Patrick Aloysius Ewing Sr is a Jamaican-American who played professional basketball in the NBA. He played college basketball for Georgetown University under the legendary coach John Thompson, and 17 seasons on the pro level. The first 15 seasons were with the Knicks, and his last two seasons with the Seattle Supersonics and the Orlando Magic.
Most of his Hall of Fame playing days took place in New York City, where he captivated Madison Square Garden crowds for over a decade and a half. He participated in classic encounters in the playoffs in the 1990’s, with such memorable teammates such as John Starks, Charles Oakley, and Anthony Mason.
Despite never winning an NBA Championship, Ewing has had many stellar moments in his career that define his legend. His competitive drive and tenacious attitude on the court are what makes him one of the greatest basketball warriors the game has ever scene.
[new page= 10. Game Winner 4/10/00]
10. Game Winner 4/10/00
This play was during the later stage of his career, and his last season with the New York Knicks. There were many doubts concerning if the Knicks should use Ewing in the clutch anymore, because his skills had diminished and injuries caught up to him. He proved his doubters wrong making a fade away jump shot that blew the roof off Madison Square Garden.
[new page= 9. Clutch dunk against bitter rivals Miami Heat]
9. Clutch dunk against bitter rival the Miami Heat
Ewing contributed a clutch dunk with only a few seconds remaining in regulation in an elimination game against bitter rival Miami Heat. It was the third straight season the Knicks had beaten the Heat in a playoff series. The rivalry started with former coach Pat Riley going from New York to Miami, and then Alonzo Morning being matched up against Ewing. Both Ewing and Morning went to Georgetown and played under coach Thompson.
[new page= 8. Georgetown beats Houston in 1984 National Championship game]
8. Georgetown beats Houston in 1984 National Championship game
Ewing and legendary coach Thompson lead the Hoyas against Houston in a National Championship game in 1984. Ewing was the floor leader and an intimidating presence in the paint that propelled his team to success.
[new page= 7. Ewing dunks over Dennis Rodman]
7. Ewing dunks over Dennis Rodman
This posturizing dunk on Dennis Rodman defined how Ewing was not scared of his competition. At the time, Rodman was the best defensive player in the game. That title did not matter to Ewing as he jumped over Rodman for the slam that brought the Madison Square Garden crowd to its feet.
[new page= 6. Final game at MSG]
6. Final game at MSG
Ewing was playing his final season in the NBA when he returned to New York one last time on the opposing side. The Madison Square Garden crowd gave Ewing a cheering ovation, giving thanks to the man who was the leader of the Knicks for 15 seasons. It was an emotional night for Knick fans young and old to watch Ewing for one last time in New York.
[new page= 5. Powerful slam over Alonzo Morning]
5. Powerful slam over Alonzo Morning
Ewing’s powerful slam against Morning in the playoffs was one of many defining moments in the intense rivalry against the Heat. Even though it added more fuel to the fire during the game (because Morning was known for being a great shot blocker, Ewing dunked on him as if he was not a challenge at all.
[new page= 4. Game 5 victory against the Houston Rockets]
4. His game 5 victory against the Houston Rockets
It was a dream matchup in the 1994 NBA finals. Two heavyweight centers squaring off against each other: Houston Rockets' Hakeem Olajuwon against New York Knicks' Patrick Ewing. Both players had been compared to one another ever since they played college basketball in the early 1980s. Even though Olajuwon’s team ultimately won in 1994 NBA Finals, Ewing put up a great fight, beating the Rockets in game 5 in New York City.
[new page= 3. Knicks win game 7 against Indiana]
3. Knicks win game 7 against Indiana
This was the game where Ewing lead the Knicks to the 1994 NBA finals for the first time in his career. He scored 24 points and grabbed 22 rebounds. His signature gesture of lifting his arms in the air after the game's finish symbolized Ewing imagining getting the monkey off of his back.
[new page= 2. Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame speech]
2. Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame speech
Only the great basketball players are granted the opportunity to be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. During his speech, Ewing was extremely humble. With Ewing thanking all of the people in his life who helped him achieve his basketball goals, his college coach from Georgetown was by his side during the heartwarming dialog.
[new page= 1. Retiring number 33 at MSG]
1. Retiring number 33 at MSG
Many great NBA players, mentors, friends, and family were in attendance to watch Ewing’s number 33 retired at Madison Square Garden. Fans were in an uproar when his jersey was going up into the rafters. No other player in Knicks history will ever were the number 33 again.