Oct 20, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks players watch as their 2025-26 championship banner is raised to the rafters before opening night against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The last time the Knicks were playing meaningful basketball inside Madison Square Garden was Game 4 of the NBA Finals, when OG Anunoby’s miraculous tip-in with 1.2 seconds left secured the largest comeback in championship-round history and set the stage for their first title in 53 years, which was won three nights later down in San Antonio.
On Tuesday night, prior to their season-opening loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Knicks got one last moment to celebrate their historic triumph with a championship banner raising and a ring ceremony.
“To celebrate one last time with the fans, it means a lot,” Karl-Anthony Towns said. “We wanted to give them a better version of ourselves than we did, but it was really special to have that moment here again in New York after 53 years. To have a new banner up it’s a really cool feeling to be that team up there to do it.”
The ring gifted to members of that title-winning team was created by Jason Arasheben, founder of Jason of Beverly Hills, and is made of white gold and features nearly 800 diamonds and blue sapphires, totaling 22 carats. The top of the ring twists off to reveal the exterior of Madison Square Garden, and inside is a detailed depiction of the court.
“It was really special,” superstar guard Jalen Brunson said. “Happy we got it out of the way and we can move on for now. But it was a really cool thing.”
Along with the current members of the team to witness the raising of the championship banner were Knicks legends Earl Monroe, Bill Bradley, and Walt Frazier, along with the widow of Willis Reed.
“I want to thank you guys for not leaving Game 4,” superstar guard Jalen Brunson, who spoke to the capacity crowd just before the banner raising, said. “We really appreciate it. As much as we won this, we wouldn’t have done this without you guys. This is unbelievable. This is really a dream come true. I know we’re all excited to get the season going. We’re ready to turn the page as a team, but one thing I’d like to say: The joy that this city had this summer, we would love to replicate that again.”
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