NBA History's Most Iconic Rivalries: San Antonio Spurs vs. Knicks

The San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks have been two of the most successful teams in the NBA for decades, with a rich history of thrilling matchups that have captivated fans across the country. From the Spurs' six NBA championships to the Knicks' two NBA titles, these two teams have consistently produced some of the most epic battles in NBA history. In this article, we'll take a look at the key moments that have defined the rivalry between the Spurs and the Knicks, from their first meeting in 1967 to the present day.

The Spurs and Knicks first met in the 1967-68 season, with the Spurs, then a member of the American Basketball Association (ABA), facing off against the Knicks in the NBA-ABA merger game. The Spurs, led by Hall of Famer Bill Chambers, came out on top, winning 122-106. This early victory would set the tone for a long and storied rivalry that would span decades.

The 1980s: A Time of Rivalry and Triumph

The 1980s were a pivotal decade for both the Spurs and the Knicks, with the two teams experiencing periods of significant success and contention. The Spurs, led by Hall of Famers David Robinson and George Gervin, began to build a winning culture in San Antonio, while the Knicks, with the emergence of Patrick Ewing, became a dominant force in the Eastern Conference. The two teams met 12 times between 1980 and 1989, with the Spurs winning six of those matchups.

Key Games of the 1980s

• 1982: Spurs 106, Knicks 98 - The Spurs' George Gervin scored 33 points, leading San Antonio to a convincing victory over the Knicks.
• 1984: Knicks 108, Spurs 95 - Patrick Ewing dominated the game, scoring 35 points and grabbing 16 rebounds as the Knicks took down the Spurs.
• 1986: Spurs 92, Knicks 89 - David Robinson scored 22 points, helping the Spurs snap a two-game losing streak against the Knicks.

The 1990s: A New Era of Rivalry

The 1990s saw a significant shift in the Spurs-Knicks rivalry, with the emergence of new stars and changes in team management. The Spurs, now led by coach Doug Moe and the dominant duo of David Robinson and Sean Elliott, began to dominate the Western Conference, while the Knicks, with the addition of John Starks and Patrick Ewing, became a consistent playoff contender. The two teams met 14 times between 1990 and 1999, with the Spurs winning eight of those matchups.

Key Games of the 1990s

• 1992: Spurs 108, Knicks 99 - David Robinson scored 34 points, leading the Spurs to a comeback victory over the Knicks.
• 1994: Knicks 105, Spurs 99 - John Starks scored 32 points, including a memorable 12-point fourth quarter, as the Knicks took down the Spurs.
• 1996: Spurs 90, Knicks 86 - Sean Elliott scored 22 points, helping the Spurs secure a narrow victory over the Knicks.

The 2000s: A Rivalry Rekindled

The 2000s saw a significant resurgence in the Spurs-Knicks rivalry, with the emergence of new stars and a renewed focus on the rivalry. The Spurs, now led by coach Gregg Popovich and the dominant duo of Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, began to dominate the Western Conference, while the Knicks, with the addition of Allan Houston and Larry Johnson, became a consistent playoff contender. The two teams met 12 times between 2000 and 2009, with the Spurs winning seven of those matchups.

Key Games of the 2000s

• 2001: Spurs 100, Knicks 95 - Tim Duncan scored 31 points, leading the Spurs to a come-from-behind victory over the Knicks.
• 2004: Knicks 102, Spurs 95 - Allan Houston scored 32 points, including a memorable 24-point fourth quarter, as the Knicks took down the Spurs.
• 2007: Spurs 101, Knicks 90 - Tony Parker scored 24 points, helping the Spurs secure a convincing victory over the Knicks.

The 2010s: A Changing Landscape

The 2010s saw significant changes in the Spurs-Knicks rivalry, with the emergence of new stars and a shifting landscape in the NBA. The Spurs, now led by coach Gregg Popovich and the dominant trio of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, began to experience a decline in form, while the Knicks, with the addition of Carmelo Anthony, became a consistent playoff contender. The two teams met 10 times between 2010 and 2019, with the Knicks winning five of those matchups.

Key Games of the 2010s

• 2011: Knicks 97, Spurs 89 - Carmelo Anthony scored 30 points, including a memorable 24-point fourth quarter, as the Knicks took down the Spurs.
• 2013: Knicks 104, Spurs 90 - Carmelo Anthony scored 29 points, leading the Knicks to a convincing victory over the Spurs.
• 2015: Spurs 110, Knicks 95 - Tony Parker scored 32 points, leading the Spurs to a dominant victory over the Knicks.

The Present Day

The present day has seen a resurgence in the Spurs-Knicks rivalry, with the emergence of new stars and a renewed focus on the rivalry. The Spurs, now led by coach Gregg Popovich and the dominant duo of Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge, continue to be a consistent playoff contender