The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and the New York Knicks have been dominating in the East. After entering the post season with the 3rd overall record in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks see a path laid out for them as the top two seeds – the Detroit Pistons, and the Boston Celtics – were knocked out.
In their last series, the Knicks swept the Philadelphia 76ers 4-0, including two blowout victories by more than 30 points. Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Karl Anthony Towns have led the scoring charge, firing up the entire city in the process. Amani, a Clinton sophomore who loves the Knicks, has noticed a shift in New York’s atmosphere: “Everyone on the subway and at school is excited and energetic when the Knicks are playing well.” There is no denying the power of the Knicks’ fanbase. Philadelphia is just a 2-to-3-hour drive from the heart of Manhattan, so New Yorkers always make the trip. Embiid, a crucial player on the 76ers who won MVP in the 2022-23 season, told his fans, “Last time we played the Knicks, it felt like this was Madison Square Garden… Don’t sell your tickets, if you need money, I got you.” It didn’t seem to make a difference. Estimates show that up to 70% of the arena was filled with blue and orange in the eastern semifinals. That crowd energy directly fuels the team. Following the sweep, the Knick’s shooting guard Josh Hart couldn’t resist taking a dig at their rivals: “I used to think Philly was a sports town, I don’t know if it is anymore.”
Now, the ultimate question looms. It has been 27 years since New York won the Eastern Conference Finals, and 53 years since they last hoisted the NBA Championship trophy. Is this finally the year? For lifelong fans, this postseason is more than just a hot streak. It is a long-awaited deliverance. Last year, the Knicks made it to the Eastern Conference Finals and lost to the Pacers 4-2. My dad, Michael Passarella, has lived in New York City his entire life and says, “The Knicks will benefit from the disappointment of last year. The experience of losing to Indiana will serve them well.” New York will face the Cavaliers next and either the Thunder or Spurs if they advance to the championship game. The road ahead won’t be easy, but the Knicks have the momentum, grit, and motivation to get it done.
