It's been almost a week since the New York Knicks climbed the mountain and became NBA Champions. In no way am I turning the page, because as stated before, I'm basking in this alllllllllllllll the way until banner night.
However, before looking to the future next week in one of my favorite sporting events of the year - the NBA Draft - I'm letting it loose. I'm letting it all out in this post.
It's a digital bonfire, and I'm airing some last grievances, tossing things in, and letting it go.
I'm exercising all of the stuff that comes with this fandom.
STILL PETTY
Indiana Pacers
Ahh, yes, forever no love for the Indiana Pacers, their fans, and everything that is them. I'll forever dislike them, and the mere fact that we now have a championship before them is wonderful.
Reggie Miller
I'm over the supposed MSG villain who makes his mark off of one catastrophe in the Garden. Some "Knick Killer" at 44-58 all-time. I'm now released from the "choke posture". NBC has the call on October 30, and I hope Reggie is there to watch the banner go up.
Tyrese Haliburton
Ditto the above regarding the Pacers and Miller. While I admit the Game 1 shot in the air still gives me trauma whenever I see any basketball hit the back rim and bounce up into the air, this championship helps me move on. Admittedly, Haliburton's became Reggie Miller 2.0, and the last two defeats in the postseason were to his Pacers.
Boston Celtics
Never any love for the Celtics. I find such joy in the idea that we broke them last year.
Paul Pierce
That dude killed us as a Celtic in the early 2000s. I vividly remember him prancing around center court on the logo before taking a bow in one particular game. Today, he still hates us every chance he gets.
Stuff it, Paul. The Knicks have as many chips as you do in the current century.
Miami Heat
No love for the Heat. None. Never. Also, I am very tired of hearing about "Heat Culture" and watching them find ways to get to the Finals.
Chicago Bulls
Eh, the hate ain't as strong as the Pacers or the Celtics. However, this is for those MJ years. Seeing Patrick Ewing with the new Larry O'Brien was cathartic enough to let those years go. Finally.
Stephen A. Smith
I haven't been one of those fans to gatekeep the Knicks joy. This includes bandwagon and front-runners. However, some of the things Stephen A. Smith has said about the Knicks over the years felt like a character benefiting from talking ill of us. He somewhat used our pain. I crossed him off by this win. But he is a native New Yorker and I respect that.
So maybe this is for the character he plays? I don't know. Regardless, Stephen A deserves to be on this list.
National Media
All of the haters. All of the naysayers. All of the "Knicks for clicks" baiters - this might be the sweetest revenge of them all. ALL of them.
Atlanta Hawks
I've always been annoyed that the 2021 Playoff series was held against us. That series was the first time (in a long time) we were good, and it felt like the national media, along with the Hawks, wanted to make sure we knew about it.
Well, you got your ass whooped in the first round this year, and that 1st Round closeout game was wonderful and historic. Let's put 2021 to rest and ease up on Randle and the random bunch.
Trae Young
At least I respected the "villain" in Miller. Trae Young was and has been so forced into Knicks lore. I'm done with this dude trying to use us to build his legacy.
Philadelphia 76ers
Always here for the 76ers' struggles. Always. Even happier to know they're now in the seat of one of the longest championship droughts. Go trust that process.
Joel Embiid
Such a good player. The worst kind of competitor. I will always remember him pulling Mitch Robinson's leg and hurting him.
LeBron James
All the love. All the respect. But I'm so glad we didn't need you, or any other hired superstar, to get this done.
Brooklyn Nets
Officially, little, little - of the littlest kind of brother. No strong jabs, though. I still appreciate you being the cost-effective alternative in town.
Brooklyn Nets Bandwagoners
Remember all of those people who changed affiliations in the early 2000s? Where they at?!
LET IT GO
The following, I can say, are officially forgiven:
Charles Smith
I now see it. You were fouled. And even if you weren't, it's all good, bro. Come home.
Patrick's Finger Roll
What finger roll? I don't know what you are talking about! Ewing is the best consultant - or whatever his working title was this year - in the business. Enjoy the ring, big fella.
Starks' Game 7
Bad shooting nights happen. We appreciate the continued support.
Eddy Curry
Mannnnnnnnn, the truth is, we traded picks for much worse ceilings (cough*Bargnani*cough). I think we just believed in you. It's cool. Forgivsies.
Andrea Bargnani
Ugh...I guess you, too.
Phil Jackson
We'll just say you were an all-time Knick on that 1973 team. Heyyyyy, "Once a Knick, Always a Knick", right? Because you were. Nothing else happened. Not even Frank Ntlikina.
Frank Ntlikina
Defensive point guard. Could've been great in the triangle office. Yup, yup.
Isiah Thomas
We can move on. We'll forgive. Likely won't forget. Go root for Detroit.
Carmelo Anthony
Blocks happen, bro. You tried to do it all when you were here. It wasn't your fault. I respect attacking Roy Hibbert. Maybe it was a foul? Who cares?!
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I've let it all out...
Knicks in five. Forever.
2026 NBA Champions.