NBA Cup Final can exorcise Knicks ghosts of ’99

Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesLet’s talk about the New York Knicks, specifically their miracle run to the 1999 NBA Finals.

Every fan who was old enough remembers this deep in their sports fan bones. In a lockout-shortened season, the Knicks fought their way to the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference before going on the most improbable playoff run. Allan Houston’s miracle tip shot clinched the decisive Game 5 over rival Miami in the first round. Then, the Knicks quickly dispatched Dikembe Mutombo and the Hawks in a clean sweep.

Reggie Miller and the pesky Indiana Pacers were knocked off six games later, and the underdog Knicks were headed to the NBA Finals. And without the injured Patrick…