When the New York Knicks last reached the NBA Finals in 1999, Jalen Brunson’s father, Rick, was still on the team as a player. And for the most part of the last two decades, they have not put themselves in a solid position to return to the Big Dance.
In the last two seasons, however, the Knicks have made it to the cusp of finally ending their Finals drought. They played in the Eastern Conference championship last year before losing to the Indiana Pacers in six games.
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This year, New York is back in the ECF, looking even more formidable as it has seemingly figured out its strengths and what it needs to do and is building on them as it makes another strong push for an NBA Finals spot.
Destined for the Finals?
It is this facet of the Knicks’ thrust that former nemesis Reggie Miller highlighted, making him bullish on the chances of New York emerging on top in the East.
The Indiana Pacers legend spoke about it on “The Dan Patrick Show,” sharing how he loves how the Knicks have been handling their business in the playoffs, including better using the skills of big man Karl-Anthony Towns.
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He, however, cautioned the team not to look past their ECF opponent, the Cleveland Cavaliers, who he asserts are very dangerous if allowed to do their thing.
“The Knicks cannot ease into the game because the Cavs are coming off two grueling game sevens. One versus Toronto and one versus Detroit. And the Cavs, think about this, they’ve gone against two of the best defending teams in the playoffs… So, they cannot take the Cavs for granted,” Miller said.
“But having said all that, I think the Knicks are destined. They are destined to make it to the Finals. Just after that Game 3 big win in Atlanta, this has been, along with the [Oklahoma City] Thunder, the best team and their defense and the way they’re playing through KAT. I just think the Knicks are destined right now,” he added.
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The Knicks booked a spot in the East finals after being tested by the Hawks in the opening round in six games, then dominated and swept the Philadelphia 76ers in the semifinals. Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns continue to lead the team’s charge.
Cleveland, for its part, had to survive two Game 7s against the Raptors and Pistons to reach the East championship series.
Game 1 comeback
The Knicks padded their push for an NBA Finals appearance after completing an impressive Game 1 comeback on Tuesday in New York. Down by as much as 22 points midway in the fourth period, the hometown team made a ferocious run to tie the score at 101-all and send the game into overtime. In OT, it was all Knicks as they left the Cavaliers shell-shocked for the 115-104 win.
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Brunson scored 17 of his game-high 38 points in the fourth quarter and overtime as he led the way in the spectacular come-from-behind win. Mikal Bridges had 18 points while Towns, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart each had 13 points.
“We got some stops. We kept fighting, kept believing… We can still learn from this win. We did not play our best. We still got work to do,” Brunson reacted to their win.
With the way the Knicks are approaching their assault, Miller may not be off in saying this year is a “destiny” year for the Knicks and the team finally having another Brunson in the NBA Finals.
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This story was originally published by Basketball Network on May 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.