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BOSTON — The Knicks are at a crossroads in Beantown. A loss in Sunday’s matinee, particularly an ugly one, would further the freshly reinforced idea they’re not equipped for the big time. A victory would redirect the narrative and serve as evidence the Knicks aren’t going to roll over against the East’s elite.

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Built to compete with the Eastern Conference’s elite during the offseason, the New York Knicks are trying to still figure out how to break into the top group after the past two games.

Jaylen Brown said moves like the Knicks' addition of Mikal Bridges and the Cavs' addition of DeAndre Hunter are a source of motivation

So until further notice, the Knicks can’t be classified as contenders. They’re too far below the Celtics and Cavaliers to be taken seriously. Sunday was just the latest example. In three games against Boston, they’ve been outscored by 63 points and struggle to defend the 3-point line.