New York Knicks Playoff History: Series by Year

This is a timeline with all the NBA postseason series played by the New York Knicks. It also includes data about how the team arrived to the Playoffs that year and the result of each series, since their first season in 1947 to the present.

In their 79 seasons in the NBA, the New York Knicks made the postseason 45 times. On those years they have played a total of 84 playoff series, of which they won 43 and lost 41, for a 51.2 winning percentge. Additionally, they also were part of a group with round robin format in 1954.

So far, they have reached the NBA Finals 8 times and have won 2 Championships.

New York Knicks Playoffs Timeline

2025 Playoffs

Teams for these Playoffs are still to be determined.

2024 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference (50-32 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 4-2 in the Eastern Conference First Round
  • -
    Lost to the Indiana Pacers 3-4 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals

2023 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference (47-35 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1 in the Eastern Conference First Round
  • -
    Lost to the Miami Heat 2-4 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals

2022 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (37-45 season record, 11th in the Eastern Conference).

2021 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference (41-31 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Lost to the Atlanta Hawks 1-4 in the Eastern Conference First Round

2020 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (21-45 season record, 12th in the Eastern Conference).

2019 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (17-65 season record, 15th in the Eastern Conference).

2018 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (29-53 season record, 11th in the Eastern Conference).

2017 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (31-51 season record, 12th in the Eastern Conference).

2016 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (32-50 season record, 13th in the Eastern Conference).

2015 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (17-65 season record, 15th in the Eastern Conference).

2014 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (37-45 season record, 9th in the Eastern Conference).

2013 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference (54-28 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Boston Celtics 4-2 in the Eastern Conference First Round
  • -
    Lost to the Indiana Pacers 2-4 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals

2012 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference (36-30 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Lost to the Miami Heat 1-4 in the Eastern Conference First Round

* The Heat ended up winning the Championship.

2011 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference (42-40 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Lost to the Boston Celtics 0-4 in the Eastern Conference First Round

2010 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (29-53 season record, 11th in the Eastern Conference).

2009 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (32-50 season record, 14th in the Eastern Conference).

2008 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (23-59 season record, 14th in the Eastern Conference).

2007 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (33-49 season record, 12th in the Eastern Conference).

2006 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (23-59 season record, 15th in the Eastern Conference).

2005 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (33-49 season record, 12th in the Eastern Conference).

2004 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference (39-43 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Lost to the New Jersey Nets 0-4 in the Eastern Conference First Round

2003 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (37-45 season record, 10th in the Eastern Conference).

2002 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (30-52 season record, 13th in the Eastern Conference).

2001 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference (48-34 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Lost to the Toronto Raptors 2-3 in the Eastern Conference First Round

2000 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference (50-32 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Toronto Raptors 3-0 in the Eastern Conference First Round
  • -
    Defeated the Miami Heat 4-3 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals
  • -
    Lost to the Indiana Pacers 2-4 in the Eastern Conference Finals

1999 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference (27-23 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Miami Heat 3-2 in the Eastern Conference First Round
  • -
    Defeated the Atlanta Hawks 4-0 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals
  • -
    Defeated the Indiana Pacers 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals
  • -
    Lost to the San Antonio Spurs 1-4 in the NBA Finals

1998 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference (43-39 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Miami Heat 3-2 in the Eastern Conference First Round
  • -
    Lost to the Indiana Pacers 1-4 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals

1997 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference (57-25 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Charlotte Hornets 3-0 in the Eastern Conference First Round
  • -
    Lost to the Miami Heat 3-4 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals

1996 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference (47-35 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 3-0 in the Eastern Conference First Round
  • -
    Lost to the Chicago Bulls 1-4 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals

* The Bulls ended up winning the Championship.

1995 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference (55-27 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 3-1 in the Eastern Conference First Round
  • -
    Lost to the Indiana Pacers 3-4 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals

1994 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference (57-25 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the New Jersey Nets 3-1 in the Eastern Conference First Round
  • -
    Defeated the Chicago Bulls 4-3 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals
  • -
    Defeated the Indiana Pacers 4-3 in the Eastern Conference Finals
  • -
    Lost to the Houston Rockets 3-4 in the NBA Finals

1993 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 1st seed in the Eastern Conference (60-22 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Indiana Pacers 3-1 in the Eastern Conference First Round
  • -
    Defeated the Charlotte Hornets 4-1 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals
  • -
    Lost to the Chicago Bulls 2-4 in the Eastern Conference Finals

* The Bulls ended up winning the Championship.

1992 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference (51-31 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Detroit Pistons 3-2 in the Eastern Conference First Round
  • -
    Lost to the Chicago Bulls 3-4 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals

* The Bulls ended up winning the Championship.

1991 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference (39-43 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Lost to the Chicago Bulls 0-3 in the Eastern Conference First Round

* The Bulls ended up winning the Championship.

1990 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference (45-37 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Boston Celtics 3-2 in the Eastern Conference First Round
  • -
    Lost to the Detroit Pistons 1-4 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals

* The Pistons ended up winning the Championship.

1989 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference (52-30 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 3-0 in the Eastern Conference First Round
  • -
    Lost to the Chicago Bulls 2-4 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals

1988 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference (38-44 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Lost to the Boston Celtics 1-3 in the Eastern Conference First Round

1987 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (24-58 season record, 11th in the Eastern Conference).

1986 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (23-59 season record, 11th in the Eastern Conference).

1985 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (24-58 season record, 10th in the Eastern Conference).

1984 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference (47-35 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Detroit Pistons 3-2 in the Eastern Conference First Round
  • -
    Lost to the Boston Celtics 3-4 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals

* The Celtics ended up winning the Championship.

1983 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference (44-38 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the New Jersey Nets 2-0 in the Eastern Conference First Round
  • -
    Lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 0-4 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals

* The 76ers ended up winning the Championship.

1982 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (33-49 season record, 10th in the Eastern Conference).

1981 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference (50-32 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Lost to the Chicago Bulls 0-2 in the Eastern Conference First Round

1980 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (39-43 season record, 7th in the Eastern Conference).

1979 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (31-51 season record, 7th in the Eastern Conference).

1978 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference (43-39 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 2-0 in the Eastern Conference First Round
  • -
    Lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 0-4 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals

1977 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (40-42 season record, 7th in the Eastern Conference).

1976 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (38-44 season record, 7th in the Eastern Conference).

1975 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference (40-42 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Lost to the Houston Rockets 1-2 in the Eastern Conference First Round

1974 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference (49-33 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Capital Bullets 4-3 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals
  • -
    Lost to the Boston Celtics 1-4 in the Eastern Conference Finals

* The Celtics ended up winning the Championship.

1973 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference (57-25 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Baltimore Bullets 4-1 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals
  • -
    Defeated the Boston Celtics 4-3 in the Eastern Conference Finals
  • -
    Defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 in the NBA Finals

The Knicks won the Championship in 1973, it was the 2nd NBA title in franchise history.

1972 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference (48-34 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Baltimore Bullets 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals
  • -
    Defeated the Boston Celtics 4-1 in the Eastern Conference Finals
  • -
    Lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 1-4 in the NBA Finals

1971 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 1st seed in the Eastern Conference (52-30 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Atlanta Hawks 4-1 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals
  • -
    Lost to the Baltimore Bullets 3-4 in the Eastern Conference Finals

1970 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 1st seed in the Eastern Division (60-22 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Baltimore Bullets 4-3 in the Eastern Division Semifinals
  • -
    Defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 4-1 in the Eastern Division Finals
  • -
    Defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 4-3 in the NBA Finals

The Knicks won the Championship in 1970, it was the 1st NBA title in franchise history.

1969 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 3rd seed in the Eastern Division (54-28 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Baltimore Bullets 4-0 in the Eastern Division Semifinals
  • -
    Lost to the Boston Celtics 2-4 in the Eastern Division Finals

* The Celtics ended up winning the Championship.

1968 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 3rd seed in the Eastern Division (43-39 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 2-4 in the Eastern Division Semifinals

1967 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 4th seed in the Eastern Division (36-45 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Lost to the Boston Celtics 1-3 in the Eastern Division Semifinals

1966 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (30-50 season record, 4th in the Eastern Division).

1965 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (31-49 season record, 4th in the Eastern Division).

1964 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (22-58 season record, 4th in the Eastern Division).

1963 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (21-59 season record, 4th in the Eastern Division).

1962 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (29-51 season record, 4th in the Eastern Division).

1961 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (21-58 season record, 4th in the Eastern Division).

1960 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (27-48 season record, 4th in the Eastern Division).

1959 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 2nd seed in the Eastern Division (40-32 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Lost to the Syracuse Nationals 0-2 in the Eastern Division Semifinals

1958 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (35-37 season record, 4th in the Eastern Division).

1957 Playoffs

The New York Knicks didn't qualify for the Playoffs (36-36 season record, 4th in the Eastern Division).

1956 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 4th seed in the Eastern Division (35-37 season record). They lost to the Nationals in the Eastern Division Third Place Tiebraker.

1955 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 2nd seed in the Eastern Division (38-34 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Lost to the Boston Celtics 1-2 in the Eastern Division Semifinals

1954 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 1st seed in the Eastern Division (44-28 season record).

Round Robin:

In the 1954, and for the only time in NBA history, the playoffs included groups with round robin format instead of first round series. The Knicks lost to the Syracuse Nationals 0-2 and lost to the Boston Celtics 0-2 in the Eastern Division Round Robin.

1953 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 1st seed in the Eastern Division (47-23 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Baltimore Bullets (1st) 2-0 in the Eastern Division Semifinals
  • -
    Defeated the Boston Celtics 3-1 in the Eastern Division Finals
  • -
    Lost to the Minneapolis Lakers 1-4 in the NBA Finals

1952 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 3rd seed in the Eastern Division (37-29 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Boston Celtics 2-1 in the Eastern Division Semifinals
  • -
    Defeated the Syracuse Nationals 3-1 in the Eastern Division Finals
  • -
    Lost to the Minneapolis Lakers 3-4 in the NBA Finals

1951 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 3rd seed in the Eastern Division (36-30 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Boston Celtics 2-0 in the Eastern Division Semifinals
  • -
    Defeated the Syracuse Nationals 3-2 in the Eastern Division Finals
  • -
    Lost to the Rochester Royals 3-4 in the NBA Finals

1950 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 2nd seed in the Eastern Division (40-28 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Washington Capitols 2-0 in the Eastern Division Semifinals
  • -
    Lost to the Syracuse Nationals 1-2 in the Eastern Division Finals

1949 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 2nd seed in the Eastern Division (32-28 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Baltimore Bullets (1st) 2-1 in the Eastern Division Semifinals
  • -
    Lost to the Washington Capitols 1-2 in the Eastern Division Finals

1948 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 2nd seed in the Eastern Division (26-22 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Lost to the Baltimore Bullets (1st) 1-2 in the Quarterfinals

* The Bullets (1st) ended up winning the Championship.

1947 Playoffs

The New York Knicks qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 3rd seed in the Eastern Division (33-27 season record).

Playoff Series:

  • -
    Defeated the Cleveland Rebels 2-1 in the Quarterfinals
  • -
    Lost to the Philadelphia Warriors 0-2 in the Semifinals

* The Warriors ended up winning the Championship.

- end of timeline