If you walk into Madison Square Garden today, you’ll see the banners hanging high above the hardwood, glowing under the spotlights of the world’s most famous arena. It’s a bit of a bittersweet sight for the modern fan. You see the years—1970 and 1973—and you realize it's been a long, long time. If you’re asking when did the Knicks win the NBA championship, the answer is those two specific years, but the story behind them is way more complicated than just a couple of dates on a piece of fabric.
It’s about Willis Reed limping out of the tunnel. It’s about Walt "Clyde" Frazier’s cool confidence. It’s basically the bedrock of New York sports identity.
Honestly, the Knicks are one of the most valuable franchises in sports, yet their trophy case hasn't been touched in over half a century. That’s wild when you think about it. New York is the basketball mecca, right? Every kid on every playground in Brooklyn or the Bronx dreams of wearing that blue and orange. But for all the hype, the parades have been few and far between. We’re talking about a team that defined the gritty, team-first basketball of the early 70s and then... well, they’ve been chasing that high ever since.
The 1969-70 Season: The Night the Legend Was Born
The first time the New York Knicks stood on top of the basketball world was in 1970. It wasn't just a win; it was a cultural moment for the city. Led by Red Holzman—a coach who preached "hit the open man"—the Knicks were the smartest team on the floor. They weren't just talented. They were surgical.
They finished the regular season with a 60-22 record. Imagine that. They were a juggernaut. But the Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers is what everyone remembers. It went to a Game 7, and the drama was off the charts. Willis Reed, the team's heart and soul, had a torn thigh muscle. Everyone assumed he was out. Then, suddenly, he emerged from the tunnel. The crowd went absolutely nuts. He only scored four points, but it didn't matter. His presence alone paralyzed the Lakers and ignited the Knicks. Walt Frazier took over from there, putting up 36 points and 19 assists in what remains one of the greatest Game 7 performances in NBA history.
People forget that the Lakers had Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West. On paper, L.A. was terrifying. But the Knicks had this chemistry that was sort of untouchable. They won 113-99. It was the first time the city really felt like the center of the basketball universe.
The 1972-73 Title: Proving It Wasn't a Fluke
Some people think the 70s Knicks were a one-hit-wonder, but 1973 proved them wrong. By this point, the roster had shifted a bit. They had added Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, which was a huge deal because people wondered if he and Clyde could share the ball. "Rolls Royce Backcourt," they called them. It worked beautifully.
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The Knicks met the Lakers again in the Finals. This time, they didn't need a miracle tunnel walk. They lost Game 1 and then rattled off four straight wins. It was a clinic. Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley, Jerry Lucas—these guys were the ultimate role players who could also play like stars. When you look back at when did the Knicks win the NBA championship, this second title is often overshadowed by the 1970 drama, but many basketball purists argue the '73 team was actually more refined.
They won the clincher in Los Angeles, 102-93. It’s funny looking back because nobody knew then that it would be the last one for such a long stretch. Fans left the arena thinking this was just how things were going to be now. Little did they know.
Why Haven't They Won Since?
You can't talk about the championships without talking about the "almosts." The 90s were the closest the Knicks ever got to tasting that glory again. Pat Riley turned the team into a bunch of bruisers. Patrick Ewing was the focal point, a defensive titan who deserved a ring more than almost anyone in that era.
In 1994, they were up 3-2 against the Houston Rockets. They were seconds away. Then Hakeem Olajuwon blocked John Starks’ shot at the end of Game 6. They lost Game 7. It was devastating. Then there was 1999, the "Cinderella" run as an 8th seed, but they ran into the twin towers of San Antonio—Tim Duncan and David Robinson—without an injured Ewing. It was a mismatch from the start.
There have been dark years. The Isiah Thomas era. The Phil Jackson front office era. It’s been a rollercoaster of high expectations and massive letdowns. But the city stays loyal. That’s the thing about Knicks fans; they’re basically masochists who live for the hope of a 1970-style resurgence.
The Evolution of the Game in New York
The way the Knicks won in the 70s is totally different from how the NBA works now. Back then, it was about the mid-range and post play. There was no three-point line in 1970. Red Holzman’s philosophy was built on defense and constant ball movement. If you watch old footage of those teams, the ball rarely hits the floor. It’s pass, pass, screen, bucket.
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Nowadays, the game is spaced out. It’s all about efficiency and the long ball. But interestingly, the modern Knicks under Tom Thibodeau have tried to bring back some of that "old school" grit. They play hard. They defend. It’s a nod to the identity forged in those championship years.
Tracking the Timeline: A Quick Reality Check
If you need the raw data without the fluff, here’s how the championship history breaks down:
- May 8, 1970: Knicks defeat the Lakers in 7 games. Willis Reed is MVP.
- May 10, 1973: Knicks defeat the Lakers in 5 games. Willis Reed is MVP again.
- 1951, 1952, 1953: Three straight Finals appearances, three losses (twice to the Lakers, once to the Royals).
- 1994 & 1999: The most recent trips to the Finals.
It’s a short list for a team with such a massive footprint. But those two years carry enough weight to sustain the franchise's mythos.
Actionable Takeaways for the Modern Fan
If you’re a newer fan or just catching up on history, don't just look at the stats. The 1970 and 1973 teams are the gold standard for a reason. Here is how you can actually appreciate that history:
Watch the "Willis Reed Game" in full. Don't just watch the 30-second clip of him walking out. Watch how the Lakers—legendary players like Wilt—looked completely rattled the moment he stepped onto the court. It's a masterclass in psychology.
Study Walt Frazier's Game 7 stats. While Willis got the glory, Clyde had arguably the greatest Game 7 in NBA history. 36 points, 19 assists, 7 rebounds. In an era without a three-point line, that is an absurd level of production.
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Visit the MSG rafters. If you’re ever in New York, go to a game. Look at those jerseys: 10 (Frazier), 12 (Barnett), 15 (Monroe and McGuire), 19 (Reed), 22 (DeBusschere), 24 (Bradley), and 33 (Ewing). It puts the weight of the drought into perspective.
Follow the current rebuild. The Knicks are currently in their most competitive window in a decade. Understanding when did the Knicks win the NBA championship helps you realize why the city is currently so electrified by players like Jalen Brunson. They see glimpses of that '70s grit.
The quest for the third ring continues. It’s been over 50 years, but in New York, the ghost of 1973 is always in the building, waiting for a new generation to join them in the rafters. Success in NYC isn't just about winning; it's about how you win. Those 70s teams won with intelligence and heart, and that remains the blueprint for whoever finally brings the trophy back to the Garden.
Key Historical Sources for Further Research
- When the Garden Was Eden by Harvey Araton (The definitive book on the 70s Knicks).
- The Last Pass by Sam Smith.
- NBA.com Official History Vault for the 1970 and 1973 Finals box scores.
- MSG Network’s "Knicks Classics" archival broadcasts.
To truly understand the impact of these wins, look into the "Knicks City Dance" and the cultural integration of the team during a very turbulent time in New York City's history. The 1970 win, in particular, served as a rare moment of unity for a city facing fiscal and social crisis. It was more than basketball; it was a lifeline.
Moving forward, keep an eye on the Knicks' salary cap management and draft capital over the next two seasons. The front office is clearly positioning for a move that could finally bridge the gap between the 1973 glory and the present day. Watching how they integrate "Nova Knicks" chemistry—which mirrors the selfless play of the Holzman era—is the best way to gauge if a new banner is actually realistic in the near future.