The excitement surrounding star player Jalen Brunson was evident when he learned about the astronomical cost of the most affordable seat for the upcoming Game 3 matchup between New York and San Antonio at Madison Square Garden – a staggering $7,500 on resale platforms.
When asked what entertainment would justify such an expense, the Knicks standout needed a moment to consider his response.
“That’s a good question,” Brunson remarked on Thursday, taking several seconds to think before responding: “A live Michael Jackson performance.”
The excitement is certainly electrifying.
Across all five boroughs, New York has embraced basketball fever like never before.
Not only has the franchise reached the championship series for the first time since 1997, but they’ve also maintained a perfect 12-0 streak following their comeback victory over San Antonio. After trailing by 14 points in the second half, New York secured a 105-95 triumph in Wednesday evening’s opener. The second contest takes place Friday evening in San Antonio before action returns to New York on Monday.
The entire metropolitan area appears united in support. Thousands packed Madison Square Garden to view the contest on large screens, while equally impressive crowds gathered outside beneath the Empire State Building, which was illuminated in the team’s signature blue and orange.
The MTA — the city’s transit authority — joined the celebration by decorating multiple subway stations near the arena with team colors. Mayor Zohran Mamdani even issued an executive order temporarily extending children’s bedtime hours.
“Knicks in Four!” echoed through the streets past midnight as supporters climbed streetlights and even scaled an ambulance parked outside MSG.
Comparable celebrations occurred at a complimentary viewing event in Central Park and throughout all boroughs.
Outside a Brooklyn establishment, patrons overflowed onto the sidewalk to catch the action on indoor televisions. At a nearby pizza shop, supporters gathered around a television someone had positioned in a vehicle’s open trunk.
This enthusiasm stems from the possibility of witnessing history 53 years in the making, dating back to when Willis Reed and his teammates last delivered an NBA championship to this basketball-obsessed city. The local excitement has overshadowed much discussion about the World Cup, which begins next week.
“Honestly, I just feel grateful to be here and experience the New York Knicks, doing what we haven’t done in a long time,” Owen Odigie expressed while celebrating the Game 1 victory inside Madison Square Garden. “It’s special. It’s beautiful.”
Forward Karl-Anthony Towns sensed the metropolitan area’s energy from approximately 1,800 miles away in San Antonio after the opening game.
“You feel the energy in the city, the grit, the grind, the hard work you’ve got to put in to make it in the city,” commented Towns, a New Jersey native. “I think we reflect all our fans … when we step on that court with a Knicks jersey.”
New York supporters made their mark in San Antonio as well, joining recognizable celebrities including Spike Lee, Tracy Morgan, Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller and others. Approximately 20% of the San Antonio audience consisted of Knicks supporters, some making themselves heard by chanting “Let’s go, Knicks” during the national anthem.
Considering the expensive home ticket prices, traveling to San Antonio proved more economical for many fans, even factoring in airfare and accommodation expenses. Opening game tickets in San Antonio began around $750 on resale markets.
San Antonio guard Julian Champagnie — a New York native — anticipated seeing the visiting fan contingent.
“I kind of expected that,” Champagnie commented. “I’m from New York. I know how New York fans travel and stuff like that, so I kind of expected that.”
