Knicks in Five? Please Don’t Tempt the Jinx Gods.
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- New Yorkers are known for categorizing themselves into distinct types, including differing attitudes toward sports fandom, especially during the NBA finals.
- Knicks fans are divided between carefree celebrators and superstitious followers who fear jinxing their team’s chances of winning.
- State Senator Zellnor Myrie exemplifies the superstitious camp, avoiding watch parties and new team gear until after a potential championship to prevent bad luck.
- The intense emotional investment and superstition among Knicks fans reflect a broader New York City culture of control and anxiety, where many engage in rituals to influence outcomes.
- This blend of striving for greatness while enduring psychological torment is seen as a quintessentially New York experience during high-stakes sports moments.