The Knicks’ last Finals run came before Google took off, the iPhone or ‘Fast & Furious’ hit theaters
New York Times
Last updated: May 26, 2026
The New York Knicks are making their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999, prompting a look back at how much the league and the team have changed. This historical context highlights significant shifts in players, team strategies, and the overall economics of the NBA over nearly three decades.
- The Knicks' last Finals appearance was in 1999, a time significantly different from today's NBA. In that era, iconic figures like Michael Jordan were in retirement, Kobe Bryant was emerging, and LeBron James was a teenager. The game itself has been revolutionized by the three-point shot, with averages dramatically increasing since the late 90s.
- Player development, like Jalen Brunson following in his father's footsteps, father-son duos reaching the Finals, and the evolution of offensive strategies are key themes. The financial landscape of the NBA has also seen an exponential rise in salary caps and individual player salaries, with Stephen Curry now earning significantly more than legendary players like Patrick Ewing did in 1999.
