Stan Van Gundy Labels Knicks Fans 'Frontrunners' Ahead of Playoffs

Former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy criticized Knicks fans, labeling them as 'front-runners' who support the team when it's winning but boo when it's losing. This remark sparked backlash from fans who highlighted their loyalty during difficult seasons, such as those with only 17 wins. The Knicks, who are set to face the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs, have a challenging road ahead, having lost three of four encounters with Detroit in the regular season. Van Gundy acknowledged the Pistons' strong performance and their potential to pose a significant threat in the postseason. He emphasized the importance of respect for opponents, indicating that Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau will prepare his team for a tough series. Ultimately, Van Gundy suggested the Knicks could win in a competitive seven-game series but acknowledged the difficulty of the matchup.