Knicks Reach NBA Finals After 27 Years, Chasing First Title Since 1973

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 6

27 years after their last Finals trip, New York is back in the NBA Finals, with Madison Square Garden set to host a Finals game again.
2020 president Leon Rose reshaped the franchise through gradual roster-building rather than tanking, creating a Finals team without a single homegrown first-round pick in its starting lineup.
Jalen Brunson’s four-year, $104 million signing in 2022 became the defining move, while trades for OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns supplied the two-way depth and offensive lift.
Mike Brown then guided the group to the Finals after replacing Tom Thibodeau, capping a turnaround from decades marked by failed bets, coaching churn and costly trades.
New York now sits two wins from its first NBA championship since 1973, turning a quarter-century of dysfunction into the franchise’s clearest title chance in generations.

Sources

The New York Times5h ago

New York Knicks Return to NBA Finals After 27 Years

NBC News11h ago

New York outlasts San Antonio for nail-biting win, takes 2-0 lead in NBA Finals

The Brandon Sun5h ago

Wemby misses at the end, Knicks beat Spurs 105-104 for 2-0 lead in NBA Finals – Brandon Sun

11 Sources

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Why did the Knicks fire a successful coach, and was it the final, necessary risk to end a 27-year curse?

By sacrificing $100 million, did Jalen Brunson create the ultimate blueprint for building a modern NBA champion?

2026 NBA Finals: Knicks Lead Spurs 2-0 as New York Chases First Title Since 1973

Overview

The New York Knicks have taken a strong 2-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals, highlighted by a narrow Game 2 win after Victor Wembanyama missed a crucial last-second shot. With the series now moving to Madison Square Garden for Game 3, the Knicks aim to use their home-court advantage to extend their lead, while the Spurs fight to avoid falling behind 3-0. This pivotal moment comes after years of waiting for Knicks fans, as the team looks to build on its momentum and move closer to a long-awaited championship.

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