No, the NBA Cup is not the same as the playoffs. But it provides the Knicks with an opportunity to gain more experience in playoff-like atmospheres.

With Mike Brown’s team set to play the Magic in the NBA Cup semifinals on Saturday in Las Vegas, here are three keys for the Knicks to advance.

LAS VEGAS — The Magic have a plan for how to slow down Jalen Brunson. 

Rivalries usually don’t form in just the regular season — heated playoff matchups are typically needed for that. But this feels like what could be the start of a budding rivalry. 

Opposing defenses are doing anything they can to try and slow down the red-hot Jalen Brunson.

The Mets either traded away or lost in free agency three key pieces of the franchise this week. Pete Alonso How acquired: Drafted in the second round (No. 64 overall) in 2016 out of the University of Florida. Tenure with the Mets: 7 seasons Highlights: It has to start with his famous three-run, go-ahead home...

There are few players in the NBA that impact overall winning the way OG Anunoby does.