The Knicks made history with a record-breaking comeback, and now fans are wondering whether the presence of Nas and Wu-Tang Clan helped spark the magic.
The Knicks just did something that had never happened before in NBA Finals history.
After trailing by 30 points at halftime, New York stormed all the way back to defeat the San Antonio Spurs in one of the most improbable comebacks basketball has ever seen.
What makes it even crazier is that just one game earlier, the Knicks looked vulnerable. They lost to the Spurs and suddenly the aura of inevitability disappeared. For the first time in the series, people started wondering if New York might actually lose.
Of course, some fans blamed that loss on an unexpected visitor.
Donald Trump attended the previous game, and people started joking that he “jinxed” the Knicks. There is HARD evidence of that and sports fans have always loved their superstitions. Every fan base has lucky jerseys, lucky seats, lucky rituals, and unlucky guests. Seems like that was one of those times, since they lost for the first time after sweeping every other team.
Which brings us to the other side of the coin.
During Game 4, legendary Queensbridge rapper Nas was in the building. Meanwhile, the legendary Wu-Tang Clan delivered the halftime performance. Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu…
Now that’s New York.
These are cultural institutions. They represent the grit, creativity, resilience, and swagger that has define New York City for generations. Their music has been the soundtrack to countless victories, struggles, and triumphs.
Did Nas and Wu-Tang Clan somehow help power the Knicks to victory?
Logically, the answer is probably no. But we know that is only the simple, milk toast answer. The deeper answer is more cultural and complicated. Word to Ma Dukes.
Basketball games are won by players making shots, coaches making adjustments, and opponents making mistakes. The Spurs clearly contributed to their own downfall with questionable decisions and poor execution down the stretch.
Momentum is real. Energy is real. Confidence is real. Wu Tang and Nas are the realest!
When a building is alive and the crowd believes something special can happen, strange things often follow. I am thinking the presence of Nas and Wu-Tang Clan reminded everyone what New York is about. The fans definitely got louder and I think they gave the arena an extra jolt when it needed one most.
The Knicks made history.
And while respect is due to Cardi B, who played the other MSG halftime, I don’t think even she could overcome the feeling of doom that seemed to hover over the Garden that night. She did pray so maybe that’s her contribution to the win.
Nas and Wu-Tang Clan inspired the Knicks!
Imagine being down 30 points with Nas watching from the crowd and Wu-Tang Clan rocking the building. Imagine having to walk off that court after getting blown out in front of some of the greatest Hip-Hop icons the city has ever produced.
Yeah, I don’t think the Knicks wanted any part of that.
Look at happy Nas!
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