Knicks guard Jalen Brunson feeling it during New York's 38-point blowout of Denver Nuggets at home
Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts after scoring during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 25, 2024, in New York City. Sarah Stier/Getty Images

The New York Knicks administered a 38-point beating upon the Denver Nuggets at home on Thursday night, compelling observers to wonder how good they really are.

The Knicks defeating the NBA champion Nuggets 122-84 challenges the idea that the team's ceiling is a second-round elimination by a top-tier, Eastern Conference team like the Boston Celtics (35-10), Milwaukee Bucks (31-13) or Philadelphia 76ers (29-14).

The Knicks (28-17) entered Friday, Jan. 26, with the worst win-loss record mentioned here so far. But, what are they in their current form? Their current form must be emphasized because New York is 11-2 since small forward OG Anunoby, an adept defender and three-point shooter, made his debut in a Knicks uniform on Jan. 1.

OG Anunoby helped lead the Knicks to another win at MSG, this time against the NBA Champion Denver Nuggets
OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks reacts after scoring during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden on January 25, 2024 in New York City. Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Anunoby, 26, was acquired via trade from the Toronto Raptors last month. He's helped teammates Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle move Knicks basketball away from the "middle-of-the-pack" label it had a month ago, thanks to wins versus strong opponents like the Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets.

The Knicks are a team best not taken for granted. Brunson, Randle, Anunoby and co. ran a Nuggets team armed with the quartet of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter, Jr. out of Madison Square Garden. While that's undoubtedly impressive, these Knicks are good enough as currently constructed for such a victory to not be absolutely stunning.

Knicks forward Julius Randle (left) backs up Nuggets defender Michael Porter, Jr. at MSG on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024
Julius Randle #30 (left) of the New York Knicks dribbles against Michael Porter Jr. #1 (right) of the Denver Nuggets during the first half at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 25, 2024, in New York City. Sarah Stier/Getty Images

The Knicks, currently seeded fourth in the NBA's Eastern Conference, are 194 points better than their competition in the 13 games they've played in 2024. They're injured at the center position at the moment, which throws some cold water on any high expectations, as a return by 7-footer Mitchell Robinson in time for the playoffs remains uncertain.

But, Knicks fans are a hopeful bunch, and the players wearing the orange and blue for them this season have given them a good reason to be.