The Story of the 2025/26 New York Knicks - How History Was Made
It’s hard to miss the impact that the New York Knicks have had on not only the NBA, but global sports as the world knows them. From unbelievable playoff comebacks, to heartbreak and loss, season after season, this team has built a legacy that will never be forgotten.
The 2025-26 NBA season will without a doubt go down in history as one of the best. The New York Knicks climbed themselves to victory after a 53 year drought, every single player on and off of the court fought tooth and nail to secure the win.
The pre-season decision to sign new coach Mike Brown proved vital in their run, as they secured the third seed in the Eastern Conference. Every player had an impact on the team’s run to success, but the standout players of the season were Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Karl Anthony-Towns, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart for their ability to move the ball effortlessly across the court and make shots that changed the game.
The playoffs were where the team really shone, going from a talented up-and-coming group to real contenders for the trophy. They started quite slow with a 4-2 win over the Atlanta Hawks, showcasing their talent, but not putting them on the map just yet.
The Eastern Conference Finals were expected to be tough, the redesigned Philadelphia 76ers, with their rising star VJ Edgecombe were a major threat, but the Knicks shocked everyone when they swept their way through to the finals.
The NBA Playoff Finals saw the San Antonio Spurs play the New York Knicks for the chance at glory. The Spurs had come off a good run during the season, but the Knicks had just shocked the NBA with their sweeps and growing win streak.
Game One saw a Knicks win, adding to their win streak and fueling their confidence moving forward. Before this season, the Knicks hadn’t made it to the finals since 1999. Game Two was yet another Knicks win, but only by a single point, they knew they had to fight stronger to hold on. Game Three saw the Spurs’ first win of the finals, and started to even the playing field a little. The record-breaking game four win for the Knicks saw the greatest comeback in NBA history, with the winning point being an incredible OG Anunoby shot, assisted by the legendary Jalen Brunson.
Game Five was the decider. The Knicks could win it and take the victory for the first time in over half a century, or the Spurs could win and push the finals into anyone’s territory. It was a close game, strong defensive plays, and amazing scoring opportunities, but it came to the wire, and with a 94-90 score, the Knicks became the NBA Champions for the first time since 1973.
It was a wild season, not only for sport but for culture. During a strained period of time in the world and especially the US, a moment so beautiful and connecting was truly needed, the streets of New York erupted in celebration and the incredible athletes that made it happen were praised like heroes.
The season ahead remains a mystery, but if it is even a fraction as loud, playful and enjoyable as the 2025/26 season was, it’ll be one worth watching.
Article written by Milla Sinfield © Milla Sinfield 2026
