The 1971-72 New York Knicks season was a pivotal chapter in the franchise’s history. Building on their 1970 NBA Championship win, the Knicks aimed to reclaim their status as the league’s elite. Under the guidance of head coach Red Holzman, the team showcased a blend of veteran leadership and strategic prowess, finishing the regular season with a strong record of 48-34.
Key players such as Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, and Bill Bradley played crucial roles in the Knicks’ success. Frazier, known for his defensive tenacity and playmaking abilities, led the team in scoring and assists, while Reed’s presence in the paint was instrumental despite battling injuries. Bradley, a versatile forward, contributed significantly on both ends of the floor.
In the playoffs, the Knicks demonstrated resilience and skill. They advanced past the Baltimore Bullets in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and continued their strong performance by defeating the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. This set up a much-anticipated NBA Finals rematch against the Los Angeles Lakers, who had previously lost to New York in 1970.
Despite their efforts, the Knicks fell to the Lakers in five games. The Lakers, led by Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West, were a formidable opponent, having set a then-record 69-win season. Although the Knicks did not capture the title, their journey through the 1971-72 season solidified their reputation as a resilient and competitive team in the NBA landscape.
- Regular Season Record: 48-34
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-2, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-1, NBA Finals: 1-4
New York Knicks Roster and Stats for 1971-72 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Walt Frazier | 77 | 23.2 | 6.7 | 5.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 16 | 24.3 | 7.0 | 6.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Jerry Lucas | 77 | 16.7 | 13.1 | 4.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 16 | 18.6 | 10.8 | 5.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Dave DeBusschere | 80 | 15.4 | 11.3 | 3.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 16 | 16.6 | 12.1 | 2.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Bill Bradley | 78 | 15.1 | 3.2 | 4.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 16 | 16.2 | 2.9 | 3.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Willis Reed | 11 | 13.4 | 8.7 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Dick Barnett | 79 | 12.2 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 12 | 4.3 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Earl Monroe | 60 | 11.4 | 1.5 | 2.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 16 | 12.3 | 2.8 | 2.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Phil Jackson | 80 | 7.2 | 4.1 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 16 | 9.8 | 5.1 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Dave Stallworth | 14 | 6.8 | 2.5 | 1.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Dean Meminger | 78 | 4.6 | 2.4 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 16 | 4.1 | 2.7 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Luther Rackley | 62 | 3.8 | 3.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 11 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Mike Price | 6 | 3.2 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Eddie Mast | 40 | 2.6 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 9 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Mike Riordan | 4 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Greg Fillmore | 10 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Eddie Miles | 42 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 9 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Charlie Paulk | 29 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 7 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
New York Knicks in the 1972 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs Second Round vs. Baltimore Bullets
In the 1972 NBA Playoffs, the New York Knicks faced the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, ultimately securing victory in a hard-fought series that went to the full seven games. The Knicks showcased their resilience and depth, with standout performances from Walt Frazier and Willis Reed propelling them past their storied rivals. This triumph set the stage for a clash with the Baltimore Bullets in the Conference Finals, underscoring the Knicks' determination to reclaim the championship glory they had achieved just two seasons prior.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31, 1972 | @ Baltimore Bullets | L 108-105 | |
| Apr 02, 1972 | vs. Baltimore Bullets | W 110-88 | |
| Apr 04, 1972 | @ Baltimore Bullets | L 104-103 | |
| Apr 06, 1972 | vs. Baltimore Bullets | W 104-98 | |
| Apr 09, 1972 | @ Baltimore Bullets | W 106-82 | |
| Apr 11, 1972 | vs. Baltimore Bullets | W 107-101 |
1972 Conference Championship vs. Boston Celtics
In the 1972 NBA Playoffs, the New York Knicks showcased their tenacity and skill by advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they faced the formidable Boston Celtics. Led by the legendary Walt Frazier and a strong supporting cast, the Knicks triumphed over the Celtics in a grueling series that went the full seven games, ultimately prevailing 4-3. Their victory highlighted the team's resilience and set the stage for a thrilling NBA Finals matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 13, 1972 | @ Boston Celtics | W 116-94 | |
| Apr 16, 1972 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 106-105 | |
| Apr 19, 1972 | @ Boston Celtics | L 115-109 | |
| Apr 21, 1972 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 116-98 | |
| Apr 23, 1972 | @ Boston Celtics | W 111-103 |
1972 NBA Finals vs. Los Angeles Lakers
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 26, 1972 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 114-92 | |
| Apr 30, 1972 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 106-92 | |
| May 03, 1972 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 107-96 | |
| May 05, 1972 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 116-111 | |
| May 07, 1972 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 114-100 |
New York Knicks 1971-72 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1971-72 season for the New York Knicks.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 12, 1971 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 91-84 | |
| Oct 16, 1971 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 119-104 | |
| Oct 17, 1971 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 121-120 | |
| Oct 19, 1971 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 93-84 | |
| Oct 22, 1971 | @ Baltimore Bullets | W 110-87 | |
| Oct 23, 1971 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 95-89 | |
| Oct 26, 1971 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 106-101 | |
| Oct 27, 1971 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 110-96 | |
| Oct 28, 1971 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 112-94 | |
| Oct 30, 1971 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 108-101 | |
| Nov 03, 1971 | @ Houston Rockets | W 117-98 | |
| Nov 05, 1971 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 101-97 | |
| Nov 07, 1971 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 103-96 | |
| Nov 10, 1971 | @ Cincinnati Royals | L 99-85 | |
| Nov 11, 1971 | vs. Golden State Warriors | L 112-103 | |
| Nov 13, 1971 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 127-105 | |
| Nov 16, 1971 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 112-111 | |
| Nov 20, 1971 | vs. Baltimore Bullets | W 125-114 | |
| Nov 23, 1971 | vs. Cincinnati Royals | W 125-110 | |
| Nov 24, 1971 | @ Baltimore Bullets | W 114-94 | |
| Nov 26, 1971 | @ Boston Celtics | W 104-89 | |
| Nov 27, 1971 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 100-99 | |
| Nov 30, 1971 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | L 110-109 | |
| Dec 03, 1971 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 122-96 | |
| Dec 04, 1971 | vs. Buffalo Braves | W 130-90 | |
| Dec 07, 1971 | vs. Boston Celtics | L 105-97 | |
| Dec 11, 1971 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 134-102 | |
| Dec 12, 1971 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 103-92 | |
| Dec 14, 1971 | vs. Phoenix Suns | L 110-100 | |
| Dec 17, 1971 | @ Buffalo Braves | W 115-95 | |
| Dec 18, 1971 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 104-84 | |
| Dec 21, 1971 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 113-87 | |
| Dec 22, 1971 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 120-104 | |
| Dec 23, 1971 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 120-117 | |
| Dec 25, 1971 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 114-89 | |
| Dec 28, 1971 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 119-100 | |
| Dec 30, 1971 | vs. Baltimore Bullets | L 110-102 | |
| Jan 01, 1972 | vs. Cincinnati Royals | W 104-94 | |
| Jan 03, 1972 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 101-99 | |
| Jan 04, 1972 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 121-100 | |
| Jan 07, 1972 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 117-113 | |
| Jan 08, 1972 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L 113-108 | |
| Jan 11, 1972 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 116-91 | |
| Jan 14, 1972 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 115-111 | |
| Jan 16, 1972 | @ Houston Rockets | W 109-108 | |
| Jan 20, 1972 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 130-109 | |
| Jan 21, 1972 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 104-101 | |
| Jan 23, 1972 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 101-99 | |
| Jan 25, 1972 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 109-106 | |
| Jan 28, 1972 | @ Boston Celtics | L 122-116 | |
| Jan 29, 1972 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 110-106 | |
| Feb 01, 1972 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 115-106 | |
| Feb 02, 1972 | @ Cincinnati Royals | L 116-105 | |
| Feb 04, 1972 | @ Buffalo Braves | W 103-84 | |
| Feb 05, 1972 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 112-104 | |
| Feb 06, 1972 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 109-107 | |
| Feb 08, 1972 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 107-102 | |
| Feb 09, 1972 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 126-102 | |
| Feb 11, 1972 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 113-107 | |
| Feb 12, 1972 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 106-91 | |
| Feb 16, 1972 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 110-100 | |
| Feb 17, 1972 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 102-99 | |
| Feb 19, 1972 | vs. Buffalo Braves | W 100-95 | |
| Feb 20, 1972 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 111-109 | |
| Feb 22, 1972 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 122-105 | |
| Feb 26, 1972 | vs. Baltimore Bullets | L 104-97 | |
| Feb 27, 1972 | @ Baltimore Bullets | W 97-95 | |
| Feb 29, 1972 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 114-111 | |
| Mar 03, 1972 | @ Buffalo Braves | L 105-97 | |
| Mar 04, 1972 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 118-115 | |
| Mar 05, 1972 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 100-98 | |
| Mar 07, 1972 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 110-101 | |
| Mar 11, 1972 | vs. Phoenix Suns | L 110-106 | |
| Mar 12, 1972 | @ Boston Celtics | L 112-109 | |
| Mar 14, 1972 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 115-107 | |
| Mar 16, 1972 | @ Houston Rockets | W 103-102 | |
| Mar 17, 1972 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 111-106 | |
| Mar 18, 1972 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 133-86 | |
| Mar 22, 1972 | vs. Buffalo Braves | W 123-99 | |
| Mar 24, 1972 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 131-88 | |
| Mar 25, 1972 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 98-83 | |
| Mar 26, 1972 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 120-106 |