Context:

Pope Leo XIV, once a Villanova University graduate, might take a keen interest in the New York Knicks' playoff run due to their strong Villanova connections, with players like Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart having ties to the university. The Knicks are leading their series against the Celtics with a 2-0 advantage, showcasing resilience by overcoming 20-point deficits in both games. Rev. Robert P. Hagan from Villanova suggests that the pope would appreciate the Knicks' spirit and style of play. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau humorously opined that the team might now be forgiven for their sins following the papal election. Regardless of the pope's attention, the Knicks have a promising chance to defeat the reigning champions, with their supporters hoping for some divine intervention at Madison Square Garden.

Dive Deeper:

• Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, is a graduate of Villanova University and may be following the New York Knicks' playoff journey due to the significant presence of Villanova alumni in the team.

• The Knicks have started their Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Boston Celtics with a 2-0 lead, achieving remarkable comebacks from 20-point deficits in both games.

• Villanova's Rev. Robert P. Hagan expressed that Pope Leo XIV would likely admire the Knicks for their unselfish play and spirit, reflecting the values instilled at Villanova.

• Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks' coach, jokingly remarked that after the pope's election, the team might now receive divine forgiveness for their past shortcomings.

• The Knicks' success is bolstered by fan enthusiasm and their strong connection to Villanova, with notable players like Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart reinforcing this bond.

• As the Knicks prepare to face the defending champions, fans are hopeful that their home venue, Madison Square Garden, will witness a touch of divine influence.

• Freelance writer Billy Heyen, a Syracuse University alum, has been covering sports, including the Knicks' playoff run, with his work appearing in various reputable publications.

• Pope Leo XIV is certainly a very busy man.

• The newly named leader of the Roman Catholic Church, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, must be lined up with things to accomplish in these early days of his papacy.

• But if he wants, when night falls on Saturday in the Vatican, the New York Knicks will be playing the Boston Celtics at 3:40 p.m. ET in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semis. And given all the Villanova connections going around, it might be fun viewing for the new pope.

• A leader at Villanova, where the pope graduated from in 1977, suggested Pope Leo XIV might just be following along.

• “We’ve had a lot of fun watching the Knicks because Jalen (Brunson) and Josh (Hart) and Donte (DiVincenzo) was there and now Mikal (Bridges) is there,” Rev. Robert P. Hagan, a senior associate athletic director at Villanova, told The Athletic. “I think that Pope Leo will still keep an eye on the Nova Knicks. I think he’ll still keep an eye on the Wildcats, and I think he’ll be very proud of not just who they are but the way that they play with a certain spirit and unselfishness.”

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• There have been plenty of Knicks fans pumped about the connection of their players to the new pope through Villanova.

• New York has gotten off to a 2-0 series lead with both wins including a 20-point comeback.

• Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau had a different thought on the matter.

• "Now they can be forgiven for their sins," he said after the papal announcement.

• Whether the pope is paying attention or not, the Knicks have a real chance to knock off the defending champs.

• Madison Square Garden will be rocking on Saturday, and the MSG faithful will be hoping to have a bit of the divine on their side.

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