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Cue the Frank Sinatra song — New Yorkers are on top of the world this week.
After a 53-year-long drought, the New York Knicks are finally able to bring the Larry O'Brien championship trophy to New York City and celebrate with their loyal fans, who haven't given up in more than half a century.
Here's what life was like in New York City the last time the New York Knickerbockers were world champs.
The last time the New York Knicks won an NBA championship was in 1973. Here's the team celebrating their win at City Hall.
At City Hall, the Knicks were introduced at a reception. There was no ticker tape parade due to a financial crisis.James Hughes/NY Daily News/Getty Images
Knicks champs Jerry Lucas, Willis Reed, and Bill Bradley celebrated at the airport, too.
Jerry Lucas, Willis Reed, and Bill Bradley began the New York Knicks' celebration of the NBA championship after they left JFK Airport.New York Daily News Archive/NY Daily News/Getty Images
There was no ticker-tape parade because the then-mayor, John V. Lindsay, wanted to cut costs and avoid disruptions, calling for smaller celebrations instead.
Lindsay was mayor from 1966 to 1973.Bettmann/Getty Images
It was a big year for New York City. The World Trade Center was officially dedicated in April 1973.
The World Trade Center was under construction from 1966 to 1975, but dedicated in 1973.Bettmann/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
The year 1973 was the Year of the Ox. There were street celebrations, much like today.
Chinese dancers threw firecrackers into the path of the Lion during a ceremony in February 1973. NYC's first Lunar New Year parade was in 1888.Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
Here's what Coney Island looked like that summer. It remained popular throughout the 1970s, despite the city's financial crises.
Coney Island's Astroland Park in July 1973.Walter Leporati/Getty Images
Just like they do today, kids flocked to the carnival games, but they cost 50 cents back then, not $3.
A group of people in front of a gaming booth at Coney Island's Astroland Park in July 1973.Walter Leporati/Getty Images
The subway was a little worse for wear in 1973, with many cars covered in graffiti.
A subway car marked with extensive graffiti in May 1973.Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
One ride cost 35 cents. Now, a subway ride is $3.
It's still a pretty good deal to get from the northernmost part of the Bronx to Coney Island for just $3.Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
The Knicks weren't the only sports story out of NYC in '73. Secretariat completed his historic Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes near Queens.
Secretariat was the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years.New York Daily News Archive/Getty Images
Also in 1973, the New York Mets reached the World Series in October, despite being in last place in August.
New York Mets manager Yogi Berra, pitcher Tug McGraw, and Willie Mays after the Mets won the second game of the 1973 World Series.Bettmann/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images
The Knicks played at Madison Square Garden, an iconic venue. In July 1973, rock legends Led Zeppelin recorded a concert film there.
Bassist John Paul Jones, drummer John Bonham, singer Robert Plant, and guitarist Jimmy Page performed live onstage during a concert at Madison Square Garden in July 1973.David Redfern/Getty Images
John Lennon was also spotted walking around the city, where he lived until his death in 1980.
Former Beatle John Lennon posed for a photo in New York City circa 1973.Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images
While a lot has changed in the city, some things remain the same.
Fans celebrated the New York Knicks' win over the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden.Dan Farrell/NY Daily News Archive/Getty Images
One thing that has remained the same in 53 years? New Yorkers love the Knicks.
New York Knicks fans climbed on buses as they celebrated after they won the NBA Finals in Times Square in 2026.Adam Gray/Getty Images
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Gabbi Shaw is a reporter on Business Insider's editorial partnerships team. She covers entertainment, travel, food, and lifestyle for Business Insider, and Insider Inc.'s partners, including MSN, Apple News, and Yahoo.She graduated from Tulane University in 2017 with a degree in public health and now lives in New York City. She can be reached on X or LinkedIn.Please send all inquiries, comments, or tips to gshaw@businessinsider.com.Selected stories:
