The Miami Heat and New York Knicks were two of the most dominant teams in the NBA in the 1990s, and their rivalry was legendary. The teams faced off in four consecutive Eastern Conference semifinals from 1997 to 2000, and the games were always intense and hard-fought.

The Start of the Rivalry

The rivalry began in 1997, when the Heat and Knicks met in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Heat were led by Hardaway, a point guard known for his scoring ability and his signature "UTEP Two-Step" crossover move. The Knicks were led by Patrick Ewing, a Hall of Fame center who anchored their defense.

The series was close throughout, with the Heat winning in seven games. The game that stands out most from the series was Game 5, which was marred by a brawl. The brawl occurred after Knicks guard Charlie Ward tried to push away P.J. Brown while jockeying for position off a free-throw attempt. Taking exception to the action, Brown slammed Ward to the ground, triggering a massive brawl.

Four key players from the Knicks, namely Patrick Ewing, Allan Houston, Larry Johnson, and John Starks, left the bench, resulting in a one-game suspension for each of them spread out over the last two contests. Miami won the last three games to eliminate New York.

The Knicks' Revenge

The Knicks got their revenge in the following three years, eliminating the Heat in the first round of the 1998 and 1999 postseasons and the conference semifinals in 2000. Not even Hardaway's hatred for the Knicks was enough to lift his squad.

The Rivalry Fades

The rivalry quickly faded, though, as the protagonists would not meet in the playoffs again until 2012. Last season, they faced off against each other for only the second time since 2000.

Hardaway's Move to the Knicks

In 2022, Hardaway, who had once been known for his hatred of the Knicks, joined the franchise as a scout. This move surprised many Heat fans, but Hardaway said that he had put his past rivalry with the Knicks behind him.

Hardaway's time with the Knicks was short-lived, as he left the team in 2023 to pursue a media career. However, his move to the Knicks showed that he had developed a newfound respect for the franchise.

Hardaway's Legacy

Tim Hardaway is considered to be one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. He was a five-time All-Star and a two-time All-NBA selection. He was also a member of the 1992 Olympic gold-medal-winning team.

Hardaway's rivalry with the Knicks was one of the most intense in NBA history. The two teams played some of the most memorable games of the decade, and the brawl in Game 5 of the 1997 Eastern Conference semifinals was one of the most iconic moments in NBA history.

Hardaway's move to the Knicks was a surprising one, but it showed that he was a man who could put his past behind him. His legacy as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history is secure, and his rivalry with the Knicks will be remembered forever.