Landry Shamet revels in return to place he became Knicks’ playoff folk hero

CLEVELAND — It had been more than five months since the Knicks stepped inside Rocket Arena, where they conquered the East in a resounding sweep of the Cavaliers to clinch their first NBA Finals berth in 26 years.

It was in that Eastern Conference finals that Landry Shamet emerged as a folk hero, beginning with his instantly iconic game-tying 3-pointer that miraculously bounced in during the 22-point fourth quarter comeback in Game 1.

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After being ousted from the rotation in the first round, Shamet went 11-for-12 on 3-pointers against the Cavaliers, setting a single-series postseason record.

When Shamet returned to the site of the team’s celebration Saturday morning, he was welcomed by some of the best memories of his career.

“It’s human nature, you’re gonna revert back and think back to the last time you were in the building,” Shamet said before scoring nine points in the Knicks’ 109-97 win over the Cavaliers on Saturday night. “I had a quick little firing of that walking in for shootaround, but I think the general sense was that was last year. That was great. You can have those memories and hang on to that as long as we want, but ultimately this year is a new year and a new endeavor.”

Landry Shamet shoots a jumper during the Knicks game against the Cavaliers on Nov. 7, 2026 in Cleveland. NBAE via Getty Images

Shamet’s ninth season in the league is unlike any he’s experienced.

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After spending his first six years with five teams, Shamet has started his third straight season with the same team for the first time.

After playing on nonguaranteed deals the past two seasons in New York — and claiming the final roster spot last fall — Shamet, 29, is now in the first year of a four-year, $24 million contract that he signed with the Knicks this summer.

Landry Shamet hits a 3-pointer during the Knicks’ Game 1 win over the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals, a game in which he became a folk hero. Jason Szenes for New York Post

“The biggest thing is just being comfortable with the guys on the floor, second year with [head coach] Mike [Brown],” said Shamet who started for the injured Josh Hart…

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Publish date : 2026-11-08 02:23:00

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