Hoops Habit
Fansided

The 10 greatest upsets in NBA playoff history

By Sravan Gannavarapu

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 04: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives on Ben Wallace #6 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at the Staples Center on January 4, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 04: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives on Ben Wallace #6 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at the Staples Center on January 4, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Jeff Van Gundy, Head Coach for the New York Knicks (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Jeff Van Gundy, Head Coach for the New York Knicks (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

No. 9: 8th Seeded Knicks cool Heat in 1999 NBA Playoffs

Usually, the Knicks losing means a Stephen A. Smith rant, which is a remedy for a bad night. However, this was a time when the Knicks were the lovable underdog going up against the Big Bay Boys of South Beach. Additionally, the season was shortened due to a lockout, which meant that anything could happen. The Knicks took that memo and ran with it.

On their way to the NBA Finals, the 8th-seeded Knicks took out Miami 4-1 courtesy of Allan Houston’s heroics. Larry Johnson scored 13 points, and Latrell Sprewell added 14 points in the clinching fifth game as New York halted the talents of Alonzo Mourning. It was a sign that the Knicks were to be taken seriously, despite their seeding.

Unfortunately for New York, their magic ride of the playoffs ended in the NBA Finals against David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Steve Kerr, and the San Antonio Spurs in five games. Still, the accomplishments of this team cannot be forgotten, and even the Big Apple deserves some flowers now and then.