As one of the oldest and most legendary teams in the NBA, the New York Knicks have had their fair share of rivals over the years. From heated matchups against other East Coast teams to intense conference battles, the Knicks have faced off against some of the toughest competitors in the league.
The Boston Celtics
Perhaps the Knicks’ most storied rival, the Boston Celtics have a long and bitter history with New York. With both teams founding members of the NBA, this rivalry dates back to the very beginning of the league. The two teams have faced off in several high-stakes playoff matchups, and the intensity of these games is palpable.
From Larry Bird to Paul Pierce, the Celtics have had some of the most iconic players in NBA history, and their fans are some of the most passionate in the league. When these two teams face off, you can expect nothing less than intense, high-energy basketball.
The Chicago Bulls
During the late 80s and early 90s, the Knicks and Bulls were two of the most dominant teams in the Eastern Conference. Led by Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, the Bulls were a powerhouse that the Knicks had to contend with year after year.
The rivalry between these two teams was intense, with players on both sides often getting into heated arguments and scuffles on the court. Despite the bad blood, many of the games between these two teams were instant classics, with both sides leaving everything on the court.
The Miami Heat
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the Knicks and Heat were two of the most competitive teams in the Eastern Conference. With superstars like Dwyane Wade and LeBron James leading the way for Miami, the Heat were a force to be reckoned with.
The rivalry between these two teams was fueled by a mutual dislike and a desire to prove superiority over the other. The intensity of their matchups was always high, with players on both sides pushing themselves to the limit to secure a victory.
The Brooklyn Nets
As two teams located in the same city, the Knicks and Nets have a natural rivalry that has only intensified since the Nets moved to Brooklyn in 2012. With both teams vying for dominance in New York City, the intensity of their matchups has only increased over the years.
While the Nets have only recently become a competitive team, they have already established themselves as a formidable opponent for the Knicks. With rising stars like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant leading the way, the Nets will likely continue to be a thorn in the Knicks’ side for years to come.
Conclusion
While the Knicks have had many rivals over the years, the intensity of their matchups with these teams has only fueled their passion for the game. Whether it’s the Celtics, Bulls, Heat, or Nets, the Knicks will always bring their best to the court when facing off against their fiercest competitors.
