On Long Island, one devoted Knicks fan is marking the team’s historic NBA Finals run with a display almost as bold as the moment itself.
James Hentschel, a 48-year-old contractor from Deer Park, has transformed his home into a blue-and-orange tribute to the Knicks using 10,000 LED lights. The elaborate setup cost about $5,000 and took roughly 40 hours to put in place.
Hentschel, already known in the neighborhood for his eye-catching holiday and event displays, switched on the Knicks-themed installation ahead of Game 1. Since then, his house has become a glowing celebration of the team’s postseason push.
And he has no plans to pack it up anytime soon. “If they win tonight, it’s not coming down for at least a week or two. If they don’t, it stays on until they win,” Hentschel told The Post on Saturday.
The display is powered by Govee curtain lights that Hentschel bought last year and carefully mounted across both the front and back of his house.
Using a connected app, he can change the lighting scenes throughout the year, adapting the display for occasions ranging from Halloween and Christmas to the Fourth of July and even his children’s birthdays.
On Sunday, he will also be adding a light display for the UFC Freedom 250, which is being held on the South Lawn of the White House.
Hentschel, who also commemorated the Knicks’ playoff run last year outside his house, said neighbors near and far drive by to marvel at the decorations.
“Cars just stop, take pictures, stop, take pictures … and videos,” he said.
His wife isn’t as excited about being in the limelight.
“She tolerates it, I would say. It’s not her favorite thing. But it occupies me and keeps me happy.”
