The New York Knickerbockers, commonly referred to as the New York Knicks, are an American professional basketball team based in Manhattan, New York City. They compete in the NBA as a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home games at Madison Square Garden, sharing the arena with the New York Rangers of the NHL.
๐ Founding and Early Years
The team was established by Ned Irish in 1946 as a founding member of the Basketball Association of America (BAA). The BAA became the NBA after merging with the National Basketball League in 1949. The franchise was named the Knickerbockers after a staff vote, a name derived from Washington Irving’s pseudonym.
๐ Championship Era
Under head coach Red Holzman in the late 1960s, the Knicks regained dominance and won two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. The 1990s Knicks, led by Patrick Ewing, made NBA Finals appearances in 1994 and 1999 but did not win a championship. The Knicks returned to the NBA Finals in 2026.
๐ Key Players and Milestones
Early standout players included Carl Braun, Harry Gallatin, and Dick McGuire. The Knicks made history by signing Sweetwater Clifton, becoming the first professional basketball team to sign an African American player. In 1962, the Knicks allowed Wilt Chamberlain to score an NBA-record 100 points in a game.
๐๏ธ Arena and Rivalries
The Knicks played many early home games at the 69th Regiment Armory due to Madison Square Garden’s crowded schedule. The 1990s era featured passionate rivalries with the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, and Miami Heat. The Knicks are one of two NBA teams in New York City, alongside the Brooklyn Nets.
| Year | Event | Key Figure | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1946 | Team founded | Ned Irish | BAA charter franchise |
| 1970 | First NBA championship | Red Holzman | Won NBA Finals |
| 1973 | Second NBA championship | Red Holzman | Won NBA Finals |
| 2026 | Return to NBA Finals | Jalen Brunson | NBA Finals appearance |