A timeline of Knicks’ misery and hope between 1999 and 2026 NBA Finals

The New York Knicks have reached the 2026 NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, ending a 27-year absence from the championship series. The stretch between finals appearances was marked by failed transactions, coaching changes, and disappointing players such as Jerome James, Eddy Curry, and Joakim Noah. Madison Square Garden is set to host NBA Finals games once again, bringing relief to a long-suffering fanbase.