NBA Playoffs 2011: The 15 Best Playoff Performances in New York Knicks History
The New York Knicks are officially out of the playoffs after the Boston Celtics completed the sweep Sunday afternoon.
While this is an abysmal time for Knicks fans, they must take into account the positives coming out of this series.
Yes, the Knicks were swept, but they were far from full strength all series, except for Game 1, which they should have won. And when they are fully healthy, they have shown that they are on the right path to success.
Furthermore, Knicks fans should also take solace in knowing that Carmelo Anthony was worth what New York gave up for him. He proved, through his Game 2 performance, that he was a big-time player, and put many skeptics to rest in the process.
Anthony posted 42 points, 17 rebounds, six assists and two blocks in New York's loss. It must be noted how much he carried the team during that game. The Knicks were without both Chauncey Billups and Amar'e Stoudemire for most of the game, and Anthony helped the Knicks remain competitive to the final buzzer.
As we mourn the early playoff exit, let us take a look at the following slides to see where Anthony's Game 2 display falls in the 15 most clutch postseason performances in Knicks history.
If nothing else, let this slide show be a temporary escape from the dismal reality we are currently trying to cope with, by reliving the most clutch performances in New York's postseason history.
No. 15: Patrick Ewing in Game 4 of the First Round of 1990 NBA Playoffs
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After New York came off a Game 3 victory to avoid being eliminated by the Celtics, they looked to Patrick Ewing for leadership to force a deciding Game 5.
Ewing exceeded expectations. He exploded on the offensive end and scored 44 points to lead the Knicks to a blowout 135-108 victory over Boston and force the deciding game.
New York would go on to win Game 5, thanks to another clutch performance (as noted later on) by Ewing.
When the Knicks fell down 2-0 in the series, there was little doubt in everyone's mind that the Celtics would win the series. And even after the Knicks stole Game 3, New York was still counted out.
Ewing brought them back into playoff relevance that year. He carried the offensive burden in Game 4 in the most emphatic of fashions. The Celtics had no answer for him in the low post, and he took advantage of every opportunity they gave him.
Whenever Ewing touched the ball, it seemed that something special was about to happen, and it could not have come at a more perfect time. He delivered in crunch time, yet again.
Because of this, combined with the fact that he carried the Knicks to victory to force a Game 5, his display of offensive talent ranks as one of the most clutch postseason performances in Knicks history.
No. 14: Bernard King in Game 6 of 1984 Eastern Conference Semifinals
2 of 15With the Knicks down 3-2 in the series and facing elimination, New York needed a catalyst to propel them to victory over Boston in Game 6 of the 1984 Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Bernard King proved to be just the spark that the Knicks needed.
He posted 44 points to lead the Knicks to a 106-104 victory and force a Game 7. New York would go on to lose Game 7, but they nonetheless had the opportunity to take the series.
King was simply amazing down the stretch of Game 6. When Boston cut a 13-point deficit to two with less than 30 seconds to play, there were murmurs of an imminent Knicks collapse.
However, Boston missed numerous game-tying shots in the final seconds under heavy pressure from New York's defense. King's performance was a motivation to his entire team. He took center stage when the Knicks desperately needed someone to take the helm.
He broke down the Celtics defense and battled for each of his 44 points. It was a performance to remember. It gave the Knicks hope and the chance to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. While New York squandered that opportunity, it is because of King's impressive play that they went as far as they did.
And that very fact makes King's Game 6 explosion one of the most clutch postseason performances in Knicks history.
No. 13: Carmelo Anthony in Game 2 of the First Round of 2011 NBA Playoffs
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Carmelo Anthony's performance in Game 2 against the Boston Celtics this year was nothing short of mind blowing.
He scored 42 points to 17 rebounds and six assists. Moreover, five of his rebounds were offensive rebounds. He crashed the glass like many have never seen him do before.
The Knicks wound up losing Game 2 by a score of 96-93, but Anthony's performance was still one of the most clutch postseason performances in Knicks history.
New York was without starting point guard Chauncey Billups for the entire game, and Amar'e Stoudemire left the game for good near the end of the first half with back spasms. Led by Anthony, the Knicks remained competitive the entire game and even held the lead with 19 seconds to go.
Unfortunately, New York couldn't close it out, but Anthony simply shined. For most of the game, Anthony was playing with the Knicks backups, including Roger Mason, who hadn't seen much playing time all season.
There was no better time for Anthony to explode than in that game. With two out of their three stars down, New York needed Anthony more than ever.
And he delivered. His performance prompted many skeptics regarding the mid-season trade to eat their words. Columnist Ian O'Connor even went so far as to call Anthony's performance "Bernard King-like," and it is hard to disagree.
Even though New York could not close out the game, the fact that they were even in position to do so is because of Anthony, making the clinic he put on in Game 2, one of the most clutch postseason performances in Knicks history.
No. 12: Patrick Ewing in Game 1 of 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals
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This is the second of multiple appearances for Patrick Ewing on this list, and it isn't even the last for this series.
After losing to the Michael Jordan-led Bulls in 1989 and 1991, the Knicks desperately needed to get off to a good start in the 1992 semifinals. And Ewing helped them do just that.
In Game 1, Ewing put up 34 points, 16 rebounds and six blocks to lead the Knicks to a 94-89 victory over Chicago. Even though New York went on to lose the series in seven games, Ewing's performance was extremely beneficial.
In 1989, the Knicks lost to the Bulls in six games, and then in 1991, Chicago swept them in the first round. New York wasn't thought of as a real threat to the Bulls at this point. Jordan and company had played extremely well against them in all of their postseason meetings.
This time around, however, Ewing sent a message to Chicago that this series would not be nearly as easy as the previous two. He carried the Knicks that game and set the tone for what would become a grueling seven game series.
Without Ewing's performance in Game 1, New York could have very well lost, thus shattering their confidence. They may not have been able to push the Bulls as far as they did without it.
Yes, the Knicks lost the series, but Ewing did all he could to prevent that from happening, especially in the opening game.
Ewing's performance in Game 1 was nothing short of heroic, making it a lock to be considered one of the most clutch postseason performances in Knicks' history.
No. 11: Larry Johnson in Game 3 of the 1999 Easter Conference Finals
5 of 15During the course of the Knicks' incredible 1999 postseason run, many different players stepped up to assume the role of the hero.
Larry Johnson took his turn in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers.
With just under 12 seconds left, the Knicks had the ball and trailed the Pacers 91-88. Indiana seemed to have the game under wraps.
However, Johnson held the ball off the inbounds and dribbled left. He pulled up for a three-pointer, drawing the foul on Pacers' Antonio Davis while sinking the three.
Johnson proceeded to nail the free throw to complete the four-point play and give the Knicks a 92-91 victory.
New York went on to win the series in six games. Had it not been for Johnson's clutch performance in Game 3, the Knicks would have had to play a Game 7, or may not have even maintained enough momentum to win any other games in the series.
However, behind Johnson's Game 3 heroics, the Knicks defeated the Pacers and headed to the NBA Finals, becoming the first eighth seed to do so.
This all combines to make Johnson's Game 3 performance one of the most clutch in New York's postseason history.
No. 10: Patrick Ewing in Game 6 of 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals
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With the Knicks facing elimination in Game 6 of the 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, Ewing became a savior.
New York trailed 3-2 in the series, with Ewing suffering from a bad ankle sprain all the while. As a result, not many people anticipated the Knicks forcing a Game 7.
However, in what many people have deemed a "Willis Reed moment," Ewing played through his injuries, believing that it was best for the team if he played.
Oh, was he right.
Ewing torched the Bulls for 27 points that game, and the Knicks defeated the Bulls 100-86. Without Ewing's fire and grit on the floor, New York may not have won that game.
But Ewing came through in the clutch.
New York would go on to lose the series-deciding Game 7, but Ewing's performance was a high point. He played through injury to make sure his Knicks had the best possible chance to win the series.
And you have to respect that.
No. 9: Charlie Ward in Game 4 of the 2000 Eastern Conference Semifinals
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In the 2000 Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Knicks found themselves down 2-1 against the Miami Heat, when in Game 4, they gained momentum that would carry them through the rest of the series on the back of an unlikely hero.
Charlie Ward scored 21 points to lead the Knicks to a 91-83 victory over the Heat in Game 4. The game proved to be crucial with the series headed for seven games.
Ward, while a stellar player and legitimate three-point threat, was not known for putting up big offensive numbers. He was not considered a game changer by any means.
However, Ward stepped up and delivered for the Knicks in this situation. If New York had lost, they would have been facing an almost insurmountable deficit at 3-1. Instead, Ward led the Knicks to tie that series at two games apiece.
Ward's heroics were a bit surprising, though, even to the Madison Square Garden crowd, which was chanting his name by the end of regulation. He only averaged six points a game for his career, and during the 1999-2000 season, he averaged just over seven points.
The Knicks valued Ward more for his passing capabilities and defensive prowess, not his scoring ability. Ward simply delivered, though, for the Knicks, and led their series resurgence.
New York gained momentum with their Game 4 victory and battled it out with Miami over the next three games, an opportunity that they thank Ward for.
Knowing what the Knicks would have been up against should they have lost, and the unlikely circumstances of his heroics, Ward's Game 4 accomplishment against Miami is a clear choice for one of New York's most clutch postseason performances of all time.
No. 8: Bernard King in Game 5 of the First Round of 1984 NBA Playoffs
8 of 15Bernard King had one of the most clutch postseason performances in New York history in a first-round series deciding Game 5 against the Detroit Pistons in 1984.
Detroit's Isiah Thomas scored 16 points in 94 seconds to force the game into overtime, and just when it looked like the Knicks were about to collapse, King stepped up.
Thomas has 35 points and 12 assists on the night, but King had an answer for him with 44 points of his own. He averaged over 40 points a game in that series as a whole.
It is not a stretch to say that New York loses that game in overtime if King doesn't step up and lead the team. The Knicks had not made any real significant noise in the playoffs since 1974, and after losing Game 4, confidence was wavering.
But fortunately for the Knicks, King had the confidence to carry the team to victory and prolong New York's postseason. His series-long battle with Thomas was nothing short of magnificent.
While Thomas' 16 points in a minute and a half was a phenomenal feat, King's clutch performance stole the show. His 44 points in Game 5 was the difference between the Knicks going home early and extending their postseason run.
And that makes King's Game 5 performance undoubtedly one of the most clutch postseason performances in Knicks history.
No. 7: Patrick Ewing in Game 5 of the 1994 NBA Finals
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In Game 5 of the 1994 NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets, Ewing led the Knicks to a victory with his magnificent defense.
The victory gave New York a 3-2 series lead, although they would blow the next two games to fall to the Rockets in seven games.
Ewing posted a then-NBA-record eight blocks during the game, and was unstoppable in the low post. Additionally, Ewing also achieved another NBA record at the time by blocking 30 shots over the series. The record was later broken by Tim Duncan.
His offense was also a catalyst for the Knicks. He averaged over 24 points and 11 rebounds for the series; the Rockets had no answer for him.
The Game 5 win was a crucial one for the Knicks. John Starks was not playing all that well, and the Knicks leaned on Ewing for offensive and defensive production, which he obviously delivered. He put the Knicks in a position to bring home their third NBA title, and while they failed to do so, Ewing still came through in the clutch time and time again.
Ewing's performance in Game 5, especially defensively, was historic. It yet again proved that down the stretch, he was the one the Knicks could count on. He broke records in that game and that series, proving just how clutch of a player he truly is.
Blocking eight shots in one game, an NBA Finals game no less, is nothing short of astounding. And it is because of this that Ewing makes the list, yet again, for one of the most clutch postseason performances in New York's history.
No. 6: Walt "Clyde" Frazier in Game 4 of the 1973 Eastern Conference Finals
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Walt Clyde Frazier led the way for the Knicks in Game 4 of the 1973 Eastern Conference Finals.
With New York down 17 points late in the second half, Frazier pushed his team back into the game. He was an offensive machine down the stretch. Or, as Clyde himself would say, he kept "dishing and swishing" to catapult the Knicks back into the game.
He scored 37 points to go along with nine rebounds and four assists, as the Knicks came back to beat the Celtics 117-110 in double overtime to take a 3-1 series lead. New York's impressive comeback resulted in a stronger sense of community and confidence, which carried them all the way through the NBA Finals and to their second ever NBA championship.
Could the Knicks have come back in Game 4 without Frazier?
Absolutely not.
His flamboyant style of play gave him modern-day swagger, and he carried New York throughout the course of this game in every way possible.
This notorious performance by Frazier pushed the Knicks toward their second NBA title and was definitely one of the most clutch postseason performances in New York history.
No. 5: Patrick Ewing in Game 5 of the First Round of 1990 NBA Playoffs
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Tired of Patrick Ewing's face frequenting these slides?
Well, imagine how these various opposing teams felt, having to endure such epic performances by Ewing.
In the first round of the 1990 NBA playoffs, the Knicks fell behind the Celtics 2-0. All signs pointed to Larry Bird and company sending the Knicks home early.
Ewing would not let that happen.
After the Knicks rallied to win Games 3 and 4, they entered Game 5 with plenty of momentum. And Ewing played into the hype.
He scored 31 points to go along with 10 assists and eight rebounds. Ewing was only two rebounds away from a triple-double, but it didn't matter. His performance was enough to push the Knicks past the Celtics 121-114.
It was only the third time in NBA history that a team had come back from a 2-0 deficit to win the series. And without Ewing, New York's run would not have been possible. He did extraordinary things on the basketball court to close out the series.
Big games bring out the best in great players. And Ewing was one of the greatest there ever was.
His relentless effort on offense and defense led the Knicks to an improbable turnaround, and Game 5 was no exception. He pushed himself and his team to the limit, extending New York's postseason, and thus clinching yet another spot in the most clutch postseason performances in Knicks history.
No. 4: Allan Houston in Game 5 of the First Round of 1999 NBA Playoffs
12 of 15Every Knicks fan remembers this performance.
With just over four seconds remaining, and the Heat ahead of the Knicks 77-76, Houston caught the ball on an inbounds pass from Charlie Ward.
Houston dribbled once and then hit a running jumper with less than a second left on the clock to give the Knicks a 78-77 victory.
The shot was one of the most clutch shots in Knicks history. Houston's performance enabled the No. 8-seed Knicks to knock off the top seed and advance to the next round of the playoffs.
This performance became even more crucial when the Knicks went on to become the first No. 8 seed in NBA history to make it to the NBA Finals.
If not for Houston's Game 5 heroics, New York never would have had the opportunity to make history the way that they did that postseason.
And that makes it one of the most clutch postseason performances in New York Knicks history.
No. 3: Patrick Ewing in Game 7 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals
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After the Knicks squandered a 2-0 series lead in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals, New York looked to Ewing to get them back in the series after falling behind 3-2 to the Indiana Pacers.
Ewing propelled the Knicks to victory in Game 6 and proceeded to have one of the most prolific games of his career in Game 7.
The Knicks were able to stave off the Pacers 94-90 in the deciding game behind Ewing's 24 points and 22 rebounds. His performance helped the Knicks reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1973.
New York seemed ready to fall apart after blowing a 2-0 lead in the series, but Ewing refused to yield to the Reggie Miller and the Pacers.
In Game 5, Miller dropped 39 points on the Knicks, 25 of which came in the fourth quarter, and his performance seemed to completely shatter any confidence the Knicks had left. And while it was tough for Ewing to lead the Knicks to victory in Game 6, their Game 7 win was even tougher.
However, Ewing was up to the challenge, and with only 30 seconds remaining in the game, he scored the decisive basket off a put-back dunk to put the Knicks ahead for good and secure an NBA finals appearance.
Ewing is about as big a postseason player as they come, which can be easily seen by his numerous appearances in this slide show. But this was perhaps his most clutch performance of them all.
New York, after losing three in a row, seemed to be spiraling downward. Even after Game 6 many had their doubts as to whether the Knicks could close out the series, but Ewing took it upon himself to silence all critics.
Not only did he put on a clinic on the glass, but he had the game deciding basket that clinched it for New York.
His outstanding play, which resulted in the Knicks reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in more than 20 years, makes this a clear choice for one of the most clutch postseason performances in New York Knicks history.
No. 2: Walt "Clyde" Frazier in Game 7 of 1970 NBA Finals
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Walt "Clyde" Frazier is not only known for wowing basketball fans with his incredibly interesting game-analyzing vocabulary. He was quite the player as well.
Frazier had a great career with the Knicks, and one of his finest games came in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers.
His performance that game is often overshadowed by Willis Reed limping out onto the court to play, but Frazier was an integral part of the team's victory.
Frazier, motivated by Reed's toughness, took over the game for the Knicks. He had 36 points and an astounding nine assists to lead the Knicks to a 113-99 victory and their first championship ever.
It was a very impressive performance and could not have come at a more imperative time. Although Reed powered through his injury to play, he was not much of a statistical factor, rather more of an intangible inspiration.
Frazier shouldered the offensive burden for the Knicks and led them to victory. It was as clutch of a performance as there is, making it easily one of the most clutch postseason performances in New York Knicks history.
No. 1: Wilis Reed in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals
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The Knicks were blessed with two clutch performances in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals.
As mentioned, Walt "Clyde" Frazier carried the offensive burden with 36 points and 19 assists to lead the Knicks to their first NBA title.
The real story of that night, though, was Reed.
After sitting out Game 6 with a severely torn muscle, Reed, against all odds, limped onto the court to a roar of applause. No one thought that he could play, but he proved otherwise.
Furthermore, Reed not only started the game, but scored New York's first two field goals as well. These turned out to be his only points of the game, but Reed's resilience was an inspiration to his teammates.
His stats may not have screamed "game changer," but Reed brought something much more valuable to the court that night. He reminded his team, and all of New York, what was at stake. He risked further injury at the chance to bring an NBA title to the Knicks franchise. It was truly a beautiful thing.
Frazier's performance was nothing short of fantastic, but Reed's toughness and inspiration was just as important of a factor, making it the most clutch postseason performances in Knicks history.
