1973 NBA Finals Game 5 vs Los Angeles Lakers
Original. Knickerbocker. Champions.
The New York Knicks are an American professional basketball team based in Manhattan, competing in the NBA's Atlantic Division. They play at Madison Square Garden and are one of two NBA teams in New York City. Alongside the Boston Celtics, the Knicks are one of two original NBA teams still in their original cities.
- Venue
- Madison Square Garden IV, New York City
- Season Context
- The Boston Celtics finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference (68-14) while the Knicks placed second (57-25), and the Celtics also held the NBA's best overall record.
Lore & Background
The Knicks were established in 1946 by Ned Irish as a founding member of the BAA, which merged with the NBL in 1949 to form the NBA. Under head coach Joe Lapchick, they reached three consecutive NBA Finals between 1951 and 1953 but never won a championship. After Lapchick resigned in 1956, the franchise entered a prolonged decline. The Knicks returned to prominence under Red Holzman, winning their first NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. In the 1990s, led by Patrick Ewing and under coaches Pat Riley and Jeff Van Gundy, they reached the NBA Finals in 1994 and 1999 but did not win. After signing Jalen Brunson in 2022 and acquiring several players between 2023 and 2024, the Knicks won the NBA championship in 2026, ending a 53-year drought.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Madison Square Garden was thick with tension and sweat. Every breath felt heavy as the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter. The crowd wasn't just watching; they were holding their collective breath, waiting for the final exhale. When Frazier drove to the basket, drawing a foul on Wilt Chamberlain, the roar that erupted shook the very foundations of the arena. It was not just a game-winning play; it was the culmination of years of grit, the sound of a city reclaiming its pride.
Reader's Guide
The Knicks' early years saw them play home games at the 69th Regiment Armory due to Madison Square Garden's crowded schedule. Their first game was on November 1, 1946, a 68–66 win over the Toronto Huskies. Under Lapchick, they made nine straight playoff appearances starting in 1947. The team signed Nathaniel Clifton in 1950, becoming the first professional basketball team to sign an African American player. The Knicks won championships in 1970 and 1973 under Red Holzman. After a long drought, they won again in 2026.
Did You Know?
- The Knicks were among the founding members of the Basketball Association of America in 1946.
- The team's name 'Knickerbockers' comes from a pseudonym used by Washington Irving.
- The Knicks were the first professional basketball team to sign an African American player, Nathaniel Clifton, in 1950.
- The Knicks won their first NBA championship in 1970 and their second in 1973.
- The Knicks ended a 53-year championship drought by winning the NBA championship in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of 1973 NBA Finals Game 5 vs Los Angeles Lakers?
The New York Knicks defeated the Lakers in this decisive contest at Madison Square Garden to win the series. This victory secured the franchise's second overall championship title.
Why is 1973 NBA Finals Game 5 considered iconic for the Knicks?
It represents the last time the team won an NBA championship, cementing a legacy that has not been repeated since. The game sealed a dramatic series win and ended a three-year gap between their historic titles.
Which players were key in this victory?
Walt Frazier and Willis Reed led the squad under head coach Red Holzman during this historic run. Their contributions are remembered as central to the franchise's second title era.
Where did the 1973 Finals Game 5 take place?
The match was hosted at Madison Square Garden IV in New York City, where the home crowd roared loudly against the visitors. This iconic arena provided the setting for silencing the Lakers and claiming the trophy.
How did the Knicks regular season compare to their rivals before this game?
While the Boston Celtics held the best record in the Eastern Conference and the league overall, the Knicks finished second. Despite these standings, New York overcame superior teams to clinch the championship in Game 5.
More in Iconic Matches & Moments
Elsewhere in the New York Knicks universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record