"To this day, I can't look him in the eye" - Pat Riley still feels bad about failing to help Patrick Ewing win an NBA title
In a heartfelt reflection, Pat Riley openly shared his deepest regret from his tenure as head coach of the New York Knicks. Years have passed, but the memories of the 1994 NBA Finals continue to weigh heavily on his mind, leading the legendary coach to hold himself accountable for the team's disappointing performance during that pivotal series.
Riley's sentiments are particularly focused on Knicks center Patrick Ewing, whose relentless dedication and hard work during that season left a lasting impression on him. He recognized the immense effort "Big Pat" invested in striving for an NBA championship, yet the legendary coach felt he fell short in providing the support necessary for Ewing to achieve that dream.
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"The New York Knicks came after 'Showtime,' but it was one of my all-time favorite teams," Riley opened up in an interview with Andscape in 2017. "Those four years with those guys, led by Patrick, I loved that."
"The biggest disappointment in my career was losing the [1994 NBA] championship. I let him down," he confided. "I let him down. I didn't do enough. I could've made a couple of different moves. [Riley regrets not using a fresh Rolando Blackman in Game 7 to spell John Starks, who shot 2-for-18 against Houston.] I could have gotten him better shots. To this day, I can't look him in the eye."
Riley believed Ewing gave it all he got in '94
It is common knowledge in the NBA that "The Godfather" was deeply committed to fostering a culture of teamwork and determination in his coaching philosophy. It was also what defined his coaching stint in New York. Among all the players of the Knicks in the '90s, he acknowledged that it was Ewing who truly exemplified the spirit of giving everything he had on the court.
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For Riley, there is no greater way to reward Ewing's relentless effort and dedication than by guiding him to an NBA championship title. Sadly, despite their shared aspirations and hard work, Riley could not achieve this ultimate goal for his star big man during his tenure with the team.
"Patrick was a guy that gave everything he could give to that city to try to win a championship," said Riley in a separate discussion. "It's probably one of the biggest disappointments I had in my life not being able to give them enough in Games 6 and 7 when we were in Houston so that Patrick could've gotten his first championship."
Related: Walt Frazier admits NBA players were afraid to lift weights back in the day: "Basketball players thought it would affect their shot"
A true Knicks icon
Despite never clinching an NBA championship with the Knicks, the former Hoya remains a cherished figure among the loyal fans of Madison Square Garden. His extraordinary blend of skills and strength are only matched by the unwavering grit and passion he displayed as the heart and soul of the Knicks.
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Today, Ewing is celebrated as a legendary Knicks player and an iconic leader who left an indelible mark on the franchise. Every now and then, avid "Big Apple" fans fondly remember his contributions, recognizing the dedication and perseverance he brought to every game during his time with the team. His legacy continues to influence the current Knickerbockers team and fans as a beloved symbol of the team's rich history.
Related: "I got so much criticism because I was able to shoot" - Ewing on why he wishes he had come up in this era
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