The New York Knicks are taking their championship celebration to Washington.
Owner James Dolan said Wednesday during an appearance on WFAN that the Knicks have accepted an invitation to visit the White House after winning their first NBA championship since 1973. The details still have to be worked out, but Dolan made it clear that the franchise plans to make the trip.
“We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted,” Dolan said. “We still have to figure out the details, et cetera, but yes, of course.”
For the Knicks, it is another chapter in a championship story that has already been loud, emotional and very New York. The team beat the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 to close the Finals in five games, ending a 53-year title drought and turning Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and the rest of the roster into permanent city legends.
The White House visit also carries an obvious Dolan twist. The Knicks owner invited President Donald Trump to Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, where Trump sat with Dolan during New York’s 115-111 loss to the Spurs – the Knicks’ only defeat of the series. Dolan described Trump as a longtime friend and said he was proud to bring the team to the White House.
“Look, I invited the President to come down for the game. He is a friend,” Dolan said. “I’ve known him for 30 years and I’m very proud to bring the team to the White House.”
That makes this more than a simple championship photo-op. White House visits have become complicated in modern sports, and it is not yet clear which Knicks players will attend. But as a franchise decision, Dolan says the invitation has been accepted.
The Knicks waited 53 years to become champions again. Apparently, they are not done making headlines.
