‘Choke’ Label Lifted as Fierce Rivals Hinder New York Knicks’ Quest for Greatness

The New York Knicks are the hot topic in the US sports scene as they embark on a remarkable journey to the Eastern Conference finals.

After years of being overlooked, the biggest sports market in America finally boasts a team that has given fans reason to celebrate in the NBA.

In the past decade, high-profile players have often chosen the Brooklyn Nets over the Knicks, with the latter seen as a franchise where careers tend to fizzle out.

Analysts have speculated that the first organisation to lead the Knicks deep into the playoffs or secure a championship would earn a lasting place in the hearts of New Yorkers.

That dream is more achievable than ever for Knicks supporters with the current team showing promise.

Thanks to some strategic moves both off and on the floor, this dormant giant of the league is awakening, brimming with ambition and embodying a sense of enthusiasm not felt in years.

It’s been a lengthy 50 years since the Knicks last clinched an NBA title, with their last appearance in the Eastern Conference finals occurring in 2000. They narrowly missed breaking that streak last year, falling to the Indiana Pacers in a decisive Game 7 on their home turf.

This season, with two new starters and improved health, the Knicks have reached the conference finals for the first time in 25 years.

They’ll be facing the same Pacers that thwarted their hopes last year, with the series set to begin Thursday (AEST) at Madison Square Garden.

With a rivalry steeped in history since the 1990s, both teams have consistently clashed in thrilling moments captured in ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary series.

A defining moment arose when Reggie Miller classed the Knicks as “chokers” during the 1994 Eastern Conference finals, famously telling Knicks fan and filmmaker Spike Lee to “choke on my nuts” while delivering a stellar performance that led the Pacers to a comeback victory.

Despite leading 70-58 at the end of the third quarter, the Knicks were unable to close out the game and fell 93-86, with Miller scoring an astounding 25 points in the fourth quarter, adding fuel to the rivalry with taunts directed at Lee in the front row.

That match was just a brief chapter in the long-standing saga between the Pacers and the Knicks, whose rivalry has delivered countless thrilling moments over 30 years of NBA history.

Following their last appearance in the conference finals, the Knicks made it to the second round only once until recently, managing to reach it again the past two seasons with the addition of Jalen Brunson.

Consequently, their emphatic 119-81 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 on Saturday marked a significant milestone.

Last year, the Knicks had a 2-0 lead against the Pacers before injuries derailed their run, resulting in a loss in Game 7. Shortly after, they traded for Mikal Bridges and pulled off a major acquisition by bringing in Karl-Anthony Towns from Minnesota just before the season commenced. Initially, these moves gave the impression that the Knicks were still in a rebuilding phase, finishing at 51-31 and would be outmatched against Cleveland and Boston, failing to win any of their eight encounters with those teams.

However, their path to success has shifted, now facing the Pacers, who recently eliminated the Cavaliers in five games. New York finds itself amidst a resurgence after previously overcoming 20-point deficits in both encounters at Boston to begin the series.

The Knicks’ determination in those comeback victories stood in stark contrast to their earlier regular-season matchups against the Celtics, where they suffered heavy defeats. However, it seems they’ve regained their fighting spirit just in time.

“When you’re in these situations, especially in the playoffs, we talk about that New York grit—that unwavering belief that we will never lose,” said Towns. “I think that this series showcased that spirit, and it was truly special for us.”

Entering the series, the Knicks were considered heavy underdogs due to the Celtics’ previous dominance over them during the regular season. Boston, still feeling the absence of Jayson Tatum after his ruptured Achilles tendon, felt confident despite lacking their star player.

As it turned out, the Knicks displayed such dominance in Game 6 that Brunson was questioned post-game about whether their triumph felt like an upset.

“No matter what anyone thinks—upset or not—we’re simply thrilled to have come through this series with a victory,” he stated, looking ahead to their next challenge.

The Pacers, having surged to a record of 48-19 since mid-December, claimed the East’s No. 4 seed—securing home-court advantage in the first round for the first time since 2013-14.

This season’s run has been even more impressive than the previous campaign when the Pacers ousted the Knicks before succumbing to Boston in the conference finals. They managed to take down Giannis Antetokounmpo and the fifth-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in five games, completing the sweep with three victories on their home court. They also eliminated Donovan Mitchell and the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in a similarly dominant manner.

The Pacers have successfully employed tough, physical basketball to dismantle opponents, and their recently fortified defence has become a key strength.

In remarkable form, Indiana erased a 20-point deficit in Game 2 against Cleveland and came back from 19 down in Game 5, with Tyrese Haliburton’s three-point shooting leading the way and putting them just four wins away from their second NBA Finals appearance.

Haliburton, previously rated the league’s most overrated player in a peer survey, played a pivotal role during these crucial comebacks.

He ended Milwaukee’s season with a last-second layup in overtime during Game 5 and put Cleveland in a tough spot after knocking down a last-minute three-pointer in Game 2, which both occurred during intense final rallies.

Such resilience has cultivated a belief that anything is achievable, stemming from the lessons learned during last year’s tumultuous postseason.

Amidst all the excitement surrounding both teams and their runs to the NBA’s final four, the Pacers and the New York Knicks have clashed eight times in playoff history.

These matchups have delivered unforgettable moments for basketball fans over the past three decades. Here’s a look back at some of the most iconic incidents:

John Starks headbutts Reggie Miller

In the first playoff contest between these two teams during the 1993 season, the Knicks were up 2-0 and on the verge of a sweep when guard John Starks, frustrated by Miller’s fouling, headbutted him during a heated exchange. Starks was ejected, and the Pacers subsequently won the game.

Miller taunts Spike Lee after Knicks blow lead

The Knicks led 70-58 after three quarters in Game 5 of the 1994 Eastern Conference finals but fell victim to a stunning comeback led by Miller. He scored 25 points in the fourth, guiding the Pacers to victory while taunting Knicks superfan Spike Lee with a choke signal.

Miller goes off for 8 points in nine seconds

Miller’s iconic performance in Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference semi-finals showcased one of the NBA’s most unforgettable comebacks. Trailing by six with mere seconds left, Miller scored a quick three-pointer, stole the Knicks’ inbound pass, hit another three, and sank two free throws to complete an astonishing turnaround.

Larry Johnson’s four-point play

During the 1999 NBA Finals run as a No. 8 seed, Johnson’s four-point play in Game 3 against the Pacers proved crucial for the Knicks. He scored a game-winning three-pointer while being fouled, capping a remarkable comeback.

Record night sinks Knicks in 2024

The Pacers showcased one of the most prolific offensive displays in NBA history during Game 7 of the 2024 Eastern Conference semi-finals, shooting 67.1 percent from the field—an NBA playoff record—en route to a 130-109 victory over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

Tyrese Haliburton led the charge with 26 points, later wearing a sweatshirt featuring a photo of Miller’s iconic choke gesture towards Lee during his post-game press conference.

– with AP