Greg Armstrong, 62, hails from the Bronx and has been rooting for the Knicks since 1973, which, interestingly, is also the last time the team won a championship.
Now residing in Middletown, New York, he has held season tickets for 34 years. He recalls fond memories of watching games on Channel 9 with his brother, who was a big fan of Clyde Frazier, and even had a poster of him hanging in his room.
This lifelong passion hasn’t been particularly cheap. Armstrong mentioned that full season tickets used to start around $2,000, while playoff tickets for next season will run up to $10,000. All told, he estimates he dropped about $20,000 last season on tickets alone.
Despite the hefty price tag, he believes it’s all been worth it. He fondly reminisces about the heated Knicks rivalries of the 1990s, witnessing their two Finals appearances, and unforgettable moments like Patrick Ewing’s prime years, John Starks’ iconic dunk, and the moment Larry Johnson hit his dramatic four-point play—all leading up to that unforgettable 1994 Finals connected to O.J. Simpson’s infamous chase.
Armstrong has shared this journey with his sons, interacted with players, and built friendships with fellow fans, including some who have sat in front of him for more than three decades.
In 1999, he even spent nine hours outside Madison Square Garden just to get tickets for the Eastern Conference Finals. His treasured collection includes everything from an autographed photo with Willis Reed and a piece of the 1969-70 championship coat to jerseys and basketballs from Knicks legends.
Though he claims not to be overly superstitious, he certainly has enough Knicks apparel to give him a unique look at every game. When the Knicks reached the Finals this year, he was at home, cheering loudly and even tearing up. He mentioned that if they were to win the championship, it would be “the most special moment” in his life besides the birth of his child. “I’ve been waiting my whole life to experience this,” he told the Post. “It had to happen before I leave this earth.”
Chris Shamus shares this fervor. He has dedicated years to the Knicks, creating a space in his home dubbed the “Knicks Nook” filled with cherished memorabilia spanning decades. He mentioned that his nook resembles a mini-apartment, packed with old seats from the Garden, autographed items, and other mementos. In fact, it even appeared in an MSG commercial.
The centerpiece of his collection includes a pair of seats that were his family’s old ones, used from 1986 until 2011, until renovations took place. After they were sold, he went on a mission to track down the exact ones. Initially told it was a lost cause, Shamus received a call two weeks later confirming they could help him.
“I care about them so much that I can’t let them go,” he admitted. His nook is adorned with artifacts from legends like Red Holzman and Willis Reed to items from stars like Bernard King and Patrick Ewing. While he doesn’t have a specific lucky outfit, he’ll set aside clothing after a tough loss, as a form of superstition.
Another passionate fan, 23-year-old Bobby DeSantis from New York City, was introduced to the Knicks through his father’s influence. He fondly remembers the “Knicks Tape” era and still owns a Carmelo Anthony jersey from his childhood, alongside jerseys for Obi Toppin and RJ Barrett. Though his collection isn’t as extensive due to cost constraints, he finds great value in the gear he possesses. “They give me something to look forward to,” he said, striving to catch as many of the 82 regular-season games as possible.
Tanya Mykhailiuk, on the other hand, didn’t grow up a Knicks fan. After moving to New York from Ukraine two decades ago, she began attending games and quickly learned the team represents more than basketball—it’s part of the city’s very identity. After years of anonymously running the fan page @theknicksgirl, she’s ready to step into the spotlight, especially with the team’s current Finals run.
She hosts watch parties in her building’s lounge, drawing fans together, from small groups to large crowds. “When the game starts, it’s like we’re right next to Madison Square Garden,” she said, highlighting the community spirit that surrounds the games.
Sisters Jen and Jazz Gordon have similarly woven their Knicks obsession into their lives through a group called OmniFans, which centers around watch parties and player events. Their love dates back to childhood trips to Madison Square Garden during the vibrant ’90s, marked by unforgettable players like Ewing and Johnson. They fondly remember their mom driving them to games, waiting outside so they could catch a glimpse of the players as they left.
Years later, they’ve had the chance to host former Knicks players through their group, and the excitement surrounding the Finals has created a new connection in the city. What previously were small meet-ups have blossomed into larger gatherings, held at well-known locations like Mustang Harry’s and Hard Rock Cafe Times Square.
The sisters maintain a scrapbook chronicling their fandom, which they describe as “a snapshot of our entire journey.” They express joy in witnessing the city rally around the team, fostering new friendships and connections among fans.
Juan, another long-time superfan, shares this sentiment: “Knicks fans are obsessed because we’ve gone most of our lives without a championship.” He points out that the excitement reflects years of pent-up energy, amplified by New Yorkers’ typically intense nature.
Growing up in Flushing, Queens, he became a fan thanks to his father’s devotion to Patrick Ewing. He still has the NBA trading card his father bought for him back in the ’90s. For Juan, moments of fashion mean a lot, especially when he’s focused on the game. When the Knicks are in action, he tends to avoid distractions, except for his dad, who always texts him during games.
As he watches Jalen Brunson lead the Knicks—something he hasn’t seen since his father played on the ’99 team—he’s hopeful for a happy ending to this narrative. “The son is in a position to take revenge on his father,” Huang reflected. “This feels like a story built for Hollywood.”
