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One of the most important elements in any professional sports organization, especially in the NBA, is ownership’s belief in its team. Sports history is filled with examples of owners who lacked confidence in their coaches, executives, or players. This often creates power struggles and instability. When ownership fully believes in its vision, however, the results can be remarkable.
When the New York Knicks won the NBA Cup during the regular season, owner James Dolan was asked when the team planned to raise the banner. His response caught many by surprise.
MORE: Who has longest NBA title drought after New York Knicks won?
“We are going to raise the banner. We’re going to raise the NBA championship banner. That’s what we’re going to raise.” Dolan said in January.
Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks owner James Dolan and the Knicks pose with the trophy after the Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs during game five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
At the time, many fans and media members dismissed the comment as wishful thinking. As it turned out, Dolan’s confidence reflected the belief he had in his team. All long before its championship run became reality.
The Knicks hired Mike Brown during the offseason after the Sacramento Kings dismissed him. Brown previously coached the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers, and each of those stops ended with his firing, including two separate dismissals in Cleveland.
Despite that history, Dolan and the Knicks’ front office entrusted Brown with leading the franchise. The hire generated mixed reactions. Some viewed it as uninspiring, while others believed Brown could provide the steady leadership the Knicks needed. Ultimately, it proved to be a gamble worth taking.
MORE: Ranking the last 10 NBA Champions after New York Knicks’ 2026 title
The Knicks not only captured the NBA Cup behind Tournament MVP Jalen Brunson, but they also shocked the basketball world during the postseason. After defeating the Atlanta Hawks, New York entered each of its next two series as the underdog.
Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates with his teammates after the Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs during game five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The Knicks then swept their longtime rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers, before following that performance with another sweep of the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers. Suddenly, Dolan’s January prediction appeared much closer to becoming reality. Standing between the Knicks and a championship was an NBA Finals rematch 27 years in the making.
New York continued its magical run and cemented its status as a team of destiny. The Knicks engineered historic comebacks throughout the playoffs before defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games to secure the NBA championship.
What many initially viewed as media fodder ultimately became prophetic. Dolan’s belief in his team never wavered, and that confidence was rewarded with the franchise’s ultimate achievement. After 53 years, the Knicks finally ended their championship drought and delivered a long-awaited title to the faithful fans of New York.
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When the New York Knicks won the NBA Cup during the regular season, owner James Dolan was asked when the team planned to raise the banner. His response caught many by surprise.
MORE: Who has longest NBA title drought after New York Knicks won?
“We are going to raise the banner. We’re going to raise the NBA championship banner. That’s what we’re going to raise.” Dolan said in January.
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Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks owner James Dolan and the Knicks pose with the trophy after the Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs during game five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
At the time, many fans and media members dismissed the comment as wishful thinking. As it turned out, Dolan’s confidence reflected the belief he had in his team. All long before its championship run became reality.
How words became reality
The Knicks hired Mike Brown during the offseason after the Sacramento Kings dismissed him. Brown previously coached the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers, and each of those stops ended with his firing, including two separate dismissals in Cleveland.
Despite that history, Dolan and the Knicks’ front office entrusted Brown with leading the franchise. The hire generated mixed reactions. Some viewed it as uninspiring, while others believed Brown could provide the steady leadership the Knicks needed. Ultimately, it proved to be a gamble worth taking.
MORE: Ranking the last 10 NBA Champions after New York Knicks’ 2026 title
The Knicks not only captured the NBA Cup behind Tournament MVP Jalen Brunson, but they also shocked the basketball world during the postseason. After defeating the Atlanta Hawks, New York entered each of its next two series as the underdog.
You must be registered for see images attach
Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates with his teammates after the Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs during game five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The Knicks then swept their longtime rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers, before following that performance with another sweep of the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers. Suddenly, Dolan’s January prediction appeared much closer to becoming reality. Standing between the Knicks and a championship was an NBA Finals rematch 27 years in the making.
New York continued its magical run and cemented its status as a team of destiny. The Knicks engineered historic comebacks throughout the playoffs before defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games to secure the NBA championship.
What many initially viewed as media fodder ultimately became prophetic. Dolan’s belief in his team never wavered, and that confidence was rewarded with the franchise’s ultimate achievement. After 53 years, the Knicks finally ended their championship drought and delivered a long-awaited title to the faithful fans of New York.
Continue reading...
