Knicks Raise First Banners Since 1973 at MSG Ahead of 76ers Opener

Key points

• The Knicks raised their NBA Cup and NBA Championship banners at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, the first banner hanging since 2013.
• The ceremony preceded the season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, featuring LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.
• Jalen Brunson, the NBA Finals MVP, received his championship ring during the pre-game festivities.
• The Knicks retained their core starting five but lost Mitchell Robinson due to cap constraints.
• A minor controversy arose when fans noted that commemorative T-shirts read '2026-27 Champions Night,' referencing the upcoming season rather than the 2025-26 title.

Background

The New York Knicks won their first NBA championship in 53 years in June 2026, defeating the San Antonio Spurs. This victory followed their 2025 NBA Cup win, which they initially chose not to celebrate with a banner to focus on the regular season title. The team's success has been a major cultural moment in New York City, leading to a confetti-caked parade and Jalen Brunson hosting the SNL season premiere. Prior to the opener, MSG faced backlash over a ticket pricing error, which was resolved with partial refunds and adjusted pricing.

How outlets are covering it

Bleacher Report and NBC New York emphasized the historic nature of the banner raising, noting it was the first since 2013 and highlighting the stability of the starting five. USA Today focused on a minor controversy, pointing out that commemorative T-shirts read '2026-27 Champions Night,' which some fans found confusing since the title was won in the 2025-26 season. NBC New York also noted the Knicks' confidence in Brunson's clutch play, while acknowledging the loss of Mitchell Robinson as a potential weakness. The Philadelphia 76ers, featuring LeBron James, are viewed as a significant test for the Knicks' new season, with Josh Hart noting the Sixers' need to find chemistry.

Why it matters

The banner raising signifies the Knicks' return to elite status after a 53-year championship drought, marking a new era for the franchise. The event sets the tone for a season where the Knicks are expected to be serious contenders, while the 76ers' debut with LeBron James provides an early test of their team chemistry. The minor T-shirt controversy and ongoing contract disputes with owner James Dolan highlight the complexities of managing a championship team's legacy and future stability.

What to watch

The Knicks will begin their 2026-27 season against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden. The team will aim to defend their title, while the 76ers will test their new lineup featuring LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. The Knicks will also face the challenge of maintaining their roster stability amid cap constraints and contract disputes, with key players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart awaiting extensions.