The NBA Finals tip off in two days and eager Brooklyn fans of the New York Knickerbockers can't quite focus on their day-to-day routine until Wednesday night when the No. 2 seed San Antonio Spurs host the No. 3 Knicks in Game 1 of the 2026 Finals.
The Knicks, which last won the title in 1973, have shown focus, hustle and improved ball movement this season, where the team steamrolled into the finals after winning seven straight games with an all-time playoff high +26.4-point win margin.
It certainly feels like the 1990s in New York City, where it seemed like every bar and household was tuned into each game, bringing city residents together. The anticipation is palpable for Jose Alvarado, a Knicks point guard and a Williamsburg native. If his team win the championship, Alvarado told the 7pm in Brooklyn podcast recently about how he'll celebrate: “If we win … I’ma be drunk for eight days.”
To capture the moment, we asked Brooklyn residents where they will be watching the conference finals and what they plan to do if the Knicks win.
Karen Perez, a 32-year-old product designer from Greenpoint, is showing her pride through her dog, Colton. She'll be watching the playoffs at Gowanus Yacht Club and looking forward to the Knicks clinching the championship. The level of excitement hasn't been seen "since the late 90s, so we’re really excited for the city.”
Melina Salem, a 30-year old account manager, and her partner, Solomon Green, of Greenpoint, said they are planning on watching the playoffs at their local bar, The Palace. If the Knicks win, Salem said she plans on “running around outside; I wanna be part of the swarm of the people, part of the hive.”
Friends and clinical research recruiters Brett DiSanto, 33 of Greenpoint, and Dylan Bergkenfeld, 34 of Williamsburg, are watching the first game together, having booked Birdie’s Sporting Club minutes before they spoke to BK Reader.
“We’re storming Madison Square Garden, being in the streets,” DiSanto added, regarding the Knicks’ potential win.
Jack Peterson, a 25-year-old political organizer from Bay Ridge, is planning on watching the playoffs at Franklin Park in Crown Heights.
“You’re supposed to climb poles, right?” he joked when asked what he would do if the Knicks won.
Sydney Gruneiro, 24 of Bed-Stuy and Theo Zazone, 27, of Bushwick will be working during the playoffs at the sports bar Blazers.
“Last time the Knicks were in the championships, I was an infant,” said Zazone, a New York native. “It really brings people together to celebrate.”
Bill MacLaughlin, 41, said he'll be watching the playoffs at home for his children's sake.
“Do I look like someone who’s gonna climb up on a lamppost?” he said, when asked what he would do if the Knicks won. “We’re not like that – we’re classy.”
