Reflecting on Five Decades Since the Knicks’ Championship Glory
It’s been over five decades - 51 years to be exact - since the New York Knicks celebrated their last NBA Championship victory. The 1973 team, guided by the stellar performance of Hall of Famer Walt "Clyde" Frazier, left an indelible mark on the franchise's storied history. Frazier, who remains an integral part of the Knicks’ fabric as a television analyst, has witnessed the team’s highs and lows from a front-row seat.
Of the current roster, Jalen Brunson has emerged as a beacon of hope for Knicks fans. After averaging career-highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists last season, Brunson has made a significant impact, leading the team to a 50-win season—their first such achievement since 2013. His dedication and performance haven't gone unnoticed, earning him the captaincy, a role previously held by legends like Willis Reed.
Walt "Clyde" Frazier holds Brunson in high regard, seeing echoes of past champions in him. “I see the vibes. I see a lot of similarities with [our] championship teams, starting with the coach. [Tom Thibodeau] is a lot like Red Holzman. He holds the guys accountable, and they're defensive oriented, and the players actually like each other,” said Frazier. The harmonious locker room and stringent defense-first mentality evoke memories of the Knicks’ golden era.
The recent playoff run showed promise, as the Knicks advanced to the second round, pushing the Indiana Pacers to a hard-fought seven-game series. This performance sparked optimism among fans and analysts alike, with Frazier sharing a buoyant outlook for the future. “I think this is going to be our year. Obviously, health is going to play a big factor into it. But if the Knicks can stay healthy, I think we can get back to our former grandeur,” he opined.
Strategic moves in the offseason hint at the team’s commitment to bolstering its roster. Acquiring Mikal Bridges adds depth and versatility to the lineup, which could prove crucial in the coming season. The hopeful sentiment surrounding the team is also reflected in the words of Frazier, who believes Brunson has the potential to etch his name among the Knicks’ greats. "We know, in this town, the expectations are always overwhelming, so to rise to the occasion his first two years and accept the challenge, catapulting the team, he's definitely got a chance to be one of the greatest Knicks ever, if not the greatest Knick ever,” Frazier remarked.
Brunson’s induction as team captain is not merely ceremonial. Frazier drew parallels between Brunson and former Knicks captain Willis Reed. “I did a video -- I wasn't able to be at the induction when he was inducted as the captain — I told him, he reminds me a lot of Willis Reed. They're both lefties, they both have tenacious work ethic, they're always sharing and caring, and team-first concept. They're always thinking of the team, not themselves,” Frazier noted.
Reflecting on the team’s history, it’s been 24 years since the Knicks last appeared in the Eastern Conference finals and a quarter-century since their last Finals appearance. However, the team’s recent trajectory under the leadership of Tom Thibodeau and the on-court excellence of players like Brunson provides hope that a return to the top tier of NBA competition is within reach.
The blend of promising young talent, seasoned veterans, and a coach that commands respect and accountability could very well set the stage for a resurgence. As the new season approaches, Knicks fans are cautiously optimistic, hoping to recreate the glory days last witnessed in the early ‘70s.