Basketball History: The New York Knicks
Basketball history is full of legendary teams that lit up the most famous arenas in glorious fashion. One of the greatest of those teams is the New York Knicks.
Even today, they are rightly held as one of the greatest teams to ever grace the hardcourt. Yet their glory days are far from done. The New York Knicks have a rich tradition of excellence and promise a bright future.
Today we look at the evolution of the New York Knicks and their unique place in basketball history. From their origins and those early bright days, to their present state and whatever future might await them.
The Early Struggles (1946-1970)
The New York Knicks were founded in 1946 as one of the original members of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later became the NBA.
The team struggled in its early years, with losing records in each of their first four seasons. But, the Knicks would eventually find success, thanks in part to the arrival of head coach Red Holzman in 1967.
Holzman led the Knicks to their first NBA Championship in 1970. They defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in a seven-game series.
The Glory Years (1970-1973)
After winning their first NBA Championship, the Knicks continued to excel. This is under Holzman’s leadership.
They made it to the NBA Finals in each of the next two seasons but lost both times to the Lakers. But, the Knicks’ success during this time cannot be understated.
They were one of the best teams in the league. Their roster was filled with some of the biggest names in basketball, including Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, and Earl Monroe.
The Lean Years (1973-1985)
After their run of success in the early 1970s, the Knicks fell on hard times. They had losing records in nine of the next twelve seasons and missed the playoffs in each of those years.
The Knicks were able to get some talented basketball players during this time. This included Bernard King, who led the league in scoring in 1985.
The Patrick Ewing Era (1985-2000)
The Knicks’ fortunes began to change in 1985 when they drafted Patrick Ewing with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Ewing would go on to become one of the greatest players in Knicks history, leading the team to two NBA Finals appearances in the 1990s.
The Knicks were known for their tough, physical style of play during this period. Their popular players like Charles Oakley and Anthony Mason provided toughness and grit.
The Modern Era (2000-Present)
Since the turn of the millennium, the Knicks have had mixed success on the court. They made it to the NBA Finals in 1999 but lost to the Spurs in five games. Since then, the Knicks have had a few winning seasons. But they’ve mostly been a middling team in the Eastern Conference.
Despite their struggles on the court, the Knicks remain one of the most popular teams in the league, with a devoted fanbase that spans the globe. If you want to catch the New York Knicks in action, you can buy New York Knicks tickets online at TicketsOnSale.com.
A Brief Basketball History of the Knicks
The New York Knicks have had their share of ups and downs throughout their exciting basketball history. From championship victories to struggles to find top talent. The Knicks have been a fixture in the NBA since 1949.
Join in the excitement today and join the Knicks fan family! Check out our page to learn more!
