NY KNICKS HISTORY & WIDE SELECTION OF ITEMS

KNICKS HISTORY FEATURES

1946-49: The Original BAA | 1949-51: Knicks Reach First NBA Finals | 1951: New York's First Superstars | 1951-53: Those Darn Lakers | 1953-59: Never a Dull Moment | 1959-67: Seasons of Struggle | 1967-69: New York Hires Holzman In The Knick Of Time | 1969-70: Reed's Heroics Lead Knicks To Championship | 1970-72: Stars Of The Seventies | 1972-76: First A Title, Then A Decline | 1976-78: "Red" Out, Reed In | 1978-83: Reed Out, "Red" In | 1983-85: King Rules Over NBA | 1985-89: New York Wins League's First Lottery | 1989-91: Charles Is In Charge, But Knicks Aren't | 1991-92: Stand Pat? Nah, Hire Pat | 1992-93: Knicks Win 60 But Are Bulled Over Again | 1993-94: The New Beasts Of The East | 1994-95: Offensive Woes Haunt Knicks; Riley Steps Down | 1995-96: Nelson's Stay Is A Short One | 1996-97: New Knicks Storm Atlantic | 1997-98: Knicks Look at Life Without Ewing | 1998-99: Unforgettable Run to the Finals | 1999-2000: Eastern Conference Repeat Falls Short | 2000-01: Ewing Era Comes to an End

The Knicks and 10 other franchises had their beginnings on June 6, 1946, at the Hotel Commodore in New York City. A group of arena operators met to discuss the formation of the Basketball Association of America, the forerunner of the NBA. The original teams were divided into two divisions. The East consisted of the New York Knickerbockers, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia Warriors, Providence Steamrollers, Washington Capitols, and Toronto Huskies. The West was composed of the Pittsburgh Ironmen, Chicago Stags, Detroit Falcons, St. Louis Bombers, and Cleveland Rebels.

On November 1, 1946, the Knicks played the first game in the new league's history, beating the Huskies, 68-66, in Toronto. Neil Cohalan was coach, and the starting lineup consisted of Ossie Schectman, Stan Stutz, Jake Weber, Ralph Kaplowitz, and Leo "Ace" Gottlieb, who was New York's high scorer with 12 points.

Madison Square Garden had a crowded schedule of hockey and college basketball games for the BAA's inaugural season, so New York played most of its home games at the 69th Regiment Armory. The Knicks got off to a 10-2 start in November, which would remain one of the best months in franchise history. In their debut season they posted a 33-27 record.