The New York Knicks ended 53 years of title drought in their most recent NBA campaign. It was a culmination of their improved competitiveness over the past couple of seasons that sent the Big Apple buzzing.
As the Knicks made their way to the league title, their fans were also spotlighted, showing strong commitment and support for their favorite team. They were there every step of the way, even going in huge numbers to rival arenas in the playoffs.
Their tremendous backing was rewarded in a big way by the Knicks, who fashioned one of the most impressive postseason runs in league history. They went 16-3, sweeping two rounds in the Eastern Conference while showcasing a never-say-die spirit in the NBA Finals to top the San Antonio Spurs in five games.
That Knicks fans were overwhelmingly supportive of their team was not at all surprising for former NBA player Nate Robinson , who experienced it firsthand during his early years in the league.
He shared it on the "Point Game Podcast" of Isaiah Thomas , pointing out that New York fans are programmed to be unwavering in their support, be it good times or bad times.
"It was surreal to see them actually win it. I mean, I knew from last year when they lost in the Eastern Conference Finals. I knew that they had, you know, something special. The energy in the Garden is way different when you're winning. Like I was a part of it when we were losing, but it was still lit. Like the fans always show love," Robinson fondly shared .
"The fans show love to people that work hard, that play hard for the fans, like for the city. You know, it's been 53 years since the Knicks won it… I think that this is like the perfect time to win it. And hopefully it's not another 53 years before they win it again," he added.
Robinson, 42, spent his first five years in the NBA with the Knicks after being traded there on draft night in 2005. He held his own as a point guard despite standing below six feet, developing into one of the more reliable backups during his run in New York.
He had Knicks career averages of 12.5 points and 2.8 assists while becoming a three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner. The team, however, failed to make it to the playoffs in each of his years with the squad.
Legendary NBA big man Shaquille O'Neal is another who has vouched for how special Knicks fans are with their support. "Diesel" saw a lot of them early in his career with the Orlando Magic in their battles with New York out in the East.
He spoke about it in his recent appearance on "The Rich Eisen Show," highlighting how the fans stuck with their team and always believed it would win.
"Well, Knicks fans think they're going to win every year, and they're loyal. They never switch up. Ever since I've been going up against the great Patrick Ewing and Larry Johnson and the great Charles Oakley, they always said, 'We're going to win. We're going to win. We're going to win,'" O'Neal said .
"And then when they lose, they go, 'Okay, don't worry about it. We'll get them next year. We'll get them next year. We'll get them next year," he continued.
Following the Knicks' title conquest, fans from across the city celebrated the end of the drought, which is only fitting for a group that was there for the orange and blue through thick and thin.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jul 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
