Knicks to Raise Title Banner Before Season Opener

The New York Knicks are scheduled to raise their championship banner before opening their title defense against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, October 20. The ceremony is expected to begin around 6:30 p.m., with tipoff set for 7 p.m., according to the team’s announcement as reported ahead of the game. The banner will mark the franchise’s first NBA championship since 1973. New York defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the 2026 NBA Finals, completing a title run that included a 107-106 win in Game 4 after trailing by 29 points. The Knicks clinched the championship with a 94-90 victory in Game 5. The opener also begins the Knicks’ first season as defending champions in 53 years. They finished the 2025-26 regular season 53-29, then went 16-3 in the postseason, according to the reports. Jalen Brunson, the Finals MVP and team captain, is expected to lead New York against a Philadelphia roster that includes LeBron James. The Knicks are also giving championship T-shirts to fans attending the opener, according to a report published Tuesday. Separately, Baked by Melissa is offering limited-time Knicks-themed cupcakes in orange and blue, sold in...