10 Revenge Championships in NBA History

1973 Finals: New York Knicks 4-1 Los Angeles Lakers

Image Courtesy: New York Times

1972 Finals: Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 New York Knicks

Ah, the glory days for Knicks fans. The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers met in three NBA Finals in four years between 1970-73. After an epic Knicks win in 7 Games in 1970, they were beaten by the Lakers in 1972 largely thanks to injuries.

With Willis Reed already out for the Finals, the Knicks were further hampered by Dave DeBusschere and Earl Monroe being limited due to injuries. They were no match for a healthy Lakers squad and were knocked off in five games.

In 1973, the Lakers regressed a bit but still won 60 games while the Knicks won 57. Both teams endured some scares in the playoffs, with the Bulls (in the West at the time) taking the Lakers to seven games and the Knicks beating the 68-win Celtics in seven to reach the Finals.

This time, the tables were turned. Led by Reed who would be crowned Finals MVP, the Knicks returned the favor and beat the Lakers in five games. After a close defeat in Game 1, they reeled off 4 in a row to win the franchise's last title to date. LA were the ones bit by the injury bug this time around, with Jerry West and Happy Hairston in particular missing time.