The Post’s Steve Serby spoke with Knicks owner James Dolan on Friday. They discussed myriad topics, including how much the Knicks mean to the city, how this team was built and if he’s allowed himself yet to dream of the Canyon of Heroes.

Q: Do you feel that this team represents New York … New York City?

A: It represents the people of New York City, yes. Absolutely. That’s New Yorkers, right? They’re tough, they’re gritty, they’re full of personality. But they’re also high-character individuals. You have a good sense of right and wrong and what’s fair and what’s not, and if you cross it with ’em, you’re gonna get a New York hello. That’s New Yorkers, right? We’re not subtle, but we’re very straightforward. New Yorkers, they love effort. They don’t just love winners, they love effort … sincere effort. And if there’s nothing else you’re getting from the Knicks, you’re getting sincere effort. And so, I do think they represent New York.

Q: Your general thoughts about the Spurs and Thunder (the Spurs hadn’t yet beaten the Thunder in the Western Conference Finals).

A: I’m happy it’s going seven games. Because I think we’re gonna be ready. I’m very optimistic.

I think we’re going to win. Either team, I think we’re going to win.

So bring ’em on!

I’m excited for New York. The Knicks right now are providing something to New York that we don’t have, that we need: some optimism, some enthusiasm. Everybody, regardless of your political persuasion, everybody’s a Knicks fan, if you haven’t noticed.

Q: How would you sum up why you believe this team will win the championship?

A: Because they’re a team. Because they have heart, and they have that X factor in heart. And we’ve seen it all season long, but we’ve really seen it in the playoffs, and in talking to them, they’re gonna be almost impossible to beat. Because they have that heart, and you’re never gonna get them to quit. They will never quit. That’s how winners win.

Q: You sound like Joe Namath guaranteeing a Super Bowl.

A: I ain’t guaranteeing nuthin’ (laugh).

But I believe!

Q: What compelled you to issue your NBA Finals-or-Bust proclamation in January?

A: That’s why I don’t do a lot of interviews — I’m usually very frank (smile). I did not go into the interview thinking, “Oh I’m gonna say this.” But it was on my mind, and I knew that the rest of the organization knew it too — we all knew it. We knew it from the moment that we said goodbye to Thibs (Tom Thibodeau) and we hired Mike (Brown), that we were gonna be in a hot spot because we just made the conference finals. We didn’t win, but you don’t make a change unless you’re expecting to do better. We didn’t change ’cause we wanted it to be worse! To me, it was a little obvious, so I just said it because it was obvious.

Q: What convinced you that Mike Brown was the right man for this job?

A: Leon (Rose) convinced me (laugh). When we knew we were gonna make the change, we didn’t tell the players about making a change. We first had talked to all the players and I was there, and then sat down with Leon, and we talked about what it is we want in a coach. ’Cause we knew we had a good coach in Thibs. We weren’t just going for a change, right? There was something we wanted, and we laid it out, really on paper, what we were looking for in a coach. I would say the No. 1 quality was collaborative, that was a big piece … somebody who strategically could avail himself of all the minds around him and put it together, particularly at game time, between halves, that was a big thing. And we were looking for flexibility. So we laid out all these sort of characteristics that we were looking for, and then I set Leon loose. And he interviewed a lot of different guys, and he came back with Mike, and I’m like, “OK.” Leon did all the work. I just blessed it.

Q: Your thoughts on Wemby (Victor Wembanyama)?

A: He’s obviously a great player. They’re a young team. They certainly look to me like they’re gonna be in the picture for years to come. But then again, so do we.

Q: Do you allow yourself to dream about Jim Dolan on a Canyon of Heroes float?

A: I’d rather get through the first two games. If we are able to at least take one in one of the away games, then I think you can dream about that. But look, if we don’t win — I think we will — but if by some chance we don’t, we will be back next year. So, at some point or another, I hope to be going down the Canyon of Heroes, yes.

Q: What do you like best about the way the Knicks are playing?

A: Their willingness to sacrifice has been just off the charts. They’re all like this, whatever it takes to win, and don’t worry about me, I’ll do whatever it takes. That’s a sacrifice. We played some opponents who haven’t actually had that kind of a commitment. I’m not gonna name names, but you probably know who they are. I think that’s what sets this team apart, and it’s probably what I like most about them right now.

Q: What makes Jalen Brunson great?

A: (Laugh) Well, at first I would have said, and I don’t think you can say this anymore, is how underestimated he was. I don’t think people are underestimating him anymore. They were underestimating him to now they’re double-teaming him, now he’s moving the ball around, and how focused he is — don’t get too high, don’t get too low, that’s a big part of Jalen. He is probably the most focused Knick we have.

Q: Would you compare his leadership style to (Mark) Messier’s?

A: Mark was much more overt. A little more demonstrative in his leadership style. But very much, Mark led the team. And Jalen very much leads the team. Different styles, but same effect leadership-wise. Everybody keys off of Jalen, and that was the same thing true with Mark. Mark used to yell at everybody (laugh). Jalen does it in his own style too, much quieter. But still quite effective.

Q: Why was it important to trade for KAT (Karl-Anthony Towns)?

A: First off, we had Isaiah (Hartenstein) before KAT, and we lost Isaiah because the rules did not allow us to hang onto him. By the CBA etcetera, we were only allowed to offer him X amount of money. Other teams were allowed to offer him more. Probably should try and correct that in the next CBA with KAT. Our first preference would have been to keep going with Isaiah. So once we lost Isaiah, we knew we needed a big man, we needed a center, a focal point there. I knew KAT from before, I actually know him for about four or five years. I knew that he liked New York, he wanted to come. I was thrilled because to have an option like KAT was heaven-sent.

Q: Do you like the way he’s become a facilitator?

A: I love the way … he has grown so much in this last year. He’s very much a team player. He’s made personal sacrifices in order to make this work. He’s willing to listen, he’ll change. He’ll do most anything that the coach asked him to do.

Q: What convinced you that Leon Rose was the right man to bring your Knicks back?

A: I obviously have been doing this for a while before Leon showed up, and it was much more about just getting convinced that no matter if you get the most brilliant strategist in the world, you have to have talent in order to win. And so I thought about the guy who would be best in bringing talent to New York, and Leon’s name was at the very top of the list.

Q: What have you observed about him as an executive that is so impressive to you?

A: The way he deals with the whole organization is different. He almost has an agent’s mentality about it. He’s very collaborative. He’s very big on creating a feeling of family inside of the team. It starts with him and Wes (William Wesley) who do that. When he took the job, I think he thought long and hard about how he wanted to do it. I think this is how he wanted to do it.

Q: What have you learned about OG (Anunoby)?

A: Leon loved OG’s game. So when he came and I got to know OG and watched him play, I loved his game too. The thing about OG, he’s another guy who’ll do whatever you ask him to do. But the thing about him is that he still is significantly underestimated — he only made second-team defense. That was like ridiculous. I don’t think we know how good OG can be. We’ve seen flashes of things with him where he’s an incredible player. His game is not overly demonstrative, it’s not flashy, etcetera, but man, he can shut a guy down, but he can also hit the 3, he can drive the basket. … He doesn’t make a big deal out of it, doesn’t ask anybody to make a big deal out it. He’ll sit a little bit off to the side and be a part of the team and not say, “Hey, I can do this so I should do it.” That’s not him. When they assign him to guard somebody, that guy’s not gonna have his best game, that’s for sure.

Q: Does Josh Hart remind you of John Starks in any way?

A: (Laugh) Yeah … a lot personality-wise, I think so. Their effect on the team is really quite similar from those days. John would come into a game and light the team up just like Josh comes into the game and he lights the team up. He’ll come out of nowhere and get that rebound, and John was the same way, and for some reason it just energizes the rest of the team.

Q; How difficult was it for you to part with five first-round picks for Mikal Bridges?

A: It took a little thought (smile). Look, that’s the NBA. The idea was that Mikal was a building block for the team we wanted, which is the team we have on the floor now. We didn’t think we’d be in a lottery — we don’t expect to be in a lottery for quite some time. So, they weren’t quite as valuable … and Mikal is another player who I think we’re starting to understand just how impactful he could be. The thing about the whole team — I’m sure you see this — is you look at other teams in the NBA and there’s like one or two players who are the key players on the team, and when you see the other teams defend against those teams, they’re keying on them.

The problem with the Knicks is: Go ahead, pick one. Who are you gonna key on, right? Jalen? No problem … KAT’s right there. With the depth of the team, and the ability of any of those players to take over a game, and becomes a big problem for the opponent.

Q: When did you start handing out basketballs to fans after games?

A: I did it for a while before anybody figured it out. For years, I’ve come down after the game, sometimes we lose, sometimes we win, and I see the crowd out there, and I wanted to connect. So I decided, well, that was the best way to do it — just stop down there, and say hello for 30 seconds, give a kid a ball.

Q: Does it hearten you that Patrick Ewing has praised you for making the alumni feel a part of this run?

A: I’m sure glad they feel that way. It’s been intentional. This year, more than any other year, we’re all feeling a little like family. I’m really happy Patrick feels that ’cause he’s like our most important alumnus.

Q: Why do the Knicks mean so much to New York City?

A: They always have too. I’ve been a Knicks fan forever, right, going all the way back to the Frazier-Bradley-Reed Knicks. The town has always loved this basketball team. Part of it is definitely the franchise itself, that is the Knicks and it’s ingrained in the city a little like the Yankees. But the other part of I think is that these teams, like this team, when they have some personality, they’re very likeable. And when you meet them actually, they are likeable. It’s not a facade. And basically what you see is kinda who they are. And I think that really resonates with New Yorkers who like genuine people.

Q: What is Knicks Fever like when you walk around the city?

A: I don’t walk around the city (laugh), at least not so that I can be recognized. Much harder for my players. It’s everywhere. It’s incredible — it’s everywhere. You go to your dentist — they’re “Ah, Knicks!” Whenever I do go around the city and people know I’m there, they just are really excited.

Q: How heartbreaking was it losing Patrick after that magical ride in 1999 (to the Finals after making the playoff as an 8 seed)?

A: Losing is tough, even when it’s the championship in the Finals. Losing … losing sucks. And you don’t ever really get used to it, but you learn how to handle it. You can sense it coming when things are turning bad. You can also sense when things are going well. … That game against Cleveland, where we came back from 22 points, I was like, “They’ll have to play perfectly in order to do this.” And they did. I was amazed, and sorta felt like it was like an out-of-body experience (laugh).

Q: You lost in five to the Spurs in 1999.

A: I don’t try and remember the losses. There’s only one loss that sticks in my head, and I’ve never been able to shake it. It was against the Buffalo Sabres in the playoffs, and were up, I think, by two goals in the third period, and it slipped away. And of course you know who stole it from us was this young player on Buffalo named Chris Drury (laugh). I’ll never forget coming home from that game and just feeling so devastated.

Q: There was no Knick loss that left you devastated like that?

A: Not like that.

Q: When Larry Johnson hit that four-point play in the ’99 conference finals against the Pacers, was that the loudest you heard the Garden?

A: Actually, Game 2 of the Cleveland series was incredibly loud. That Cleveland game might be the loudest I’ve heard the Garden.

Q: What do you recall about the ’94 Knicks?

A: ITT was the managing partner of the team, so I was still pretty much on the sideline, rooting but not part of the organization.

Q: That team was tough.

A: I remember (Charles) Oakley and (Anthony) Mason, and yes, they were brutal, a little like Detroit was, very, very physical.

Q: Do you remember Game 7 of the 1970 Finals, the first Knicks championship, when Willis limped out of the tunnel?

A: My dad (Charles Dolan) at that time was running Manhattan Cable TV, and had gotten the games for the cable customers, and along with the rights we got four seats, in the press box. We used to go to all the games. I think it was Marty Glickman who was the guy who was calling the game (on Manhattan Cable Television). Marty Glickman used to come over to the house all the time. My brothers brought me, we used to drive in, we parked the car at Woodhaven, and take the D train in from Woodhaven.

Q: Who was your favorite Knick growing up?

A: Oh, Clyde.

Q: Did you play guard in the schoolyard?

A: Yeah … everybody loved Clyde. I also loved Dick Barnett. Dick Barnett had that shot that sorta originated from the back of his ear, it was a jump shot, but then he kicked his feet back when it was in the air. I used to go to those games with my brothers. That was an amazing team.

Q: What does this Knicks run mean to you personally?

A: I have not sat down with myself and gone over that yet because I’m afraid I’ll start crying (smile).

Q: What would your message be to the Knicks fans about these Finals, and this team?

A: They don’t need any encouragement, duh (laugh). I guess I’d tell them thank you … thank you for all the support over the years, and thank you for making this so special, and I hope we deliver for you.

With the NBA draft just 3 weeks away, it was finally time to do our first mock draft with the draft order fully set.

We sat down on Monday night and drafted all 30 spots, mixing some realistic (and unrealistic) trades to spice it up. Here’s the whole thing if you want to watch the shenanigans.

Without further ado, here is version 3.0 of the Mavericks Moneyball mock draft.

1. Washington Wizards – Darryn Peterson (G, Kansas)

While this pick would be shocking on draft night, I do not believe AJ Dybantsa is the locked-in first overall pick. Peterson would bring a dynamic skillset next to Trae Young, and could help to propel winning faster than Dybansta.

2. Utah Jazz – AJ Dybantsa (F, BYU)

No player is more of a dream fit than Dybantsa to the Jazz. There have been rumors about a potential trade-up to make this pairing happen, but here they are able to draft the sensational scorer 2nd overall.

3. Memphis Grizzlies – Cameron Boozer (F/C, Duke)

No surprises here; Boozer is the most analytically dominant player in this draft, going to the moat analytically slanted team in the NBA.

While we floated a possible trade scenario involving OKC, I heavily doubt the Grizzlies would trade this pick under any circumstances.

4. Chicago Bulls – Caleb Wilson (F, North Carolina)

The Bulls are one of the most rudderless teams in the league, but Caleb Wilson could change that. He immediately could become the compass that points this organization out of the darkness.

5. Los Angeles Clippers – Keaton Wagler (G, Illinois)

The first of the guard prospects leaves the board at 5, giving the Clippers a running-mate for Darius Garland.\

6. Brooklyn Nets Mikel Brown Jr. (G, Louisville)

The Brooklyn Nets desperately need upside, and no guard in this class has higher upside than Brown Jr. He would immediately become their franchise cornerstone, and could rectify the lackluster 2025 draft-class.

7. Sacramento Kings – Darius Acuff (G, Arkansas)

While there has been Kingston Flemings buzz for the Kings, I cannot imagine them passing on Acuff.

8. Atlanta Hawks – Aday Mara (C, Michigan)

After the Kristaps Porzingis trade the Hawks opened up a large need at center. Mara adds dominant size, rebounding, and sneaky playmaking that fills the Hawks biggest need.

9. Dallas Mavericks – Kingston Flemings (G, Houston)

Flemings at 9 feels like a dream, and lessens the pain of the Mavericks falling to 9. Flemings would bring a much needed injection of speed and playmaking to a guard room that desperately needs it, and would be the perfect running-mate long term next to Cooper Flagg.

10. Milwaukee Bucks – Nate Ament (F, Tennesee)

With the inevitable trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo looming, the Bucks swing for upside in Ament.

11. San Antonio Spurs (via Warriors) – Yaxel Lendeborg (F, Michigan)

The first trade of the mock has the Spurs jumping up 9 spots for Lendeborg. The Michigan forward would bring much needed size for the Spurs on the wing, and could help contribute to winning right away.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder – Brayden Burries (G, Arizona)

A pick that will frustrate Mavericks fans, as Burries is a perfect fit for the Thunder, and would only strengthen their hard-nosed, defensive identity.

13. Miami Heat – Cameron Carr (G,F Baylor)

If you want freaky measurables and supreme athleticism, look no further than Cam Carr. The Baylor guard would bring much need excitement to a dull Miami team.

14. Charlotte Hornets – Jayden Quaintance (C, Kentucky)

The Hornets desperately need more size on the interior, and while Quanintance does have real injury concerns, his upside on the defensive end is tremendous.

15. Chicago Bulls – Hannes Steinbach (C, Washington)

Paring Caleb Wilson with a center with shooting chops is a match made in heaven and would give the Bulls their front-line of the future.

16. Memphis Grizzlies – LaBaron Philon Jr. (G, Alabama)

With Ja Morant’s departure feeling inevitable, the Grizzlies scoop up Philon who fell in this mock. Philon is a top 10 player on my big board, giving the Grizzlies great value at 16.

17. Dallas Mavericks (via OKC) – Allen Graves (F, Santa Clara)

Perhaps the most divisive moment on Monday night’s stream was selecting Allen Graves over Morez Johnson Jr. While I understand the sentiment, Graves is a perfect modern-day NBA wing, and fits perfectly next to Cooper Flagg. The cost of moving up was P.J. Washington, who Graves would effectively replace in the Mavericks rotation.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via CHA) – Ebuka Okorie (G, Stanford)

The first crazy trade of the stream happened at 18, as our stand-in GM’s agreed on a Rudy Gobert to the Hornets trade, with the Timberwolves getting pick 18. Okorie would finally give the Wolves another great ball handler to pair with Anthony Edwards.

19. Toronto Raptors – Bennet Stirtz (G, Iowa)

The Raptors are in desperate need of another scoring option, and Stirtz would provide immediate 3-level scoring that the Raptors desperately need.

20. Golden State Warriors (via SAS) – Morez Johnson Jr. (F, Michigan)

The Warriors trade back 9 spots and end up with a player that many have top 15. Johnson Jr. would provide an immediate spark while giving the Warriors a player for the post Steph Curry era.

21. Detroit Pistons – Isaiah Evans (G, Duke)

The Pistons could despertely use more floor spacing, and Evans provides that in spades while not effecting their defensive mentality.

22. Philadelphia 76ers – Dailyn Swain (F, Texas)

Swain fell a bit in this mock, but makes perfect sense for the 76ers who could use more slashing and self creation on the wing.

23. Atlanta Hawks – Christian Anderson (G, Texas Tech)

After taking Aday Mara at 8 in this mock, the Hawks fill their other big need by adding Anderson who brings exciting shooting and creation as a guard to replace CJ Mccolum.

24. New York Knicks – Chris Cenac Jr. (C, Houston)

With Mitchell Robinson’s future in question, the Knicks could search for a replacement. Cenac is raw, but has tremendous upside and potential, and won’t have to contribute right away.

25. Dallas Mavericks (via LAL) – Joshua Jefferson (F/C, Iowa State)

Another trade! This time sending Daniel Gafford for the 25th pick, selecting Joshua Jefferson. Jefferson is a unique and well rounded forward with real defensive upside who could also become a small ball center.

26. Denver Nuggets – Luigi Suigo (C, Italy)

The Nuggets have been without a player that could spell Nikola Jokic for years. Suigo is incredibly raw, but his 7’4 frame could prove intriguing for a league that features Victor Wembanyama.

27. Boston Celtics – Henri Veesaar (C, North Carolina)

The Celtics tried in vain to solve their center woes at the trade deadline last season, and will be looking to upgrade the position again. Veesaar bring a large frame and shooting upside that could be tantalizing for the Celtics.

28. Brooklyn Nets (via MIN) – Koa Peat (F, Arizona)

The Nets received this pick by absorbing Julius Randle’s contract in the aforementioned Rudy Gobert trade. The Nets need to swing on upside, and Peat has some of the highest in this class.

29. Cleveland Cavaliers – Karim Lopez (F, New Zealand)

The Cavaliers are in desperate need for a wing, and Lopez could step in and help right away. Lopez is raw but very talented, multiple things the Cavaliers need.

30. Dallas Mavericks – Meleek Thomas (G, Arkansas)

The 4th and final pick for the Mavericks in this mock draft is one that seeks to address the lack of shooting. Thomas is an elite shooter who can play both guard spots, and could fit next to Kingston Flemings.

The Knicks are four wins away from their first NBA title since 1973, but Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs stand in their way.

Wembanyama is one of the most physically gifted athletes to ever play in the NBA. At 7-foot-4, 235 pounds, Wembanyama is a two-way force, winning this season’s Defensive Player of the Year award while also averaging 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.0 steal, and 3.1 blocks per game. 

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Wembanyama praised the Knicks and said he expects them to come out with a purpose in the series.

“It’s a great team of experienced guys who are not here by chance,” Wembanyama said. “They play with relentless effort over the years, and very different career paths for all of them. They’re right where they’re supposed to be, in my opinion, and all of them are going to be super hungry in their own way.”

Just 22 years old, Wembanyama has been a force for the Spurs during their playoff run, averaging 23.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks. 

In five career regular season games against the Knicks, Wembanyama has averaged 30.4 points, 14.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks. That excludes a performance in the NBA Cup Championship where the Knicks limited him to 18 points and six rebounds.

He’ll obviously present quite the challenge for the Knicks on both sides of the floor, forcing the Knicks to stay within their gameplan to try to slow him down.

“Obviously, he’s a special talent and the NBA’s blessed to have him and to be able to showcase his talent to the world,” said Karl-Anthony Towns. “For us, we just have to have discipline in our gameplan and execute at a high level.”

“Watching him as a player, it’s pretty unbelievable,” said Jalen Brunson, “the things he’s able to do on both sides of the ball, people have never really seen before for a person at his size. It’s incredible to watch from a fan’s perspective. 

“As an opposing player, he’s someone you constantly have to be on watch for. You just never know the things that he’s capable of doing. That’s why our game-planning and gameplay discipline and attention to details are so important, because he’s pretty incredible.”

While Wembanyama has led the way for San Antonio, he’s far from the only threat the Spurs possess. Five other San Antonio players are averaging double-digit points this postseason (Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie), and the Knicks know they’re facing a very deep Spurs team that goes far beyond Wembanyama’s lengthy reach.

“They’re a very versatile team, very deep,” said OG Anunoby. “They have talent all over the court at all positions. They can all shoot, drive, do everything. They rebound really well too. If they’re getting the rebound, they can push, one-man fastbreak or really just push the pace. They speed the game up. They do a great job of doing that.”

Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals tips off in San Antonio on Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m.

Some celebs were too superstitious to talk to The Post about the Knicks — but these famous superfans let nothing stop them from showing love for New York City’s blue and orange.

Tracy Morgan

“30 Rock” alum Tracy Morgan says his favorite moment as a Knicks fan was the playoffs’ now-legendary Game 1 against the Cavs — but that could change “because we might win a championship and that’s going to be the greatest moment.” Even sitting on Celebrity Row, the Bed-Stuy native “felt like everybody in that arena, overjoyed. It was fire.” And even in low moments — like “last year when we lost to Indiana. I felt really bad for my team. I felt really bad for us fans” — Morgan has remained optimistic. “I bounced back. I just said, ‘There’s always next year.’ Now look where we are!” And his hope is totally unbridled right now: “I believe we’re going to take the championship because I don’t believe no team on the West Coast can handle us.”

Michael Imperioli

“The Sopranos” star first fell in love with the Knicks while watching games in the nosebleeds with his father. Now he’s much closer to action — and calls Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals “the most electric game, of any sport, that I have ever attended.” In 2000, Imperioli even flew on the team plane with actor Chazz Palminteri to Detroit “to entice Grant Hill to play for NY.” While the attempt failed, it sparked a long relationship with the team and MSG. “The greatest celebrity perk in all of showbiz is being a part of that [MSG] family,” he said, adding that he had a “full circle” fan moment when he got to sit courtside with his dad. 

Emmy Rossum

“I grew up in the city. I honestly don’t remember ever not being a Knicks fan,” said the actress, whose favorite player of all time is John Starks. “I remember watching him growing up, his passion and intensity. I really identified with him as a kid in the ’90s. I recently found a journal entry from my childhood talking about his fire. I have an autographed ball cap from him I cherish. No one puts that cap in the wash!” Currently, her #1 is Jalen Brunson. “He’s the pulse of the team. Every time I’m there and see him in person, he’s so cool headed, he’s never in a rush, he’s got an elegance and he always delivers the goods,” Rossum said. Just don’t ask her how these next games are gonna go: “I’m too superstitious to make any predictions. LGK!”

Matthew Modine

“When I moved to New York City in the late 1970s I became a New York sports fan. Knicks. Rangers. Giants. Yankees. I grew up in Utah, where there was no NBA, NHL, MLB or NFL teams. So it was a dream come true going to the Garden and seeing the Knicks,” the “Full Metal Jacket” and “Stranger Things” actor told The Post. “My favorite moment, no question, is LJ’s [Larry Johnson’s] 4-point play in Game 3 of the ’99 Eastern Conference finals. But it’s impossible to pick a favorite player. Currently, I adore Josh Hart. He’s shows up and plays with all his heart every game. When that dude smiles — he lights up the entire Garden. And Jalen Brunson understands leadership and leads by example. He’s a stud.”

Michael Rapaport

“Going to the Garden as a kid, watching the Knicks since 1979, was beyond special. We always sat in the blue or green sections, which weren’t close, but it was magical,” said the actor, who grew up on the Upper East Side. “I was born and raised a Knicks Fan. It’s in my blood. My favorite Knick ever is probably Charles Oakley — he represented everything that New York is at its core: hard working, tough and plays for the city. As for my favorite moment, it hasn’t happened yet. I’m waiting for a championship.” When Rapaport isn’t at the Garden, he has his own tradition at home: “I watch games quietly, which may surprise people. It’s very emotional.”

Benny Safdie

“I am not exactly sure when I became a Knicks fan. It is something that sort of creeps up on you as a New Yorker. Especially growing up around the ’90s-era Knicks,” said “The Smashing Machine” director. “It becomes a part of you. And that’s what makes the heartbreak so intense [when they lose]. I feel like I can never be comfortable. Everyone has it out against the Knicks, and we have to fight that on top of everything else. I try to always believe, to always feel like it’s our year. But I never want to say that out loud. So, never mind.”

Josh Safdie

“A very nice person I know is a casual fan. I don’t fault her for it. Any fan of the Knicks is a friend of mine. In 2012, she called me about a pair of courtside tickets she had access to, asking if I wanted them for a Utah Jazz game,” the “Marty Supreme” director recalled. “She had no idea what happened the previous game vs the Nets: Jeremy Lin was inserted into the starting lineup and was about to cement what became Linsanity. I couldn’t wait for that game [against the Jazz] to begin. I lucked out. It was one of the greatest experiences ever as a Knicks fan. Sitting wood, I was a sixth man: I spared nothing and didn’t care what the referees thought, who I called out to using their first names. The Knicks felt it. Lin saw it, I know. Jared Jeffries rushed to me at the end of regulation and give me a huge hug. I was not normal. After the game, we went car yelling — where you yell at the cars as they leave the VIP ramp on 33rd.”

Susie Essman

“I became a fan In 1971 when I was in high school,” said the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” actress, who grew up in Mount Vernon. “My boyfriend was a fan. He turned me on to basketball and the Knicks, so I got to experience some glory years” — including the ’73 championship. “There were some tough years between now and then, but here we are and it’s glorious once more. My favorite player of all time is Walt Frazier. He was always the coolest person in the room. He still is,” Essman said. “I don’t have a favorite current player because I love how they play together as a team, from the starters to the bench, and the group dynamic is what makes them so special. I think they will win in six and the Garden will rock as only Madison Square Garden can with the greatest fans in the world.”

Chris Distefano

The comedian, a Queens native, remembers the first Knicks game that “sealed his fandom.” In 1993, his father took 9-year-old Distefano to see NY beat the Orlando Magic. He recalled his dad telling him, “‘And the Knicks covered the spread, Chrissy!! They covered the spread.’ I had no idea what that meant until my mother explained it to me during the divorce.” Despite some lean years, the John Starks superfan remained loyal. “I never left. I just cried through the pain as I do when I put on my Spanx.”  Now he’s counting on Jalen Brunson and putting his “faith in Jesus Christ and Mr. James Dolan.” His prediction: “Knicks win in six. And I get arrested for streaking down 7th Avenue but happily take my orange-and-blue butt cheeks to Rikers.”

Steve Schrippa

“I’ve been a fan since I was 8,” said the Bensonhurt-born “The Sopranos” and “Blue Bloods” star. “I even played at the Garden [while at Brooklyn College]. That was 100 pounds ago. When I was in college and had a student card, I think the tickets were $6.” Nowadays, he’s not up in the cheap seats.  “I got to sit next to Clyde [Frazier] the other night … Of all the things I get to do being a half-assed celebrity, my favorite thing in the world is going to Knicks games,” the “WillieBoy Eats the World” author said. “Brunson has turned the franchise around. His jersey will be in the rafters someday.”

Sam Morril

The comedian “fell in love with the ’90s Knicks” but that doesn’t mean they didn’t break his heart. In 1995, after Patrick Ewing’s missed finger roll against Indiana sent the Knicks packing, Morril said, it “hurt because I loved him so much. I wanted him to win. I was 11 and had to be carried out crying.” He calls the current squad “lovable.” He’s convinced the team is going all the way — “it’s time” — but to keep the winning juju going, he’s taking no chances: “I’m sick in the head. I have a Knicks candle I’ll light.”

Martha Stewart

“I am so excited for the Knicks having been a fan since the 1970s when I used to go to game after game after game with my friends,” the Martha Stewart Living founder said. “I got to know Bill Bradley, Walt Frazier, and Patrick Ewing, and when I see them now at a Knicks game it’s so exciting. I’m so proud of the team.”