Knonsense Sunday:  It Happened

About 2 weeks ago, my wife surprised me with an idea I had not ever thought possible.  She suggested that we try to get tickets to the NBA Finals to experience a once in a lifetime event.  We talked about getting a pair of tickets for Game 2 in San Antonio (tickets to MSG in New York were priced astronomically out of our reach), but logistics (i.e. dogs!) and costs prevented this.  She wanted me to get my own ticket so I could go myself.  I tried to get a ticket for Game 2, but couldn’t make it work with flights and timing, so I gave up.  Oh well, it was worth a shot.  But then she insisted that I get tickets for Game 5, also in San Antonio.  They were more expensive, and there was no guarantee the game would even happen if the Knicks were to sweep the series, which was looking like a distinct possibility at the time.   In fact, at that time, I was hoping the Knicks would sweep and just finish things off, even if it meant my game would be cancelled.  Nevertheless, my wife got me my ticket to an NBA Finals game.  

Last Monday night, the Knicks took a 2-0 series lead into the first Finals game at Madison Square Garden in 27 years, and had their incredible 13 game playoff win streak snapped, putting the series with San Antonio at 2-1.   This was highly disappointing, but it meant that there would definitely be a Game 5, so I made my travel and hotel reservations (…reluctantly, because my game ticket transaction remained in limbo for a few more days and I was afraid something would go wrong and I’d be stuck).  Up 2 games to 1, it meant that if the Knicks won Game 4, they could potentially win the whole thing during my Game 5.  If the Spurs tied the series at 2-2, then there would be no champion during Game 5, and the series would be extended.

Last Wednesday night, the Knicks took the court for Game 4 expecting a bounce back win at MSG.  The World’s Most Famous Arena was once again rocking as the game got underway.  However, the Knicks suffered one of the worst first half beatings in Finals history, heading into halftime down 27.   Everything was working for the suddenly resurgent and dominant Spurs, while nothing was working for the suddenly inept Knicks.   After taking the first 2 games in San Antonio, it looked like they were about to lose their grip on the series and return to San Antonio for Game 5 even at 2-2; a disastrous turn of events that every Knick fan knew deep in their soul wasn’t going to end well.

I was watching the game at home with my wife when we sat down for dinner at halftime in miserable silence.   A few minutes into the third quarter, they found themselves trailing by 29 points.  And then the world turned upside down.  Somehow, the Knicks clawed their way back.  With each basket closing the lead, the MSG crowd worked itself into more and more of a frenzy, before finding the Knicks down by 1 point with 5.7 seconds left.  The Garden itself was shaking on its foundation. Receiving the inbound pass, Jalen Brunson quickly launched a long 3 point shot that bounced short off the rim, only to be tipped in with 1.2 seconds left by OG Anunoby, who seemingly flew in out of nowhere:  



The Garden exploded, and after blocking the Spurs on their final desperation attempt as time expired, the Knicks celebrated the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history to take a 3-1 series lead.  This game goes down as one of the most memorable ever, and OG's tip-in is on the short list of greatest single moments in the history of NY sports.

But it also meant that it was possible the Knicks could win the championship during Game 5; my Game 5.

I arrived in San Antonio about 3 hours before the game, with enough time to check into my hotel, and make it to the Frost Bank Center before tip-off.  My hotel was full of Knicks fans - and so was the arena.  It was probably 50/50, which is a testament to the energy and excitement of the Knicks traveling fan base, while also being a bit of an embarrassment for the Spurs.  I took my seat, and when the Spurs took the court, they were greeted with loud boos, while the Knicks entered to the sounds of raucous cheers.  It felt like a mini-version of MSG, which is just ridiculous.

The game started, and I couldn’t have been more excited just to be at an NBA Finals game with the Knicks.  But once again, the Knicks started flat, and fell behind early.  They trailed by as many as 16 during the game. The game was fairly even after the Spurs' strong start, and it didn’t look like they were going to allow yet another Knicks comeback - until suddenly it did.  

With about 8 minutes left in the game, the Knicks - led by Captain Clutch Jalen Brunson and his astonishing 45 points - started to impose their will on the Spurs, and slowly and methodically fought their way back and eventually took the lead with a little over 3 minutes to go in the game.  After a bit of a back and forth, the Knicks had a 3 point lead with 7.7 seconds left.  OG Anunoby was at the free throw line, and hit the shot that essentially sealed the deal, putting the Knicks up by 4.  The Spurs dribbled down the court and took a desperation 3 that missed.  Anunoby got the rebound, launched the ball into the stands - and it was over!  



The Knicks stormed the court and celebrated their first championship in 53 years, while the arena erupted from the enormous number of Knicks fans in attendance.  I was high fiving, fist bumping, and hugging people I had never met before. I took some video and a few shots with my phone, before I put it my pocket, sat down to take a breath - and cried.   

The Knicks had last won a championship on May 10, 1973.  I was born 10 days later.  It has quite literally been a lifetime of fandom for me, waiting for this very moment.

And I was there to see it in person, thanks to my wife!

I watched the trophy ceremony, and eventually made my way out of the arena and back to my hotel, where I stayed up all night watching replays of the game and the celebrations across New York City on social media.   I eventually fell asleep hugging my iPad like Ralphie hugged his Red Ryder BB gun on Christmas night.  

The next day I made my way to the airport, and sat at a table in the food court by myself.  While I waited for my plane, I was watching more Knicks stuff on my phone.  Minding my own business, I then scrolled to this Instagram slideshow post, and started crying in the airport like a schmuck.  This is EXACTLY me (if you swap out the kid at the end for a second dog).



Mike Breen was the play-by-play announcer for the Finals broadcast on ABC (and also, coincidentally, the local play-by-play announcer for the Knicks in New York during the regular season, and a native New Yorker and lifelong Knicks fan himself.) This was his call after the buzzer sounded at the end of Game 5:

“It’s over!  It’s over!  Knick fans, this is not a dream!  Your long, long wait has ended!  Go ahead and cry!  After 53 years, the Knicks are NBA champions once again!“

This is why I love sports.

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