RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
Alongside the Boston Celtics, the Knicks are one of two original NBA teams still located in its original city.
The team, established by Ned Irish in 1946, was one of the founding members of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which became the NBA after merging with the rival National Basketball League (NBL) in 1949. The Knicks were successful during their early years and were constant playoff contenders under the franchise's first head coach Joe Lapchick. Beginning in 1950, the Knicks made three consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals, all of which were losing efforts. Lapchick resigned in 1956 and the team subsequently began to falter.
It was not until the late 1960s when Red Holzman became the head coach that the Knicks began to regain their former dominance. Holzman successfully guided the Knicks to two NBA championships, in 1970 and 1973. The Knicks of the 1980s had mixed success that included six playoff appearances; however, they failed to participate in the NBA Finals.
The playoff-level Knicks of the 1990s were led by future Hall of Fame center Patrick Ewing; this era was marked by passionate rivalries with the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, and Miami Heat. During this time, they were known for playing tough defense under head coaches Pat Riley and Jeff Van Gundy, making NBA Finals appearances in 1994 and 1999. However, they were unable to win an NBA championship during this era.
Since 2000, the Knicks have struggled to regain their former successes, but won their first division title in 19 years in 2012–13, led by a core of forwards Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. They were eventually eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals by the Indiana Pacers, and had failed to make the playoffs for eight years until 2020–21.
Re-live the Knicks' 1999 playoff run and share in the laughs with Latrell Sprewell, Larry Johnson, Allan Houston, Kurt Thomas and Marcus Camby in this special chat we streamed live on Facebook!
Former Knicks big man Charles Oakley looks back on his run with the team, including...
Charles Oakley Looks Back On Knicks 94' Finals Run & Time In New York | ALL THE SMOKE / Former Knicks big man Charles Oakley looks back on his run with the team, including their legendary run to the 1994 finals.
On April 8, 1973, the Baltimore Bullets faced the New York Knicks in Game 5...
NBA Playoffs Game 5 - Baltimore Bullets vs New York Knicks - Radio Broadcast / On April 8, 1973, the Baltimore Bullets faced the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the NBA Semi-Finals, a pivotal matchup in the series. The season had been charged with intense competition, and both teams arrived at this game with a lot to prove. The Bullets, led by their tenacious defense and dynamic scoring, were determined to assert their dominance and shift the series momentum in their favor. On the other side, the Knicks, known for their cohesive team play and strategic prowess, aimed to capitalize on their home court advantage at Madison Square Garden to edge closer to the championship dreams that had eluded them the previous seasons.
The game unfolded with high intensity, reflecting the stakes involved. Key players from both teams stepped up, providing memorable moments that thrilled the audience. As the clock ticked down, strategies were adjusted on the fly, with coaches and players alike navigating the pressures of the playoff atmosphere. This game not only highlighted individual brilliance but also underscored the tactical battles between the coaching staffs, setting the tone for what would be a highly competitive continuation of the series.
In today's 3-on-3 Blacktop Simulation, we have an interesting matchup that transcends time: the 1972...
1972 vs 1995 New York Knicks • 3-on-3 Blacktop Simulation / In today's 3-on-3 Blacktop Simulation, we have an interesting matchup that transcends time: the 1972 New York Knicks vs the 1995 New York Knicks. The 1972 team, led by Walt 'Clyde' Frazier, was at the peak of their game, having won the NBA championship in 1970 and reached the NBA Finals in 1972. Frazier, known for his stylish play and defensive prowess, was a key figure in those successes. On the other side, we have the 1995 Knicks, a gritty, defensive-minded team led by Patrick Ewing. Ewing, a dominant center, was a force inside, and his battles with the likes of Michael Jordan and Reggie Miller are legendary. This simulation, set in the heart of September, will be a clash of styles and eras, with each team looking to assert their dominance in this unique matchup.
Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, held on May 8, 1970, is one of...
1970 NBA Finals Game 7 • Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks - Radio Broadcast / Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, held on May 8, 1970, is one of the most iconic games in basketball history, primarily due to the dramatic return of New York Knicks center Willis Reed. The series was between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers. Going into Game 7, the series was tied 3-3, making this game the championship decider.
The most memorable moment came before the game even started. Willis Reed, the Knicks' star player and captain, had suffered a thigh injury in Game 5 and missed Game 6, both of which had significant impact on the team's performance. His status for Game 7 was uncertain. However, in a moment that has since become legendary, Reed limped onto the court during warm-ups, inspiring his team and the crowd. He scored the Knicks' first two baskets, and although he didn't contribute significantly in terms of points for the rest of the game, his presence had a huge psychological impact.
Walt Frazier took the spotlight for the Knicks, delivering a remarkable performance with 36 points and 19 assists. His play, combined with Reed's inspiring presence, led the Knicks to a 113-99 victory over the Lakers. This game was a defining moment for the Knicks, as it secured their first NBA championship.
The game is remembered not just for its on-court excellence, but also for the dramatic narrative and the sheer determination displayed by Reed. It remains a defining moment in NBA history, often cited as an example of leadership and perseverance in sports.
Hosted by retired NFL star Kyle Rote, these 5-minute programs feature interviews with some of the top figures in sports
Interview of Knicks GM Ned Irish / Hosted by retired NFL star Kyle Rote, these 5-minute programs feature interviews with some of the top figures in sports during 1962.