History of the New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are one of the NBA's most iconic and historic franchises. Founded in 1946 as one of the charter members of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), the Knicks have been a fixture of professional basketball since the league's earliest days. Playing their home games at the world-famous Madison Square Garden, the franchise has won two NBA championships, captured numerous division titles, and produced some of basketball's greatest players, coaches, and unforgettable moments. Although championships have been elusive since the 1970s, the Knicks remain one of the NBA's flagship franchises, supported by one of the league's most passionate fan bases.

The Birth of the Knicks

The Knicks were established in 1946 by businessman Ned Irish, who played a pivotal role in bringing professional basketball to New York City.

The team officially became known as the New York Knickerbockers, a name derived from the nickname given to early Dutch settlers of New York. The shorter "Knicks" quickly became the popular version of the name.

The franchise was one of the original members of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which merged with the National Basketball League in 1949 to form the NBA.

From the beginning, the Knicks played at Madison Square Garden, helping establish New York City as one of basketball's premier markets.

Early Success

During the late 1940s and early 1950s, the Knicks became one of the league's strongest teams.

Led by stars including:

• Carl Braun
• Harry Gallatin
• Dick McGuire
• Vince Boryla

New York reached the NBA Finals in:

• 1951
• 1952
• 1953

Although the Knicks lost all three Finals appearances, they had established themselves as one of the NBA's elite franchises.

Rebuilding in the 1960s

Throughout much of the 1960s, the Knicks struggled to contend for championships.

The franchise gradually rebuilt through excellent drafting and smart trades.

Key additions included:

• Willis Reed
• Walt Frazier
• Bill Bradley
• Dave DeBusschere
• Dick Barnett
• Cazzie Russell

Coach Red Holzman molded the roster into one of the NBA's finest defensive teams.

The First Championship

The 1969–70 season became one of the greatest in franchise history.

Led by:

• Willis Reed
• Walt Frazier
• Bill Bradley
• Dave DeBusschere
• Dick Barnett

The Knicks won 60 games, finishing with the NBA's best record.

They defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in seven games to win the franchise's first NBA championship.

Game 7 remains one of basketball's most famous moments. Despite suffering a torn thigh muscle, Willis Reed dramatically walked onto the court before the game, inspiring both teammates and fans. Reed scored the game's first four points before Walt Frazier delivered one of the greatest performances in NBA Finals history with 36 points and 19 assists.

Reed was named NBA Finals MVP.

Back on Top

The Knicks remained championship contenders throughout the early 1970s.

In 1972, New York returned to the NBA Finals but lost to the Lakers.

The following season, the Knicks captured their second NBA championship.

Led by:

• Willis Reed
• Walt Frazier
• Earl Monroe
• Bill Bradley
• Dave DeBusschere
• Jerry Lucas

New York defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in five games to win the 1973 NBA Championship.

Willis Reed again earned NBA Finals MVP honors.

The 1973 title remains the franchise's most recent NBA championship.

Lean Years

Following the retirement of many championship stars, the Knicks experienced inconsistent success during the late 1970s and 1980s.

Although talented players such as:

• Bob McAdoo
• Spencer Haywood
• Micheal Ray Richardson
• Bernard King

provided excitement, injuries and roster instability prevented sustained championship contention.

Patrick Ewing Arrives

Everything changed in 1985.

After winning the NBA Draft Lottery, New York selected Patrick Ewing with the first overall pick.

The Georgetown center became the face of the franchise for the next 15 seasons.

Ewing developed into one of the greatest centers in NBA history while leading the Knicks to perennial playoff appearances.

The Pat Riley Era

The arrival of head coach Pat Riley in 1991 transformed New York into one of the NBA's toughest defensive teams.

Featuring players including:

• Patrick Ewing
• John Starks
• Charles Oakley
• Anthony Mason
• Derek Harper

The Knicks became known for their physical style of play.

New York reached the 1994 NBA Finals, where they lost a hard-fought seven-game series to the Houston Rockets.

The Jeff Van Gundy Years

The Knicks remained contenders under Jeff Van Gundy.

During the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season, New York became the first eighth-seeded team to reach the NBA Finals.

Led by:

• Patrick Ewing
• Latrell Sprewell
• Allan Houston
• Larry Johnson

The Knicks defeated Miami, Atlanta, and Indiana before losing to the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals.

Years of Frustration

Following Ewing's departure, the franchise endured nearly two decades of instability.

Numerous coaching changes, unsuccessful free-agent signings, and poor roster decisions led to repeated losing seasons.

Notable stars during this era included:

• Stephon Marbury
• Jamal Crawford
• Eddy Curry
• Carmelo Anthony
• Amar'e Stoudemire

The Knicks enjoyed a resurgence under coach Mike Woodson, winning 54 games during the 2012–13 season, but postseason success remained limited.

A New Foundation

The franchise began another rebuild during the late 2010s.

Young talent including:

• RJ Barrett
• Mitchell Robinson
• Immanuel Quickley

helped restore optimism.

The hiring of Tom Thibodeau before the 2020–21 season immediately improved the team's culture and defensive identity.

Return to Contention

The acquisition of Jalen Brunson in 2022 dramatically changed the franchise.

Brunson emerged as one of the NBA's premier point guards while leading New York back into consistent playoff contention.

The Knicks also added key contributors such as:

• Julius Randle
• OG Anunoby
• Mikal Bridges
• Karl-Anthony Towns
• Josh Hart

With a deep roster and strong defensive identity, New York once again became one of the Eastern Conference's top contenders.

Madison Square Garden

Few venues in sports are as legendary as Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks have called "The World's Most Famous Arena" home throughout their history, and the building has hosted countless iconic basketball moments, from Willis Reed's dramatic entrance in 1970 to unforgettable playoff battles across multiple generations.

Franchise Timeline

Franchise Greats

• Willis Reed
• Walt Frazier
• Patrick Ewing
• Bernard King
• Earl Monroe
• Dave DeBusschere
• Bill Bradley
• Dick Barnett
• Carl Braun
• Harry Gallatin
• Allan Houston
• John Starks
• Charles Oakley
• Larry Johnson
• Carmelo Anthony
• Jalen Brunson
• Julius Randle

Hall of Fame Coaches

• Joe Lapchick
• Red Holzman
• Pat Riley

Championships

• 1970 NBA Champions
• 1973 NBA Champions

Legacy

The New York Knicks are one of the NBA's cornerstone franchises and remain deeply intertwined with the history of professional basketball. From the championship teams led by Willis Reed and Walt Frazier to the fierce Patrick Ewing era and the modern resurgence behind Jalen Brunson, the Knicks have consistently occupied a prominent place in the league's story.

Although championship success has been limited since 1973, few teams command the attention, passion, and national interest that surround the Knicks. Playing under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, the franchise continues its pursuit of a third NBA championship while carrying one of the richest traditions in all of sports.