I've certainly shared my emotions and thoughts regarding the New York Knicks on this site over the years. There have been plenty of those to sort through - most of them are rants.
Tonight, the New York Knicks ultimately destroyed the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, 119-81. I sat on my couch, afraid to allow myself to feel joy until that final buzzer. As a Knicks fan, I've been through too much to allow myself to do anything else, to make any assumption, until it was final. Until it was confirmed. Until something couldn't fall through...the way we're used to.
Once it was final, it was unreal.
The New York Knicks are in the Eastern Conference Finals. For the first time since 2000.
I was 15 years old the last time that happened. And that was a run with a squad that I consider (still) to be my favorite Knicks team of all-time.
I sat on my couch with all sorts of feelings. My wife was likely trying to understand the moment. My son, excited for the Knicks' win, likely thinks this happens frequently.
For me, it was thinking back on 15-year-old me. That kid who wore the Hubert Davis jersey every day during the NBA Playoffs in Junior High School, believing in the New York Knicks.
What if I can go back and tell that kid, hey, the Knicks won't be back here until you're near 40! What would he say to me?!
That win also served as a quick, fleeting reflection on the parallel journey between the New York Knicks and my life.
I thought about all of the bad (understatement at times) basketball over the years. And of course, my favorite Knick players over that run. Jalen Brunson now sits just below (from Georgetown, Coooooooooo-Captain!!) Patrick Ewing, who sits at the top... for now.
I know, I know, it's JUST the Eastern Conference Finals! Likely, fans not in this fanbase won't understand the breakthrough. And of course, there is still much left to do in these playoffs. Especially, against the hated Indiana Paces (how fitting?)!
But wow, this run and that game - absolutely cathartic in so many ways.
Such catharsis.
#LGK