The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks: A Decade of Controversy, Drama, and Success

The 1990s were a turbulent decade for the New York Knicks. From the controversial signing of Patrick Ewing to the infamous Latrell Sprewell choking incident, the Knicks were never far from the headlines. But despite the drama, the Knicks also achieved great success during this time, reaching the NBA Finals twice and winning the Eastern Conference Championship in 1999.

The Patrick Ewing Era

The Knicks entered the 1990s with high hopes, having drafted Patrick Ewing with the first overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft. Ewing quickly became one of the most dominant players in the league, leading the Knicks to several deep playoff runs. However, the Knicks were unable to get over the hump and reach the NBA Finals.

In 1996, the Knicks finally broke through and reached the NBA Finals, where they faced the Houston Rockets. The Rockets won the series in four games, but Ewing had a monster performance, averaging 25.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 4.8 blocks per game.

Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks

by Chris Herring

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26057 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	362 pages

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The following season, the Knicks again reached the NBA Finals, this time facing the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls won the series in five games, but Ewing once again played well, averaging 23.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game.

The Latrell Sprewell Era

In 1999, the Knicks traded for Latrell Sprewell, a dynamic shooting guard who had just led the Golden State Warriors to the NBA Finals. Sprewell quickly became a fan favorite in New York, but he was also known for his fiery temper.

In December 1999, Sprewell choked Knicks coach P.J. Carlesimo during practice. Sprewell was suspended for 68 games and fined $250,000. The incident cast a dark shadow over the Knicks' season, and they failed to make the playoffs.

The Jeff Van Gundy Era

After the Sprewell incident, the Knicks hired Jeff Van Gundy as their head coach. Van Gundy was a tough and demanding coach, but he also had a great relationship with his players. Under Van Gundy, the Knicks returned to the playoffs and became a perennial contender.

In 2000, the Knicks reached the NBA Finals for the third time in four years. This time, they faced the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers won the series in four games, but the Knicks gave them a scare, winning the first two games of the series.

Van Gundy coached the Knicks for six seasons, leading them to the playoffs each year. He was fired in 2005 after the Knicks failed to reach the playoffs.

The Decline

After Van Gundy was fired, the Knicks began a slow decline. They failed to make the playoffs in 2006 and 2007, and they finished with a losing record in 2008.

In 2009, the Knicks hired Mike D'Antoni as their head coach. D'Antoni was known for his up-tempo offense, and he quickly turned the Knicks into one of the most exciting teams in the league.

The Knicks made the playoffs in 2010 and 2011, but they were eliminated in the first round both times. In 2012, the Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Semifinals, but they lost to the Miami Heat.

The Future

The Knicks have not made the playoffs since 2013. They have struggled to find a consistent identity, and they have been plagued by injuries.

However, the Knicks remain one of the most popular teams in the NBA. They have a loyal fan base, and they play in one of the most iconic arenas in the world.

The future of the Knicks is uncertain. But one thing is for sure: they will always be a part of New York City's sports history.

The 1990s were a turbulent decade for the New York Knicks. But despite the drama, the Knicks also achieved great success during this time. They reached the NBA Finals twice and won the Eastern Conference Championship in 1999.

The Knicks have not been able to sustain that success in recent years. But they remain one of the most popular teams in the NBA, and they have a bright future ahead of them.

Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks

by Chris Herring

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	26057 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	362 pages

FREE