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New York Knicks are a professional basketball team competing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. Based in New York City, they play their home games at Madison Square Garden.
The New York Knicks stand as one of basketball’s most historic franchises, with a legacy spanning nearly eight decades. Here’s a comprehensive overview of their notable achievements and honors:
Championships and Major Achievements
- Two NBA championships (1970, 1973) under legendary coach Red Holzman
- Eight NBA Finals appearances, demonstrating consistent excellence across different eras
- First division title in 19 years achieved in 2012-13 behind Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudem
- Over 2,900 regular season victories, ranking fourth in NBA history
- One of only two original NBA teams still playing in their original city
Historical Milestones
- Made history as the first professional basketball team to sign an African American player (Sweetwater Clifton)
- Pioneered diversity by signing Wataru Misaka, the first non-Caucasian professional basketball player
- Established a remarkable nine-year playoff streak starting in 1947
- Achieved three consecutive NBA Finals appearances (1951-1953)
Notable Eras
- Early Success Period (1947-1956): Nine consecutive playoff appearances under Joe Lapchick
- Championship Era (Late 1960s-Early 1970s): Dominated by Red Holzman’s leadership
- Patrick Ewing Era (1990s): Featured intense rivalries with Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, and Miami Heat
- Modern Revival (2012-2013): Division title behind Anthony and Stoudem
Hall of Fame Members
- Carl Braun: Franchise’s first scoring leader with 10,449 points
- Harry Gallatin: Pioneering center and rebounder
- Dick McGuire: Legendary guard and playmaker
- Willis Reed: Dominant force during championship era
- Walt Frazier: Iconic point guard and franchise cornerstone
- Patrick Ewing: Defining figure of the 1990s era
- Red Holzman: Championship-winning coach
Retired Numbers
- #10 Walt Frazier
- #19 Willis Reed
- #22 Dave DeBusschere
- #24 Bill Bradley
- #33 Patrick Ewing
- #613 Red Holzman (his number of wins as Knicks coach)
Recent Achievements
- Returned to playoff contention in 2020-21 behind Julius Randle and RJ Barrett
- Maintained consistent competitiveness in the modern NBA era
- Continue to play at Madison Square Garden, their home since 1968