Knicks

The Knicks, short for the New York Knickerbockers, are an American professional basketball team based in New York City. They compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division. The team plays its home games at Madison Square Garden in Midtown Manhattan. The nickname Knickerbockers comes from the original Dutch settlers associated with New York.

Founded in 1946, the Knicks are one of the oldest NBA franchises. They have won four championships: in 1949, 1950, 1970, and 1973. The team has had periods of sustained success, including prominent runs in the 1950s and a celebrated championship era in the 1970s. Notable players through the years include Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Bill Bradley, Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley, Allan Houston, and Carmelo Anthony. The 1990s featured a revived Knicks core led by Ewing and coached by Pat Riley and later Jeff Van Gundy, culminating in a 1999 NBA Finals appearance against the San Antonio Spurs.

Rivalries with the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers reflect both geographic proximity and longstanding competitive history. The organization is owned by James Dolan and operated by MSG Sports, with a continuation of efforts in player development, coaching stability, and rebuilding through the draft. The Knicks remain a central part of New York basketball culture and the broader history of the NBA.