Madison Square Garden has hosted a number of historical events when it comes to boxing, hockey, and even pop culture. However, its signature sport has always been basketball, and the name of New York Knicks is almost synonymous with the venue. Between the Knicks and their NBA foes, a number of memorable moments of the basketball history have taken place at Madison Square Garden. Fans flock this arena in huge numbers to cheer for their favorite teams, especially during Knicks games. Ron Phillips New York is a huge fan of the team and loves to watch them play.
Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals was definitely the most memorable game the Madison Square Garden has witnessed to date. Even with four points on the night, it was Willis Reed who inspired the New York Knicks to win their first NBA championship. Reed had suffered a torn muscle in Game 5, and had to sit out Game 6 as the Los Angeles Lakers forced a Game 7 back at Madison Square Garden. However, Reed ended up providing an emotional jolt to the Knicks in the deciding game, with the crowd at the arena going cheering out loud when he stepped onto the floor for warm-ups. That energy and passion were seen in the game, as an injured Reed made two shots and grabbed three rebounds in 27 minutes. However, Reed was not alone in carrying Knicks to the championship win. Walt Frazier went off for 36 points and 19 assists, while the three other starters of the team chipped in 17-plus points each. The game marks the only time the New York Knicks managed to clinch an NBA Finals on their home floor, and therefore is extremely special for its fans.
In the year of 1991, Michael Jordan dunked all over the Knicks. But just two years later, John Starks returned the favor. The New York Knicks were up 91-88 in the final minute of Game 2 of the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals and had the opportunity to take a 2-0 series lead over the Chicago Bulls. John Starks took the ball up to the court, dribbled to the rim, and managed to skied above Horace Grant and Jordan for an iconic poster slam. The New York Knicks won the game.
Patrick Ewing, one of the greatest Knick players, put together a key game of his career in Game 7 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals. The game was between Knicks and Indiana Pacers who had a history of heated rivalry. Ewing was a force throughout Game 7, and eventually ended with 24 points, 22 rebounds, and seven assists. His contribution helped the Knicks to win by a score of 94-90 and advanced to their first Finals in more than two decades.
Almost all long time Knicks fans, such as Ron Phillips New York at least have a brief insight of these iconic matches.