Y2K, Giuliani in City Hall, Furbies, no smartphones, no tweets: What the world looked like when the Knicks last made it to NBA Finals
The New York Knicks last reached the NBA Finals in 1999, a time when the city was vastly different. Since then, significant changes have occurred in both the political landscape and the skyline of New York City. As the Knicks prepare for their 2026 Finals appearance, the cultural and technological advancements highlight the evolution of the city over the past 27 years.
- ▪In 1999, Rudy Giuliani was the mayor of New York City, while in 2026, the city is led by Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani.
- ▪The skyline has transformed dramatically since the Twin Towers were replaced by the Freedom Tower after the September 11 attacks.
- ▪Madison Square Garden underwent a nearly $1 billion renovation between 2011 and 2013, modernizing the venue significantly.
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Lifestyle Y2K, Giuliani in City Hall, Furbies, no smartphones, no tweets: What the world looked like when the Knicks last made it to NBA Finals By Marissa Matozzo Published May 29, 2026, 1:39 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google The last time the Knicks were in the NBA Finals, New Yorkers were hailing cabs without apps, blasting Lauryn Hill on CD players, and nervously checking their Netscape dial-up connection. The Twin Towers still dominated the skyline, Rudy Giuliani ran City Hall, and “The Sopranos” had just introduced America to Tony Soprano’s panic attacks.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
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