I could write a novel in response to this perfect column, the way you perfectly described every feeling every die hard Knicks fan has ever had. But, sometimes, you just need to be quiet and let the beauty speak for itself. Thanks Jon!
Great article! I usually tweet throughout each game and I did the same last night. But I decided around the five minute mark to put the phone down and not tweet again until the final buzzer. Our team is so resilient and together. I’m so very proud of them and happy to be a fan on the New York Knickerbockers!!
I have five separate text chains going during games. Everyone went silent during the run until that Jalen layup, and then everyone said “I knew I was going to jinx it” after the Tatum slam. Fans 🤷😭
You have been the go to guy post game, particularly after a tough loss or a miraculous win. Your anger, elation, angst, and even your post game beverage choice ( save the green stuff you peddled for a while) always hit the spot. Not last night and not today. How could it. How can you explain the unexplainable. In the second half I found solace watching ( listening really) from a dining room table 25 feet from the tv. Now we’re in the fourth, my body gets up and bang it’s 10 points. I’m drawn closer and bang its 7. Now it 4 and now I’m in my usual position right next to the tv but actually on the bench pacing with Tommy T. Then we win. I smile. All I could do was smile. No jumping or yelling. Just a smile. If I can’t fathom it, it’s unfair to leave it to you. Let’s accept it as a gift that makes up to the 9 year old who cried when they coughed up a huge fourth quarter lead to Wilt and the Warriors in Philly and lost in double overtime.
I hope the fans don’t start with sweep nonsense. Somehow it might kill the mood
"Let’s accept it as a gift that makes up to the 9 year old who cried when they coughed up a huge fourth quarter lead to Wilt and the Warriors in Philly and lost in double overtime."
Emotional column. Emotional run. 25 years of build up. This team has captured everyone’s hearts in NYC. Even the most optimistic Knicks fan (and I’m near the top) didn’t have this script written. Up 2-0 and headed back to the real Garden. A full team win. Contributions galore from all who played.
And let me give a monster shout out to the Coach, whom I have been tougher on than usual of late. That 4th quarter was maybe his most brilliant work ever. The rotations were perfect. He rode Mitch until the bonus - not automatically closing with the starters at the 7 min mark per usual. An incredible job from Thibs. In both games.
Let’s enjoy these feelings. 2 days off. Then Saturday we get ready for another war. LETS GO KNICKS !!!
Is it really inexplicable? I refer you to my comments to yesterday’s newsletter: “The Celtics have two Achilles heels: 1) the hubris of Tatum and Brown who both think they are better than they actually are and willingly go into hero mode to “prove to the world their unquestionable greatness,” and (2) a reliance on long range 3’s which have a tendency not to find their truest path in the pressure of tight games.”
OMG the look on Jon’s face is EXACTLY what he describes in this piece. Up one, waiting for the final stab to his heart, simply incredulous when it hasn’t happened.
I may be biased, but I remember 2 years ago when I felt like the Cavs knew they couldn't beat the Knicks. You could sense the Knicks confidence and the Cavs uneasiness. When the Knicks started chipping away, I had those same feelings. And there's nothing more uncomfortable for a team than knowing that no matter how far ahead you are, the other team is still coming after you.
This was the complete opposite of my Reggie Miller moment. You all know the one. I was in high-school the knicks were up, and I was supposed to leave the house with my family. I resisted until finally they were up 6 with less than 20 seconds left. I arrived at my grandma's and learned that only 9 seconds were needed for him to steal that victory and break our hearts. 30 years later, and it happe ed again, but this time we won!!!!! My oldest is neurodivergent and goes into oppositional defiant flares. I meditate before bed to give myself the strength to be the parent I want to be. I put down my phone and quited my mind with my breath. The knicks were down by 17 and nothing was clicking. I finished looked at my phone before heading to bed and couldn't believe my eyes either! 91-90. Up 2-0 against Boston, and heading to the real Garden! Holy $hit fu@% balls!!!!!!
It was my birthday yesterday, and of course I hoped for a Knick win for my birthday. But after swiping game 1 on the road against the 64 win NBA champions? That was like asking my parents for a pony. Talked to my siblings on the phone for the next hour or so, and when I looked at my phone.... Holy Crap! I got a pony!
Crazy how these two games really do force you to re-think your perception of this team, or at minimum, accept that they are a very different team mentally than who they have been the entire year -- hell, even last week. They are reminding me of the other relevant basketball team in NYC this year. The Johnnies could be down by any amount of points, but you always had a sense that they can come back. How can we not feel like that heading into these other games?
I think Monica McNutt nailed it last night in their post game show. She said Boston acted stubborn with their strategy/game plan. Why are they still just trying to make a three, when not scoring in over 7 minutes? Why aren't they attacking the rim, and specifically, Brunson and KAT? Why are they hacking Mitch, who yes, has been huge up, but also getting rid of their fouls to give with two minutes left (which led to Brunson being able to get to the line to seal the game)?
The apology form for Thibs is also being filled out. He's outdueled Mazzulla these last two games.
That said, its still a long series. We've given ourselves a golden opportunity, but we MUST win one of these next two games. We have to retain home court, and we have to make them beat us in 7.
Also, maybe this is the basketball Gods finally giving us some positive karma for the KP trade? On a human level, I hope he's fine. But Boston is MORTAL without him.
Forget 3rd Quarter of Doom, that was 3 Quarters of Doom. Yet somehow, something just kept telling me "we're still in this game".
Major shout-out to Deuce Deuce for those threes that sparked the rally. Josh Hart was a madman, and it was a beautiful sight. When those two have confidence in their shot, it makes a real difference.
Big Mitch has been the big dog that we know he can be. Both Brunson and OG were off, KAT struggled more than I would've liked, but they all manned up when it mattered most. And Mikal?? He's got the juice now.
Fuck them picks. Fuck them Celtics. Let's go Knicks.
I watched the game on delay. Turned off all data to my phone, put it on DND. She watched the game with me playing Sims. 8min left in my viewing she reads off a text from her uncle, fellow Knicks fan, sent TO US BOTH he's having a celebratory beer for the Knicks. So I watched the greatest comeback in recent Knicks history like it was the part of Oceans 11 when they reveal how the heist was done. Smh. I knew the ending and still didn't believe the win was coming, "they win THIS game? Maybe her uncle is just drunk I dunno."
THEY FUCKING DID WIN!
I might have to watch the game with headphones on now too.
I watched game 1 Tuesday night because we didn’t have power on Monday. I knew the result and I still had the same roller coaster feeling. Kept yelling at KAT for poor defense. Yelled “fuck” a couple of times late. The Brunson shot that didn’t go in. fuck! But we won. And we did it again
I started to tape the game at the end of the first half--not having the cardiac strength or stomach to watch the 2nd half in real time. Of course, I subsequently enjoyed watching the 2nd half after I learned that the Knicks won. This was not the same authentic experience of viewing the miracle win while it happened, but I likely saved some heart palpitations and warded off an ulcer attack.
I could write a novel in response to this perfect column, the way you perfectly described every feeling every die hard Knicks fan has ever had. But, sometimes, you just need to be quiet and let the beauty speak for itself. Thanks Jon!
Thank you Brian!
🎶🎶🎶WE ARE THE NEW YORK KNICKS🎶🎶🎶
Great article! I usually tweet throughout each game and I did the same last night. But I decided around the five minute mark to put the phone down and not tweet again until the final buzzer. Our team is so resilient and together. I’m so very proud of them and happy to be a fan on the New York Knickerbockers!!
Hard not to be proud of this group.
I have five separate text chains going during games. Everyone went silent during the run until that Jalen layup, and then everyone said “I knew I was going to jinx it” after the Tatum slam. Fans 🤷😭
Like probably everyone here I still don’t even fully understand what we just witnessed last night. You’ve captured this moment beautifully!
Thanks Matthew!
You have been the go to guy post game, particularly after a tough loss or a miraculous win. Your anger, elation, angst, and even your post game beverage choice ( save the green stuff you peddled for a while) always hit the spot. Not last night and not today. How could it. How can you explain the unexplainable. In the second half I found solace watching ( listening really) from a dining room table 25 feet from the tv. Now we’re in the fourth, my body gets up and bang it’s 10 points. I’m drawn closer and bang its 7. Now it 4 and now I’m in my usual position right next to the tv but actually on the bench pacing with Tommy T. Then we win. I smile. All I could do was smile. No jumping or yelling. Just a smile. If I can’t fathom it, it’s unfair to leave it to you. Let’s accept it as a gift that makes up to the 9 year old who cried when they coughed up a huge fourth quarter lead to Wilt and the Warriors in Philly and lost in double overtime.
I hope the fans don’t start with sweep nonsense. Somehow it might kill the mood
"Let’s accept it as a gift that makes up to the 9 year old who cried when they coughed up a huge fourth quarter lead to Wilt and the Warriors in Philly and lost in double overtime."
Amazing.
Emotional column. Emotional run. 25 years of build up. This team has captured everyone’s hearts in NYC. Even the most optimistic Knicks fan (and I’m near the top) didn’t have this script written. Up 2-0 and headed back to the real Garden. A full team win. Contributions galore from all who played.
And let me give a monster shout out to the Coach, whom I have been tougher on than usual of late. That 4th quarter was maybe his most brilliant work ever. The rotations were perfect. He rode Mitch until the bonus - not automatically closing with the starters at the 7 min mark per usual. An incredible job from Thibs. In both games.
Let’s enjoy these feelings. 2 days off. Then Saturday we get ready for another war. LETS GO KNICKS !!!
Good Thibs can be so good
I will share in that monster shout out!
Is it really inexplicable? I refer you to my comments to yesterday’s newsletter: “The Celtics have two Achilles heels: 1) the hubris of Tatum and Brown who both think they are better than they actually are and willingly go into hero mode to “prove to the world their unquestionable greatness,” and (2) a reliance on long range 3’s which have a tendency not to find their truest path in the pressure of tight games.”
Sone serious basketball fans … lol … our KFS family
https://youtube.com/shorts/t8S6RprjEs0?si=M2m4vnaVjTCTriRF
OMG the look on Jon’s face is EXACTLY what he describes in this piece. Up one, waiting for the final stab to his heart, simply incredulous when it hasn’t happened.
Jonathan, looks like you were in shock for quite awhile. Are you okay now?
I...I...I think so?
Nothing makes sense lol
1970 Games 5 and 7 vs the Lakers.
November 18 1972 vs Milwaukee.
1973 Games 4 and 7 vs Boston.
1990 Game 5 vs Boston.
1999 Game 5 vs Miami.
And the first 2 against Boston this year.
I may be biased, but I remember 2 years ago when I felt like the Cavs knew they couldn't beat the Knicks. You could sense the Knicks confidence and the Cavs uneasiness. When the Knicks started chipping away, I had those same feelings. And there's nothing more uncomfortable for a team than knowing that no matter how far ahead you are, the other team is still coming after you.
Proud to be a Knicks fan!
What's cool is that after these two 20 point comebacks, the Celtics are going to have to go up by 30 at least to quiet the crowd.
IF they play another game in front of their crowd.
This was the complete opposite of my Reggie Miller moment. You all know the one. I was in high-school the knicks were up, and I was supposed to leave the house with my family. I resisted until finally they were up 6 with less than 20 seconds left. I arrived at my grandma's and learned that only 9 seconds were needed for him to steal that victory and break our hearts. 30 years later, and it happe ed again, but this time we won!!!!! My oldest is neurodivergent and goes into oppositional defiant flares. I meditate before bed to give myself the strength to be the parent I want to be. I put down my phone and quited my mind with my breath. The knicks were down by 17 and nothing was clicking. I finished looked at my phone before heading to bed and couldn't believe my eyes either! 91-90. Up 2-0 against Boston, and heading to the real Garden! Holy $hit fu@% balls!!!!!!
It was my birthday yesterday, and of course I hoped for a Knick win for my birthday. But after swiping game 1 on the road against the 64 win NBA champions? That was like asking my parents for a pony. Talked to my siblings on the phone for the next hour or so, and when I looked at my phone.... Holy Crap! I got a pony!
I think yesterday was the anniversary of that Reggie game lol.
My 11th birthday party with my family happened on the day of 8 points in 8.9 seconds. I cried.
That's terrible!!!
Eating my words have never been more delicious.
Crazy how these two games really do force you to re-think your perception of this team, or at minimum, accept that they are a very different team mentally than who they have been the entire year -- hell, even last week. They are reminding me of the other relevant basketball team in NYC this year. The Johnnies could be down by any amount of points, but you always had a sense that they can come back. How can we not feel like that heading into these other games?
I think Monica McNutt nailed it last night in their post game show. She said Boston acted stubborn with their strategy/game plan. Why are they still just trying to make a three, when not scoring in over 7 minutes? Why aren't they attacking the rim, and specifically, Brunson and KAT? Why are they hacking Mitch, who yes, has been huge up, but also getting rid of their fouls to give with two minutes left (which led to Brunson being able to get to the line to seal the game)?
The apology form for Thibs is also being filled out. He's outdueled Mazzulla these last two games.
That said, its still a long series. We've given ourselves a golden opportunity, but we MUST win one of these next two games. We have to retain home court, and we have to make them beat us in 7.
Also, maybe this is the basketball Gods finally giving us some positive karma for the KP trade? On a human level, I hope he's fine. But Boston is MORTAL without him.
Save the apology forms until after the series is over lol (hopefully in our favor)
Perfectly said Jon. The pain of 2 decades of ineptitude is starting to slowly melt away. As my son Phil texted me last night - “Is this our year?”
Man I hope so...
Forget 3rd Quarter of Doom, that was 3 Quarters of Doom. Yet somehow, something just kept telling me "we're still in this game".
Major shout-out to Deuce Deuce for those threes that sparked the rally. Josh Hart was a madman, and it was a beautiful sight. When those two have confidence in their shot, it makes a real difference.
Big Mitch has been the big dog that we know he can be. Both Brunson and OG were off, KAT struggled more than I would've liked, but they all manned up when it mattered most. And Mikal?? He's got the juice now.
Fuck them picks. Fuck them Celtics. Let's go Knicks.
I love my wife. LOVE. She's all the things.
I watched the game on delay. Turned off all data to my phone, put it on DND. She watched the game with me playing Sims. 8min left in my viewing she reads off a text from her uncle, fellow Knicks fan, sent TO US BOTH he's having a celebratory beer for the Knicks. So I watched the greatest comeback in recent Knicks history like it was the part of Oceans 11 when they reveal how the heist was done. Smh. I knew the ending and still didn't believe the win was coming, "they win THIS game? Maybe her uncle is just drunk I dunno."
THEY FUCKING DID WIN!
I might have to watch the game with headphones on now too.
I watched game 1 Tuesday night because we didn’t have power on Monday. I knew the result and I still had the same roller coaster feeling. Kept yelling at KAT for poor defense. Yelled “fuck” a couple of times late. The Brunson shot that didn’t go in. fuck! But we won. And we did it again
That's an awesome anecdote Anthony, thanks for sharing
I started to tape the game at the end of the first half--not having the cardiac strength or stomach to watch the 2nd half in real time. Of course, I subsequently enjoyed watching the 2nd half after I learned that the Knicks won. This was not the same authentic experience of viewing the miracle win while it happened, but I likely saved some heart palpitations and warded off an ulcer attack.
How's that "Celtics in 5" prediction working for Bill Simmons? Can that still happen?
LOL