The New York Knicks are two wins away from their first NBA championship in more than five decades, and longtime fan Fat Joe believes history could be waiting on the other side.
Appearing on ESPN’s First Take, the rapper made a bold claim while discussing New York’s 2-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals.
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“I feel like, honestly, if we win tonight, it’s over, over, over,” Fat Joe said ahead of Game 3 at Madison Square Garden.
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He then took the conversation a step further, suggesting the Knicks could enter discussions among the greatest teams ever if they continue their postseason dominance.
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“Now, this is the craziest thing I’m about to say,” Joe said, “And everybody, don’t k**l me, right, in America. But the way the numbers are lining up, Steve, if these guys sweep four in a row, the statistics are saying it’s the greatest team of all time.”
Stephen A. Smith quickly pushed back, noting that the 2017 Golden State Warriors produced a similar playoff run, while Michael Wilbon argued that regular-season performance matters when evaluating all-time teams.
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“One of the all-time great runs,” Wilbon responded.
Knicks building a case for a historic playoff run
While Fat Joe’s prediction may sound exaggerated, the Knicks have undeniably put together one of the most impressive postseason stretches in recent memory.
New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado (5) attempts a jump shot in front of the Knicks bench at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
New York enters Game 3 riding a 13-game playoff winning streak, the second-longest in NBA postseason history. More importantly, the Knicks have won the first two games of the Finals on the road, including a one-point escape in Game 2 after Victor Wembanyama missed a potential game-winner.
However, this team’s strength lies in its balance. Jalen Brunson remains the offensive leader and late-game closer, averaging 25 points through two Finals games. Karl-Anthony Towns has arguably been the series’ most impactful player, posting back-to-back double-doubles while leading the Finals MVP race. Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby have provided the defensive versatility needed to contain San Antonio’s young stars.
Still, calling this group one of the greatest teams ever may be premature, per Wilbon. The Knicks finished as the No. 3 seed, and he argued that all-time team discussions usually require dominant regular-season resumes alongside championship success.
“Can’t be a truly great team when you’re a three seed, because the regular season counts too,” Wilbon said.
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However, the conversation about one of the greatest playoff runs is entirely fair. If New York completes a sweep and extends its winning streak to 15 postseason games, the Knicks will have earned a place among the most memorable champions of the modern NBA era.