The New York Knicks pocketed the NBA Eastern Conference Championship and made it to the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years.
After facing a 22-point deficit during the fourth quarter in game one against the Cleveland Cavaliers, they secured the win and never looked back.
They swept the Cavs 4-0 and now turn their attention to the winner of the Spurs vs. Thunder.
But their run of dominance didn’t just start in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks have rattled off 11 straight wins on their way to the big dance.
The last time the Knicks made the NBA Finals, they played the San Antonio Spurs. Game One tipped off with a starting lineup that saw Florida A&M’s current head coach at point guard for New York.
Charlie Ward happens to be Florida A&M’s Men’s Basketball Head Coach. Ward was drafted by the Knicks in 1994, during the first round as the 26th pick.
He expressed his excitement for his former team.
“It’s definitely a great feeling to see the Knicks return back to the Finals,” he said. “I know what it looks like when a team is thriving and have a opportunity to win an NBA Championship,” he added.
Daniel Torres, born and raised in New York and a lifelong Knicks fan, explained how this is bigger than just potentially winning an NBA Championship. It’s a sense of pride and hope for the city.
“Man, the city is going crazy! Having guys like Jose Alvarado, who were born and raised in the same streets as us fans, he knows how big this is for the city,” said the Florida State University student.
Rick Brunson was a teammate of coach Ward’s on the ‘99 Finals team, but his son Jalen has been leading the pack this time around.
Jalen Brunson has been the engine of the Knicks’ offense. During this playoff run, he’s averaged 26.9 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game.
“This group here is well-connected offensively, defensively, in their leadership. And I think you know, pretty much all the guys could play within our era cause of their mentality,” Ward stated.
“Of course, Jalen Brunson was there; he was a baby at the time, while his dad was on that 99’ team, so he understands the mindset,” Ward added.
Game one of the NBA Finals is scheduled for June 3rd at 8:30 p.m. in Madison Square Garden, and the New York Knicks will face the winner of the Western Conference Finals.
