The New York Knicks will be playing in their first Game 7 since 2000, and here is a look back at some of their most memorable Game 7s. In the 2000 Eastern Conference semifinals, the Knicks defeated the Miami Heat 83-82 with Latrell Sprewell leading the way with 24 points. Patrick Ewing’s dunk with just over a minute left sealed the victory in a hard-fought battle between two defensive-minded teams. Chris Childs also played a crucial role off the bench, helping to hold Tim Hardaway to a tough shooting night.
In the 1997 Eastern Conference semifinals, the Knicks suffered a loss to the Heat 101-90 despite Ewing’s impressive performance of 37 points, 17 rebounds, and four assists. The absence of key players like Larry Johnson and John Starks, who left the bench during a brawl in Game 5, contributed to the Knicks’ downfall. This defeat was a disappointing end to a promising season for the Knicks.
The Knicks’ 1995 Game 7 against the Pacers ended in heartbreak, with Reggie Miller leading Indiana to a 97-95 victory. Ewing had a strong showing with 29 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks, but his missed finger roll at the buzzer cost the Knicks a chance to force overtime. Miller’s heroics in Game 1, known as the “8 points in 9 seconds” game, set the tone for the series.
In the 1994 NBA Finals, the Knicks fell to the Houston Rockets 90-84 in a game famously remembered as the “John Starks Game.” Starks struggled, shooting 2-for-18 from the field and 0-for-11 from 3-point range, allowing Hakeem Olajuwon to dominate the game with 25 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks. Despite the loss, Ewing’s contributions throughout the series were notable.
The 1994 Eastern Conference finals Game 7 between the Knicks and Pacers showcased Ewing’s Hall of Fame legacy, with a memorable 24 points, 22 rebounds, seven assists, and five blocks performance. His put-back dunk on a Starks miss with seconds left sealed the victory and sent the Knicks to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1973. Miller’s missed shot and subsequent foul in the final seconds secured the win for the Knicks.
In a historic Game 7 in 1973, the Knicks defeated the Celtics 94-78, marking the first time the Celtics lost a Game 7 at Boston Garden. Walt Frazier’s 25 points and 10 rebounds led the Knicks to a 16-point road victory, ending the Celtics’ eight-game Game 7 winning streak at home. This win was instrumental in the Knicks’ journey to winning the NBA championship that year.
