New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are one of the most storied franchises in the history of professional basketball. Based in New York City, the team is officially known as the Knickerbockers, a nod to early Dutch settlers, though fans everywhere simply call them the Knicks.¹

Since their founding in 1946, they’ve become synonymous with the energy of Madison Square Garden, where generations of fans have gathered to cheer iconic chants and witness memorable playoff battles. With three NBA championships and a history of exciting home games, attending a Knicks matchup is a quintessential New York experience that blends sports, culture, and tradition.²

The Knicks were established in 1946 as part of the Basketball Association of America, which merged with the National Basketball League to form the NBA in 1949.² They quickly built a reputation for consistency, making the Finals three straight years from 1951-53. Their fortunes shifted in the 1960s with the arrival of Willis Reed, whose leadership led to regular playoff appearances and, ultimately, the team’s first championship in 1970.

That dramatic Finals series against the Los Angeles Lakers remains legendary: after suffering a serious leg injury in Game 5 and missing Game 6, Reed stunned fans by limping onto the Madison Square Garden floor for Game 7. He scored the Knicks’ first two baskets, lifting the crowd and his teammates, and set the emotional tone that carried New York to a decisive victory and their first NBA title.³

The Knicks claimed another title in 1973 with a roster anchored by Reed, Walt Frazier, Bill Bradley, and Dave DeBusschere.³ The Patrick Ewing era in the 1980s and 1990s brought more postseason runs and two additional trips to the Finals, though championships remained elusive during those years.² Even through rebuilding phases in the 2000s, the Knicks have remained a defining part of New York’s sports identity, carrying a legacy built on resilience, star power, and a passionate fan culture.

The Knicks finally claimed their third NBA title in 2026, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in 5 games.¹⁰ Jalen Brunson, nicknamed "Captain Clutch", was the Finals MVP. The 2026 championship win was a pivotal moment in New York Knicks history, returning the team to championship glory after a 53 year drought.

The Knicks’ home court is Madison Square Garden, an indoor sports arena in New York City. The original Garden opened in 1874 as a converted railroad station at Madison Square. Later versions were constructed in 1891 and 1925, serving as hubs for basketball, hockey, boxing, and other major events.⁴ The current arena was opened in 1968 and remains a landmark venue in Manhattan where fans gather to experience Knicks basketball at the highest level.

Over the decades, the Knicks have built a tradition of excellence marked by championships, memorable playoff runs, and celebrated players. Their Hall of Famers and unforgettable game-day moments reflect a team that has left a lasting imprint on professional basketball.²

• 3 NBA Championships: The Knicks captured titles in 1970 and 1973, led by Willis Reed and a core of other future Hall of Famers.³ 53 years later, the Knicks captured their long-awaited third NBA Championship in 2026.¹⁰
• 9 Conference Titles: The Knicks advanced to the Finals in 1951, 1952, 1953, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1994, 1999, and 2026.³
• Numerous Hall of Fame Inductees: The Knicks’ legacy includes numerous Hall of Fame players such as Reed, Frazier, and Bradley, whose contributions defined eras of success.³

 New York Knicks tickets are available now at AXS, making it easy to secure your seat at Madison Square Garden. Basketball season in New York runs from October through April, with the postseason extending into early summer.⁵ Because the arena is indoors, it’s a great experience year-round, especially during colder months.⁵

Whether you’re looking for single-game passes or group outings, AXS is your go-to destination for basketball tickets and game-day planning.