The Knicks’ sweep of Cleveland did more than send New York back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
It also extended their playoff winning streak to 11 games, after they closed Atlanta, swept Philadelphia and then swept the Cavaliers.
That is rare NBA territory, and it places Jalen Brunson’s group beside some of the league’s defining playoff teams.
New York Knicks join Durant, Duncan, Kobe and Magic era teams in rare company
According to StatMuse, the only other NBA teams with more than 10 consecutive playoff wins are: Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry’s Warriors, Tim Duncan and David Robinson’s Spurs, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal’s Lakers, and Magic Johnson and James Worthy’s Lakers.
The Durant and Steph Warriors were the 2017 Golden State side, who opened the playoffs 15-0 and finished 16-1 after beating Cleveland for the title.
In 1999, the Spurs had a similar run, ending the playoffs 15-2, also recording a 12-win streak in that path. Duncan and Robinson have led them on a run which delivered the franchise’s first championship after they beat New York in the Finals.
The Kobe and Shaq Lakers were the 2001 Los Angeles team, who started the postseason 11-0 and then beat Philadelphia to complete a 15-1 title run.
And last but not least, the Magic and Worthy Lakers stretched their streak across seasons, winning the end of the 1988 Finals and then opening the 1989 playoffs with 11 straight wins.
That Lakers group did not win the 1989 title, as Detroit swept them in the Finals, but the streak still reflects their era-defining consistency.
For the Knicks, the historical comparison is now clear. Their streak has already reached company usually reserved for champions, although the final test is still ahead.
