Is this the new Knicks norm?

In the vast majority of my seasons following this team, the end of March was a time for perusing the NCAA games for the next lottery pick or scanning the free-agent markets for new players and coaches.

But now I’m on the cusp of covering a third playoff appearance in four years under Tom Thibodeau, and this one carries the most promise for something special.

Of course, expectations arrive with pressure and a greater threat of disappointment.