1988–89 New York Knicks season

Updated on Dec 18, 2024

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Head coach Rick Pitino Owner(s) Gulf+Western Record 52–30 (.634)		General manager Al Bianchi Arena Madison Square Garden

Place Division: 1st (Atlantic)Conference: 2nd (Eastern)

The 1988–89 New York Knicks season was the 43rd season for the team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). During the offseason, the Knicks acquired Charles Oakley from the Chicago Bulls. In the regular season, the Knicks had a 52–30 record and won the Atlantic Division. New York swept the Philadelphia 76ers in the opening round of the playoffs to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where the team lost to the Bulls in six games. Mark Jackson and Patrick Ewing were selected to play in the 1989 NBA All-Star Game.

Following the season, second-year head coach Rick Pitino left the team to coach at the University of Kentucky.

Season standings

z – clinched division titley – clinched division titlex – clinched playoff spot

(2) New York Knicks vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers: Knicks win series 3–0

Game 1 @ Madison Square Garden, New York City (April 27): New York 102, Philadelphia 96

Game 2 @ Madison Square Garden, New York City (April 29): New York 107, Philadelphia 106

Game 3 @ The Spectrum, Philadelphia (May 2): New York 116, Philadelphia 115 (OT)

Last Playoff Meeting: 1983 Eastern Conference Semifinals (Philadelphia won 4–0)

(2) New York Knicks vs. (6) Chicago Bulls: Bulls win series 4–2

Game 1 @ Madison Square Garden, New York City (May 9): Chicago 120, New York 109

Game 2 @ Madison Square Garden, New York City (May 11): New York 114, Chicago 97

Game 3 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (May 13): Chicago 111, New York 88

Game 4 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (May 14): Chicago 106, New York 93

Game 5 @ Madison Square Garden, New York City (May 16): New York 121, Chicago 114

Game 6 @ Chicago Stadium, Chicago (May 19): Chicago 113, New York 111

Last Playoff Meeting: 1981 Eastern Conference First Round (Chicago won 2–0)

Patrick Ewing, All-NBA Second Team

Patrick Ewing, NBA All-Defensive Second Team

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