1996–97 New York Knicks season

Season of National Basketball Association team the New York Knicks March 2026 August 2023 New York Knicks 1997 57 25 Atlantic 2 3 Jeff Van Gundy Ernie Grunfeld ITT Cablevision Madison Square Garden Conference semifinals(lost to Heat 3–4) NYK MSG Network2016–17 New York Knicks Media Guide New York Knicks 2016 305 https://www.nba.com/resources/static/team/v2/knicks/media/2016-17/nykmg_1617_MediaGuide.pdf June 1, 2021 WBIS-TVSandomir Richard January 20, 1997 Station Bets on Business-Sports Mix en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/20/business/station-bets-on-business-sports-mix.html July 7, 2024 WFAN2016–17 New York Knicks Media Guide New York Knicks 2016 304 https://www.nba.com/resources/static/team/v2/knicks/media/2016-17/nykmg_1617_MediaGuide.pdf June 1, 2021 The 1996–97 New York Knicks season was the 51st season for the Knicks in the National Basketball Association. Season summary Off-season For the season, the Knicks celebrated their 50th anniversary in the NBA by revealing an anniversary version of the team's primary logo. New York Knicks Anniversary Logo Chris Creamer's SportsLogos.net https://www.sportslogos.net/logos/view/6037/New_York_Knicks/1997/Anniversary_Logo November 25, 2021 During the off-season, the team acquired All-Star forward Larry Johnson from the Charlotte Hornets, Wire Services Hornets, Knicks Ponder Trade The Spokesman-Review July 11, 1996 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1996/jul/11/hornets-knicks-ponder-trade/ June 6, 2023 Brown Clifton Pro Basketball: Knicks Chase Hornets' Johnson as N.B.A. Resumes Business The New York Times July 12, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/12/sports/pro-basketball-knicks-chase-hornets-johnson-as-nba-resumes-business.html January 16, 2022 Around the NBA The Washington Post July 13, 1996 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1996/07/13/around-the-nba/70b36d3d-01c9-425a-acb9-898b3bf92784/ July 10, 2022 and signed free agents Allan Houston, Chris Childs, Brown Clifton Pro Basketball: A New Backcourt: Childs and Houston Join the Knicks The New York Times July 14, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/14/sports/pro-basketball-a-new-backcourt-childs-and-houston-join-the-knicks.html July 10, 2022 Knicks Get Childs; Houston on Tap Orlando Sentinel July 14, 1996 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1996/07/14/knicks-get-childs-houston-on-tap/ June 24, 2023 Sheridan Chris Knicks Acquire Larry Johnson, Sign Houston and Childs Associated Press July 15, 1996 https://apnews.com/article/9dfbf65421881a5d42176bdaaf4d2368 October 14, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20220929003031/https://apnews.com/article/9dfbf65421881a5d42176bdaaf4d2368 September 29, 2022 dead former All-Star forward Buck Williams, Roberts Selena Pro Basketball: Knicks Seal Up Buck Williams The New York Times July 27, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/27/sports/pro-basketball-knicks-seal-up-buck-williams.html December 30, 2021 Knicks Sign Buck; Bucks Sign Allen Tampa Bay Times July 27, 1996 https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1996/07/27/knicks-sign-buck-bucks-sign-allen/ July 24, 2022 Markowitz Dan Revamped Knicks Assessing Strengths The New York Times October 20, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/20/nyregion/revamped-knicks-assessing-strengths.html January 4, 2023 and Scott Brooks. Knicks Plan to Sign Brooks The New York Times October 14, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/14/sports/knicks-plan-to-sign-brooks.html October 9, 2026 The Knicks also had three first-round draft picks in the 1996 NBA draft, selecting small forward John Wallace out of Syracuse University with the 18th overall pick, small forward Walter McCarty from the University of Kentucky with the 19th overall pick, and small forward Dontae' Jones out of Mississippi State University with the 21st overall pick. Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Knicks Go Forward in the First Round The New York Times June 27, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/27/sports/pro-basketball-knicks-go-forward-in-the-first-round.html April 23, 2023 Brown Clifton Knicks Sign Their Three First-Rounders The New York Times August 7, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/07/sports/knicks-sign-their-three-first-rounders.html April 22, 2023 1996 NBA Draft Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1996.html April 23, 2023 However, Jones would miss the entire regular season due to a left foot injury, and would never play for the Knicks. Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Surgery Sidelines Jones 3–6 Months The New York Times June 29, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/29/sports/pro-basketball-surgery-sidelines-jones-3-6-months.html December 15, 2022 Wise Mike Knicks Outshine Disco Lights in the Home Opener The New York Times November 4, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/04/sports/knicks-outshine-disco-lights-in-the-home-opener.html April 23, 2023Dontae' Jones Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jonesdo01.html June 17, 2021 Regular season In the regular season, and with the addition of Johnson, Houston, Childs and Williams, the Knicks won eight of their first ten games, and later on held a 34–14 record at the All-Star break. Basketball  The Telegraph-Herald  February 10, 1997  2B  https://books.google.com/books?id=pMBFAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA8&dq=NBA+Box+Score+All-Star+1997&article_id=5187,1814067&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwib6-zlktWTAxUjmbAFHXPOHiYQ6AF6BAgNEAM#v=onepage&q=NBA%20Box%20Score%20All-Star%201997&f=false April 4, 2026 The team finished in second place in the Atlantic Division with a 57–25 record, earning the third seed in the Eastern Conference, 1996–97 New York Knicks Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1997.html December 15, 2024 1996–97 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1997.html December 15, 2024 and qualifying for the NBA playoffs for the tenth consecutive year.New York Knickerbockers Franchise Index Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/ March 13, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100424040233/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/ April 24, 2010 live The team also posted three seven-game winning streaks during the regular season, which were its longest this season. 1996–97 New York Knicks Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1997_games.html April 15, 2021 The Knicks enjoyed a successful season, with their 57 wins tied for the third-most in franchise history. In the final game of the regular season, at the United Center on April 19, 1997, the Knicks defeated the then-69–12 Chicago Bulls, 103–101, preventing them from posting two consecutive 70-win seasons, and tying the best home record at 40–1, Wise Mike Knicks Shock the Bulls to Sew Up Third Spot The New York Times April 20, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/20/sports/knicks-shock-the-bulls-to-sew-up-third-spot.html November 19, 2022Brown Clifton When a Knick Victory Is Not Just a Victory The New York Times April 20, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/20/sports/when-a-knick-victory-is-not-just-a-victory.html March 13, 2010 New York Knicks at Chicago Bulls Box Score, April 19, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199704190CHI.html January 4, 2023 which was set by the 1985–86 Boston Celtics, and later on matched by the 2015–16 San Antonio Spurs.Nathan Alec Spurs Tie All-Time NBA Record for Most Home Wins in Regular Season Bleacher Report https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2632495-spurs-tie-all-time-nba-record-for-most-home-wins-in-regular-season September 24, 2021 Patrick Ewing averaged 22.4 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team, while Houston finished second on the team in scoring with 14.8 points per game, and with 148 three-point field goals. In addition, and with Houston as the Knicks' starting shooting guard, John Starks played a sixth man role off the bench, Wise Mike Starks Is Making Houston's Job Easier The New York Times October 6, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/06/sports/starks-is-making-houston-s-job-easier.html April 20, 2023 Brown Clifton Pro Basketball The New York Times October 17, 1996 https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/17/sports/pro-basketball.html April 20, 2023 averaging 13.8 points per game and leading the team with 150 three-point field goals; he was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year, receiving 84 out of a possible 115 first-place votes from the media. Sixth Man Award for Starks The New York Times April 24, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/24/sports/sixth-man-award-for-starks.html October 3, 2022 Associated Press Knicks' Starks Turns Demotion Into Honor The Spokesman-Review April 24, 1997 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/apr/24/knicks-starks-turns-demotion-into-honor/ June 10, 2023 NBA & ABA Sixth Man of the Year Award Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/smoy.html November 29, 2022 Meanwhile, Johnson averaged 12.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, Charles Oakley provided the team with 10.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game, and Childs contributed 9.3 points and 6.1 assists per game. Off the bench, Williams averaged 6.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, while Charlie Ward provided the Knicks with 5.2 points and 4.1 assists per game, and Wallace contributed 4.8 points per game. During the NBA All-Star weekend at the Gund Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, Ewing was selected for the 1997 NBA All-Star Game, as a member of the Eastern Conference All-Star team, Jorgensen Loren No Offense, But Malone Would Rather Be Home Deseret News February 8, 1997 https://www.deseret.com/1997/2/8/19293914/no-offense-but-malone-would-rather-be-home April 19, 2023 NBA.com Staff 1997 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-1997 May 16, 2023 1997 NBA All-Star Game: East 132, West 120 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1997.html November 27, 2021 while Wallace was selected for the NBA Rookie Game, as a member of the Eastern Conference Rookie team. Fry Darrell On to the Next Stage St. Petersburg Times February 8, 1997 https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1997/02/08/on-to-the-next-stage/ September 19, 2025 1997 NBA Rising Stars: East 96, West 91 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1997_rookie.html September 19, 2025 However, Ewing did not participate in the All-Star Game due to a groin injury, Knicks' Ewing to Miss All-Star Game United Press International February 5, 1997 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1997/02/05/Knicks-Ewing-to-miss-All-Star-Game/8619855118800/ December 3, 2022 Brown Clifton Ewing, Still Injured, Quits All-Star Roster The New York Times February 6, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/06/sports/ewing-still-injured-quits-all-star-roster.html October 3, 2022Cummings D. L. Stars Are Out for Ewing: Groin Injury KOs Patrick New York Daily News February 6, 1997 http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/stars-ewing-groin-injury-kos-patrick-article-1.752666 January 23, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20170811010343/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/stars-ewing-groin-injury-kos-patrick-article-1.752666 August 11, 2017 dead despite playing 78 games this season; it would also be his final All-Star selection, having played in his final All-Star Game the previous year.Patrick Ewing Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/ewingpa01.html January 23, 2023 Ewing also finished in eighth place in Most Valuable Player voting, Kawakami Tim MVP: Malone, the Standout Jazz Forward Known as Mailman, Edges Jordan in the Voting to Earn Stamp of Greatness Los Angeles Times May 19, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-05-19-sp-60282-story.html September 24, 2022 1996–97 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1997.html January 2, 2022 and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.NBA History: The NBA's 50 Greatest Players National Basketball Association http://www.nba.com/history/50greatest.html August 26, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20100405004357/http://www.nba.com/history/50greatest.html April 5, 2010 dead The Knicks finished fifth in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 790,520 at Madison Square Garden during the regular season. NBA playoffs In the Eastern Conference First Round of the 1997 NBA playoffs, the Knicks faced off against the 6th–seeded Charlotte Hornets, a team that featured All-Star forward Glen Rice, Anthony Mason, and Vlade Divac. 1996–97 Charlotte Hornets Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CHH/1997.html January 14, 2026 The Knicks won their first two home games at Madison Square Garden, 1997 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Game 1: Charlotte Hornets at New York Knicks Box Score, April 24, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199704240NYK.html January 23, 2026 1997 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Game 2: Charlotte Hornets at New York Knicks Box Score, April 26, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199704260NYK.html January 23, 2026 before winning Game 3 over the Hornets on the road, 104–95 at the Charlotte Coliseum to win the series in a three-game sweep, and advance to the Eastern Conference Semi-finals. Macenka Joe Knicks 104, Hornets 95 The Washington Post Associated Press April 28, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/longterm/1997/playoffs/chany3.htm May 30, 2022 Wise Mike Knicks Sweep Away Hornets, and Season of Doubts The New York Times April 29, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/04/29/sports/knicks-sweep-away-hornets-and-season-of-doubts.html July 28, 2021 1997 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Hornets vs. Knicks Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-hornets-vs-knicks.html February 4, 2023 In the Semi-finals, the team faced off against the 2nd–seeded, and Atlantic Division champion Miami Heat, who were led by All-Star guard Tim Hardaway, All-Star center Alonzo Mourning, and Jamal Mashburn; 1996–97 Miami Heat Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIA/1997.html January 14, 2026 this would eventually become the first chapter of one of the fiercest NBA rivalries of the period.Sheridan Chris Knicks, Heat continue their simmering rivalry Milwaukee Journal Sentinel May 7, 2000 9C The Knicks held a 3–1 lead in the series after defeating the Heat in Game 4 at Madison Square Garden, 89–76. Vecsey George Quiet No More: Starks Comes Out Shooting The New York Times May 13, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/13/sports/quiet-no-more-starks-comes-out-shooting.html January 19, 2022 Heisler Mark Heat Feeling Some After Knicks Roll Los Angeles Times May 13, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-05-13-sp-58341-story.html February 20, 2023 1997 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 4: Miami Heat at New York Knicks Box Score, May 12, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199705120NYK.html May 30, 2026 One notable incident of the series occurred in Game 5 at the Miami Arena, in which the Knicks lost to the Heat by a score of 96–81. 1997 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5: New York Knicks at Miami Heat Box Score, May 14, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199705140MIA.html May 30, 2026 During the fourth quarter, a brawl erupted when Heat forward P.J. Brown picked up Ward and threw him off the court, and several Knicks players—Ewing, Houston, Johnson and Starks—came off the bench during the altercation. Wise Mike Not for the Faint-Hearted: Knicks–Heat Turns Nasty The New York Times May 15, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/15/sports/not-for-the-faint-hearted-knicks-heat-turns-nasty.html January 18, 2022 Heisler Mark Heat Proves It Has Some Fight Left Los Angeles Times May 15, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-05-15-sp-58868-story.html August 20, 2025 Adande J. A. Miami's Fighting Spirit Is Too Much for Knicks The Washington Post May 15, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/longterm/1997/playoffs/heat15.htm July 11, 2022 Five Knicks players were suspended, with four of them receiving automatic one-game suspensions for leaving the bench during an altercation; Ewing, Houston and Ward were all suspended for Game 6, while Johnson and Starks were both suspended for Game 7, and Brown was suspended for two games. Adande J.A. NBA Suspends Five Knicks, One Heat Player The Washington Post May 15, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/05/16/nba-suspends-five-knicks-one-heat-player/d39d5f4e-465f-4a14-a2f3-1a130d9e046b/ August 20, 2025 Wise Mike 5 Knicks Barred for Melee; 3 to Miss Game 6 The New York Times May 16, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/16/sports/5-knicks-barred-for-melee-3-to-miss-game-6.html June 10, 2023 Associated Press Stern Says Suspending Knicks Players Was the Right Thing to Do Deseret News May 19, 1997 https://www.deseret.com/1997/5/19/19312747/stern-says-suspending-knicks-players-was-the-right-thing-to-do/ August 20, 2025 The Knicks lost Game 6 to the Heat at Madison Square Garden, 95–90, Adande J.A.  Knicks Face Final Exam in Miami  The Washington Post  May 17, 1997  https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/18/sports/dream-or-nightmare-it-depends-on-game-7.html June 5, 2026 Brown Clifton  Dream or Nightmare: It Depends on Game 7  The New York Times  May 18, 1997  https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/18/sports/dream-or-nightmare-it-depends-on-game-7.html June 5, 2026 1997 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 6: Miami Heat at New York Knicks Box Score, May 16, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199705160NYK.html January 23, 2026 before losing Game 7 at the Miami Arena, 101–90, despite a 37-point performance from Ewing, thus losing in a hard-fought seven-game series. Brown Clifton Next Stop, Chicago: Riley Adjusts Rearview Mirror to See Knicks The New York Times May 19, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/19/sports/next-stop-chicago-riley-adjusts-rearview-mirror-to-see-knicks.html July 28, 2021 Adande J. A. Hardaway Applies the Heat as Miami Ousts Knicks The Washington Post May 19, 1997 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/05/19/hardaway-applies-the-heat-as-miami-ousts-knicks/2dfdaf0c-6168-4653-901b-7e47796f1f30/ May 30, 2022 1997 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: Knicks vs. Heat Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1997-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-knicks-vs-heat.html February 4, 2023 Aftermath Following the season, Wallace was traded to the Toronto Raptors in a three-team trade, Shapiro Mark Dudley's Trade to Knicks Approved Chicago Tribune September 8, 1997 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-09-08-9709080160-story.html July 2, 2023 Roberts Selena Pro Basketball: Knicks Finally Get Wish: Dudley The New York Times October 10, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/10/sports/pro-basketball-knicks-finally-get-wish-dudley.html April 22, 2023 and McCarty, Brooks and Jones were all traded to the Boston Celtics; Roberts Selena Pro Basketball: Knicks Send Four Players to the Celtics for Mills The New York Times October 23, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/23/sports/pro-basketball-knicks-send-four-players-to-the-celtics-for-mills.html April 23, 2023 Associated Press Knicks Trade Four Players to Get Mills Los Angeles Times October 23, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-23-sp-45978-story.html April 23, 2023 Brooks was soon released by the Celtics, and signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the following season. Cavs Sign Guard  The Vindicator  December 13, 1997  B10  https://books.google.com/books?id=O-VJAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA12&dq=1997+Cleveland+Cavaliers+signed+guard+scott+brooks&article_id=6560,8004172&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjyxI6R262XAxUL4ckDHc-YEYMQ6AF6BAgIEAI#v=onepage&q=1997%20Cleveland%20Cavaliers%20signed%20guard%20scott%20brooks&f=false October 9, 2026 NBA draft 1996 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality School/Club team 1 18 John Wallace SF United States Syracuse 1 19 Walter McCarty SF/PF United States Kentucky 1 21 Dontae' Jones SF United States Mississippi State Roster New York Knicks 1996–97 #062A78 #FFFFFF #FF6E1A #000000 4 Scott Brooks G 5 11 165 1965–07–31 UC Irvine 1 Chris Childs basketball G 6 3 195 1967–11–20 Boise State 33 Patrick Ewing C 7 0 240 1962–08–05 Georgetown 20 Allan Houston G 6 6 200 1971–04–20 Tennessee 2 Larry Johnson basketball, born 1969 F 6 7 250 1969–03–14 UNLV 5 Dontae' Jones F 6 8 220 1975–06–02 Mississippi State yes IN 40 Walter McCarty F 6 10 230 1974–02–01 Kentucky 34 Charles Oakley F 6 8 225 1963–12–18 Virginia Union 3 John Starks G 6 3 180 1965–08–10 Oklahoma State 44 John Wallace basketball F 6 8 225 1974–02–09 Syracuse 21 Charlie Ward G 6 2 190 1970–10–12 Florida State 52 Buck Williams F 6 8 215 1960–03–08 Maryland 32 Herb Williams C 6 10 242 1958–02–16 Ohio State Jeff Van Gundy Greg Brittenham Don Chaney Brendan Malone Jeff Nix Tom Thibodeau (IN) Inactive https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1997.html January 6, 1997 Roster notes Rookie small forward Dontae' Jones was on the injured reserve list due to a left foot injury, missed the entire regular season, and never played for the Knicks. Regular season Season standings NYK NYK z – clinched division title y – clinched division title x – clinched playoff spot Playoffs New York Knicks 1997 yes #062A78 #FF7518 New York Knicks First Round yes yes no #FF7518 #FFFFFF 2 0 1 0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | April 24 | Charlotte | W 109–99 | Allan Houston (25) | Patrick Ewing (9) | Chris Childs (8) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | April 26 | Charlotte | W 100–93 | Patrick Ewing (30) | Charles Oakley (10) | Chris Childs (9) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 2–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | April 28 | @ Charlotte | W 104–95 | Larry Johnson (22) | Patrick Ewing (11) | Johnson, Childs (5) | Charlotte Coliseum24,042 | 3–0 |- New York Knicks Conference semifinals yes no #FF7518 #FFFFFF 2 1 1 3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 1 | May 7 | @ Miami | W 88–79 | Allan Houston (27) | Patrick Ewing (16) | Johnson, Ward (5) | Miami Arena14,870 | 1–0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 2 | May 9 | @ Miami | L 84–88 | Allan Houston (19) | Patrick Ewing (11) | Chris Childs (7) | Miami Arena14,870 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 3 | May 11 | Miami | W 77–73 | Patrick Ewing (25) | Ewing, Oakley (11) | Ward, Starks (4) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 2–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 4 | May 12 | Miami | W 89–76 | John Starks (21) | Charles Oakley (9) | Chris Childs (8) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 3–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 5 | May 14 | @ Miami | L 81–96 | Patrick Ewing (19) | Charles Oakley (9) | Chris Childs (7) | Miami Arena14,782 | 3–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 6 | May 16 | Miami | L 90–95 | Chris Childs (22) | Charles Oakley (12) | Chris Childs (9) | Madison Square Garden19,763 | 3–3 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 7 | May 18 | @ Miami | L 90–101 | Patrick Ewing (37) | Patrick Ewing (17) | Charlie Ward (8) | Miami Arena14,870 | 3–4 |- NYK 1997 yes Player statistics Regular season PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPGScott Brooks 38 0 6.6 .487 .417 .933 .5 .8 .6 .0 1.5Chris Childs basketball 65 61 31.9 .414 .387 .758 2.9 6.1 1.2 .2 9.3Patrick Ewing 78 78 37.0 .488 .222 .754 10.7 2.0 .9 2.4 22.4Allan Houston 81 81 33.1 .423 .385 .803 3.0 2.2 .5 .2 14.8Chris Jent 3 0 3.3 .333 .667 .3 .3 .0 .0 2.0Larry Johnson basketball, born 1969 76 76 34.4 .512 .324 .693 5.2 2.3 .8 .5 12.8Walter McCarty 35 0 5.5 .382 .286 .571 .7 .4 .2 .3 1.8Charles Oakley 80 80 35.9 .488 .263 .808 9.8 2.8 1.4 .3 10.8John Starks 77 1 26.5 .431 .369 .769 2.7 2.8 1.2 .1 13.8John Wallace basketball 68 6 11.6 .517 .500 .718 2.3 .5 .3 .4 4.8Charlie Ward 79 21 22.3 .395 .312 .760 2.8 4.1 1.1 .2 5.2Buck Williams 74 4 20.2 .537 .000 .642 5.4 .7 .5 .5 6.3Herb Williams 21 2 8.8 .391 .000 .750 1.5 .2 .2 .2 1.9 Playoffs PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPGScott Brooks 4 0 1.8 .500 1.000 .0 .0 .0 .0 .8Chris Childs basketball 10 10 32.8 .437 .346 .826 4.9 5.9 2.0 .0 10.4Patrick Ewing 9 9 39.7 .527 .000 .643 10.6 1.9 .3 2.4 22.6Allan Houston 9 9 40.0 .436 .500 .886 2.6 2.3 .7 .3 19.2Larry Johnson basketball, born 1969 9 9 32.8 .558 .353 .842 4.0 2.6 .8 .1 13.8Walter McCarty 2 0 2.0 1.000 .0 .0 .5 .0 2.0Charles Oakley 10 10 35.8 .442 .000 .759 8.8 1.6 2.2 .3 9.8John Starks 9 1 28.1 .444 .317 .806 3.4 2.8 1.1 .0 14.0John Wallace basketball 4 1 10.0 .267 .000 1.000 1.8 1.3 .3 .5 2.5Charlie Ward 9 0 20.2 .296 .111 .750 2.8 4.3 1.4 .0 2.2Buck Williams 10 1 19.3 .486 .529 4.0 .6 .3 .4 4.3Herb Williams 3 0 7.7 .400 .3 .0 .0 .0 1.3 † Denotes player spent time with another team in the season. Stats reflect time with the Knicks only. Player statistics citation: Awards and records John Starks, NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award Patrick Ewing, All-NBA Second Team References Category:New York Knicks seasons Category:1996 in sports in New York City Category:1997 in sports in New York City New York Knick Category:1990s in Manhattan