The last couple years have been great seasons for New York’s professional basketball franchises, with both the New York Liberty in the WNBA and the New York Knicks in the NBA showcasing significant success in the postseason. Each team has enjoyed standout performances, perfect roster additions, and thrilling playoff runs that have reignited excitement for New York basketball fans.
New York Liberty: A Season to Remember
The New York Liberty’s 2023 campaign was historic in multiple ways, thanks to major additions to the roster and impressive team chemistry. The Liberty secured the services of WNBA all-stars and future Hall of Famers in Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Courtney Vandersloot in what many deemed a super team formation.
After spending her entire WNBA career in Seattle and bringing them two WNBA championships, Stewart came to New York to provide the team with leadership, offensive firepower, defensive energy and championship experience. Joining Stewart in the front court is Jonquel Jones. who moved on from the Connecticut Sun, offered a dominant inside presence. Vandersloot is one of the league’s best point guards of all-time and owner of several WNBA assist records, added exceptional playmaking and postseason experience, making the Liberty a well-rounded contender.
This star-studded roster lived up to the hype, finishing the regular season with a stellar 32-8 record, the best in franchise history. Stewart emerged as a scoring and rebounding force, while Sabrina Ionescu contributed significant scoring and playmaking. The Liberty advanced through the playoffs, reaching the WNBA Finals for the first time in over two decades, where they faced off against the Las Vegas Aces. Although they fell short in the Finals to the Aces, the Liberty’s incredible performances and star power reignited the WNBA in New York and set a solid foundation for future success.
One notable accomplishment was Ionescu’s performance in the three-point contest during All-Star Weekend, where she set a WNBA record by hitting 37 of 40 possible points. The Liberty’s roster cohesion and standout individual efforts led to increased fan engagement and contributed to the league’s growing popularity, particularly in New York City.
It wasn’t just the players, but the Liberty’s mascot Ellie the Elephant has also risen to fame fueled by dance routines and Tik Tok viral moments at home games, in the last year. Ellie made her debut in 2023 as the first official mascot for the Liberty, bringing a unique blend of sass, attitude, charisma, sexuality and an endearing connection with fans. As a part of the Liberty’s rebranding efforts, she was introduced to engage younger audiences and add more excitement to the game-day experience. Ellie’s twerking and one long gray braid combined with her presence at community events and social media engagement, has made the Liberty’s marketing team look like geniuses.
@espnw Ellie knows how to get DOWN #dance #wnba #liberty #basketball ♬ dance the night away sped – ⭐️
New York Knicks: Resurgence in the NBA
The New York Knicks also experienced a strong resurgence during the 2023-24 NBA season. Following years of rebuilding and inconsistency, the Knicks finally found the formula for success, boasting a balanced roster led by key players Jalen Brunson, Jason Hart and Julius Randle. The team overachieved in the regular season with an impressive 50-32 record.
Brunson emerged as the team’s leader on and off the court, providing crucial scoring and clutch performances throughout the season. Randle, meanwhile, continued his All-Star form. Donte DiVincenzo was hitting threes and along with Hart and Isaiah Hartenstein, crashed the boards for extra possessions. Deuce McBride provided unexpected scoring off the bench. You put that altogether and Madison Square Garden was exploding in and out of the world famous arena.
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In the 2024 Playoffs, the Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, marking their deepest playoff run since the 2012-13 season. Although they were eventually eliminated by the Boston Celtics, the Knicks’ playoff journey showcased their ability to compete at a high level. Brunson’s leadership and the team’s collective effort throughout the playoffs gave New York fans a renewed sense of pride in their storied franchise. To put it more succinctly: New York City was buzzing after every playoff win.
Even after an excellent and exciting 2023-24 season, New York has a lot to look forward to. According to the odds by Fanduel, the Knicks’ acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges have significantly boosted their odds of being on top in the Eastern Conference for the upcoming 2025 season. Whatever you think of Towns, one thing he can do is provide scoring. And while the loss of DiVincenzo hurts, bringing in Bridges defensive versatility and three-point shooting will help make up for Donte’s contributions.
Towns, an elite center known for his versatility, scoring ability, and rebounding, joins a roster that already features stars like Brunson and Bridges. With Towns’ ability to stretch the floor and dominate in the paint, the Knicks are now considered serious contenders in a competitive Eastern Conference, positioning themselves for another deep playoff run in the 2025 NBA Playoffs
New York Basketball’s Bright Future
Known as the Mecca of basketball, New York City’s reputation as the center of basketball has been challenged in recent decades by Los Angeles, Chicago, and the DM. However with the recent successes of the New York Liberty and the New York Knicks may be ushering in a new era for New York basketball.
The Liberty, with their super team formation and two consecutive WNBA Finals appearances, have proven that they are ready to be a perennial contender in the WNBA. Their success has helped boost the visibility of women’s basketball, particularly in a market as influential as New York.
It’s been a couple decades since the Knicks have done anything worthwhile in the postseason. This new iteration of the ‘Nova Knicks have brought playoff excitement back to Madison Square Garden, demonstrating that they are no longer a rebuilding team but a legitimate force in the Eastern Conference. With a talented roster led by Brunson, James Dolan being less visible and the additional of Towns, the Knicks are poised for deeper runs into the playoffs in the next couple years.
Both teams have provided New York fans with a thrilling basketball season, and with the talent, leadership, and fan support behind them, the future of New York basketball looks promising for both the Liberty and the Knicks.
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