For only the second time this century, the New York Knicks have reached the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Knicks overcame the Boston Celtics in Game 6 on Friday, securing a 4-2 series victory. New York secured wins in the first two games and a crucial Game 4, paving the way for their decisive win.
Since the 1999-2000 season, the last time the Knicks appeared in the Conference Finals, they had three opportunities to return (in 2013, 2023, and 2024). On each occasion, they fell short, notably in a seven-game series against the Indiana Pacers last season.
Let`s take a look back at the state of the world on May 23, 2000, the last time the Knicks competed in the Conference Finals.
Thibodeau, Brunson on Familiar Bench
Since hiring Tom Thibodeau as head coach in 2020, the Knicks have made the postseason four times after a seven-year drought. Thibodeau previously served as an assistant coach for the Knicks from 1996 to 2003, including their last Conference Finals appearance.
One player Thibodeau coached on that team was Rick Brunson, father of current Knicks star Jalen Brunson. The elder Brunson played two games against Indiana in that series and is now a Knicks assistant coach, a role he has held since the 2022-23 season, the year Jalen signed with New York.
Carlos Santana Dominated Music Charts
Just months after his first No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit, `Smooth,` Carlos Santana scored another chart-topper. `Maria Maria` held the No. 1 spot during the week the Knicks were competing, ultimately spending 10 weeks at the top and 26 weeks on the charts overall.
The track, featuring hip-hop duo The Product G&B, won the Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Other songs in the top 10 that week included Faith Hill`s `Breathe,` Destiny`s Child`s `Say My Name,` *NSYNC`s `Bye Bye Bye,` and Aaliyah`s `Try Again`.
“Gladiator” in Midst of Epic Box Office Run
The historical epic film `Gladiator,` released on May 5, 2000, became the second-highest-grossing film globally that year, earning over $460 million. It received 12 nominations at the 73rd Academy Awards, winning five Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects.
Lakers Nearing Miraculous Playoff Comeback
Although the Knicks lost their series in six games, the Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers went to a dramatic seven games. After trailing the series 3-1, the Blazers forced a decisive Game 7 at Staples Center.
Portland held a 15-point lead with only 10 minutes left, but the Lakers staged a stunning comeback. The iconic alley-oop from Kobe Bryant to Shaquille O`Neal capped the run, giving Los Angeles a lead they maintained for the final 41 seconds.