After Michael Jordan retired, the New York Knicks became the most popular team in the league.
Because the whole world knew their chance had arrived.
During the Bulls' most dominant three years, the New York Knicks were the team closest to defeating them. Now with Jordan gone, the Knicks naturally became the hottest favorites to win the championship.
Pat Riley himself thought so too. Last summer, he had the whole team officially assemble at the training camp on the opening day at precisely 00:01 am. Riley explained his actions by stating, "The Knicks will be the first team on the court this season and the last one to leave."
This season, as the most likely championship team, the Knicks' ticket prices soared. Even John F. Kennedy's son could only get seats in a relatively obscure location when he wanted two season tickets for the Knicks.
Even then, he had no choice, as there were plenty of others waiting to swipe their cards to buy a seat.
