What I Learned From Watching the Knicks Win it All

By Kayla Samuels

The New York Knicks are 2026 NBA Champions!

For many, this statement feels unbelievable and surreal, and yet for the Knicks players themselves, it was a reality they deeply believed was possible, if not probable. As I reflect upon watching this team full of heart, determination, grit, comradery, and perseverance, I am left with deep gratitude for what this Knicks team has taught me about working towards a goal and relying on others to help you reach it. 

Mindset Matters 

From winning the NBA cup and not hoisting the banner in Madison Square Garden, to the Knicks players stating they were mentally at a “0-0” in the series even post-playoff win, the Knicks held a steady and consistent mindset about what it meant to focus on each game one at a time while working towards an ultimate goal. They lived consistently in the present moment, focusing on the task at hand that day, and always believing that they were capable of pulling out a victory. They employed an energy that was humble and focused; balancing acknowledgement of the success in every win while looking for ways they could improve for the next game. 

At the heart of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is the core belief that we are most effective when we balance acceptance with change. The Knicks accepted the reality of every win they earned or a loss that stung, while looking at ways to improve their communication, their gameplay and adjustments needed to face various opponents. 

Manifesting, does it work? 

The Knicks believed, and made us believe, that they could really win it all. Their owner stated this back in January, and their relentless determination made it clear that no matter the lead, if they played their brand of basketball, they were giving themselves a shot to pull out the W. 

Manifesting the outcoming you desire means believing in yourself, and thus letting that belief drive you to work hard and seek ways to improve (the balance of acceptance and change once again!) NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson repeatedly stated he was not fearful of failure, but rather he saw winning a championship as the ultimate goal, and thus was willing to give these games everything he had knowing that failing was a possibility. Anxiety and fear often make our world smaller because we want to protect ourselves from possible hurt or harm. However, when we do this, and don’t take healthy risks or chances, we cut off the possibility for ultimate success and euphoria, such as snapping a 53 year drought and bringing NY a championship.

The Knicks told themselves that the trophy could be theirs, while knowing that they had to earn it every moment of every day. 

Working towards a goal with those you care about makes a difference 

3 of the Knicks starters- Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart- played together in Villanova and won a championship. Many of these Knicks players have played together for at least a couple years, though Mike Brown was fresh to coaching their team this season. Regardless of how long ago the relationships were formed, it was clear that the Knicks prioritized deepening strong relationships between teammates and coaching staff, and their belief in each other carried them through every setback, dominant win and come from behind victory. 

Watching them, it truly felt like their egos were left on the table, and many players gave up their own moment in the sunshine to help another teammate have the play of the game. It is remarkable and impressive that Mike Brown earned the trust and respect of the players seemingly so immediately, and his ability to bring this team together shows that when you work towards something with individuals you admire and respect, and those who share your values and goals, good (great) things can happen. 

Even if you aren’t a sports fan, it's easy to love this team and what they represent 

This team’s passion for the game, their unyielding belief in themselves and their abilities, all while having fun and bringing unbridled joy to New York, makes them a team for the people of this city and beyond. They provide lessons for all of us on what it means to fight for something that is so incredibly difficult to achieve, what it means to have a team fight alongside you, and how being in the present moment can help make your future goal feel even more attainable. 

It was a ride and a gift to watch this Knicks team transform their belief into reality, and is a reminder for us all to dream big no matter the mountain to climb.