Brooklyn Nets
5. First Series Win In Brooklyn
After moving from New Jersey to Brooklyn in 2013, there was some questions as to how well the team would adjust. They did just fine, making the playoffs in each of the first three years in Brooklyn. What stands out is that 2014 run. Sure they were ousted in the 2nd round in five by Miami, but it was the opening round seven game series win over the Raptors that stands out. It was the first win outside of Jersey. Joe Johnson lead the way with 26 points in the final game, a dramatic 104-103 win in the seventh game. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were impacts in that game too, which is why this win and moment sticks out
4. Nets Sweep Battle Of New York
Up until the 2004 season, the Knicks had dominated the battle between the two clubs. That changed in 2004. The Nets were coming off back to back years as the Eastern Conference Champions. Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin paced the way for the Nets, who won each contest by almost double digits. It was the first time the Nets really stepped out of the Knicks shadow and stating that they were going to be a big deal in the area basketball scene.
3. Martin Double Dips
Game four of the 2003 finals was a bit of a coming out party for Kenyon Martin, He'd been good for the Nets most of those playoff runs but this game was seen as more of a coming out party at the time for him. Once game four was finished, Martin led the Nets with 20 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks. He powered them to a 77-76 slugfest win to pull even in the series. Sadly it wouldn't last as the Nets fell to the Spurs in six games, but still.
2. Kidd Goes Off
There's little doubt that Jason Kidd was a solid, yet underrated, point guard in this league. He had a brilliant run during his seven year tenure with the Nets from 2001-2008. It was in 23002 where Kidd was at his best, at least with the Nets. Kidd kickstarted one of the best turnarounds in NBA history. Kidd's play was the driving force for the New Jersey Nets to reach their first-ever NBA Finals in his first season with the team. Kidd dropped a triple-double (15 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists) to guide the Nets past the Celtics in Game 6 of the 2002 Eastern Conference Finals. Ewing was hurt, and Larry Johnson stepped up in a big way. Johnson put the Knicks ahead on a 4-point play after trailing by three with 5.7 seconds left. The Knicks won Game 3, taking a 2-1 series lead and would go on to reach the NBA Finals.
1. Title To Nets
After winning the 1974 ABA title, the New York Nets won their second championship two years later in the league's final game, also marking the franchise's last title. Julius Erving was named the MVP, as the Nets defeated the Denver Nuggets 112-106 at Nassau Coliseum
New York Knicks
5. Larry Johnson's Four Point Play
1999 wasn't exactly supposed to be the Knicks year. After all, they were the 8th seed in the East. Yes they fell to the best team in the league in the Spurs, but they shocked everybody by beating the 2nd seeded Pacers to get to the finals. And it was all thanks to one guy in game six. Larry Johnson.
4. Starks Go Boom
Simply known as "The Dunk". That's all you have to say, and Knicks fans smile. Game two of the 1993 Eastern Conference finals between the Knicks and Bulls. John Starks blew by B.J. Armstrong and flew over Horace Grant for a left-handed throwdown which became the most famous slam in Knicks history. It gave the team a 2-0 over one of the greatest teams in league history
3. Houston We Have Tipoff
We talked about this run a little earlier and it all started with this. New York took on the top seeded Miami Heat in the first round of the 99 playoffs and it was Alan Houston coming up huge at the right moment. Houston had his big moment in game five. He hit a game-winning runner from the foul line in the deciding fifth-game of the first round series, which hit the rim and backboard before falling through the net with 0.8 seconds left.
2. Ewing Signature Moment
Twenty one years is a long time to wait. The Knciks had a chance to erase a few demons in 1994. They couldn't get the big one, winning the title, but they managed to not only make the finals, but push the Rockets all the way to game seven. Knicks had to go to seven games with the Pacers, and it turned into the Patrick Ewing Show! Ewing's 24 points and 22 rebounds, including a putback slam in the final 30 seconds put the staple on his career at that time. It's one of the signature moments for Patrick really in a hell of a career
1. Here Comes Willis
This one should have gone without saying. Reed was hurt in game five and missed game six of the 1970 finals. He was the heart and soul of that team. Game seven rolled around, and just minutes before tipoff, he walked out onto the floor. The crowed went crazy after he hit the game's first two shots, which kickstarted the night. Walt Frazier was the star of the night, controlling the game with 36 points and 19 assists, but it was Willis making his return as the inspirational leader that got the Knicks to where they needed to be.
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