{"id":851599,"date":"2026-06-07T22:44:17","date_gmt":"2026-06-07T22:44:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/851599\/"},"modified":"2026-06-07T22:44:17","modified_gmt":"2026-06-07T22:44:17","slug":"knicks-fans-pack-plaza-33-as-new-york-rallies-behind-finals-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/851599\/","title":{"rendered":"Knicks fans pack Plaza 33 as New York rallies behind Finals run"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hundreds of Knicks fans filled Plaza 33 ahead of Game 2<\/a> of the NBA Finals on Friday night, where the Eastern Conference Champions would be taking on the San Antonio Spurs. Although the game was in Texas, Madison Square Garden<\/a> was as active as ever, with thousands of New York faithful in and around the stadium.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Attendees were treated to a live DJ, merchandise, and a half-time performance from Danny James, also known as Lil Dee.\n<\/p>\n

Knicks alum Wilson Chandler was also in attendance for the watch party. \u201cEverything is legendary in New York, and everything is magnified here; to be here for the Finals, it\u2019s crazy,\u201d Chandler told amNewYork ahead of tip-off.<\/p>\n

\"largeKnicks fans filled Plaza 33 ahead of Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday night<\/p>\n

The Knicks have been on a tear in the playoffs, winning their last 12 games going into the Game 2 battle. These watch parties have become an important part of the Knicks\u2019 journey to the Finals and have allowed fans to connect over their common love for New York basketball.<\/p>\n

\u201c[It\u2019s been] totally awesome! People from all over the world, all ages, all religions, it doesn\u2019t matter. And the craziness after the game, historical; every night is a parade,\u201d Melinda Gooden, a lifelong Knicks fan, said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s meant the world; I just think about this every time that I come out here being with a community of people. I think this team just represents the soul of the city. It\u2019s just great to be with so many people from so many different backgrounds and just enjoying ourselves united under our common goal,\u201d Zach Kaplan said prior to the start of the game.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0
\n\"groupKnicks fans before Game 2 of the NBA Finals.Courtesy MSG\n<\/p>\n

This historic run has been a long time coming for New York fans after over 27 years without a Finals appearance. And fans in attendance seemed eager to celebrate.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing a Knicks fan was worth the wait; you know it hurts, but at the end of the day it\u2019s gonna be 1 million emotional feelings when the Knicks win the Championship. This year is our year; we\u2019re gonna win it in 4,\u201d Freddy Heredia stated.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Supporters were excited that their team was finally competing for the biggest trophies again.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cWe used to watch the Knicks games, but they\u2019d always get blown out. For me to be able to go here and watch them play and potentially win a ring, it\u2019s the best feeling in the world,\u201d Matthew K said\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Knicks\u2019 success, spearheaded by All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, has created a consistent atmosphere of support home and away for the team during this run. The crowd outside MSG was filled with jerseys and posters of various players.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor Brunson, Josh [Hart] and Towns to bring us here is a blessing. This is everything; this is wonderful. I love it!\u201d Julio Liriano exclaimed\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

\u201cEven though we\u2019re not there, we still have a great fandom around us so they\u2019ll know we\u2019re here supporting them,\u201d Katelyn B, a young fan, said.\n<\/p>\n

Not many sports franchises have as deep a connection with their fans as the Knicks do; those emotions were on full display during Game 2 of the NBA Finals.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the best experience, other than having my kid, this is the best experience ever. I have been dying for this. This is it, we\u2019re about to win a Championship,\u201d Sherwin Crockwell explained.<\/p>\n

The Knicks were able to pull out the tough Game 2 victory, 105-104, to take a commanding 2-0 series lead back with them to the Garden for Game 3 on Monday.\n<\/p>\n

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