By Anthony Gharib
For only the second time this century, the New York Knicks have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Knicks secured their spot by defeating the Boston Celtics 4-2 in the series, clinching it in Game 6 on Friday. They established an early lead by winning the first two games and secured a crucial victory in Game 4.
Since the 1999-2000 season, their last appearance before this, the Knicks had three previous opportunities (in 2013, 2023, and 2024) to return to the Conference Finals stage. On each occasion, they fell short, including a tough seven-game series loss to the Indiana Pacers last season.
To put this achievement in perspective, let`s take a look back at the world as it was when the Knicks last reached the Conference Finals on May 23, 2000.
Familiar Faces on the Sideline: Thibodeau and Brunson
Since Tom Thibodeau took over as head coach in 2020, the Knicks have made the postseason four times, ending a seven-year drought. Thibodeau has a history with the team, serving as an assistant coach from 1996 to 2003, including during their last Conference Finals run.
Interestingly, one player Thibodeau coached back then was Rick Brunson, father of current Knicks star Jalen Brunson. Rick Brunson played briefly in that 2000 series against Indiana and is now an assistant coach for the Knicks, a role he`s held since the 2022-23 season, shortly after New York signed Jalen.
Carlos Santana Topped the Music Charts
In May 2000, Carlos Santana was enjoying massive success. Fresh off the hit `Smooth,` his song `Maria Maria,` featuring The Product G&B, was dominating the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It would spend a total of 10 weeks at No. 1 and 26 weeks on the chart overall, eventually winning a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
The charts also featured other major hits like Faith Hill`s `Breathe` (No. 2), Destiny`s Child`s `Say My Name` (No. 7), *NSYNC`s `Bye Bye Bye` (No. 9), and Aaliyah`s `Try Again` (No. 10).
`Gladiator` Was a Box Office Hit
Ridley Scott`s historical epic `Gladiator` premiered on May 5, 2000. It became a massive success, finishing the year as the second-highest-grossing film globally, earning over $460 million. At the 73rd Academy Awards, `Gladiator` received 12 nominations and won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects.
Dramatic Western Conference Finals: Lakers vs. Trail Blazers
While the Knicks` run ended in six games against the Pacers, the Western Conference Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers delivered a thrilling seven-game series. The Trail Blazers, after falling behind 3-1, managed to force a decisive Game 7. In that final game at the Staples Center, Portland held a significant 15-point lead in the fourth quarter. However, the Lakers mounted a dramatic comeback, highlighted by an unforgettable alley-oop connection between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O`Neal. This play sealed a six-point lead with under a minute left, securing the Lakers` victory.
