For Shanae Sanders from Brooklyn, the Knicks’ playoff journey is filled with mixed emotions. She feels a sense of pride for the team’s achievements, yet it brings back memories of her son, Tristan, who was a passionate fan and was tragically murdered at just 15 in 2024.
“I wish he were here,” she expressed, reflecting on her lost son.
At a viewing party at Radio City Music Hall, she thought, “If only we could watch this together, sharing the excitement. We would hug and scream.” It’s a bittersweet celebration for her, waiting for this moment for so long, and she believes his spirit is cheering them on.
Tristan’s untimely death occurred just before 7:30 p.m. on October 27, 2024. He was outside the Albany House housing complex in Crown Heights with friends when a gunshot rang out, striking him in the chest.
He was quickly taken to Kings County Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. This tragic event was part of a spate of youth violence in New York City, and despite efforts by police, no one has been held responsible for his murder.
Tristan was an only child, a freshman at an all-boys high school, and an avid basketball fan. “I grew up watching the Knicks and had him join me for the games. He just fell in love with them,” Sanders reminisced. “For his fifth birthday, I gave him a Knicks-themed party, and he was over the moon!”
As the Knicks prepare to face the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals starting Wednesday, Shanae is finding a new connection to Tristan through the team. Their playoff appearance marks the first time since 1999 that they’ve reached such heights, with a potential championship win after 53 years.
The timing is significant too, as this historic playoff run coincides with June, recognized as National Gun Violence Awareness Month.
“I’m part of NAC,” she mentioned, referring to the organization “Not Another Child,” which aims to support families affected by such tragedies.
For her, the Knicks symbolize healing. “It’s challenging to celebrate amidst our mourning, but their wins bring a bit of joy, even if just a little,” she shared, adding, “I really wish he were here.”
