Brianna Stewart, star of the Liberty, took a moment to check the scores of Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and Spurs before heading into her mandatory media session after Wednesday’s victory over Toronto Tempo.
Fast forward to two nights later, and Stewart was glued to the TV for Game 2.
However, with the Indiana Fever visiting the Liberty on Saturday, she had to turn off the screen early and head to bed, missing the exciting finish of the Knicks’ 2-0 series lead, which continues Monday at Madison Square Garden.
The WNBA season is bustling, but like so many others in the city, the Liberty is keeping an eye on the Knicks.
And why wouldn’t they?
The buzz throughout the city is almost tangible.
Step onto any street or hop on the subway, and it’s hard to miss the sea of orange and blue.
Even visitors are tuning in.
Fever star Caitlin Clark expressed her temptation to join the massive celebration outside Madison Square Garden on Friday night.
“I always want to see them jumping on each other and climbing telephone poles,” Clark said. “It seems like it would be a valuable experience. I’m not sure the security would let me in on that, but the passion of Knicks fans is amazing, and I’d love to be part of it. It would be pretty cool.”
The Knicks’ excitement has even spread to Brooklyn, catching the attention of fans at Barclays Center.
Although the Liberty has deeper ties to the Brooklyn Nets, co-owned by Joe and Clara Wu Tsai, the players still feel a connection to the Knicks, especially since they’ve advanced to the Finals for the first time since 1999.
They enjoy the thrill of the community buzz.
“It was amazing,” said Sabrina Ionescu. “When you’re on the road, you see people in Knicks gear, excitement is everywhere, and the streets are packed. It’s a testament to New York City’s basketball culture. I think people can really feel like fans just by the atmosphere. This series is shaping up to be something special.”
The Knicks are vying for their first championship since 1973.
The Liberty already broke the city’s professional basketball title drought by winning it all in 2024, so they understand the pressures and emotions the Knicks are facing.
“We brought a championship to a city that loves basketball,” said Jonquel Jones. “It’s inspiring to see everyone supporting the Knicks right now. When New York basketball teams are winning, the energy is just electric. It’s hard to explain; you have to feel it.”
Connections between the Liberty and this final series run deep.
Ionescu and Jalen Brunson, two prominent figures in New York basketball, share a close friendship.
Liberty coach Chris DeMarco has worked alongside the current Knicks coach Mike Brown on Steve Kerr’s Golden State Warriors staff.
Marine Fortu plays with Victor Wembanyama’s older sister, Ave, and is familiar with his family. Fortu also has friends on the Spurs coaching staff.
Marine Johannes has an agent in common with Wembanyama; they even crossed paths during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Sadly, the Liberty just concluded a seven-game homestand on Saturday.
They’ll be absent for Games 3 and 4 this week as they begin a two-game road trip starting Monday in Connecticut.
“Knicks Info!” Stewart said. “It’s wild because I’m traveling right now… I can’t attend the games.”
Clark mentioned that she doesn’t have a preference for the winner but hopes the series extends to seven games.
“It’s been a great series. The Spurs beating the Thunder was impressive,” she noted. “As a fan of basketball, I believe there’s so much to learn just by watching, so I’m soaking it all in.”
