NY is Alive
date
Apr 23, 2024
Files & media
slug
NY-Alive
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Published
tags
Knicks
Rangers
summary
New York, a city that hasn’t witnessed much winning in sports lately, is on the precipice of something great.
type
Post
New York, a city that hasn’t witnessed much winning in sports lately, is on the precipice of something great.
Now it’s still early in the NBA’s postseason but as of today, the Knicks control their own destiny, up two games to none on the 76ers heading to Philly for game three on Thursday.
Madison Square Garden has provided an intimidating environment for opposing teams. Not only is MSG teeming with anticipation for the city’s beloved Knicks, but also for the ‘Broadway Blueshirts’ as they swap the hardwood for ice in preparation for game two of the first round against the Washington Capitals, a series in which the Rangers have already stolen the first game.
The President’s Trophy winning Rangers are highly regarded as one of the best all around teams in Hockey and are thought to be the favorites in this years race for the cup.
For years as fans we sat back witnessing Henrik Lundqvist and the stacked Rangers teams of the early 2010s be incessantly dominant, but ultimately fall short time and time again in the playoffs. The ‘Knickstape’ era for the Knicks under the reign of the homegrown star Carmelo Anthony gave us countless memories, but no championship.
The Rangers haven’t completed the chase for the Stanley Cup since 1994, fifty four years following their last Cup victory in 1940. The infamous call of Sam Rosen in 1994; “...and this one will last a lifetime!” couldn’t be more indicative of what the life of a Ranger fan has been for most of us.
The Knicks last championship dates all the way back to 1973. Most recognize the name of Walt “Clyde” Frazier as the Knicks colorful commentator who regularly sits alongside Mike Breen on the Knicks broadcast, but lest we forget he was apart of our last championship team. Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley, Earl Monroe, Jerry Lucas; these are all names our fathers and grandfathers might know, which goes to show; It’s certainly been some time since a trophy has been hoisted at 4 Pennslyvania Plaza and New Yorkers are more than eager every year to witness something special.
Both teams this year realize the position they’re in and the potential they posses. It is a sacred responsibility one carries when representing the city of New York, especially when there is expectation for greatness.
It takes a certain hustle, a swagger and demeanor to epitomize and embody what this city stands for. Many an athlete has come to this city, head held high and left with their tail between their legs.
The fanbases of New York sports teams are like no other. We are harsh and impertinent but we will show athletes the praise they deserve with results. If you were to ask Derek Jeter, Eli Manning, Walt Frazier, Mark Messier what it was like to play in New York, I’m sure they would reinforce the idea that this is the greatest city in the nation to wear across your chest.
To Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, Kris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad and so on; what do you want your legacy to be at the end of your career in New York? Another great team that came so close? Another star who didn’t cut it?
There is only one thing you can do to cement your name into the history of New York and that is win.
Now do it.