Win pulls knicks to .500 and streak of winning. More important to close out strong vs. a quality opponent.
Not a "Must Win", and not a statement game either. Lets say an "affermation" of a champ not ready to go down without a fight.
With a target on its back about every team wants to measure itself vs the champs. Best to lay as many doubts with wins!
Also, This fan wants a 60 win season and the very least a deep playoff run. Why? Not that a 53 win season with a chip as conclusion is anything but wonderful but it it was a "Run", not a capstone to a dream season. By that, the team did not exercise its dominance until "Tournament time". Thats just me.
In the age of parity its very good for the league to have its fan engaged and "anything is possible" interest. Year before Indy made a run to finals with a late season push (they got healthy).

I want this one tonite. Not for "revenge" from opening night, but as champions to mark its territory and let its rivals know the new champs are the ****. Go 0-2 gives Phlly an edge. Lookiing for Mikal to have a good game. Philly is his hometown. He plays as NCAA champ, and now NBA champ!