The last time the New York Knicks won the NBA championship was the 1972-73 season. They defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in five games in the NBA Finals.
Willis Reed earned MVP honors for New York, which defeated LA on May 10 with a 102-93 victory. This series had far less drama than the 1969-70 Finals when the Knicks won their first championship, taking down the Lakers in an iconic seventh game.
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The 1972-73 Knicks team defined team basketball. All five starters had double figures, from Bill Bradley at 18.6 points per game to Dave DeBusschere at 15.6 ppg.
What else happened in 1973?
The Secretary wins the Triple Crown
Nine days after the Knicks won the NBA title, Secretariat won the Preakness Stakes. He would go on to win the Belmont and the Triple Crown in the longest race by any horse, winning by 31 lengths.
Mike Breen
ESPN play-by-play announcer Mike Breen.
The current voice of the Knicks and ESPN’s play-by-play was less than 12 years old.
George Steinbrenner buys the Yankees
New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner speaks to the media.
The $10 million purchase by a Steinbrenner-owned corporation was completed on Jan. 1.
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Miami Dolphins quarterback (12) Bob Griese looks to throw a pass behind Larry Csonka (39).
Months before the Knicks won, the Miami Dolphins defeated Washington, 14-7, in the Super Bowl to complete the first — and only — perfect season in NFL history.
George Foreman wins the heavyweight championship
The Olympic gold medalist won the heavyweight title by TKO over Joe Frazier in the second round.
Former President Lyndon Johnson dies
American politician Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908 – 1973) arrives at Heathrow Airport, London, UK, 1960.
The 36th president of the United States from 1963-69 died on January 22.
UCLA won its seventh straight basketball championship
UCLA Bruins center (32) Bill Walton in action.
The Bruins defeated Memphis 87-66 in the finals as Bill Walton went 21-of-22 from the field and scored 44 points.
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‘The Godfather’ wins Best Picture
The movie ‘The Godfather’ starring James Caan and Marlon Brando is played during Mangia’s parties on Friday, May 23, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
The iconic film captured Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
New York Yankee becomes starting DH
Ron Blomberg, the designated first baseman, sings the national anthem after throwing out the first pitch of the ceremony.
The American League adopted the proposed rule and Ron Blomberg of the Yankees was the first.
Johnny Miller won the US Open
American golfer Johnny Miller.
The golfer held a major in one of golf’s most famous rounds, shooting a 63 in the final round, a major record that stood until 2017.
Nolan Ryan throws the second no-hitter
California Angels pitcher Nolan Ryan in action during the 1975 season.
Nolan Ryan of the California Angels throws his second no-hitter of the season against the Detroit Tigers. He hadn’t hit the Kansas City Royals in two months.
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The Raiders beat the Dolphins
Oakland Raiders kicker George Blanda in action.
In September, the Oakland Raiders handed the Miami Dolphins their first loss since January 16, 1972, 12-7. George Blanda scored four field goals for Oakland.
Margaret Court wins US Open tennis
Margaret Court wipes her face as play resumes in the finals of the Commerce Union Bank Virginia Slims Tennis Classic.
The win was the third major for the Aussie. She missed the Grand Slam because Billie Jean King won at Wimbledon.
Pete Rose and Bud Harrelson were eliminated in the NLCS
Former New York Met Bud Harrelson waves to the fans at home plate.
The Reds star tight end and Mets shortstop got into it after playing second base. New York would go on to win the series.
The Oakland Athletics won the World Series
Former Oakland Athletics second baseman Dick Green (center) walks onto the field during the 1973 World Series championship team’s 50th anniversary celebration before the game against the New York Mets at RingCentral Coliseum.
The Athletics became two-time champions as they took down the Mets in seven games.
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A Charlie Brown special appears
Charlie Brown’s balloon is inflated in preparation for the 91st Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The animated special “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” premieres on CBS. It ended up winning an Emmy Award the following year.
This article originally appeared on The List Wire: What happened in 1973 when the Knicks last won?
