Full Description
The Knicks of the 1990s competed like champions but fell short of their goal. An eclectic group who took divergent, in many cases fascinating paths to New York, they forged an identity as a rugged, relentless squad. Led by a superstar center Patrick Ewing and two captivating coaches--Pat Riley and Jeff Van Gundy--they played David to the Chicago Bulls' Goliath. Despite not winning a championship, they were embraced as champions by New Yorkers and their rivalries with the Bulls, Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat defined NBA basketball for a decade. Drawing on original interviews with players, coaches and others, this narrative rediscovers the brilliance of the Knicks, Ewing and his colorful supporting cast--Charles Oakley, John Starks, Larry Johnson and Latrell Sprewell--in the glory days of Madison Square Garden.
Contents
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments vii
Introduction 1
Prologue 5
Part I: The Riley
1. The Big Fella 9
2. Riley Does Broadway 17
3. Riley's Runts 26
4. Running with the Bulls 36
5. Arranging the Pieces 50
6. Seeing Red 59
7. Jordan Opens the Door 70
8. Road to a Ring 78
9. A Dream Matchup 91
10. Starks Reality 100
11. The Hangover 107
12. Riley's Exit 118
Part II: The Van Gundy
13. The Nellie Experience 125
14. Van Gundy Takes the Whistle 133
15. The Summer of '96 140
16. A Heated Rivalry 150
17. Round Two 161
18. Changes Abound 172
19. A Tumultuous Season 182
20. A Friendly Bounce from Above 192
21. The Twin Towers 207
22. End of an Era 217
Epilogue 229
Chapter Notes 235
Bibliography 275
Index 279
