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.
Knicks champs Jerry Lucas, Willis Reed, and Bill Bradley celebrated at the airport, too.
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.
It was a big year for New York City. The World Trade Center was officially dedicated in April 1973.
The year 1973 was the Year of the Ox. There were street celebrations, much like today.
Source: Lower East Side History Project
Here’s what Coney Island looked like that summer. It remained popular throughout the 1970s, despite the city’s financial crises.
Just like they do today, kids flocked to the carnival games, but they cost 50 cents back then, not $3.
The subway was a little worse for wear in 1973, with many cars covered in graffiti.
One ride cost 35 cents. Now, a subway ride is $3.
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.
Also in 1973, the New York Mets reached the World Series in October, despite being in last place in August.
The Knicks played at Madison Square Garden, an iconic venue. In July 1973, rock legends Led Zeppelin recorded a concert film there.
John Lennon was also spotted walking around the city, where he lived until his death in 1980.
While a lot has changed in the city, some things remain the same.
One thing that has remained the same in 53 years? New Yorkers love the Knicks.
