It has been too long. It has been far too long.
It’s been 25 years since the Knicks last reached the Eastern Conference finals, a period largely characterized by Clyde Frazier observing courtside as some of the NBA’s least impressive teams reshaped the legacy of a once-proud franchise.
This Wednesday night, their extended absence from the conference finals, the league’s third-longest, comes to an end as they face the Pacers in Game 1 at Madison Square Garden—a momentous occasion for the dedicated fans who feared they might not live to see it.
“They’re the greatest fans in the world, enduring a long wait, so I’m thrilled for them to experience the Garden as it was,” Frazier remarked during the 19th annual BTIG Charity Day. “Everything is aligning perfectly. They hold their fate in their hands. Oklahoma City is probably the favorite, but so were Boston and Cleveland.”
Following their massive upset of the defending champion Celtics in their second-round series, the Knicks open their playoff rematch with the Pacers — fresh off an upset of the top-seeded Cavaliers — as slight favorites, holding home-court advantage.
But it was only a month ago that the Knicks were heavy favorites against the Pistons, then scratched their way to a six-game series win, claiming three games by three points or fewer.
“This is a tough series, tougher than people may think because [the Pacers] don’t have the cachet of the Celtics,” St. John’s coach — and former Knicks coach — Rick Pitino said. “[Indiana coach] Rick Carlisle is as good of a basketball mind as there is in the game. Thank God we have [Tom Thibodeau] because it’s gonna be a tough battle.
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“I think if they can stay close in the fourth quarter, you feel like they’re definitely going to win. [Jalen] Brunson has the ability, I’ve never seen a 6-1 guy have the ability to get any shot he wants. He’s just amazing.”
While Indiana holds the edge in depth, former Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury sees Brunson as the difference in the series, owning the edge against Indiana All-Star Tyrese Haliburton.
“He’s the ultimate leader,” Marbury said of Brunson. “To me, he’s the best guard in the NBA, First-Team All-NBA, him and [MVP front-runner] Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander].”
Like last year’s second-round matchup against the Pacers, Frazier predicts the series will end with Game 7 at the Garden. Naturally, the Knicks icon expects a different ending.
Then, the focus can turn to the next drought, 52 years since the franchise’s second title.
Frazier holds up each of his hands, bringing his two championship rings into focus.
“If you want these, you gotta overcome adversity,” Frazier said. “The [Knicks are] seeking revenge, but the Pacers have confidence. The [Knicks are] gonna suffer from fatigue — [The Pacers] play 10 guys, we play seven — but you gotta overcome it. You want to be a champion, you gotta deal with the trials and tribulations.
“I haven’t played in [46] years, but you see how the people react when they see me. If they win a championship, this is their legacy.”
