Catch Knicks Playoff Madness at NYC’s Hottest Bars

Can the Knicks Make History This Year?

After a Big Round 1 Win, New York Prepares for Battle with Boston

It’s that time of year again — the NBA Playoffs are back, and for once, New Yorkers have more than just hope. They’ve got a team that’s actually delivering. Yes, we’re talking about the New York Knicks, who have clawed their way into the second round of the playoffs after a hard-fought series victory in Round 1.

And now? It’s war. The Knicks are set to face none other than the Boston Celtics, one of the most dominant teams in the Eastern Conference. The matchup will play out in a best-of-seven series, and at least a few of those games will go down right here at Madison Square Garden — the Mecca of basketball, where legends are made and dreams are either realized or crushed.

But this year, there’s a feeling in the air. Something electric. Something we haven’t felt in a long time.

From Underdogs to Contenders: The Knicks’ Comeback Story

Let’s not sugarcoat it — the Knicks haven’t exactly had it easy in recent years. After a series of forgettable seasons filled with injuries, mid-season meltdowns, and disappointing trades, many fans had grown used to heartbreak.

But this season? Something changed.

Led by a core that finally seems to have found its rhythm, with Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and Josh Hart playing at peak performance, the Knicks are finally starting to look like a team that can go deep. Brunson, in particular, has emerged as the floor general New York desperately needed — calm under pressure, deadly from mid-range, and hungry for more.

They’ve shown grit. They’ve shown unity. And maybe most importantly, they’ve shown New York toughness — the kind that gets respect in this city.

So now the question isn’t just “Can they win another series?”
It’s — “Is this the year they finally go all the way?”

MSG: Where Magic Happens

If you’ve never experienced a playoff game at Madison Square Garden, you’re missing out on one of the most visceral, goosebump-inducing atmospheres in all of sports. It’s not just a game — it’s a show, a spectacle, a communal celebration of what basketball means to this city.

During home games, MSG transforms into something almost mythical. The lights are brighter. The chants are louder. Celebrities line the courtside seats, and the crowd energy becomes a sixth man in itself.

But we get it — MSG tickets during the playoffs aren’t exactly cheap. In fact, they might cost more than your monthly rent. So what do you do if you still want to be part of the experience?

Easy. You hit the bars.

The Next Best Thing to Being at MSG? These New York Sports Bars

If you can’t snag tickets to the Garden, there are still plenty of places in NYC where the crowd is just as loud, the beer flows freely, and the love for the Knicks is always on full display. Here are some must-visit sports bars where you can catch every moment of the Knicks’ playoff run with fellow fans:

🐒 The Three Monkeys — Midtown

Located just a few blocks from MSG, The Three Monkeys is a go-to for fans who want a high-energy vibe without entering the arena. With 30+ craft beers on tap, multiple big screens, and a roof deck for post-game celebrations, it’s the perfect pre-game and post-game hangout. Get there early — it fills up fast during Knicks games.

🐵 Brass Monkey — Meatpacking District

Another monkey, another vibe. Brass Monkey offers a more laid-back but still lively experience, with tons of seating, great food, and a rooftop patio that opens up once the weather warms. It’s ideal if you’re downtown but still want to feel connected to the action.

🍻 Bleeker Street Bar — Greenwich Village

A true neighborhood gem, Bleeker Street Bar might not be the flashiest spot on this list, but it’s pure New York. You’ll find real fans, cold beer, and an old-school vibe that’s perfect for arguing over stats and reliving Knicks glory days.

📍 Must-Hit: Any Bar Near MSG

There’s no shortage of high-energy spots right near the Garden. Stout NYC, Tir Na Nog, and Mustang Harry’s are all packed with Knicks fans on game nights. You might not be inside the arena, but you’ll still feel like you’re part of the action.

This Isn’t Just About Basketball — It’s About Belonging

Playoff basketball in New York isn’t just about the score. It’s about the city coming alive. It’s about strangers becoming teammates for a few hours. It’s about singing chants with people you just met at the bar, spilling beer in celebration, and remembering why you fell in love with this team in the first place.

Even if you’re not a die-hard basketball head, there’s something infectious about this moment. The Knicks aren’t just playing to win — they’re playing to unite a city that’s been waiting a long time for something to believe in.

So grab your Knicks gear. Call up your crew. Find your bar, grab a pint, and get loud.

🗓️ Game Schedule & What’s Next

The Knicks vs. Celtics series will feature up to 7 games, with Game 1 and Game 2 likely taking place in Boston, followed by at least two games at MSG. Exact dates and times are available on the NBA’s official site or MSG’s schedule page.

🏀 Knicks vs. Celtics – 2025 NBA Playoffs Schedule

*Games marked with an asterisk are if necessary.

Whether you’re watching courtside, in a bar, or from your couch — this is the time to lock in.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Go Knicks

It’s been a long time coming, but the Knicks are finally back in the spotlight — and maybe, just maybe, ready to write a new chapter in franchise history.

No matter what happens against Boston, one thing’s for sure:
This spring, New York belongs to the Knicks.

#NewYorkForever #KnicksPlayoffs #MSGMadness #BleedOrangeAndBlue #GoKnicks