CLEVELAND — The current Knicks squad brings back memories of the iconic teams from the 1970s for legends like Clyde Frazier and Spike Lee.
It’s no surprise, then, that both are optimistic about ending the team’s 53-year championship drought, regardless of whether they face the Thunder or the Spurs in the finals.
“With the way we’re playing now, I don’t think it matters who the opponent is,” Frazier remarked after the Knicks’ dominating 130-93 victory over the Cavs on Monday, securing their spot in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. “Our defense is relentless, and the ball movement is exceptional. Coach Mike Brown wanted a fast-paced game, and initially, that wasn’t happening. But in the past 11 games, the pace has picked up. Bridges and Hart are just unstoppable on the court.”
Spike Lee, the quintessential Knicks superfan, shares a similar sentiment about the team that has set a new franchise record by winning 11 straight playoff games. They’ve dominated the Eastern Conference.
“San Antonio or OKC, it doesn’t matter. We’re going to win,” Lee declared, reminiscing about May 8, 1970, when the Knicks won their first championship. “I was at the Willis Reed game at 13 years old. This team is driven by destiny, heart, and determination. They remind me of legends like Willis Reed, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley, Dick Barnett, and Cazzie Russell. I’m going back in time, but that’s okay, I’m getting up there in age.”
Frazier, arguably the greatest Knick in history, fittingly handed the conference finals MVP trophy to Jalen Brunson on Monday. It was a passing-the-torch moment alongside another Knicks legend, Patrick Ewing.
But as Frazier explained, the job’s not finished.
“It’s been a long time. Carrying on a tradition. Passing it down to Jalen so he’s the guy now who has to carry it,” Frazier said. “But you got to capitalize when you get there. So we’re going to stay on him. As Red Holzman would tell us at this point, ‘Hey, Clyde, we haven’t won nothing yet.’ ”