Saturday June 13, 2026

I was out and about today talking to people about the NBA Finals. I can't remember the last time I saw so many New Yorkers in complete agreement about anything. Everyone believed the Knicks would win the NBA championship. The only question was whether it would happen in Game 5 in San Antonio or back home at Madison Square Garden in Game 6

While most of us wanted the Knicks to finish the series Saturday night, many secretly imagined how much more exciting it would be to celebrate a championship in New York City. My daughter Nikki and her husband, along with several people I know, had already purchased tickets for Game 6. Still, when the Knicks won, it didn't matter when or where it happened. A championship is a championship.

At 8:30 PM, I settled in to watch the game but drifted off to sleep, figuring I could catch the final score and highlights in the morning or simply watch the recording later.

At 11:30 PM, Z woke me up and said I must put on the game. I assumed that it had finished since three hours had passed, but when I turned on the TV, I was surprised to see that the game was still going on with 8.8 seconds to go! Wide awake, I stayed up and watched the end of the game and some of the post-game show. All of the energy made it hard to get back to sleep.

I love NY moments.

Throughout the playoffs, the energy seemed to be with the Knicks, and with the exception of Game 3 - they did not disappointed. Along the way we learned about the players, the coaches, the owner, the celebrity fans, the watch parties, and the passion that makes New York unlike any other sports city in the world.

The only people I know who attended a Game 5 watch party were my grandson, Noah, and several of his friends who traveled to Manhattan from Connecticut. They discovered a city buzzing not only with Knicks watch parties, but also with excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup match being played across the Hudson River at MetLife Stadium - called "New York New Jersey Stadium" during the World Cup. The thrilling game between Brazil and Morocco ended in a 1-1 draw.

Meanwhile, back in San Antonio, home of the Spurs, the moment Knicks fans had been waiting for more than half a century finally arrived. As the clock ticked down to zero, years of frustration, heartbreak, and unrealized dreams melted away. The final buzzer unleashed a wave of emotion that swept from Texas to New York City and beyond. Players embraced, fans cried, and generations of Knicks supporters celebrated a championship they feared they might never see again.

The New York Knicks are NBA champions for the first time since 1973. In another remarkable fourth-quarter comeback, they defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 ito capture the series four games to one.

The Knicks trailed by as many as 16 points and were still down by nine early in the fourth quarter before rallying behind the brilliance and determination of Jalen Brunson.

The tears after the final buzzer said everything. They reflected what the victory meant not only to the players but to an entire city and generations of fans who had endured decades of frustration, disappointment, and near misses.

As the final seconds ticked away, years of heartbreak gave way to pure joy. Inside Frost Bank Center, the roar of Knicks fans sounded more like Times Square on New Year's Eve than an opposing arena hundreds of miles from home.

The comeback itself felt symbolic. A franchise that had spent decades trying to reclaim its place among basketball's elite found a way to rise again. Just days after producing one of the greatest rallies in NBA Finals history, the Knicks delivered one more unforgettable performance. Jalen Brunson scored 45 points, carrying New York through the second half and into basketball immortality.

Brunson was overcome with emotion after the game, struggling to answer when ESPN asked what the moment meant to him. Through tears he quietly replied, "Everything I ever dreamed of." He was named the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player.

For one night, every corner of New York seemed united. Fifty-three years of waiting were over. The Knicks were champions once again.

On to the parade Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Manhattan along the Canyon of Heroes, followed by a City Hall ceremony where the team will receive Keys to the City.

The Knicks winning the championship creates so much positive energy and feelings of unity that has been missing for a long time. Congratulations!

Like a step out of time from the momentum of the Knicks' 13-game winning streak - to Monday night's loss to the Spurs - the energy that fueled New York's victories in the first two games of this series showed proudly once again. Here's what happened ...

The New York Knicks pulled off the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history rallying from a 29-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 by a score of 107-106. They now lead the best-of-seven NBA Finals 3-1 with a chance to clinch the title on Saturday in San Antonio in Game 5.

Not only did the Knicks come all the way back to stun the Spurs, but the way they did it - a tipped-in rebound by OG Anunoby with 1.2 seconds remaining to take the lead - was simply stunning at the end of one of the most remarkable halves of basketball in NBA history.

The Spurs dominated the first half, right from the opening tip, even before Knicks fans, including celebrities Taylor Swift, Timothee Chalamet and others had a chance to sit down in their seats.

Just over a minute into the game, Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns picked up two quick fouls, including a controversial second one that came following a review, forcing the 30-year-old to the bench.

New York never truly recovered in the opening two quarters of the game. The Spurs went on an offensive onslaught, breaking numerous NBA Finals records in the process.

San Antonio went into halftime with a 76-49 lead over the Knicks, the largest lead by a road team in Finals history, excluding the 2020 Covid-19 bubble series. The Spurs also connected on 14 three-pointers, the most made in the first half in Finals history.

But the second half was where the fun for the New York faithful started.

The previous largest comeback in Finals history came almost 20 years ago when the Boston Celtics came back from 24 points down against the Los Angeles Lakers. History was against the Knicks and it felt like the series was slipping away.

But the start of the second half gave them a small glimmer of hope after the Knicks went on a 13-0 run and eventually cut the lead to 15 points heading into the final quarter.

The Knicks continued to chip away at the Spurs’ lead little by little throughout the fourth quarter, with Madison Square Garden getting louder and louder as belief surged through the building. The lead got into single digits and then got closer until it was finally just one possession.

Knicks All-Star guard Brunson was the spark plug, giving New York their first lead of the game with just 1:22 left in the fourth quarter.

The Spurs took a 106-105 lead with just 30 seconds remaining, and the Garden was on its feet, hoping to witness history.

With just over five seconds remaining, Brunson got the inbounds pass and chucked up a long three-pointer that hit the front of the rim. Anunoby leapt above the Spurs defenders and tipped in the shot, which proved to be the game-winner with 1.2 left, sending the Garden into delirium.

The Spurs still had plenty of time to get a shot up, but Stephon Castle wasn't able to hoist it on the inbound pass, securing the historic victory for New York, who are now just a game away from their first title since 1973.

While Brunson's game-high 36 points led the way, it was Anunoby's 33 points on 7-for-9 shooting from three that really did the heavy lifting for the Knicks.

Early in Monday's Game 3, Victor Wembanyama appeared to shove Jalen Brunson, but no call was made on the court. The league retroactively reviewed the no-call but decided not to upgrade the play to a flagrant on the 22-year-old French superstar. On top of that, Knicks head coach Mike Brown was critical of the refs over the Spurs' free-throw discrepancy of 24 to New York's eight in the second half.

Fast forward to Wednesday and Wembanyama heard it from the Garden crowd before tip off and every time he touched the ball. The Frenchman was at the center of some big moments throughout the game. Mitchell Robinson elbowed Wembanyama in the first quarter, with the big man getting a flagrant. Early in the third quarter, Wembanyama elbowed Towns in the face and was charged with a flagrant I, meaning he now has three flagrant points this postseason and is one more away from an automatic suspension. Wemby downplayed having to change the way he plays the rest of the series after the game.

Inside and out, New York City erupted into absolute pandemonium and chaotic celebration. Minutes after OG Anunoby tipped in the game-winning basket with 1.2 seconds remaining, thousands of fans flooded Seventh and Eighth Avenues. Others swarmed Manhattan streets, climbed light poles, and blocked traffic after witnessing the team pull off a historic, 29-point comeback to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

Mass crowds completely blocked intersections around Madison Square Garden. City buses, garbage trucks, and taxis blared their horns to join the celebration. Fans shimmied up light poles, lit flares, and swarmed vehicles. Nearly a dozen people climbed on top of parked NYPD box trucks and cruisers in Midtown Manhattan. Street corners from the East Village to Astoria and Harlem echoed with thunderous chants of "Knicks in Five!" and "Go New York, Go New York, Go!". The rowdy atmosphere prompted the deployment of hundreds of officers, including the NYPD's Strategic Response Group. Police used loudspeakers to disperse crowds blocking the roadways, resulting in multiple arrests.

Inside the Garden, the roaring crowd completely drowned out standard postgame television interviews. Broadcasters reported that even 10 to 15 minutes after the final buzzer, almost no one had left the arena as fans stayed to scream and dance. Arena security guards playfully directed the lingering crowd toward the exits by shouting, "Goodnight! See you at the parade!"

The star-studded "Celeb Row" courtside mirrored the frenzied energy of the streets. Taylor Swift and Mariska Hargitay jumped up and down while aggressively waving Knicks rally towels. Timothe Chalamet clapped his hands in utter disbelief and appeared to fight back tears of joy. Ben Stiller, Larry David, and Jerry Seinfeld were also spotted in a state of shock, celebrating while walking through the arena tunnels.

On social media, the sports world went into meltdown over what was widely called the largest comeback in NBA Finals history. Many fans noted that after two decades of having the worst record in the NBA and 14 head coaches, the unhinged behavior was totally justified. Fans flooded the comments sections praising Jalen Brunson for leading the second-half charge and crowning OG Anunoby a New York legend for finishing the job.

With Game 5 looming, the city is on edge and ready to explode if the Knicks can close out the series which now shifts back to San Antonio for Game 5 on Saturday at the Frost Bank Center.

The energy both outside and within Madison Square Garden Monday night was palpable - wafting across the city in energetic waves. Walking up 7th Avenue, you could feel the collective pulse of a city on the verge of something historic.

Inside the Garden the stars were out in full force, the banners hung high, as thousands of fans, including Knicks fan Donald Trump, sent positive energy to their team. One take away showed Trump sleeping during the game. He just seems to fall asleep anywhere and everywhere these days. Is it narcolepsy or just an 80 year old man who's working too hard and is noted for not being a good sleeper.

Other ringside politicians included former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and current mayor Zohran Mamdani. Bloomberg was uninjured and completely fine after Knicks guard Jose Alvarado crashed directly into his lap early in the fourth quarter of Game 3. The viral courtside collision happened when Alvarado sprinted and dove into celebrity row to track down a loose ball, bowling over the 84-year-old billionaire and flinging him back in his seat.

Mamdani chose to buy his own standing-room-only ticket directly from the venue for nearly $1,000. According to updates shared by USA Today, he watched the game high up in the arena's "nosebleed" section alongside several state lawmakers, fulfilling a pledge to stand for the entirety of the matchup.

Celebrity fans from the entertainment world included Timothee Chalamet, Ben Stiller & Christine Taylor, Spike Lee, Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Meloni, Larry David, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, John Stewart, Jason Sudeikis, Jason Bateman, Cardi B, Jay Z, and Derek Jeter, among others.

From the world of sports - Eli Manning, Patrick Ewing, Shaquille O'Neal, Alex Rodriguez, and others. Rather than just watching as a fan, Shaq was heavily involved in the evening's historic pre-game events, broadcast coverage, and post-game analysis

As I previously posted when it was announced that Trump would be there - his appearance on the Jumbotron during the national anthem would trigger thunderous boos from a large portion of the Garden crowd. Americans stand in unity when their leaders do everything they can to help make life better - but when they divide not unite - we make sure they know how we feel.

Sadly, the Knicks suffered their first loss after 13 consecutive wins - as the San Antonio Spurs captured their first win of the series 115-111. The heartbreaker leaves the series at 2-1 in favor of the Knicks as we move to Game 4 Wednesday night at the Garden. Here's what happened: San Antonio ruined New York's big party, defeating the Knicks to take Game 3 of the NBA Finals

In life, you win some and you lose some as you move forward. Success may be fleeting, but the pursuit of it drives us toward greatness.

The much-anticipated Game 3 of the NBA Finals marked the official return of the Knicks and Spurs to Madison Square Garden for the first time since 1999 which featured both franchises. It's been a while! Happily for us Knicks fans the roles are reversed this time around. In 1999 San Antonio beat the Knicks in five games to win the title. Tonight, New York holds all the momentum in a historically dominant postseason run.

When last we saw the Knicks, they had defeated the Spurs in a thrilling Game 2, returning home with a commanding 2-0 series lead and sending New York fans into a frenzy. Now the scene shifts to Madison Square Garden, where tonight the city will be louder, brighter, and more energized than ever. Can the Knicks take complete control of the series and move one step closer to a four-game sweep? Las Vegas oddsmakers certainly believe they're in a strong position, listing New York as a 2.5-point favorite heading into Game 3.

Iconic Knicks fan such as Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, Tracy Morgan, Timothee Chalamet and others - wrestled seated courtside alongside celebrities, influencers, business leaders, season-ticket holders, and political figures such as New York City mayor Mandani and President Trump making him the first sitting president to attend an NBA final game.

The Knicks informed ticket holders to arrive two hours early, without bags, as the world-famous arena prepares to greet a mayor and a president with polar politics while trying to keep everyone safe. A watch party planned for today outside Madison Square Garden has been canceled for security reasons with NYC Mayor Mandani and police commissioner, Jessica Tish, on the news discussing the safety of New Yorkers.

Sunday night Six people were injured in a stabbing at New York's Penn Station raising security concerns a day before the city hosts the NBA Finals with Trump in attendance. Madison Square Garden lies directly above Penn Station making Game 3 even more of a security nightmare.

The cancellation of the watch party outside the Garden is a good thing because a rowdy viewing party held there Friday during Game 2 resulted in more than a dozen arrests. As the Knicks continue to win - enthusiasm and chaos will grow. For now, the next watch party outside of the Garden is scheduled for Game 4 Wednesday night. Other watch parties across the city, including Central Park, will continue as planned, especially as the weather adds to the enjoyment of the moment.

In addition to the elation that accompanied the Knicks' 13-game win streak, FIFA World Cup soccer game watch parties are set to start on Thursday just across the Hudson River at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Thousands of fans from around the world are expected to make New York City their home base during the World Cup matches that culminate at MetLife on July 19. That's great for business and uniting people often in friendships, and perhaps a romance.

While matches at MetLife Stadium (officially renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament) do not kick off until Sunday June 14, the global tournament officially begins this Thursday with the opening matches in Mexico City and Toronto. New York and New Jersey are launching an extensive lineup of viewing options.

New York City exploded with joy and chaos following the dramatic Game 2 victory. Despite the game being played more than 1,000 miles away in San Antonio, Knicks fans back home treated the 105-104 win like a historic cultural event. An entire generation of fans has waited 27 years to see the team return to the NBA Finals, and taking a 2-0 series lead has pushed the city's basketball fever to a breaking point.

Thousands of diehard fans packed inside Madison Square Garden to watch the broadcast on the Jumbotron. Tickets sold out in minutes, and the arena erupted into absolute bedlam when Victor Wembanyama's final buzzer-beater missed.

Throughout the day, New York fans awaiting Game 2 were interviewed on local TV shows, expressing their excitement and recounting stories of family members who attended the last time the Knicks won the Finals. Most were optimistic, with some predicting the Knicks would win the series in four games.

More than 5,000 fans gathered in Central Park, turning the outdoor viewing venue into a sea of blue-and-orange jerseys for the second time. Massive crowds also gathered at iconic locations such as Radio City Music Hall and the Oculus.

The moment the final buzzer sounded, the party immediately spilled into the streets of Manhattan. Crowds blocked traffic outside Madison Square Garden, singing Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York," waving brooms to signal a potential sweep, and unleashing endless "BING BONG" chants.

Fans marched into Times Square, climbing street poles, lighting sparklers, and hanging out of car windows while blaring their horns. Reflecting the city's mood, the Empire State Building glowed orange and blue throughout the night in celebration of the 2-0 series lead.

The series shifts back to New York for Game 3 on Monday night, and the energy building inside Madison Square Garden is already defying logic. Secondary ticket prices have soared past historic records, but for the lucky 19,000 who will be in attendance, it will likely be worth every penny. From the opening tip, the Garden promises to be a deafening wall of sound.

The Knicks will look to feed off that home-court advantage, suffocate the Spurs defensively, and prevent San Antonio from establishing an early rhythm. If Jalen Brunson can orchestrate another masterclass performance and the defense can sustain its pressure on Victor Wembanyama, the Knicks will be in a prime position to protect their home floor and push this series to a dominant 3-0 stranglehold.

Looking ahead to Game 4 on Wednesday night, the entire city could find itself in a state of suspended animation. If New York secures Monday's win, fans will be smelling a potential sweep, a feat never overcome by any team in NBA history.

Bars from the Bronx to Coney Island are already preparing to reach maximum capacity hours before tip-off, and the streets around Penn Station will likely be gridlocked. Game 4 promises to be a dogfight, as a desperate Spurs team will throw everything it has at the Knicks. But if New York can execute in the clutch, knock down its free throws, and secure the critical rebounds, it could complete the sweep. The magic number would drop to zero, crowning the New York Knicks NBA Champions and transforming Seventh Avenue into the site of a historic citywide celebration that would last well into the morning.

The New York Knicks went into the Frost Bank Center on Wednesday night and did exactly what they have done all postseason - find a way to win. By storming back to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 105-95, the Knicks officially took a 1-0 lead in the 2026 NBA Finals, securing their first series lead in the Finals since 1994.

Lit up in blue and orange, the Empire State Building stood proudly watching over events across the city for Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Watch parties were everywhere, highlighted by massive crowds at Madison Square Garden and Central Park as fans united to watch the NY Knicks take the series opener. In a country as divisive as ours is today, people need this feeling of camaraderie and support wherever it can be found ... and this was the perfect night to experience those energies and emotions.

The unstoppable New York Knicks marched into the raucous Frost Bank Center and did exactly what they have done all postseason long - find a miraculous way to win! By storming all the way back to crush the San Antonio Spurs 105-95, the Knicks have officially seized a 1-0 lead in the 2026 NBA Finals, capturing their very first Finals series lead since 1994! This heroic victory marks an unbelievable 12 consecutive playoff wins for New York, tying them for the second-longest single-postseason winning streak in NBA history!

It was an absolute dogfight from the opening! The Spurs came out absolutely firing on their home court, weaponizing their home-crowd energy to build a massive, intimidating 14-point second-half lead!

The Knicks looked completely out of rhythm early on, suffocated by brutal shooting stretches and a punishingly physical San Antonio defense. But you can never count this team out! New York completely flipped the script by relentlessly attacking the glass. Their ferocious 23-14 edge in second-chance points allowed them to chip away at the deficit and tee up an instant-classic fourth-quarter showdown!

When the game was on the line - and the pressure was at its absolute peak - Knicks' captain Jalen Brunson showed the entire world why he is a certified superstar! After a grueling and frustrating start - he exploded for 13 points in the 4th quarter alone - nearly outscoring the entire Spurs roster by himself, who withered under the pressure to score just 19 points in the final frame! Brunson capped off his spectacular 30-point Finals debut with a signature, jaw-dropping spinning jumper while falling dead-straight to the hardwood with just 38 seconds remaining to put the game completely on ice!

The game was an absolute nail-biter until the dying moments. Victor Wembanyama (standing 7 feet 4 inches tall) (26 points, 12 rebounds) - knocked down clutch free throws to put the Spurs up 95-94 with just two minutes left on the clock.

From that moment on, it was pure, unadulterated blue-and-orange dominance! Brunson ignited a devastating 11-0 closing run by burying a cold-blooded 23-foot three-pointer. The Knicks' defense turned into an absolute brick wall, completely freezing San Antonio for the final two minutes to officially steal Game 1 on the road!