Last Updated on May 22, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The New York Knicks have featured some of the most iconic playoff scorers in NBA history. From the championship-winning stars of the 1970s to the gritty 1990s teams led by Patrick Ewing and the modern brilliance of Jalen Brunson, the Knicks have produced many memorable postseason performances.

Madison Square Garden has often been the stage for legendary playoff scoring moments throughout the franchise’s history.


Patrick Ewing

  • Position: Center
  • Years with Knicks: 1985–2000
  • Playoff Points with Knicks: 2,787
  • Achievements:
    • Franchise leader in playoff points
    • 11-time NBA All-Star
    • NBA Finals appearances in 1994 and 1999
    • One of the greatest centers in NBA history

Patrick Ewing carried the Knicks through one of the toughest eras in NBA history and consistently elevated his play during the postseason. His scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence helped define New York basketball throughout the 1990s. (Land of Basketball)

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Walt Frazier

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years with Knicks: 1967–1977
  • Playoff Points with Knicks: 1,927
  • Achievements:
    • 2-time NBA Champion
    • Hall of Fame point guard
    • One of the greatest defensive guards ever
    • Leader of the Knicks’ championship teams

Walt Frazier combined elite defense with efficient playoff scoring during the Knicks’ championship era. His smooth offensive game and leadership helped New York capture two NBA titles in the 1970s. (Land of Basketball)

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Willis Reed

  • Position: Center
  • Years with Knicks: 1964–1974
  • Playoff Points with Knicks: 1,358
  • Achievements:
    • 2-time NBA Champion
    • NBA Finals MVP
    • League MVP
    • One of the greatest leaders in Knicks history

Willis Reed became a Knicks legend because of his leadership, toughness, and ability to score in huge playoff moments. His famous return in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals remains one of the most iconic moments in basketball history. (Land of Basketball)

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Jalen Brunson

  • Position: Point Guard
  • Years with Knicks: 2022–present
  • Playoff Points with Knicks: 1,257+
  • Achievements:
    • One of the highest playoff scoring averages in franchise history
    • Elite isolation scorer
    • Multiple historic playoff performances
    • Modern face of the franchise

Jalen Brunson has rapidly become one of the greatest playoff scorers the Knicks have ever had. His shot creation, footwork, and clutch scoring ability have produced several legendary postseason performances at Madison Square Garden. (Land of Basketball)

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John Starks

  • Position: Guard
  • Years with Knicks: 1990–1998
  • Playoff Points with Knicks: 1,352
  • Achievements:
    • Key scorer during the 1990s Knicks era
    • Elite three-point shooter
    • Emotional leader and fan favorite
    • NBA Finals appearance in 1994

John Starks brought toughness, energy, and fearless scoring to the Knicks throughout the 1990s. His aggressive offensive style and ability to hit big shots made him one of the franchise’s most memorable playoff performers. (Land of Basketball)

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Bernard King

  • Position: Forward
  • Years with Knicks: 1982–1987
  • Playoff Achievements:
    • Highest playoff scoring average in Knicks history
    • One of the NBA’s purest scorers
    • Elite mid-range and slashing scorer
    • Dominated during the mid-1980s

Bernard King was one of the most unstoppable scorers the Knicks have ever seen. His playoff scoring averages remain among the best in NBA history, and his offensive dominance during the 1984 postseason became legendary. (StatMuse)

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Allan Houston

  • Position: Shooting Guard
  • Years with Knicks: 1996–2005
  • Playoff Points with Knicks: 1,139
  • Achievements:
    • Elite perimeter scorer
    • Key member of the 1999 NBA Finals team
    • Known for clutch playoff shooting
    • One of the best shooters in franchise history

Allan Houston became one of the Knicks’ most reliable playoff scorers because of his smooth shooting stroke and calmness in pressure moments. His famous game-winning shot against the Heat in 1999 remains one of the biggest playoff moments in franchise history. (Land of Basketball)

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