The Knicks played the first game in the new league's history, On November 1, 1946.In 1949 Basketball association of America (BAA) merged with national Basketball league to form NBA and Knicks were the first one to reach NBA finals but lost to Rochester Royals in the finals. New York Knicks reached NBA Finals 3 times consecutively in the early 1950s. The Knicks were decent in the 50’s decade. Downfall was witnessed from 1959-1966, when they failed to make the playoffs.

One of the most memorable games in NBA history was also played in 1961-62.On March 2 the New York Knicks squared off playing against the Philadelphia. Philadelphia’s Wilt Chamberlain had scored 100 points, the best individual scoring performance in league history. Despite strong performances from three Knicks players: Guerin (39 points), Cleveland Buckner (33), and Naulls (31) The Warriors won the game, 169-147.

Reed was the first Knicks player to be named NBA Rookie of the Year. he scored 46 points against Los Angeles. In 1967-69 Reed and Barnett played in the 1968 NBA All-Star Game. In 1968-69 New York won 54 games and ranked third in the Eastern Division. During 1969-70 season Knicks won 60 regular-season games and in the playoffs New York defeated Baltimore in seven games. The Knicks beat the Lakers, 113-99 and won the NBA title. Reed was rated as season NBA Most Valuable Player, the All-Star Game MVP, and the Finals MVP.during 1970-72. The Knicks beat Atlanta in five games in the opening round of the playoffs, but lost to Baltimore in the Eastern Conference Finals. The 1972-1973 Knicks won NBA title and finished the regular season with a 57-25 record but in In 1975-76 the Knicks fell to a 38-44 record.

1978-83 was an era of losing seasons and missed playoffs but Holzman manage to get one achievingment from the Knicks, winning 50 games in 1980-81. The Knicks Achieved 47-35 during 1983-84 season.
The 1992-93 Knicks featured seven new players and managed to turn in the 60-win season in franchise history. During 1994-95 New York lost to Indiana pacers at the Eastern Conference Semifinals. In 1995-96 New York Knicks underwent many changes and managed to be competitive in the Eastern Conference. During 1998-99 season they lost their captain to an injury. And they still managed to become the first No. 8 seed in history to reach the NBA Finals. The 2000-01 season Knicks finish third in Atlantic Division and made their club-record 14th consecutive Playoff appearance