They enthralled a city that is not easy to impress, much less captivate.
They delighted their fans with a style of play that often was inartistic, but always was gritty, hard-nosed and hell-bent to outwork the opposition.
They produced thrills and chills, but ultimately fell short, awash with injuries and roster depletion. And yet, rather than bemoan the misfortune and ultimate failure that befell their team, the masses heralded this bunch for giving everything they had, which, in the end, proved to be not quite enough.
The Knicks found a formula that was in sync with the mindset and attitude of the city they represent, and that is indeed a rarity.
