As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
New York Knicks Trivia Quiz: 20 Questions to Test Your Fandom
Welcome to the Mecca of Basketball. From the golden era of the 1970s to the grit of the 90s and the modern resurgence at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks are a cornerstone of NBA history. Put your knowledge to the test with these 20 deep-dive questions.
1. In what year were the New York Knicks founded as an original member of the Basketball Association of America (BAA)?
Answer: B) 1946
The Story Behind the Stat: The Knicks were one of the founding members of the BAA, which later merged with the NBL to form the NBA. They are one of only two original teams still located in their founding city, the other being the Boston Celtics.
The Story Behind the Stat: The Knicks were one of the founding members of the BAA, which later merged with the NBL to form the NBA. They are one of only two original teams still located in their founding city, the other being the Boston Celtics.
2. The name "Knickerbockers" refers to the style of pants worn by which group of early New York settlers?
Answer: C) Dutch
The Story Behind the Stat: The term "Knickerbockers" refers to the rolled-up trousers worn by 17th-century Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (now New York). The name was popularized by Washington Irving’s book "A History of New York."
The Story Behind the Stat: The term "Knickerbockers" refers to the rolled-up trousers worn by 17th-century Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (now New York). The name was popularized by Washington Irving’s book "A History of New York."
3. Who was the legendary head coach who led the Knicks to both of their NBA Championships in 1970 and 1973?
Answer: B) Red Holzman
The Story Behind the Stat: Holzman is the winningest coach in franchise history and preached a "see the ball" defensive philosophy. His jersey number, 613, is retired to represent his total career victories with the team.
The Story Behind the Stat: Holzman is the winningest coach in franchise history and preached a "see the ball" defensive philosophy. His jersey number, 613, is retired to represent his total career victories with the team.
4. Which Knicks legend famously limped onto the court for Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals despite a severe thigh injury?
Answer: C) Willis Reed
The Story Behind the Stat: Known as one of the most emotional moments in sports history, Reed emerged from the tunnel unexpectedly after suffering a torn thigh muscle in Game 5. He scored the game's first two baskets, inspiring the Knicks to a blowout victory over the Lakers.
The Story Behind the Stat: Known as one of the most emotional moments in sports history, Reed emerged from the tunnel unexpectedly after suffering a torn thigh muscle in Game 5. He scored the game's first two baskets, inspiring the Knicks to a blowout victory over the Lakers.
5. Who is the New York Knicks' all-time leading scorer in franchise history?
Answer: C) Patrick Ewing
The Story Behind the Stat: Ewing finished his Knicks career with 23,665 points. He leads the franchise in almost every major category, including rebounds, blocks, and games played.
The Story Behind the Stat: Ewing finished his Knicks career with 23,665 points. He leads the franchise in almost every major category, including rebounds, blocks, and games played.
GEAR UP FOR THE GAME
Represent your team! Check out the latest New York Knicks jerseys, apparel, and fan gear on Amazon.
Shop Knicks Gear on Amazon6. Against which team did Bernard King score a then-franchise record 60 points on Christmas Day in 1984?
Answer: B) New Jersey Nets
The Story Behind the Stat: King’s 60-point performance remains one of the greatest individual displays in MSG history. Despite his historic night, the Knicks actually lost the game to the Nets, 120-114.
The Story Behind the Stat: King’s 60-point performance remains one of the greatest individual displays in MSG history. Despite his historic night, the Knicks actually lost the game to the Nets, 120-114.
7. What was the nickname of the stylish point guard Walt Frazier, inspired by a famous movie outlaw?
Answer: B) Clyde
The Story Behind the Stat: Frazier earned the nickname because he wore a wide-brimmed hat similar to the one worn by Warren Beatty in the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde. He remains the franchise leader in assists.
The Story Behind the Stat: Frazier earned the nickname because he wore a wide-brimmed hat similar to the one worn by Warren Beatty in the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde. He remains the franchise leader in assists.
8. In 1985, the Knicks won the first-ever NBA Draft Lottery. Which Hall of Fame center did they select with the #1 pick?
Answer: C) Patrick Ewing
The Story Behind the Stat: The 1985 lottery is famous for the "frozen envelope" conspiracy theory. Regardless of the rumors, Ewing’s arrival transformed the Knicks into a perennial powerhouse for the next 15 years.
The Story Behind the Stat: The 1985 lottery is famous for the "frozen envelope" conspiracy theory. Regardless of the rumors, Ewing’s arrival transformed the Knicks into a perennial powerhouse for the next 15 years.
9. Which Knicks player converted a legendary "four-point play" in the final seconds of Game 3 of the 1999 Eastern Conference Finals?
Answer: C) Larry Johnson
The Story Behind the Stat: "LJ" was fouled by Antonio Davis while hitting a three-pointer, leading to a four-point play that gave the Knicks a 92-91 lead. The play is considered one of the loudest moments in the history of the Garden.
The Story Behind the Stat: "LJ" was fouled by Antonio Davis while hitting a three-pointer, leading to a four-point play that gave the Knicks a 92-91 lead. The play is considered one of the loudest moments in the history of the Garden.
10. In 2012, an undrafted point guard from Harvard sparked a global phenomenon known as "Linsanity." Who was he?
Answer: A) Jeremy Lin
The Story Behind the Stat: Lin went from sleeping on teammate Landry Fields' couch to becoming a global icon in a matter of weeks. His 38-point performance against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers was the peak of the Linsanity era.
The Story Behind the Stat: Lin went from sleeping on teammate Landry Fields' couch to becoming a global icon in a matter of weeks. His 38-point performance against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers was the peak of the Linsanity era.
11. Which Knicks star holds the record for the most points scored in a single game at the current Madison Square Garden (62 points)?
Answer: C) Carmelo Anthony
The Story Behind the Stat: On January 24, 2014, Melo scored 62 points against the Charlotte Bobcats without committing a single turnover. He broke Bernard King's franchise record and Kobe Bryant's MSG opponent record in the same night.
The Story Behind the Stat: On January 24, 2014, Melo scored 62 points against the Charlotte Bobcats without committing a single turnover. He broke Bernard King's franchise record and Kobe Bryant's MSG opponent record in the same night.
12. Who was the first African American player to sign a contract in the NBA, joining the Knicks in 1950?
Answer: C) Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton
The Story Behind the Stat: Clifton was a former Harlem Globetrotter who broke the NBA's color barrier alongside Earl Lloyd and Chuck Cooper. He was an All-Star for the Knicks in 1957.
The Story Behind the Stat: Clifton was a former Harlem Globetrotter who broke the NBA's color barrier alongside Earl Lloyd and Chuck Cooper. He was an All-Star for the Knicks in 1957.
13. The Knicks made history in 1999 by becoming the first team to reach the NBA Finals as which seed?
Answer: C) 8th Seed
The Story Behind the Stat: In a lockout-shortened season, the Knicks barely made the playoffs but went on a miraculous run to the Finals. They defeated the top-seeded Heat, the Hawks, and the Pacers before falling to the Spurs.
The Story Behind the Stat: In a lockout-shortened season, the Knicks barely made the playoffs but went on a miraculous run to the Finals. They defeated the top-seeded Heat, the Hawks, and the Pacers before falling to the Spurs.
14. Which defensive specialist and fan favorite was nicknamed "The Oak"?
Answer: B) Charles Oakley
The Story Behind the Stat: Oakley was the enforcer of the 1990s Knicks, known for his physical play and rebounding. He remains one of the most beloved figures in New York sports for his "blue-collar" work ethic.
The Story Behind the Stat: Oakley was the enforcer of the 1990s Knicks, known for his physical play and rebounding. He remains one of the most beloved figures in New York sports for his "blue-collar" work ethic.
15. Before becoming a Hall of Fame coach for the Lakers and Heat, Pat Riley coached the Knicks to the NBA Finals in which year?
Answer: C) 1994
The Story Behind the Stat: Riley brought a "no-layups" defensive identity to New York. The 1994 Finals went seven games, but the Knicks ultimately lost to Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets.
The Story Behind the Stat: Riley brought a "no-layups" defensive identity to New York. The 1994 Finals went seven games, but the Knicks ultimately lost to Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets.
16. Which Knicks player won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2013?
Answer: A) J.R. Smith
The Story Behind the Stat: Smith provided elite scoring off the bench for the 54-win Knicks in the 2012-13 season. He averaged 18.1 points per game that year, helping the Knicks secure the 2nd seed in the East.
The Story Behind the Stat: Smith provided elite scoring off the bench for the 54-win Knicks in the 2012-13 season. He averaged 18.1 points per game that year, helping the Knicks secure the 2nd seed in the East.
17. What number did Patrick Ewing wear throughout his legendary 15-season tenure in New York?
Answer: B) 33
The Story Behind the Stat: Ewing’s #33 was retired by the Knicks in 2003. He was an 11-time All-Star and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History while still active.
The Story Behind the Stat: Ewing’s #33 was retired by the Knicks in 2003. He was an 11-time All-Star and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History while still active.
18. In 2024, which Knicks guard became the first player in franchise history to record four consecutive 40-point games in the playoffs?
Answer: C) Jalen Brunson
The Story Behind the Stat: Brunson’s 2024 playoff run solidified him as a New York superstar. He joined the ranks of Michael Jordan and Jerry West as one of the few players to ever record such a scoring streak in the postseason.
The Story Behind the Stat: Brunson’s 2024 playoff run solidified him as a New York superstar. He joined the ranks of Michael Jordan and Jerry West as one of the few players to ever record such a scoring streak in the postseason.
19. Which former Knicks player and Rhodes Scholar later served as a U.S. Senator from New Jersey?
Answer: B) Bill Bradley
The Story Behind the Stat: "Dollar Bill" was a key member of the championship teams and a master of off-ball movement. After retiring, he served three terms as a U.S. Senator and ran for President in 2000.
The Story Behind the Stat: "Dollar Bill" was a key member of the championship teams and a master of off-ball movement. After retiring, he served three terms as a U.S. Senator and ran for President in 2000.
20. What is the retired jersey number "613" meant to honor in the Knicks' rafters?
Answer: A) Total wins by Red Holzman
The Story Behind the Stat: The Knicks retired the number 613 in 1990 to honor Holzman’s regular-season coaching victories. It hangs in the rafters alongside the legendary players he coached.
The Story Behind the Stat: The Knicks retired the number 613 in 1990 to honor Holzman’s regular-season coaching victories. It hangs in the rafters alongside the legendary players he coached.
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment