The Knicks celebrated their third championship with a banner-raising ceremony and championship ring presentation at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2026, before their season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers.
How Many Championships Do the Knicks Have?
The Knicks have won three NBA titles, with their championship seasons spanning more than five decades.
| Championship Year | NBA Finals Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Los Angeles Lakers | Won 4–3 |
| 1973 | Los Angeles Lakers | Won 4–1 |
| 2026 | 2026 NBA Finals | Champions |
Knicks’ First NBA Championship: 1970
The Knicks captured their first NBA championship in 1970, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in a dramatic seven-game NBA Finals series.
Led by Willis Reed, Walt Frazier and Bill Bradley, New York established itself as one of the league’s premier teams.
The championship is particularly remembered for Reed’s inspirational appearance in Game 7 despite battling a serious thigh injury.
The Knicks defeated the Lakers 113–99 in the deciding game, securing the franchise’s first NBA title.
Knicks’ Second NBA Championship: 1973
Three years later, the Knicks won their second NBA championship, once again defeating the Los Angeles Lakers.
New York captured the 1973 NBA Finals in five games, winning the series 4–1.
The championship roster featured several prominent players, including Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Dave DeBusschere, Earl Monroe and Bill Bradley.
The victory solidified the Knicks’ status as one of the NBA’s most successful teams of the early 1970s.
Knicks’ Third NBA Championship: 2026
The Knicks returned to the top of the NBA in 2026, winning their third championship and ending one of the longest title droughts among the league’s historic franchises.
Led by Jalen Brunson, New York completed its championship journey more than five decades after its previous title.
The victory represented a major milestone for the franchise and its passionate fan base.
Brunson’s championship season further strengthened his place among the most important players in modern Knicks history.
How Long Was the Knicks’ Championship Drought?
The Knicks went 53 years between NBA championships, from their second title in 1973 to their third in 2026.
During that period, New York experienced numerous playoff appearances, roster changes and rebuilding efforts.
The franchise also reached the NBA Finals in 1994 and 1999 but fell short of winning another championship.
The 2026 title finally ended that lengthy wait.
When Did the Knicks Raise Their 2026 Championship Banner?
The Knicks held their 2026 NBA championship celebration on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Madison Square Garden.
The ceremony took place before New York’s regular-season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Players and coaches received their championship rings, while the franchise unveiled its third NBA championship banner.
The celebration marked the first Knicks NBA championship banner raising since 1973.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many NBA championships have the Knicks won?
The New York Knicks have won three NBA championships, in 1970, 1973 and 2026.
When did the Knicks last win an NBA championship?
The Knicks most recently won the NBA championship in 2026.
Who did the Knicks beat in the 1970 NBA Finals?
The Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in seven games to win their first NBA championship.
Who did the Knicks beat in the 1973 NBA Finals?
New York defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 4–1 to claim its second NBA title.
How many years did the Knicks go without winning a championship?
The Knicks went 53 years without an NBA championship between 1973 and 2026.
How many championship banners do the Knicks have?
The Knicks have three NBA championship banners commemorating their titles in 1970, 1973 and 2026.
Conclusion
The New York Knicks’ three NBA championships represent three major moments in franchise history. From the legendary teams of 1970 and 1973 to their championship breakthrough in 2026, New York has added another chapter to its basketball legacy.
With three NBA titles, the Knicks have renewed their championship tradition and brought another championship celebration to Madison Square Garden.