National Basketball Association
New York Knicks
Eastern Conference/Atlantic Division
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History of the Knicks
On June 6, 1946, a group of 11 franchises gathered at the Commodore Hotel in New York City and formed the BAA (Basketball Association of America). It would not be until the 1949/50 season that the league would absorb the rival NBL (National Basketball League) to form the NBA. In the 1950/51 season, the Knicks drafted one of the first Black Players to join the NBA, former Harlem Globetrotter Nathaniel “Sweetwater” Clifton who would lead his team to their first ever NBA Finals.
It would not be until 1970 that the Knicks would win their first title where their top 6 players would average double figures in points (Willis Reed 21.7ppg, Walt Frazier 20.9 ppg, Dick Barnett 14.9 ppg, Dave DeBusschere 14.6 ppg, Bill Bradley 14.5 ppg and Cazzie Russell at 11.5 ppg). The team went on to take the NBA Finals over the LA Lakers 4 games to 3. The two teams would again meet in the 1973 finals which were again won by the Knicks.
The Knicks would again see the finals in the 1994 season (after the retirement of Chicago Bull nemeses Michael Jordan) and met the Houston Rockets who took the series in 7 games. They again made it to the finals in 1999 facing the San Antonio Spurs who took the trophy in 5 games. This would be the last time the Knicks would make it out of the Conference finals.
The Knicks have made the playoffs 38 times in 62 seasons, have been Division Champions 7 times (1953, 54, 1970, 71, 1989, 1993, 1994), made it into the Conference Finals 16 times (1947, 49, 1950, 51, 52, 53, 1969, 1970, 71, 72, 73, 74, 1993, 94, 99 and 2000). They have made the NBA Finals 8 times (1951, 52, 53, 1970, 72, 73, 1994 and 1999) and were NBA Champions 2 times in 1970 & 1973.
The Knicks have won many Team Awards to include Coach of the Year (1970 Red Holzman, 1993 Pat Riley), Rookie of the year 3 times (1965 Willis Reed, 1986 Patrick Ewing, 1988 Mark Jackson), 6th Man of the Year Award (1995 Anthony Mason and 1997 John Starks) and one MVP Award, 1970 Willis Reed.
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Madison Square Garden
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NBA Basketball
Eastern Conference
| Atlantic Division | Central Division | Southeast Division |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | Chicago Bulls | Atlanta Hawks |
| New Jersey Nets | Cleveland Cavaliers | Charlotte Bobcats |
| New York Knicks | Detroit Pistons | Miami Heat |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Indiana Pacers | Orlando Magic |
| Toronto Raptors | Milwaukee Bucks | Washington Wizards |
