Image via Complex Original
LeBron James has been schooling the Knicks, and teasing their fans, since he first entered the NBA back in 2003. From his first game against them as a Cavalier, which ended in a victory, to dismissing New York from just their second playoff appearance in eight years, LeBron has in large part dominated the Orange and Blue. He’s recorded numerous individual accolades against the Knicks, flirted with them in free agency during the summer of 2010, and perhaps exacerbated them most by making Madison Square Garden his own personal playground. In total, LeBron has beaten the Knicks 26 times, including the postseason. Tonight, he’ll once again square off against Melo and Co. at his home away from home. To get you ready for what should be another edition of "The LeBron Show" at the Garden, check out all the ways the King has scalped the Knicks with, A Brief History of LeBron James Sonning the New York Knicks.
Written by Adam Silvers (@silversurfer103)
*All stats were used from basketball-reference.com*
RELATED: 25 Things You Didn't Know About LeBron James
LeBron James' First Victory Over the Knicks
Date: 11/10/2003
A skinny kid out of Saint Vincent-Saint Mary in Akron, Ohio, and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, LeBron James first met the New York Knicks in the seventh game of his professional career. He would only finish with 17 points, but the Cavs cruised to a comfortable 94-80 victory. This would be the first in a long line of domination over the Orange and Blue, as well as humiliation and heart break dished out to the Garden faithful.
LBJ Claims a Victory in His First Trip to the Garden
Date: 2/22/2004
The King, or maybe the Prince as he was known back then, introduced himself to the Madison Square Garden crowd back in 2004. On that day, LeBron would tally 22 points in 44 minutes, and lead the Cavs to a narrow victory. This was just the beginning of what continues to haunt Knicks fans today, and God knows for how long.
The King Explodes For 45 Against NYK
Date: 11/2/2007
LeBron's first truly great performance against the Knicks was highlighted by 45 points in just over 44 minutes. You do the math, there. It was the second game of the 2007-08 season, and came off the back of just a 10-point performance against the Mavs, in which the Cavs lost by 18. You think LeBron was mad or something? Nah, it was probably just the Knicks being the Knicks.
LeBron's 50-Point Performance at the Mecca
Date: 3/5/2008
The New York Knicks, and their fans, were already well aware of LeBron James and what he was capable of, especially at Madison Square Garden. But one night in early March back in 2008, LeBron showed that he was truly something special. LeBron led his Cavs to a 14-point victory, and serenaded the Garden to a tune of 50 points and 10 assists. Ladies and gentlemen, the King had arrived.
LBJ Drops 26 in 30 minutes at the Garden
Date: 11/25/2008
The King once again acquainted himself with New York by dropping 26 points in just 30 minutes on the Garden floor. The Cavs blew out the Knicks by 18, and this was the second victory in what would be 11 in a row for Cleveland, and 17 out of 18 overall between November and December. 'Tis the season for winning.
LeBron Scores 52 en route to a *Triple-Double at MSG
Date: 2/4/2009
There have only been 24 games in the history of Madison Square Garden in which a player has scored 50 or more points. LeBron James has the honor of having two of those performances on his resume. The King exploded for 52 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, giving him a triple-double for his efforts. The Association, being the salty sports that they are, would review the feat and end up taking away one of LeBron's boards, thus stripping him of the trip-dub. It may not have been as statistically significant because of the review, but this was a performance of epic proportions none the less.
Another Game at MSG, Another Win
Date: 11/6/2009
It didn't take long for the King to make Madison Square Garden an extension of his own practice court. On this day, LeBron dropped 33 in just over 35 minutes, and dished out nine assists in the process. We're sure there was plenty of booing from the Orange and Blue faithful.
LBJ Drops 47 on the Knicks at the Q
Date: 2/6/2010
LeBron's final massacre of the Knicks in a Cavaliers uniform was highlighted by a 47-point outburst on Cleveland's home court. This was back when LeBron was purely a scorer, and gave little fucks about assists or any bull like that. This was also one of the King's final gifts to Cavs fans, as it would be quite a while before they had a 40 a game scorer to cheer for. In fact...
"The Decision"
Date: 7/8/2010
There was tanking—as only the Knicks could do—pitches from celebrities, and the promise of eternal glory at the mecca of basketball. That's nice. LeBron didn't just dog the Knicks and their best efforts to pretty much give him the keys to the franchise, he embarrassed them, and the Cavs, on live national television. Were there any Heat fans even watching this? Probably just Knick fans at viewing parties, and other examples of public humiliation. LeBron would later say that this wasn't the best idea he ever had. Ah, "The Decision." As only ESPN could bring it to us.
LeBron Introduces NYC to the Big Three
Date: 12/17/2010
Just months after spurning the Knicks for the Heat, LeBron finally brought his talents to MSG, accompanied by Chris Bosh and D-Wade. It didn't go so well for the Knicks. LeBron recorded a triple-double, scoring 32 points, grabbing 11 boards, and dishing out 10 assists. The Knicks lost by 22, and every Knicks fan's worst nightmare was realized just in time for Christmas. Yousa bad man, LeBron.
LeBron Scores 31 at Home
Date: 1/27/2012
This game was proof that LeBron's domination and humiliation of the Knicks doesn't just take place at MSG. The King is an equal opportunity assassin. LeBron led the Big Three to a 99-89 win at home, adding 31 of his own. There were rumors that there were even fans in attendance to watch. Knicks fans wouldn't miss a game, LeBron.
LBJ drops 29 points and Grabs 10 boards at His Home Away From Home
Date: 4/15/2012
Another game at Madison Square Garden, another show stopping performance from LeBron. We know we're not saying anything new here, but it has to keep Knicks fans up at night knowing how those boos came so close to being standing ovations. Some shy away from the big stage, others are drawn to it like a magnet.
Crushing the Knicks by 33 in Game One of the First Round of the 2012 Playoffs
Date: 4/28/2012
Welcome back to the playoffs, New York. LeBron welcomed the Knicks to Miami for a Game One ass whooping of epic proportions. 32 points for King James, and a 33-point margin of victory for the Heat, showed the Knicks were more than a little outmatched. At least the agony wasn't stretched out over seven games in this Eastern Conference first round tilt.
Extinguishing Any Hope With the Game Three Comeback in Round One of the 2012 Playoffs
Date: 5/3/2012
If the Knicks just could've held on in Game Three, it might've been a diff...nah, we can't even say it. They would've been dropped in six, instead. It's not like they were dominating either. It was just a sloppy game, the type that champions win on the road to glory, and not so good teams, well, you get the picture. The game hung in the balance until, despite having more turnovers and fouls than buckets, LeBron eventually took over down the stretch in the fourth. The Knicks were on their last legs, and the King was dancing in the middle of the ring. Y'all remember what happened after Game Two, right? The Knicks probably could've used another hand out there, too.
Bouncing the Knicks From the First Round of the 2012 Playoffs
Date: 5/9/2012
As if we didn't all know this was coming. After handing the Knicks three straight losses to start the series, LeBron put the final nail in the coffin of the Knicks long-awaited playoff return by dropping 29, and leading the Heat to a comfortable 12-point win. Look on the bright side, Knicks fans, at least he let Melo and Co. win one. New York was just a stop on the champions' tour.
LeBron Puts the Heat on His Back at the Garden
Date: 3/3/2013
Down 16? Leg injury in the third? Teammates playing like doodoo? Just another day at the office, or MSG more accurately, for the King. LBJ keyed a furious comeback for the Heat, finishing with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, while playing 43 minutes. The win ensured that the Knicks wouldn't complete a season sweep of the champions, and also reminded Knicks fans who's the boss. Did we mention Bron-Bron capped the comeback with a steal and a jam in the final 23 seconds, and that it was a franchise record-tying 14th straight victory?