1999 Magical Run: Motivation for the 2009 Knicks

The magical run that the 1999 New York Knicks had to the NBA Finals will always be embedded in every Knick fan's memory.

From GM Ernie Grunfeld getting fired in mid-season, to Allan Houston's game-winning runner against the Heat, to Larry Johnson's 4 point play in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers, that entire season will forever go down as one of the greatest in Knick history.

The greatest part about that season is that fact that New York became the first No. 8 seed ever to reach the NBA Finals.

That statistic right there should motivate the 2009 New York Knicks and should make them believe that they have a chance to bring home the championship trophy.

Like this year's Knick team, the 1999 team didn't have fantastic, superstar players either.

Patrick Ewing's knee was getting worse as the season went on, Latrell Sprewell was very unlikable by fans and officials of the NBA, and people were questioning if Larry Johnson was still the superstar player he once was.

Even with all that blowing around them, coach Jeff Van Gundy led his team into battle every night, having the confidence and knowing that his team can compete for an NBA Championship.

The 2009-10 Knicks should have that same mentality when they enter the season as underdogs in the Eastern Conference.

For the past couple of years, the Knicks have been the laughing stock of the NBA, but this year's team should have the strength and willpower to stop that.

The unbelievable 1999 run the Knicks had should be motivation for the 2009 Knicks to climb out of the cellar of the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference, and bring a winning attitude back to New York City.

*Also check this article that I have written on MetroAreaSports.Blogspot.com