous team in Joel Embiid and the 76ers.
• Boston will likely end up playing the other team in Philadelphia and Miami (the ones that lost the 7/8 games), and the Celtics should win, but it would be a tough start.
• Orlando has a legitimate chance to advance by defeating a struggling Cavaliers team.
• Bucks vs. Pacers is a clash of styles, but it all starts with the health of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Coach Nick Nurse said after the game that Joel Embiid is healthy and will be able to play Wednesday.
• This is the Celtics' conference to lose. They have been the best team in the league all season, so anything short of making it to the finals would be a huge disappointment.