Walt "Clyde" Frazier is feeling a familiar energy in Madison Square Garden. More than five decades after leading the New York Knicks to two NBA championships in the 1970s, the Hall of Famer sees striking parallels between his legendary teams and the current squad that's making noise in the playoffs.
The Knicks are currently up 1-0 against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round, and Frazier, now 78, can't help but get excited. "I'm mesmerized by the way the team is playing," he told Jimmy Fallon on a recent episode of "The Tonight Show." "Actually, I'm living vicariously through them."
For Frazier, the connection isn't just about winning—it's about how they're winning. He recalls the selfless style that defined his championship teams, where individual stars were inseparable from the collective effort. "You couldn't mention Frazier without (Bill) Bradley, without (Dave) DeBusschere, without (Willis) Reed, without (Dick) Barnett," he explained. "I see similarities to this team."
What stands out most to the Knicks legend is the chemistry. "Their camaraderie, their teamwork, they like each other, it's manifested on the court," Frazier noted. It's a throwback to an era when basketball was as much about trust as talent—a quality that's becoming increasingly rare in today's game.
For fans who remember the glory days—or those discovering them through vintage highlights—Frazier's comparison is more than just nostalgia. It's a sign that the Knicks might be building something special. And if Clyde says it, you can bet there's some truth to it.
