The New York Knicks have made a significant mark in the 2023 NBA playoffs by advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals for only the second time this century. In a thrilling Game 5, the Knicks triumphed over the Boston Celtics, clinching the series 4-1. This remarkable victory follows an impressive performance throughout the series, where New York won the first two games and secured a crucial win in Game 4, setting the stage for this decisive success.
Looking back, the last time the Knicks reached the Eastern Conference Finals was during the 1999-2000 season. Since then, they have had three opportunities to return to this pivotal stage in 2013, 2023, and 2024. Each time, they fell short, including a hard-fought seven-game series against the Indiana Pacers last season. As they celebrate this momentous achievement, it’s essential to reflect on what was happening in the world during their previous appearance in the conference finals on May 23, 2000.
Since the Knicks appointed Tom Thibodeau as head coach in 2020, the team has successfully reached the postseason four times, breaking a seven-year drought. Thibodeau brings a wealth of experience to the franchise, having served as an assistant coach from 1996 to 2003, including during the Knicks' last conference finals appearance. Notably, he coached Rick Brunson, the father of current Knicks star Jalen Brunson. The elder Brunson contributed to the team during their playoff run and now serves as an assistant coach, a role he has embraced since the 2022-23 season. The Knicks bolstered their roster by signing Jalen Brunson in the offseason, adding to their playoff success.
As the Knicks advanced through the playoffs in 2000, the music world was buzzing with hits from Carlos Santana. His song "Smooth," featuring Rob Thomas, had recently topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Following this success, Santana's "Maria Maria" also reached the No. 1 spot, remaining there for an impressive 10 weeks and spending a total of 26 weeks on the charts. This track, featuring the hip-hop duo The Product G&B, won the award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 42nd Grammy Awards. Other notable songs in the top 10 during this time included "Breathe" by Faith Hill at No. 2, "Say My Name" by Destiny's Child at No. 7, "Bye Bye Bye" by *NSYNC at No. 9, and "Try Again" by Aaliyah at No. 10.
In the realm of cinema, the epic film Gladiator was making waves after its release on May 5, 2000. The film went on to become the second-highest-grossing film of the year globally, amassing a staggering $460,583,960. It received a remarkable 12 Oscar nominations at the 73rd Academy Awards, winning five prestigious awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects. The film's success captured audiences' imaginations and remains a hallmark of cinematic achievement.
Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, the playoffs were equally thrilling. The Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers engaged in a gripping seven-game series. The Blazers, facing elimination, managed to force a decisive Game 7 after being down three games to one. In a nail-biting finish, Portland held a 15-point lead with just 10 minutes to go, but the Lakers rallied back to secure the victory. An iconic alley-oop from Kobe Bryant to Shaquille O'Neal sealed the deal, giving Los Angeles a six-point lead with only 41 seconds left, a lead they maintained to win the series.
As the Knicks celebrate their return to the Eastern Conference Finals, fans are filled with hope for a bright future, reminiscent of the glory days in 2000. With a formidable roster and experienced coaching staff, the Knicks are poised to make a deep playoff run and potentially capture their first championship since 1973.
