The New York Knicks is one of the most iconic professional basketball teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team has a long and storied history, with plenty of championship wins and passionate fan moments. Learn all about the Knicks, past and present, to further your knowledge of professional basketball.
A Brief History of the New York Knicks
The Knicks, or the Knickerbockers, are one of the oldest teams in the NBA. Founded in 1946 as one of the original 8 franchises, the team has been a staple in the association ever since.
The first 25 years, the Knicks had largely unsuccessful runs with limited playoff appearances, making the championship series just twice in that time. It wasn’t until 1969 when the team won its first conference championship, beating out the Baltimore Bullets in a 4-3 series.
The Knicks continued to succeed in the 70s, winning the championship in 1970 and 1973. One of the most iconic moments happened in the 1970-1971 season when the then-secretary of state Nelson Rockefeller attended a game between the Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers. The presence of such a high-ranking figure in the game was seen as a huge moment for the sport. It set a new track for the NBA to become even more of a mainstream American sporting event.
The New York Knicks Decade by Decade - The 80s
The 1980s were a successful decade for the Knicks, as the team made it to the playoffs every year and two NBA Finals appearances in 1984 and 1994. The team had many legendary players in the decade, including Bernard King, who scored an impressive 60 points in a single game. However, despite the great talent, the 80s marked an end to winning championships.
The ‘90s
The Knicks continued to remain competitive in the 1990s. The team had multiple Eastern Conference championships and made the NBA Finals in 1994, which they lost to the Houston Rockets. The 90s also saw the emergence of some of the best players in the franchise’s history. These included John Starks, Patrick Ewing, and Latrell Sprewell.
The 2000s
The 2000s marked a decade of trials and tribulations for the Knicks. The team had several losing seasons and early playoff exits, despite having some high-profile players like Stephon Marbury, Tracy McGrady, and Amar’e Stoudemire.
The 2010s
The 2010s would be the decade of the Knicks’ rebirth. Led by Carmelo Anthony, the team made it to the playoffs in six of the eight seasons. It included the 2013 season where the Knicks made it to the second round of the Eastern Conference Finals.
The New York Knicks Today
The Knicks are currently led by head coach Tom Thibodeau. The team has been competitive in the eastern conference for the past two seasons, making it to the playoffs in 2021.
The current roster has some talented players, including Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and Derrick Rose. Despite the talent on the roster, the Knicks are often seen as a lottery team due to the youth and inexperience of the players.
The team is looking to build for the future and has already taken steps to do so, with the recent acquisition of the star center, Mitchell Robinson. The Knicks organization is optimistic that the team can make a run for the playoffs, or even a championship victory in the next few years.
The New York Knicks, Past and Present
The New York Knicks have had a long and successful history in the NBA. They have won two championships and had many iconic players, moments, and teams. While the recent years have been a bit of a trial, the team is looking to build for the future with a young and exciting roster.
No matter what happens, you can always count on the Knicks to bring a level of excitement and passion to the game of basketball. From the team’s championship success to the energy of the fans, the New York Knicks will always be one of the most beloved franchises in the NBA.
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