NEW YORK (PIX 11) — The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and Knicks fans turned out in droves for a block party outside Madison Square Garden ahead of Game one against the Detroit Pistons.
For longtime fans, Saturday’s game was more than just another playoff matchup. It was a chance to revive the team’s legacy and ignite a new chapter in Knicks history.
A lively block party took over Plaza 33 outside Madison Square Garden ahead of the game against the Detroit Pistons. Longtime fans gathered there hoping to witness a historic playoff run for a team whose last championship win was back in 1973.
Christopher Garrett said he’s been attending Knicks games for 50 years and is hoping for a turnaround after decades of highs and lows with his favorite team.
“We got to win because I’m getting older,” said Garrett. “I don’t think I have any years left so we got to do it this year.”
Fans immersed themselves in a day full of Knicks-themed fun — spinning the prize wheel for giveaways, showing off their hops in a dunk contest, and getting decked out in team colors with face painting. Loyalists are eager for a championship parade.
“I would be ecstatic and we going to be on a parade,” said Shauntay Hallett, a Knicks fan. “Bring it home. I mean the Liberty did it last year so, it feels like why not the Knicks. Bring it home. Bring it home.”
“New York takes pride in the Knicks and just life feels better when the Knicks are winning,” said Haron Hargrave, another Knicks fan.
This marks the Knicks’ third straight playoff appearance, and with star guard Jalen Brunson back from an ankle injury, fans are hopeful he can lead the team on a deep postseason run.
Former Knicks star Latrell Sprewell hopes the team stays focused and takes it one game at a time.
“I just hope they play well,” he said. “You never know in the playoffs. It’s all about how guys are playing, how they’re shooting, preparation, things like that. What I expect is for them to come out and play hard.”Game two of the first-round playoff series will also take place at Madison Square Garden, making it crucial for the Knicks to defend their home court before the series shifts to Detroit. Fans will have another chance to cheer on their team as they face the Pistons again on Monday.
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