The Knicks’ last Finals run came before Google took off, the iPhone or ‘Fast & Furious’ hit theaters
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The New York Knicks reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, marking a significant moment as they aim for their first championship since 1973, led by stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
- Jalen Brunson, son of Rick Brunson who played on the 1999 Knicks, has emerged as one of the franchise's top playoff scorers, highlighting a unique father-son NBA Finals connection.
- The NBA has transformed dramatically since 1999, with a surge in three-point shooting led by Stephen Curry, who revolutionized the game, and a faster pace of play compared to the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season.
- Financially, the NBA has grown exponentially, with the average team salary cap increasing from $30 million in 1999 to $154.7 million in the 2024-25 season, and franchise valuations soaring into the billions.
- The league has become more global and competitive, with a significant increase in international players and MVPs, and a recent trend toward parity with no repeat champions since 2018, contrasting with the dominance of dynasties in past decades.