https://youtu.be/WM0Gpz6TNXw
5. 1998-99: An Improbable Finals Run
- Regular season record: 27-23 (Lockout shortened season)
- Head coach: Jeff Van Gundy
- Scoring Leader: Patrick Ewing (17.4 PPG)
- Rebounding Leader: Patrick Ewing (9.9 RPG)
- Assists Leader: Charlie Ward (5.4 APG)
- ORtg+: 96.5, DRtg+: 95.4
The greatest No. 8 seed of all time.
They were carried by their signature ’90s defense, finishing second in opponent’s effective field goal percentage, fifth in defensive rebound percentage, and 12th in turnover percentage.
The Knicks had the challenge of trying to integrate new acquisitions Marcus Camby and Latrell Sprewell in a short season. The pressure was on both of the new guys as they had replaced fan favorites Charles Oakley and John Starks.
The controversial Sprewell led the Knicks in scoring during their incredible playoff run and Camby led in blocks, field goal percentage, and PER. He was awesome.
It was still 36-year-old Patrick Ewing’s team though. The Hall of Famer battled an Achilles injury that eventually knocked him out of action during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers.
They were able to get by Indiana but without their leader were dominated by the Spurs and their big man duo of David Robinson and Tim Duncan.
