1991–92 New York Knicks season

{{short description|Season of National Basketball Association team the New York Knicks}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}

{{NBA season

| team = New York Knicks

| end_year = 1992

| wins = 51

| losses = 31

| division = Atlantic

| division_place = 2

| conf_place = 4

| coach = Pat Riley

| gm = Ernie Grunfeld

| owners = Paramount Communications, Inc.

| arena = Madison Square Garden

| playoffs = Conference semifinals
(lost to Bulls 3–4)

| bbr_team = NYK

| television = MSG Network
(Marv Albert, John Andariese, Al Trautwig, Bruce Beck)

| radio = WFAN
(Jim Karvellas, Walt "Clyde" Frazier, Mike Breen)

}}

The 1991–92 NBA season was the 46th season of the National Basketball Association in New York City.{{cite web|title=1991–92 New York Knicks|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/.html|access-date=}} In the off-season, the Knicks hired Pat Riley as their new head coach; Riley previously coached the Los Angeles Lakers two years ago.{{cite news | last = Goldaper | first = Sam | title = Knicks Win a Big One as They're Set to Sign Riley | work = The New York Times | date = May 31, 1991 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/31/sports/knicks-win-a-big-one-as-they-re-set-to-sign-riley.html | access-date = November 20, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Clifton | title = BASKETBALL; Now the Hard Part for Riley: Coaching Knicks | work = The New York Times | date = June 1, 1991 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/01/sports/basketball-now-the-hard-part-for-riley-coaching-knicks.html | access-date = January 19, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Hudson | first = Maryann | title = Riley Will Leave TV, Coach Knicks: NBA: Former Laker Coach Reportedly Will Get $6 Million Over Five Years in New York | work = Los Angeles Times | date = June 1, 1991 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-06-01-sp-2375-story.html | access-date = November 20, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Clifton | title = Upbeat Riley Confident He Can Bring Knicks Back; New Coach Gets Five-Year Contract | work = The Baltimore Sun | date = June 1, 1991 | url = https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1991-06-01-1991152076-story.html | access-date = May 23, 2023}} The team also acquired Xavier McDaniel from the Phoenix Suns,{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Clifton | title = BASKETBALL; Knicks Add Firepower by Acquiring McDaniel | work = The New York Times | date = October 2, 1991 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/02/sports/basketball-knicks-add-firepower-by-acquiring-mcdaniel.html | access-date = November 2, 2016}}{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Riley Gets Wish: Knicks Obtain Suns' McDaniel: Pro Basketball: Phoenix Gets Mustaf, Tucker and Second-Round Draft Picks in 1992 and 1994 for 6-7 Forward | work = Los Angeles Times | date = October 2, 1991 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-10-02-sp-2896-story.html | access-date = November 20, 2022}}{{cite news | title = Knicks Trade Mustaf for McDaniel | newspaper = The Washington Post | date = October 2, 1991 | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1991/10/02/knicks-trade-mustaf-for-mcdaniel/fdb510a5-d29a-47f0-a5d9-0b57d2792e17/ | access-date = November 20, 2022}} signed free agent Anthony Mason,{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Clifton | title = BASKETBALL; Knicks Almost Down to Opening-Day Size | work = The New York Times | date = October 30, 1991 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/30/sports/basketball-knicks-almost-down-to-opening-day-size.html | access-date = November 20, 2022}}{{cite web | title = 1991-92 New York Knicks Transactions | work = Basketball Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1992_transactions.html | access-date = November 2, 2016}} and selected point guard Greg Anthony from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with the twelfth overall pick in the 1991 NBA draft.{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Clifton | title = BASKETBALL; Anthony, a New Point Man, to Join Knicks' Backcourt | work = The New York Times | date = June 27, 1991 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/27/sports/basketball-anthony-a-new-point-man-to-join-knicks-backcourt.html | access-date = April 23, 2023}}{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Clifton | title = PRO BASKETBALL; Big Deal for Knicks as Anthony Signs Up | work = The New York Times | date = October 6, 1991 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/06/sports/pro-basketball-big-deal-for-knicks-as-anthony-signs-up.html | access-date = April 23, 2023}}{{cite web | title = 1991 NBA Draft | work = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1991.html | access-date = April 23, 2023}}

Under Riley, the Knicks showed improvement as they held a 30–16 record at the All-Star break.{{cite web | title = NBA Games Played on February 6, 1992 | work = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/index.fcgi?month=2&day=6&year=1992 | access-date = November 21, 2022}} At mid-season, the team traded Brian Quinnett to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for James Donaldson.{{cite news | title = Knicks Acquire James Donaldson from Dallas | work = United Press International | date = February 20, 1992 | url = https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/02/20/Knicks-acquire-James-Donaldson-from-Dallas/1885698562000/ | access-date = December 27, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Clifton | title = BASKETBALL; Knicks Make Deal, But Can't Stop Cavs | work = The New York Times | date = February 21, 1992 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/21/sports/basketball-knicks-make-deal-but-can-t-stop-cavs.html | access-date = December 27, 2022}}{{cite news | title = Mavericks Trade Donaldson to Knicks | work = Deseret News | date = February 21, 1992 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1992/2/21/18968927/mavericks-trade-donaldson-to-knicks | access-date = December 27, 2022}} The Knicks finished second in the Atlantic Division with a 51–31 record.{{cite web|title=1991–92 New York Knicks Schedule and Results|publisher=Basketball-Reference|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1992_games.html|access-date=October 11, 2021}}[http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/nyk/nyknicks.html New York Knicks (1946-Present)]

Patrick Ewing led the team with 24.0 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team and NBA All-Defensive Second Team, was selected for the 1992 NBA All-Star Game in Orlando, Florida,{{cite news | last = Heisler | first = Mark | title = Comeback or Farewell, a Magical All-Star Game | work = Los Angeles Times | date = February 9, 1992 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-02-09-sp-3573-story.html | access-date = January 28, 2023}}{{cite web | title = 1992 NBA All-Star Game: West 153, East 113 | work = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1992.html | access-date = December 1, 2021}} and finished in fifth place in Most Valuable Player voting.{{cite web | title = 1991–92 NBA Awards Voting | work = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1992.html | access-date = January 3, 2022}} In addition, John Starks played an increased role as the team's sixth man, averaging 13.9 points per game off the bench, while McDaniel provided the team with 13.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Gerald Wilkins contributed 12.4 points per game. Mark Jackson provided 11.3 points, 8.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game, while Mason also played a sixth man role, averaging 7.0 points and rebounds per game each, off the bench, and Charles Oakley contributed 6.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.{{cite web|title=1991–92 New York Knicks Roster and Stats|publisher=Basketball-Reference|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/NYK/1992.html|access-date=October 11, 2021}} Riley finished in second place in Coach of the Year voting.{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = SPORTS PEOPLE: PRO BASKETBALL; Nelson's Consolation Prize | work = The New York Times | date = May 22, 1992 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/22/sports/sports-people-pro-basketball-nelson-s-consolation-prize.html | access-date = November 21, 2022}}

In the Eastern Conference First Round of the playoffs, the Knicks eliminated the Detroit Pistons in five games.{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Clifton | title = PRO BASKETBALL; Knicks Unite to Undo Pistons | work = The New York Times | date = May 4, 1992 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/04/sports/pro-basketball-knicks-unite-to-undo-pistons.html | access-date = October 14, 2021}}{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Knicks Win by Playing Pistons-Style Basketball | work = Deseret News | date = May 4, 1992 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1992/5/4/18982186/knicks-win-by-playing-pistons-style-basketball-br | access-date = July 26, 2022}}{{cite web | title = 1992 NBA Eastern Conference First Round: Pistons vs. Knicks | work = Basketball-Reference | date = | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1992-nba-eastern-conference-first-round-pistons-vs-knicks.html | access-date = April 18, 2023}} In the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, the Knicks faced off against the defending champion Chicago Bulls for the second straight year. The Knicks frustrated the Bulls and Michael Jordan with their physical play, winning Game 1 on the road, 94–89,{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Clifton | title = BASKETBALL; What Losing Streak? It's a Stunner for Knicks | work = The New York Times | date = May 6, 1992 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/06/sports/basketball-what-losing-streak-it-s-a-stunner-for-knicks.html | access-date = July 26, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Isaacson | first = Melissa | title = Hobbled Pippen, Other Starters Given a Rest | work = Chicago Tribune | date = May 7, 1992 | url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-05-07-9202100734-story.html | access-date = July 26, 2022}} and then winning Game 6 at home, 100–86 to tie the series at 3–3.{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Clifton | title = BASKETBALL; Knicks Discover 100 Ways to Force 7th Game | work = The New York Times | date = May 15, 1992 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/15/sports/basketball-knicks-discover-100-ways-to-force-7th-game.html | access-date = July 26, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Isaacson | first = Melissa | title = Defiant Knicks Force Game 7 | work = Chicago Tribune | date = May 15, 2022 | url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-05-15-9202130248-story.html | access-date = July 26, 2022}} However, the Knicks lost to the Bulls in seven games as the Bulls–Knicks rivalry was born.{{cite news | last = Murphy | first = Robert J. | title = Bulls 110, Knicks 81 | work = United Press International | date = May 17, 1992 | url = https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/05/17/Bulls-110-Knicks-81/6005072606700/ | access-date = January 28, 2023}}{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Clifton | title = BASKETBALL; Bulls Plug in Offense and Disconnect the Knicks | work = The New York Times | date = May 18, 1992 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/18/sports/basketball-bulls-plug-in-offense-and-disconnect-the-knicks.html | access-date = October 14, 2021}}{{cite news | last = Cotton | first = Anthony | title = Jordan, Bulls Return to Form | newspaper = The Washington Post | date = May 19, 1992 | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1992/05/19/jordan-bulls-return-to-form/9c670aa6-c3f5-43a0-bd2a-933dcbcd51ae/ | access-date = July 26, 2022}}{{cite web | title = 1992 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals: Knicks vs. Bulls | work = Basketball-Reference | date = | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1992-nba-eastern-conference-semifinals-knicks-vs-bulls.html | access-date = April 18, 2023}} The Bulls would defeat the Portland Trail Blazers in six games in the NBA Finals, winning their second consecutive championship.{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Clifton | title = With Jordan Starring, Bulls Make It a Rerun | work = The New York Times | date = June 15, 1992 | url = https://partners.nytimes.com/library/sports/basketball/061592bkn-jordan.html | access-date = September 22, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Heisler | first = Mark | title = Bull Reserves Take Title by Horns: Game 6: Along with Pippen, They Go on a Late 14-2 Run That Carries Chicago to a 97-93 Victory | work = Los Angeles Times | date = June 15, 1992 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-06-15-sp-418-story.html | access-date = September 22, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Aldridge | first = David | title = Down 17, Bulls Hit Blazers with Title Wave | newspaper = The Washington Post | date = June 15, 1992 | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nba/longterm/jordan/articles/repeat92.htm | access-date = December 27, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Isaacson | first = Melissa | title = Bulls Find Repeat Sweet | work = Chicago Tribune | date = June 15, 1992 | url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-06-15-9202230113-story.html | access-date = September 22, 2022}}{{cite web | title = 1992 NBA Finals: Trail Blazers vs. Bulls | work = Basketball-Reference | date = | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1992-nba-finals-trail-blazers-vs-bulls.html | access-date = April 18, 2023}}

The Knicks finished sixth in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 726,608 at Madison Square Garden during the regular season.{{cite web | title = 1991-92 NBA Season Summary | work = Basketball-Reference | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1992.html | access-date = December 14, 2024}} Following the season, McDaniel signed as a free agent with the Boston Celtics after just one season with the Knicks,{{cite news | title = McDaniel Signs with Celtics | work = United Press International | date = September 10, 1992 | url = https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/09/10/McDaniel-signs-with-Celtics/5693716097600/ | access-date = June 20, 2023}}{{cite news | last = Araton | first = Harvey | title = BASKETBALL; Knicks Lose McDaniel to the Celtics | work = The New York Times | date = September 11, 1992 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1992/09/11/sports/basketball-knicks-lose-mcdaniel-to-the-celtics.html | access-date = November 2, 2016}}{{cite news | last = Arace | first = Michael | title = McDaniel Signs with Celtics | work = Hartford Courant | date = September 11, 1992 | url = https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-1992-09-11-0000112613-story.html | access-date = July 24, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Bunn | first = Curtis G. | title = Celtic-Pride Talk Convincing to McDaniel | work = Los Angeles Times | date = September 13, 1992 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-09-13-sp-1337-story.html | access-date = September 25, 2022}} while Jackson was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers,{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Clifton | title = BASKETBALL; Knicks' Jackson Going to Clippers? Just One Obstacle | work = The New York Times | date = September 1, 1992 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1992/09/01/sports/basketball-knicks-jackson-going-to-clippers-just-one-obstacle.html | access-date = November 2, 2016}}{{cite news | title = Knicks, Magic, Clippers Complete Trade | work = United Press International | date = September 22, 1992 | url = https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/09/22/Knicks-Magic-Clippers-complete-trade/2397717134400/ | access-date = November 18, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Howard-Cooper | first = Scott | title = Big Man, Big Deal: Roberts a Clipper: Pro Basketball: But They Have to Give Up a Lot to Acquire the Heavyweight Center, and Mark Jackson in Three-Team Deal with New York and Orlando | work = Los Angeles Times | date = September 23, 1992 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-09-23-sp-1257-story.html | access-date = July 26, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Smith | first = Sam | title = Knicks Are Bullish About 3-Team Deal | work = Chicago Tribune | date = September 23, 1992 | url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1992-09-23-9203260605-story.html | access-date = June 20, 2023}} Kiki Vandeweghe signed as a free agent with the Clippers,{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = Clippers Reach Agreements with Spencer, Vandeweghe | work = Deseret News | date = October 12, 1992 | url = https://www.deseret.com/1992/10/12/19009943/clippers-reach-agreements-with-spencer-vandeweghe | access-date = February 25, 2023}}{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = SPORTS PEOPLE: BASKETBALL; Vandeweghe Discovers the Welcome Wagon | work = The New York Times | date = October 13, 1992 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/13/sports/sports-people-basketball-vandeweghe-discovers-the-welcome-wagon.html | access-date = November 18, 2022}}{{cite news | last = Howard-Cooper | first = Scott | title = Vandeweghe and Brown Together Again: Clippers: The 12-Year Veteran Decides to Play for the NBA Minimum to Be Reunited with His Former Coach at UCLA | work = Los Angeles Times | date = October 14, 1992 | url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-10-14-sp-172-story.html | access-date = September 25, 2022}} Wilkins signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers,{{cite news | agency = Associated Press | title = SPORTS PEOPLE: BASKETBALL; Gerald Wilkins Lands (Cheaply) in Cleveland | work = The New York Times | date = October 9, 1992 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/09/sports/sports-people-basketball-gerald-wilkins-lands-cheaply-in-cleveland.html | access-date = July 24, 2022}}{{cite news | title = Wilkins Signs with Cavaliers | work = Chicago Tribune | date = October 9, 1992 | url = https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/10/09/wilkins-signs-with-cavaliers/ | access-date = November 2, 2016}}{{cite news | last = Brown | first = Clifton | title = PRO BASKETBALL; Knicks Just a Memory to Cavaliers' Wilkins | work = The New York Times | date = October 21, 1992 | url = https://www.nytimes.com/1992/10/21/sports/pro-basketball-knicks-just-a-memory-to-cavaliers-wilkins.html | access-date = January 27, 2023}} and Donaldson was released to free agency.