The New York Knicks have long been haunted by whispers of a “curse,” a narrative fueled by decades of struggle despite their storied history and passionate fanbase. Founded in 1946 as a charter member of the NBA, the Knicks play in the iconic Madison Square Garden and are valued at $6.6 billion by Forbes in 2025, making them the league’s most valuable franchise.
Yet, their on-court success hasn’t matched their commercial prowess, with only two championships-1970 and 1973-and a 52-year title drought as of 2025. This gap has birthed the idea of a “Knicks curse,” a supposed jinx that keeps them from glory, often cited by fans and media alike.
The curse narrative gained traction around 2012, a year marked by a record 13 straight playoff losses after coach Mike D’Antoni’s midseason exit due to tensions with star Carmelo Anthony. Since their last title in 1973, the Knicks have endured long stretches of mediocrity, missing the playoffs in 15 of the last 25 seasons and not advancing past the first round for 12 years until 2013.
High-profile failures, like the Jeremy Lin phenomenon fizzling out and a 17-65 record in 2014-15-the worst in franchise history-cemented their reputation as a “loser” team. Fans, including celebrities like Spike Lee, have suffered through revolving doors of 14 coaches and eight general managers under owner James Dolan, whose decisions have often drawn ire.
Fans really believe the team is cursed
However, recent years show signs of breaking this so-called curse. In 2021, the Knicks returned to the playoffs after an eight-year absence, a moment hailed as the end of their “pupas” era. By 2025, they’ve reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, defeating the reigning champion Boston Celtics 4-2, led by Jalen Brunson and a revamped roster with Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges.
They now face the Indiana Pacers, a team that knocked them out in 2000, offering a chance at redemption. But after losing 138-135 Game 1 to the Pacers, in a game they were leading by 14 points with 2:30 to play, New Yorkers are wondering if there really is a curse on the team.
Is the curse real? The Knicks’ struggles stem more from mismanagement and tough competition than any supernatural hex. Their recent success suggests a shift, driven by smart roster moves and coaching under Tom Thibodeau. While the “curse” makes for a compelling story, it’s likely just a metaphor for past failures. As the Knicks battle the Pacers, they’re not just fighting for a Finals spot-they’re fighting to rewrite their narrative and prove the curse is history.
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