New York Knicks NBA Finals history: When did the Knicks last win a championship?

June 2, 2026 NBA News

After a 27-year drought, the New York Knicks are back in the NBA Finals and against a familiar opponent — the San Antonio Spurs.

In their last trip to the championship series, the Knicks lost in five games to the Spurs, who began their run of five titles in 15 years.

Postseason success has been a more agonizing story for the Knicks, who made the playoffs only seven times in the 22 seasons following their 1999 Finals defeat.

They have since made the postseason in four consecutive years. They made the Eastern Conference Finals the past two seasons, breaking through to the title round this year with a sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

New York Knicks v San Antonio Spurs

New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs NBA Finals predictions: Spurs or Knicks, expect a long series

All of our experts see a series going at least six games.

With the NBA Finals beginning Wednesday, June 3, here’s a look at the Spurs’ championship history:

When was the last time the Knicks won a championship?

In 1973, the Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 in a series that featured Hall of Famers Jerry Lucas, Willis Reed, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, Phil Jackson, Dick Barnett, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West and

Gail Goodrich.

After the Lakers won 115-112 in Game 1, the Knicks captured the championship with four consecutive victories, closing out the series with a 102-93 road victory in Inglewood, California (the last NBA game played by legendary Wilt Chamberlain).

How many championships do the Knicks have?

Two titles for a franchise that began playing with the 1946-47 season (in the Basketball Association of America; joining the NBA when it was formed in 1949).

1970: 4-3 over the Los Angeles Lakers; MVP: Willis Reed

1973: 4-1 over the Los Angeles Lakers; MVP: Willis Reed

When was the last time the Knicks were in the NBA Finals?

The most recent appearance was in 1999, a 4-1 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.