Shaun Persaud | On February 18, 2013

Among the basketball fans across the city, there has been a small debate going on; check it out:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0xSlKbYVRM

 

In the city that never sleeps, there is only one sport that really matters– basketball. When the streets are warm, players come out in droves to do battle in the ubiquitous courts around the city and its boroughs. And when it comes to basketball, there is only one team that truly matters in NYC- the NYK. That’s right, the New York Knicks. The Nets will never come close to claiming the city as their own. Sure, the Nets are a decent enough team with a strong core to build around, but the Knicks are a part of the very fabric of the city. No matter what happens, they will always be number one in the eyes of the New York faithful, and I’m going to tell you why.

Here’s some companion music to enhance your reading experience.

“Take Me Home”- Greatest Knicks theme song. Ever:

 

The Knicks have always been a team that everyone wanted to see succeed, simply because it is a franchise that is associated with the greatest city in the world. All of the sports analysts and people all over the world needed to have a winning team in New York because it is the cultural center of the world. Even when they sucked, the world wanted better for them. The NBA wanted better for them. Hell, my grandma wanted better for them.

Remember when the Nets sucked just as much? Yeah, no one cared. The reason is because the Nets mean nothing to this city. Or even New Jersey. Well, no one really cares about New Jersey or what they think, anyway. Maybe Snooki does, but no one cares about her either. Sure, from time to time you’ll see a guy sporting the logo on his fitted cap, but seven times out of ten he’s only doing that because it matches his sneakers. Even if you go to a Nets vs. Knicks game at the Barclay’s Center, you’ll hear the voice of the Knicks faithful over the annoying chants of “Brooklyn.”

Knicks lore is full of heroic legends who put the city on their shoulders and were kings for a night. Players delight in playing on the biggest stage and under the biggest lights. They are an amazing franchise who will add another championship banner to the two that already hang in the Garden rafters very soon. People come from all over the world to see New York City. Have you ever heard of someone coming from a foreign land to visit Brooklyn? No. They may, but that’s only after they’ve had a taste of the Manhattan.

 

An example of a heroic legend, LJ’s famous 4 point play:

(Fast forward to 5:37 if you don’t want to watch the whole thing. But watch the whole thing. Trust me.)

 

You see, to the world, Brooklyn is just the side show, as is the team that calls it their home. The Knicks are the main attraction. New York is the main attraction. When a basketball fan hears “the Knicks,” they think “New York” and vice versa. The Knicks own this city. Their home court is in the heart of the city because they are the heart of the city. They’re the only team that matters in this town.