A Hit-And-Miss Journey: The Biggest Disappointments in the New York Knicks' History

Throughout the history of the New York Knicks, fans have experienced a myriad of joys and heartbreaks. From memorable victories to crushing defeats, this article delves into some of the biggest disappointments in the Knicks' storied history. Let us explore the moments that still make fans cringe after all these years.

The Pain of Missing Opportunities

1. Zion Williamson Passing

One of the most ??nh click-bate moments was the team passing up on Zion Williamson. It was on a Fourth of July weekend in 2019, a day marked by intense heat. The incident occurred when ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, known for his passionate commentary, was visibly upset. Compared to a 20-year-old RJ Barrett hitting someone with a car, he seemed to repute Zion as the far superior choice. This miss has left fans yearning for a franchise-changing addition to the team.

2. Steve Starks in Game 6 of the Finals

One of the most desirable moments in Finals history could have belonged to the Knicks if Steve Starks had made his shot in Game 6 in Houston. Instead of leading them to a championship, his shot was blocked by Hakeem Olajuwon. The lost opportunity is comparable to Kirby Puckett’s miraculous hit when forfeiting Charlie Liebrandt's 11th-inning record in 1991. This moment echoes the seemingly endless 11-year wait for the Knicks to end their winless streak in the Finals.

3. Patrick Ewing’s Miss in Game 7 of Round 2 (1995)

Prior to the triumphant 1999 season with Jeff Van Gundy as the 8th seed, Patrick Ewing’s miss in Game 7 at home in Round 2 in 1995 stands as a poignant reminder of the missed opportunity. This miss legitimized the Game 1 Reggie Miller shot that sent the Pacers a victory in New York, which they swiftly won over Orlando. This moment also symbolizes the decline of the Knicks’ golden era, ending not merely due to Ewing's miss, but due to Pat Riley's ambitious vision to be both the coach and General Manager, an offer Miami gladly accepted.

4. Steve Starks in Game 7 in Houston (1995)

In Game 7 of the 1995 Eastern Conference finals, Steve Starks’ missed three attempts stand as one of the cruelest disappointments. The situation eerily mirrored the author's first encounter with the anxiety of playing bigger high school kids. The missed shots, combined with Starks' poor decision-making and lack of coordination, led to a series of unforced errors that left frustrated fans in a state of disbelief and sadness.

5. Charles Smith's Miss in Game 5 of the 1993 Eastern Finals

Another significant miss occurred in Game 5 of the 1993 Eastern finals. Charles Smith had four missed attempts, with the final two being blocked by Michael Jordan. The final two were particularly agonizing as Pippen stood waiting patiently, and the Bulls eventually defeated the Knicks in a decisive manner, marking the end of what was seemingly the Knicks' best era during the author's lifetime.

In conclusion, the history of the New York Knicks is replete with heart-stopping moments, some more memorable than others. While these disappointments often linger in the minds of passionate fans, they also serve as lessons and fuel for fan fervor and team improvement.