The Knicks may be celebrating in more ways than one.
Prior to their championship run this postseason, James Dolan jokingly asked the players to avoid sex during the playoffs, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.
In the unexpected speech from Dolan, who took over control of the Knicks in 1999, he reportedly told players about the importance of sacrificing and how much he believed in this Knicks roster to end the team’s now-previous, 53-year title drought.
“They were a little surprised, but the words hit,” a source told SNY.
More than two months later, Dolan and the Knicks earned the championship they so desperately craved as they defeated the Spurs in Game 5 on Saturday night.
Dolan was front and center during the Knicks’ title celebrations, as he was presented the Larry O’Brien by commissioner Adam Silver and apologized to fans for the team’s struggles.
“Hey, New York, I’m sorry it took so long, but here we are, and hopefully it won’t take that long again,” Dolan said.
He also interrupted Josh Hart’s postgame press conference to urge New Yorkers to be safe back home during their celebrations.
That advice wasn’t entirely heeded, as 63 people were arrested, four were stabbed and one was shot after the Knicks clinched their title win.
The Knicks will hope their parade on Thursday goes off without any hiccups.