Carry On Tradition Part 3: Championship Glory For Knicks fans under the age of 40, the thought of witnessing an NBA championship celebration is merely a dream. Hakeem Olajuwon's partial block of John Starks' three-point attempt in the final seconds of Game 6 of the 1994 Finals and injuries to Patrick Ewing & Larry Johnson during the miraculous 1999 championship run were nightmarish endings to two magical postseason runs.

The legend of Red Holzman, Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Dave DeBusschere, Bill Bradley & Earl Monroe continues to grow following each lackluster season. Under Holzman's direction, the Knicks would advance to the NBA Finals three times in the early 70's and win the championship twice. Images of Willis Reed's heroic entrance during Game 7 of the 1970 Finals are constantly aired on MSG Network, but Walt "Clyde" Frazier's stat line in that decisive game goes down as the most impressive feat in Knicks history. With 36 points, 19 assists & 5 steals, Clyde secured the franchise's first championship and established the mark that all future Knick teams would be measured by.

During the 72-73 season, the Knicks patented teamwork and ball movement would be on full display. All 5 starters would average double figures in points with Frazier (21.1), DeBusschere (16.3), Bradley (16.1), Monroe (15.5) & Reed (11.0) sharing the ball. Holzman's Knicks would go on to defeat Wilt Chamberlain's Lakers for a second title and cement their legacy as one of the best teams in NBA history. Famed Madison Square Garden photographer, George Kalinsky has witnessed the winning tradition of the 70's, 80's & 90's Knicks teams up close. His images are captured in the book: The New York Knicks "The Official 50th Anniversary Celebration". For the diehard Knicks fan, this is a must read and a valuable collectible.

If the current Knicks regime has any aspiration of returning to their winning ways, they must do so by starting over completely. It will take a total rebuilding effort to erase the damage inflicted of Scott Layden & Isiah Thomas. For all of Jim Dolan's faults, he is one great GM hire away from taking himself off the hook. It will take a brilliant basketball mind in the front office, a passionate leader on the bench, some much needed draft lottery luck & and at least one All-Star to turn Team Titanic around. Until then, Knicks fans bear the responsibility of carrying on the tradition. The next time you head to The Garden to watch Isiah's Knicks, leave the Marbury jersey at home and wear your Patrick Ewing throwback instead. Ewing's induction into the Hall of Fame may just be the last great moment in Knicks history for quite some time.

-Greg Hutchins