About this Episode
"In this episode of Podcasty NBA, hosts Niko and Stella explore the New York Knicks’ remarkable return to the Eastern Conference finals for only the second time since 2000. They discuss key figures like head coach Tom Thibodeau and star player Jalen Brunson whose family ties link back to that historic era. Alongside recounting iconic cultural moments from that year—including Carlos Santana’s chart-topping hits and Gladiator’s Oscar sweep—they reflect on how these events frame today’s playoff narrative. Based on Anthony Gharib's May 16th ESPN article,"
Article Discussed: "Trends the last time the Knicks were in the Eastern Conference finals"
Author: Anthony Gharib
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45133485/new-york-knicks-eastern-conference-finals-nba-capsule
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Episode Transcript
Niko: Welcome to Podcasty NBA! Today, we're diving into a big moment for the New York Knicks—they've just made it to the Eastern Conference finals for only the second time this century. It's been a long wait since their last appearance back in 2000, and this recent victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 sealed their spot with a 4-2 series win.
Stella: Absolutely, Niko. The Knicks' journey has been quite the rollercoaster, especially considering they missed the postseason for seven straight years before Tom Thibodeau took over as head coach in 2020. This season marks their fourth playoff appearance under his leadership, which is a big turnaround from past struggles.
Niko: Right, and what's fascinating is that Thibodeau isn't new to New York basketball history. He was an assistant coach during that last Conference finals run in 2000. Plus, there's this cool connection with Rick Brunson, who played under Thibodeau back then and is now an assistant coach himself while his son Jalen Brunson stars on the current team.
Stella: That continuity definitely adds depth to the story. Looking back at May 23, 2000—the last time the Knicks reached this stage—the world was quite different. For example, Carlos Santana was dominating music charts with hits like 'Maria Maria,' which spent ten weeks at number one and even won a Grammy. It’s interesting to see how cultural moments align with sports milestones.
Niko: And speaking of culture, that same year saw 'Gladiator' hit theaters on May 5th. It became the second-highest-grossing film worldwide in 2000 and swept five Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actor. It’s wild to think about these iconic moments happening around the same time as that Knicks playoff run.
Stella: Meanwhile, on the court during that season's playoffs, while the Knicks eventually fell to Indiana in six games, another epic series unfolded between the Lakers and Trail Blazers out west. The Lakers made a stunning comeback from being down three games to one, capped by Kobe Bryant's legendary alley-oop pass to Shaquille O'Neal in Game 7 at Staples Center.
Niko: That Game 7 moment is iconic NBA history—Portland had a solid lead late but couldn’t hold off LA’s surge. It’s incredible how these stories from two decades ago still resonate today as we watch teams like the Knicks strive for similar glory after long droughts.
Stella: Definitely. The article also highlights how rare it has been for the Knicks to reach this stage recently—they had chances in 2013, 2023, and 2024 but came up short each time until now. This makes their current success all the more meaningful given that history of near misses.
Niko: So summing it up: The Knicks’ return to the Eastern Conference finals marks a significant milestone after years of challenges and close calls. With Thibodeau’s experienced coaching and Jalen Brunson leading on court—connected through past ties—it feels like a full-circle moment rooted deeply in franchise history.
Stella: Exactly, Niko. This episode reminds us how sports moments are intertwined with cultural landmarks and personal stories within teams. As we look ahead to what comes next for the Knicks in these finals, we’ll be watching not just a game but decades of legacy unfolding live on court. Thanks for tuning into Podcasty NBA!
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