Knicks Begin Title Defense With Championship Ceremony

The New York Knicks will celebrate their 2026 NBA championship before Tuesday's season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden. Banner raising and championship-ring presentation begin around 6:30 p.m. ahead of the 7 p.m. tipoff. The ceremony is hosted by Mike Breen and airs on NBC, featuring a video narrated by Ben Stiller and a giveaway of championship T-shirts. New York beat the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win its first title since 1973. The team is also marking the title with a new Champions Plaza, a permanent exhibit of playoff moments and a citywide tour of the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Finals MVP Jalen Brunson said the team remains motivated as it begins its title defense against a Philadelphia team led by LeBron James.