The Knicks silenced several widespread critiques and complaints that have followed the team around in recent years by winning the franchise's first championship since 1973.
As the team responsible for ending New York's title drought raised the Larry O'Brien Trophy, those that got it done made sure to call out some of those complaints, and how drastically they backfired.
Josh Hart shouted out those that criticized the trade for his college teammate and close friend, Mikal Bridges. The five first-round picks that the Knicks sent to the rival Nets were brought up like clockwork any time Bridges had a rough game in his first two seasons with his new team, but after shooting the lights out through three rounds of the playoffs, and coming back alive in the clinching game five of the NBA Finals, Bridges seemed to justify the trade, and then some.
Hart clearly agreed.
"Hey, man. Forget them picks," Bridges said. "Forget them picks...we here."
Bridges agreed.
"Yeah, f--- them [picks]," Bridges said. "I appreciate the tough love."
Mike Brown took the podium for his postgame press conference and sang the praises of his entire group, including Jalen Brunson, who set a franchise record for most points in an NBA Finals game with 45 points in the clinching game five. Brown praised Brunson as being that 1A star that can lead a team to a title, as Brunson just proved on Saturday night, contrary to the declarations of many, most notable former Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon.
When Brunson was asked about that widespread narrative, Brunson gave it as much thought as he has all along.
"I didn't respond to them then," Brunson said. "And I'm damn sure not gonna respond to them now."
Turns out, these Knicks were keeping some receipts...
Turns out, these Knicks were keeping some receipts...
