The New York Knicks took a 3-2 series lead over the Indiana Pacers with a rousing 121-91 Game 5 win on Tuesday.
Fans watching on TV may have noticed a man in a grey quarter-zip and beige Knicks hat frequently standing along the baseline in front of the Knicks bench, cheering on the Knicks.
That is none other than John Starks, the Knicks legend who has taken on the role of head cheerleader during the Knicks' run this postseason.
Starks has been a frequent visitor at Knicks games this season and even made an appearance in Philadelphia when the Knicks played the 76ers in the first round. Starks has been as vocal and passionate as former players ever get while cheering on this under-manned Knicks squad.
But Starks was hardly the only former Knick in attendance. The Knicks have routinely brought a swarm of former players to games to support the team this postseason.
In a photo sent out by the Knicks on X (formerly Twitter), there appeared to be 13 former Knicks in attendance.
Once a Knick... 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/zOqJS0lOiA
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 15, 2024
Here's who we counted (from left to right)
- Tim Thomas (2004-2005)
- Herb Williams (1992-1996)
- Patrick Ewing (1985-2000)
- Walt "Clyde" Frazier (1967-1976)
- Bill Bradley (1967-1977)
- Stephon Marbury (2004-2009)
- Wilson Chandler (2007-2011)
- John Starks (1990-1998)
- Latrell Sprewell (1998-2003)
- Kyle O'Quinn (2015-2018)
- Allan Houston (1996-2005)
- Larry Johnson (1999-2000)
- Carmelo Anthony (2011-2017)
Many of these players are frequent visitors to MSG. Frazier and Houston, for instance, work with the team (Frazier as an announcer for MSG Network and Houston for the Knicks front office).
Meanwhile, Bradley, Johnson, and Anthony are frequently in attendance as visitors and often receiver rousing ovations. Marbury, who did not end his Knicks career on good terms, has been a frequent visitor during this postseason and has also received big ovations.
The Knicks don't have nearly as rich of a history as many NBA teams, but it's nonetheless quite an endearing spectacle to see so many former players cheering on the current team.
