KNICKS SQUAD SHOW: Top 10 PLAYOFF Moments w/ The Athletic's Ian O'Connor!
The New York Knicks' 53-year championship drought ended in 2026, and in a celebratory episode of the Locked On Knicks Squad Show marking its 10th anniversary, veteran sports journalist Ian O'Connor joined the hosts to rank the top 10 moments of the historic playoff run. O'Connor, who covered the Knicks' previous title appearances in 1970 and 1994, called the 2026 triumph the greatest story in New York sports history—surpassing even the 1998 Yankees and 1986 Giants. He praised the team’s unity, fearless leadership, and the cultural impact of the fans, who turned hostile arenas into roaring Knicks strongholds. The ranking highlighted Jalen Brunson’s 45-point closeout game in Game 5 as the defining moment, followed by OG Ananobi’s game-winning tip-in, the 22-point fourth-quarter comeback in the Eastern Conference Finals, and the team’s fearless roster construction under Mike Brown. O'Connor also reflected on the emotional weight of the victory, the legacy of past Knicks teams, and how this championship was earned not through luck, but through resilience, identity, and a collective belief that transcended generations of fans. The episode underscored that this title wasn’t just a win—it was a cultural reckoning. The Knicks’ success defied decades of doubt, media skepticism, and internal turmoil. O'Connor emphasized that the team’s identity—built on selflessness, grit, and a '90s Knicks mentality—was the true engine of the run.
Jalen Brunson’s 45-point Game 5 performance was the definitive moment of the championship run, ending a 53-year drought with a dominant closeout.
OG Ananobi’s game-winning tip-in in Game 5 was the greatest moment in Madison Square Garden history, surpassing even the Willis Reed ‘Wall Game’.
The Knicks’ 22-point comeback in the Eastern Conference Finals was fueled by Landry Shammett’s clutch shooting and team-wide resilience.
Mike Brown’s bold move to play Carl Anthony Towns as a point-center was the turning point in the playoffs and a career-defining decision.
The fans were not just spectators—they were a psychological force, turning hostile arenas into Knicks strongholds and elevating the team’s performance.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Celebrating 10 Years of Locked On Knicks & the Championship Drought Ends
“I was eight years old when the Knicks won in 73. I do remember that team to some degree. I was just old enough to start processing what I was seeing. I don't remember the 70 team, but I do remember the 73 team and to think 53 years later at age 61, that'd be the next time I'd see a Knicks team win a championship, but it was great to be there in the stands and yeah, very appreciative to just the privilege of being there, frankly.”
Ranking the Top 10 Moments: Fans, Brunson, and the 45-Point Game
“It had to be number one. I looked at it first and I'm like, should OG's Tappan be number one? I thought, nah, it has to be the game that, and the performance that ends the drought, right? 45 points from your best player and the guy who is a hall of famer now.”
The MSG Miracle: Ananobi’s Tip-In & the 29-Point Comeback
“Ananobi's tap into me is probably the it's the best thing I've ever seen in Madison square garden without question.”
Legacy, Identity, and the Future of the Knicks
“The Knicks’ success was built on identity, not just talent—selflessness, fearlessness, and a ‘90s Knicks mentality were the real keys.”
“I was eight years old when the Knicks won in 73. I do remember that team to some degree. I was just old enough to start processing what I was seeing. I don't remember the 70 team, but I do remember the 73 team and to think 53 years later at age 61, that'd be the next time I'd see a Knicks team win a championship, but it was great to be there in the stands and yeah, very appreciative to just the privilege of being there, frankly.”
“So Ananobi's tap into me is probably the it's the best thing I've ever seen in Madison square garden without question.”
“It had to be number one. I looked at it first and I'm like, should OG's Tappan be number one? I thought, nah, it has to be the game that, and the performance that ends the drought, right? 45 points from your best player and the guy who is a hall of famer now.”
Hosts
Guest
new york knicks
other
jalen brunson
person
og ananobi
person
mike brown
person
carl anthony towns
person
leon rose
person
ian o'Connor
person
the athletic
organization
tom thibodeau
person
willis reed
person
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