53 years ago, the streets of New York City were filled with old yellow taxis, graffiti-covered train cars, and far more undeveloped infrastructure compared to what makes up the city’s skyline today. It was a version of the city that was industrial and gritty, but still vibrant with what makes it beautiful today: the blend of people and culture.
This completely different version of NYC, which is unfamiliar to many of us, was also the last time the Knicks won an NBA championship. On May 10, 1973, the buzzer-beater sounded through The Forum stadium, signifying their 4-1 win against the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals, and marking their second ever win in the franchise. But now, half a century later, they’ve finally persevered through the many hardships and achieved another win.
The History of the Knicks
After being established in 1946 by Ned Irish, the New York Knicks immediately entered the BAA (which later became the NBA) as a dominant team. Between 1951 and 1953, they had made it to the playoffs for ten consecutive seasons and played in the NBA Finals for three. However, their ultimate golden age came in the late 1960s when it was led by coach Red Holzman. Under his leadership, the team won two NBA Championships. First in 1970 with the talent of stars such as Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, and Bill Bradley, and their second in 1973, with shooting guard Earl Monroe.
Later in 1985, the Knicks drafted Patrick Ewing as the first overall pick. Unfortunately, with fierce competition against teams like the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, and Miami Heat, the Knicks made it to the NBA Finals twice without winning. After the Ewing era, the Knicks struggled to enter the Finals, not to mention even achieving another championship.
Defying the Odds
Since then, New York City has been itching to see the Knicks ever hold another championship trophy in their hands. That destiny was ultimately fulfilled last Saturday by 29-year-old shooting guard Jalen Brunson. With Brunson’s 45 points during the game being just four short of the team’s total points, he undoubtedly secured his title as both the Eastern Conference Finals MVP and the NBA Finals MVP.
As the buzzer sounded shortly after Victor Wembanyama shot a 3-pointer off the backboard, securing the win against the San Antonio Spurs, the streets of New York City immediately broke out in cheers and chants. Strangers in orange and white jerseys embraced each other, and neighbors of all ages came together to celebrate through laughter, music, fireworks, and pride for the city.
“For more than 50 years, New Yorkers have waited for this moment. Through near misses, heartbreak and a hope that every year could be our year, this city never stopped believing in the Knicks. And this team fulfilled that hope with grit, resilience and heart — just like the five boroughs itself,” said Mayor Mamdani on the win.
What This Means for NYC
For a city full of diversity, we sometimes get caught up in our differences and therefore become disconnected from each other. The only other times we have been united are through grief and tragedy, like during 9/11 or the COVID pandemic. However, this is something positive. The win has allowed the younger generation to experience a city of unity. You don’t even have to enjoy basketball to experience the celebration, and that has been a beautiful thing to witness amongst New Yorkers: pure joy.
As students, this is the first time ever seeing the Knicks win in our lifetime. However, for our parents, the championship has shown decades of built discipline, hustle, and skill. The team’s resilience should be an inspiration for many students and student-athletes alike that hard work is the path to success. Just like the Knicks went through ups and downs but never gave up, we should aspire to do the same in our work.
More than just a basketball game, the championship win serves as a reminder to live in the moment and for the community to thrive in joy. Today, we are all experiencing history for the city, and we should truly bask in it for what it is together.
