Stan Van Gundy Doubles Down on Dissing Knicks Fans
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
The New York Knicks have made the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. It has been a long 25 years for the Knicks, but the franchise finally has some direction.
Despite them losing Game 1 of the conference finals to the Indiana Pacers, New York fans still have the utmost faith in the team. Many Knicks fans have been going viral over the past week for the wild mobs of people taking to the streets after the team eliminated the Boston Celtics.
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Like any other New York fanbase, Knicks fans are passionate, and sometimes that passion can come out in different ways. Some people believe that fans of big cities are front-runners or bandwagoners, but in reality, these are some of the most loyal fans around the country.
Knicks fans have been suffering for years, but they have stood by the team. However, this hasn't stopped former NBA head coach Stan Van Gundy from doubling down on calling them front-runners.
"I'll stand by that. The Knicks fans are great fans, but if things are going bad... I've been in all these arenas (and if) things are going bad in Indiana, the Indiana fans are going to try to rally their team back. The Knicks fans are going to boo their team. If that 14-0 run had been the other way early in the fourth quarter and the Knicks went down 16, they're getting booed. That's just the way it is. That's all I was talking about. Knicks fans are great, they're passionate, they're enjoying this moment so more power to them. My front-runner comment was just that. When things are going bad they're not trying to rally everybody, they're gonna pound you."
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: New York Knicks fans cheer for a three-pointer in the first quarter of Game Six of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at...
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 16: New York Knicks fans cheer for a three-pointer in the first quarter of Game Six of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at a watch party hosted by the Knicks outside of Madison Square Garden on May 16, 2025 in New York City. ( More
Photo byVan Gundy isn't the only one who believes this, as former Pacers star Reggie Miller has said it as well. The Knicks fans haven't had very much to celebrate over the years, so whenever something good does happen, they tend to take things overboard.
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New York will look to even the best-of-seven playoff series in Game 2 on Friday. The Knicks have been very good at home this year, going 27-14 during the regular season, and will need their loyal fans to help bring the energy against the Pacers.
More NBA news:
Knicks Collapse vs Pacers Has Stephen A Smith 'Sick to His Stomach'
For more Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
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