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The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden was electric on ring night as the Knicks raised their first banner in 53 years, unveiled an NBA Cup 2025 championship banner, and celebrated Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby with thunderous ovations. Even a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers did little to dampen the festive mood.
However, team owner James Dolan has managed to cast a shadow over the proceedings. According to a report by Joe Varden of The Athletic, the Knicks' assistant coaches were not given their championship rings during the ceremony. Instead, they received empty ring boxes, which they did not open. It also remains unclear whether head coach Mike Brown received his ring.
Seven league sources, all granted anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter, confirmed that the assistant coaches did not receive rings on banner night. Two of those sources told The Athletic that the assistants were informed earlier on Tuesday that they would not be getting their rings that evening. This came as no surprise, as they had not yet been fitted for rings, and the empty boxes were a late addition to the ceremony.
The coaches are reportedly upset to varying degrees, and their frustration is understandable. While assistant coaches don't always receive their rings on ring night—the Oklahoma City Thunder assistants did not last year—most teams do present them that night, or at least ensure they receive them eventually.
Traditionally, championship teams also give rings to a wide range of staff members, including broadcasters and business-side employees who contribute to the operation. These rings typically feature fewer diamonds and less flash than the players' versions, but they are still real and meaningful tokens of appreciation. In New York, however, that tradition appears to have been skipped.
Worse yet, some Madison Square Garden employees were targeted by a phishing scam related to the rings. In late September, the Knicks sent an email to a long list of employees, offering a first glimpse of what their championship rings might look like. The email featured a graphic of two differently styled rings, according to a copy obtained by The Athletic. But the email was a fake-out—a phishing test sent by Madison Square Garden to see if employees would click, multiple team sources said. Those who clicked the link were required to attend a cybersecurity class.
Viewers of the ring night ceremony on NBC and Peacock may have also noticed that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver neither addressed the crowd nor shook players' hands as they received their rings, as he typically does. This is just the latest chapter in the long-running feud between Dolan and Silver.
Ring night in New York was still a special occasion, but only Dolan could find a way to dim the celebration while saving a few dollars.
Key Analysis
The decision not to give assistant coaches their rings on ring night, coupled with the phishing test, reflects a pattern of cost-cutting and controversial management under James Dolan. While the Knicks celebrated a historic championship, the treatment of staff members has raised questions about the organization's priorities and appreciation for those behind the scenes.
Originally reported by yahoo.