The Knicks are truly taking their fans on an unforgettable journey this season.
Yet, even amidst all the excitement from seven months of basketball, it’s tough to keep track of everything that’s happened.
Here’s a look at some standout moments from what many consider the Knicks’ best season in years.
Knicks hire Mike Brown
The choice to let go of Tom Thibodeau, after he had just led the team to the Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, stirred up quite the debate. Things got even messier when the Knicks missed out on several candidates, like Jason Kidd and Ime Udoka. Then they announced Mike Brown as the new head coach. Brown, a former assistant with four championship rings, has also faced his share of challenges in past head coaching roles. If you’re feeling a bit confused, well, you’re definitely not alone.
Opening Night
On October 22, the Knicks turned things around after a slow start, finishing with a 14-0 run in the fourth quarter against the Cavaliers, winning 119-111 in what felt like a preview of the conference finals at Madison Square Garden. “We won, but I don’t think we’ve scratched the surface of our potential,” said Karl-Anthony Towns. “That’s what makes it exciting.”
The Landry Shamet Game
Months before “The Bounce,” fans chanted “Landry Shamet” as he came off the bench to drop 30 of his career-high 36 points in a thrilling 140-132 NBA Cup victory over the Heat on November 14. With Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby sidelined, Towns scored 39, while Jordan Clarkson chipped in with 24, and Josh Hart added a single point, though it was a memorable game.
Knicks claim NBA Cup
Brunson was crowned NBA Cup MVP, and the Knicks’ victory against the Spurs—124-113 in Las Vegas on December 16—was a team effort. A special lineup with Clarkson contributing 15 points, Tyler Kolek with 14 points, as well as five rebounds and assists, and Robinson grabbing 15 boards made a difference. “Isn’t it great to have ‘Knicks champions’ on your shirt?” Towns remarked.
Massive Win Over the Nets
With tensions high after four straight losses, Brown urged his team to focus. Brunson emphasized the need for everyone to be more engaged. On January 21, the Knicks faced Brooklyn and secured a historic 120-66 victory—the largest margin in the franchise’s history—which ignited an eight-game winning streak.
Thrilling Double Overtime Victory Against Denver
Following that, on February 4, the Knicks took down the Nuggets 134-127 in double overtime at home, marking their eighth consecutive win. Brunson stepped up, scoring 42 points while reigning MVP Nikola Jokic struggled, showcasing an exciting matchup.
Jose Alvarado Joins the Team
The acquisition of Alvarado, a local talent from New York City, added much-needed depth. His debut against Boston was noteworthy; he scored 12 points and disrupted the offensive flow of the Celtics, contributing to a convincing 111-89 win.
Resilience After All-Star Break
After facing another tough loss to the Pistons post-All-Star break, the Knicks managed a comeback. Two days later, facing a daunting 18-point deficit against the Rockets, Brunson turned it around, hitting crucial shots in the final quarter to clinch a 108-106 victory.
Tough Road Performance
The Knicks kicked off their final regular season week by proving their mettle on the road. After a streak of losses against winning teams, they managed a narrow 108-105 win in Atlanta, despite a last-second shot attempt that could have tied the game.
Heart of a Champion
In a significant matchup, Hart had a standout performance during Jayson Tatum’s return from injury, finishing with 26 points, helping the Knicks to a 112-106 win over the Celtics, who were favored to win the East.
First Round (Knicks 4, Hawks 2)
After facing a near miss in Game 3, the Knicks quickly regained their momentum. Under Brown’s leadership, the team won the last three games of the series decisively, including a 51-point blowout in Game 6.
Eastern Conference Semifinals (Knicks 4, 76ers 0)
Facing the 76ers next, the Knicks, having re-signed Joel Embiid, dominated the series, achieving their first playoff sweep in nearly three decades, even overcoming Anunoby’s injury in Game 2 and tying an NBA record with 25 three-pointers in the final game.
Eastern Conference Finals (Knicks 4, Cavaliers 0)
Returning to form after a break, the Knicks staged a massive comeback in Game 1 and then sealed their first conference championship in 27 years with an incredible win over the Cavaliers in Game 2, where they triumphed by 37 points.
