The 1993-94 New York Knicks had a memorable season, marked by strong performances and a deep playoff run. Under the guidance of head coach Pat Riley, the Knicks finished the regular season with a 57-25 record, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference. This success was largely attributed to their tenacious defense, which became a hallmark of Riley’s teams.
Patrick Ewing led the charge for the Knicks, averaging 24.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. His presence in the paint was pivotal for the team’s defensive strategy. The Knicks also relied heavily on the contributions of John Starks, who averaged 19.0 points per game, and Charles Oakley, who provided toughness and rebounding.
In the playoffs, the Knicks defeated the New Jersey Nets in the first round and the Chicago Bulls, who were without Michael Jordan, in a tough seven-game series during the Eastern Conference Semifinals. They then faced the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, overcoming them in another seven-game series to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1973.
The Knicks faced the Houston Rockets in the NBA Finals, a series that went the full seven games. Despite a valiant effort, they ultimately fell short, losing 4-3. The series was highlighted by a defensive battle between Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon, with Olajuwon’s Rockets emerging victorious. The 1993-94 season remains one of the most celebrated in Knicks history, underscoring their competitive spirit and strong defensive identity.
- Regular Season Record: 57-25
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 3-1, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-3, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-3, NBA Finals: 3-4
New York Knicks Roster and Stats for 1993-94 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Patrick Ewing | 79 | 24.5 | 11.2 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 2.7 | 28.6 | 25 | 21.9 | 11.7 | 2.6 | 1.3 | 3.0 | 36.4 |
| John Starks | 59 | 19.0 | 3.1 | 5.9 | 1.6 | 0.1 | 33.5 | 25 | 14.6 | 2.3 | 4.6 | 1.4 | 0.1 | 35.6 |
| Charles Oakley | 82 | 11.8 | 11.8 | 2.7 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 25 | 13.2 | 11.7 | 2.4 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| Hubert Davis | 56 | 11.0 | 1.2 | 2.9 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 40.2 | 23 | 5.3 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 28.6 |
| Charles Smith | 43 | 10.4 | 3.8 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 50.0 | 25 | 8.8 | 3.8 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.0 |
| Derek Harper | 54 | 8.6 | 1.6 | 4.4 | 1.5 | 0.1 | 36.7 | 23 | 11.4 | 2.3 | 4.5 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 34.1 |
| Greg Anthony | 80 | 7.8 | 2.4 | 4.6 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 30.0 | 25 | 4.9 | 1.1 | 2.4 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 29.5 |
| Doc Rivers | 19 | 7.5 | 2.1 | 5.3 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 36.5 | |||||||
| Rolando Blackman | 55 | 7.3 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 35.7 | 6 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 50.0 |
| Anthony Mason | 73 | 7.2 | 5.8 | 2.1 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 25 | 7.6 | 5.8 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| Tony Campbell | 22 | 7.1 | 2.7 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 33.4 | |||||||
| Anthony Bonner | 73 | 5.1 | 4.7 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 13 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Herb Williams | 70 | 3.3 | 2.6 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 19 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.0 |
| Eric Anderson | 11 | 1.9 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 100.0 | |||||||
| Corey Gaines | 18 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 1.7 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 40.0 | 4 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Gerald Paddio | 3 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |||||||
New York Knicks in the 1994 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. New Jersey Nets
In the first round of the 1994 NBA Playoffs, the New York Knicks faced off against the New Jersey Nets. The Knicks, led by Patrick Ewing, showcased their defensive prowess and depth, ultimately winning the series 3-1. This victory set the tone for their strong playoff run, which eventually took them to the NBA Finals.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 29, 1994 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 91-80 | |
| May 01, 1994 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 90-81 | |
| May 04, 1994 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 93-92 | |
| May 06, 1994 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 102-92 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Chicago Bulls
In the 1994 NBA Playoffs, the New York Knicks faced the Chicago Bulls in the second round, a series that was highly anticipated due to the Bulls' dominance in previous seasons. Without Michael Jordan, who was pursuing a baseball career, the Bulls posed a lesser threat, allowing the Knicks, led by Patrick Ewing, to capitalize and win the series in seven games. The victory was crucial in propelling the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals and ultimately to the NBA Finals.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 08, 1994 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 90-86 | |
| May 11, 1994 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 96-91 | |
| May 13, 1994 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 104-102 | |
| May 15, 1994 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 95-83 | |
| May 18, 1994 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 87-86 | |
| May 20, 1994 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 93-79 | |
| May 22, 1994 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 87-77 |
1994 Conference Championship vs. Indiana Pacers
In the 1994 NBA Playoffs, the New York Knicks, led by Patrick Ewing, reached the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling seven-game series. The Knicks ultimately triumphed, with Ewing's leadership and a strong defensive effort propelling them to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1973. This victory was marked by memorable moments, including Ewing's pivotal Game 7 performance at Madison Square Garden, solidifying his legacy as one of the franchise's all-time greats.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 24, 1994 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 100-89 | |
| May 26, 1994 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 89-78 | |
| May 28, 1994 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 88-68 | |
| May 30, 1994 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 83-77 | |
| Jun 01, 1994 | vs. Indiana Pacers | L 93-86 | |
| Jun 03, 1994 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 98-91 | |
| Jun 05, 1994 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 94-90 |
1994 NBA Finals vs. Houston Rockets
The New York Knicks made a memorable run to the 1994 NBA Finals, where they faced the Houston Rockets in a hard-fought seven-game series. Led by Patrick Ewing, the Knicks showcased tenacious defense and gritty play but ultimately fell short, losing the series 4-3. Despite the defeat, their performance was a highlight of the 1990s, marking their first Finals appearance in over two decades and solidifying their place as a formidable team of the era.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 08, 1994 | @ Houston Rockets | L 85-78 | |
| Jun 10, 1994 | @ Houston Rockets | W 91-83 | |
| Jun 12, 1994 | vs. Houston Rockets | L 93-89 | |
| Jun 15, 1994 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 91-82 | |
| Jun 17, 1994 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 91-84 | |
| Jun 19, 1994 | @ Houston Rockets | L 86-84 | |
| Jun 22, 1994 | @ Houston Rockets | L 90-84 |
New York Knicks 1993-94 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1993-94 season for the New York Knicks.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 05, 1993 | @ Boston Celtics | W 111-108 | |
| Nov 07, 1993 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 115-107 | |
| Nov 09, 1993 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 95-86 | |
| Nov 10, 1993 | @ Washington Bullets | W 92-84 | |
| Nov 12, 1993 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 103-84 | |
| Nov 13, 1993 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 99-86 | |
| Nov 16, 1993 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 103-90 | |
| Nov 17, 1993 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 95-90 | |
| Nov 20, 1993 | vs. Utah Jazz | L 86-72 | |
| Nov 22, 1993 | vs. Miami Heat | W 119-87 | |
| Nov 27, 1993 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 112-85 | |
| Dec 02, 1993 | vs. Houston Rockets | L 94-85 | |
| Dec 04, 1993 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 123-101 | |
| Dec 06, 1993 | @ Utah Jazz | L 103-96 | |
| Dec 07, 1993 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 92-78 | |
| Dec 09, 1993 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 94-81 | |
| Dec 11, 1993 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 98-91 | |
| Dec 14, 1993 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 93-84 | |
| Dec 16, 1993 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 108-85 | |
| Dec 17, 1993 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 98-86 | |
| Dec 20, 1993 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 101-92 | |
| Dec 21, 1993 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 85-81 | |
| Dec 23, 1993 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 84-75 | |
| Dec 28, 1993 | vs. New Jersey Nets | L 97-95 | |
| Dec 30, 1993 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 102-84 | |
| Jan 02, 1994 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | L 124-123 | |
| Jan 04, 1994 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 100-95 | |
| Jan 06, 1994 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 92-86 | |
| Jan 08, 1994 | @ Charlotte Hornets | L 102-99 | |
| Jan 09, 1994 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 99-85 | |
| Jan 11, 1994 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 98-77 | |
| Jan 13, 1994 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 94-80 | |
| Jan 15, 1994 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 97-88 | |
| Jan 17, 1994 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 106-94 | |
| Jan 19, 1994 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 120-108 | |
| Jan 21, 1994 | @ Orlando Magic | L 106-103 | |
| Jan 23, 1994 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 99-92 | |
| Jan 25, 1994 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 98-96 | |
| Jan 27, 1994 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 103-101 | |
| Jan 29, 1994 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 106-92 | |
| Jan 30, 1994 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 103-93 | |
| Feb 01, 1994 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 114-79 | |
| Feb 02, 1994 | @ Washington Bullets | W 85-80 | |
| Feb 04, 1994 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 114-102 | |
| Feb 06, 1994 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 95-77 | |
| Feb 07, 1994 | @ Miami Heat | L 96-85 | |
| Feb 09, 1994 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 114-79 | |
| Feb 10, 1994 | vs. Golden State Warriors | L 113-105 | |
| Feb 15, 1994 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 103-83 | |
| Feb 17, 1994 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 102-95 | |
| Feb 20, 1994 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 86-68 | |
| Feb 22, 1994 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | L 93-82 | |
| Feb 24, 1994 | @ Houston Rockets | L 93-73 | |
| Feb 25, 1994 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 102-94 | |
| Feb 27, 1994 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 92-78 | |
| Mar 01, 1994 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 100-88 | |
| Mar 03, 1994 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 97-86 | |
| Mar 07, 1994 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 99-85 | |
| Mar 09, 1994 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 90-83 | |
| Mar 11, 1994 | @ Boston Celtics | W 90-83 | |
| Mar 12, 1994 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 96-86 | |
| Mar 15, 1994 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 88-82 | |
| Mar 17, 1994 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 105-83 | |
| Mar 19, 1994 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 105-91 | |
| Mar 22, 1994 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 87-78 | |
| Mar 24, 1994 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 123-106 | |
| Mar 25, 1994 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 85-82 | |
| Mar 27, 1994 | @ Orlando Magic | W 111-90 | |
| Mar 29, 1994 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 106-95 | |
| Apr 02, 1994 | vs. Miami Heat | W 110-87 | |
| Apr 05, 1994 | @ Miami Heat | L 100-86 | |
| Apr 07, 1994 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 97-94 | |
| Apr 08, 1994 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 100-97 | |
| Apr 10, 1994 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 107-88 | |
| Apr 11, 1994 | vs. Orlando Magic | L 108-100 | |
| Apr 14, 1994 | @ Washington Bullets | W 111-106 | |
| Apr 15, 1994 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 103-90 | |
| Apr 17, 1994 | @ Charlotte Hornets | L 107-91 | |
| Apr 19, 1994 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 87-84 | |
| Apr 21, 1994 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 130-82 | |
| Apr 22, 1994 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 125-85 | |
| Apr 24, 1994 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 92-76 |