Little Known Facts About the New York Knicks

The Knicks are one of basketball’s most iconic teams, playing under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden. But beneath the surface lies a rich history filled with surprising stories and hidden gems. Let’s get started!

1. The Knickerbocker Name: The Knicks’ full name is actually the New York Knickerbockers. It has two origins: Dutch settlers’ pants and a satirical book by Washington Irving.
2. A Founding Father: The Knicks are one of the NBA’s original teams, established in 1946. They’ve been part of the league since its very beginning!
3. The First Game Ever: The Knicks played in the NBA’s first-ever official game in 1946 against the Toronto Huskies. They won that historic matchup with a score of 68-66.
4. Garden of Greats: Madison Square Garden, the Knicks’ home, is called “The Mecca of Basketball.” Countless legends have made their mark on the iconic court.
5. Early Postseason Woes: Despite being a founding team, the Knicks didn’t win a championship until 1970. It took them a while to find that championship formula.
6. A Coach Like No Other: Red Holzman was the Knicks’ legendary coach during their 1970s championship era. His focus on teamwork and defense was revolutionary.
7. Spike Lee: Superfan: Director Spike Lee is synonymous with the Knicks. He’s been a diehard, courtside fan for decades, adding to the energy of every game.
8. Patrick Ewing, Knicks Legend: Patrick Ewing was the team’s cornerstone in the 1980s and 90s. His tenacious play and rivalry with Michael Jordan are part of NBA lore.
9. Intense Rivalries: The Knicks have long-standing rivalries with teams like the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat, making for epic battles over the years.
10. The Linsanity Era: Jeremy Lin, an unheralded point guard, became an overnight sensation in 2012, thrilling Knicks fans with a string of amazing performances that became known as “Linsanity.”
11. Frazier’s Fashion Sense: Walt “Clyde” Frazier was not only a Knicks star but a 1970s style icon. His flashy suits and hats made him stand out on and off the court.
12. Christmas Day Tradition: The Knicks have played more Christmas Day games than any other NBA team, a testament to their popularity and place in NBA history.
13. A Melting Pot Team: The Knicks were the first NBA team to sign a Japanese-American player (Wataru Misaka) in 1947 and an African-American player (Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton) in 1950.
14. Lucky Number 33: Many Knicks legends like Patrick Ewing and Bernard King wore the iconic number 33 on their jerseys.
15. A Team of the City: The Knicks embody New York City‘s spirit: tough, resilient, and with a passionate, never-give-up attitude.