Pat Riley’s no longer roaming the sidelines, but a Knicks-Heat game still carries the same intensity it did in 1996. The two will write the next chapter on Monday.
The Heat (8-4) -- now a season removed from the “Big Three” era -- are enjoying a quiet, but modest start to the 2015-16 campaign. At 8-6, the Knicks are enjoying the role as the surprise team in the NBA.
Kristaps Porzingis, Kevin Durant Have Something In Common
Kristaps Porzingis wasn’t supposed to be ready to contribute this early and New York was expected to linger somewhere between the Nets (2-11) and 76ers (0-14).
Monday’s matchup has all the makings of an instant classic, but before the next chapter is written, let's look back at the five best moments in the rivalry’s history.
Kristaps Porzingis Already Better Than Patrick Ewing
2012 Eastern Conference First Round
Remember when the Knicks won the title in 2012? No, but they sure celebrated like they did.
After Dwyane Wade missed a potential series-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, New York celebrated an 89-87 victory at the Garden -- the team’s first playoff victory since 2001.
Fast forward to Game 5. The Knicks were eliminated and the Heat went on to win the 2012 NBA Finals.
Patrick Ewing Dunks On Alonzo Mourning
It may have been Game 1 of the 1997 Eastern Conference semifinals, but it will always be remembered as the moment Patrick Ewing emasculated Alonzo Mourning in the paint.
The Fight (1997)
Ron Artest was surely watching in 1997 when P.J. Brown and Charlie Ward started one of the most infamous melees in NBA history.
Miami went on to win the series, losing to the Bulls in the Eastern Conference finals.
The Fight Part II (1998)
As if one fight wasn’t enough, Mourning and Larry Johnson gifted NBA fans a second playoff fight in as many years. Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy provided the signature moment, nipping away at Mourning’s legs in an attempt to break up the fight.
New York would advance past Miami in the 1998 Eastern Conference first round.
What Started It All
In 1995, Pat Riley resigned as Knicks head coach to become the head coach and team president of the Heat. Tampering accusations were made, matters were settled, but a permanent fire was lit beneath both franchises.
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