The conversation about the New York Knicks’ greatest team ever has gained new momentum following the franchise’s 2026 NBA championship. For decades, the debate largely centered on the 1970 and 1973 Knicks squads, which earned two titles and featured a core of Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Dave DeBusschere, and Bill Bradley. Now, the 2026 Knicks, who recently secured the NBA crown, have entered the discussion as serious contenders for the top spot in franchise history.

The 1970 and 1973 Knicks are widely respected for their strong team identity, characterized by tenacious defense, unselfish ball movement, and a balanced lineup. Differences between the two classic teams often hinge on the preference of role players, such as choosing Dick Barnett over Earl Monroe in the backcourt or Cazzie Russell over Jerry Lucas off the bench, but both rely on the same foundational stars.

The modern Knicks, however, have inspired fresh comparisons after an impressive postseason run. Their playoff record of 16-3 stands out when compared to the earlier championships—12-7 in 1970 and 12-5 in 1973—and highlights a dominant 11-game winning streak from Game 3 in the first round through Game 4 of the conference finals. This performance places them among the best single-season playoff teams in NBA history, alongside the 2001 Lakers (15-1), 1996 Bulls (16-3), and 1986 Celtics (15-3), though still short of the 2017 Warriors’ 16-1 mark.

Supporters of the 2026 Knicks emphasize that the team mirrors many of the qualities that made the 1970s teams legendary, such as strong defense and team cohesion, and argue they are simply superior on the court. Some sports analysts view this comparison as a monumental shift, noting that it has long been taboo to suggest recent Knicks teams could rival those of the early 1970s, with previous commentary sometimes sparking heated backlash from fans and former players.

Conversely, some fans and historians remain loyal to the 1970s teams, whose legacy has been untarnished for more than five decades. The reverence for stars like Willis Reed and Walt Frazier, as well as the cultural impact of those championship runs, continues to hold a special place in Knicks lore.

While a definitive answer remains elusive—pending, perhaps, a hypothetical matchup or advanced simulations comparing the teams—there is broad recognition that the 2026 Knicks have reclaimed the franchise’s competitive prominence and opened the door to a new era of debate. Until further developments or attempts at historical comparisons emerge, many experts lean toward the reigning NBA champions as the franchise’s finest squad.