It’s time to get in a New York state of mind, folks. The Garden is back, baby! And there ain’t nothing like that feeling you get when the home crowd gets going with the classic “Defense!” chant. It’s been around since the Knicks won their first NBA championship in 1970, and it still gives us chills. Sure, the organ and the organist have changed over the years, but the spirit of the place has stayed the same. And let’s face it, with a team that hasn’t won a championship in over five decades, the chant is the most memorable moment you’re going to get around here.
COVID really tried to bring us down, but nothing can keep the Knicks’ faithful from showing up in full force. We’re talking sellout crowds, people! The kind we haven’t seen in MSG for a Knicks playoff game since 2013. This is a wild, crazy, and exciting weekend for New Yorkers. We got the Knicks taking on the Cavs on Friday, Rangers versus Devils on Saturday, a Knicks-Cavs game on Sunday afternoon, and to top it all off, another Rangers-Devils showdown on Monday night. This city may never sleep, but we sure know how to party!
Speaking of parties, the Blue Seats in MSG are going for a cool $350 a pop. Suffice it to say that this current Knicks crowd is far more financially comfortable than previous generations. But hey, when the team is doing well, everyone can enjoy the sweet sound of victory together. Even if they do have to pay a little extra for the privilege.
The Knicks’ young players like Mitchell Robinson are loving the energy in the arena. It’s been so long since these guys have experienced a truly packed house that it’s like a whole new world to them. And when the team is down, the crowd keeps them going. Just ask R.J. Barrett, who had 26 points in the playoff game on Sunday. He’ll tell you how much the fans’ cheers helped him get back into the game after Cleveland took a three-point lead in the third quarter. That’s the kind of support that this city is famous for.
Sure, there are other cities and arenas with similar histories. Boston Garden, the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Oracle Arena in San Francisco—these are all places you can count on for rabid fans with deep ties to their team. But there’s just something special about The Garden. Maybe it’s the classic tunes the deejays play, like Beyoncé’s “Virgo’s Groove,” Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise,” and Nas’ “N.Y. State of Mind.” Or maybe it’s just the fact that this place has seen so much history unfold over the decades. Whatever it is, there’s no denying that this is a unique spot.
Not everyone can handle the pressure of playing in New York City, of course. Even the toughest players can get intimidated by the bright lights and the big crowds. But for guys like Latrell Sprewell, who once played for the Knicks, the city is like a second home. Sure, players may shrink with fear at times, but when they’re out there on the court and the crowd is going wild, nothing else matters.
Balance is key in basketball, and in life. The NBA is at its best when there are great teams in every city, playing their hearts out and proving what they can do. But when the Knicks are good, something special happens. It’s like the city comes alive in a whole new way. And even if they don’t always win, there’s nothing like feeling the energy of a crowd that’s desperate to see their team succeed. It’s been a long time since the Knicks won a title, but every season, every game, feels like a chance for redemption. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Serious News: nytimes
