The New York Knicks experienced a resurgent 1996-97 season, finishing with an impressive 57-25 record and tying for the third-most wins in franchise history. Led by head coach Jeff Van Gundy and bolstered by key additions Allan Houston and Larry Johnson, the team featured standout performances from All-Star Patrick Ewing and Sixth Man of the Year John Starks. After a dominant sweep of the Charlotte Hornets in the first round, their successful campaign concluded in a hard-fought seven-game series in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The 18th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft and a Syracuse legend, John Wallace was a versatile forward who played seven seasons in the NBA, including two stints with the New York Knicks, and led his college program to the 1996 NCAA Championship game.