Last night the Heat-Knicks rivalry was renewed with New York and company stealing a big win in Miami. With both rosters reloaded each franchise looks to bring back the competition of their gloried history. In the late 90s the Heat-Knicks rivalry was the hottest in the league with deep story lines, long series, physical play, and clutch shots. Some of basketballs’ best battles and most memorable moments happened between those teams. What were they wearing when it went down? Nice Kicks looks back at the best moments from the historic rivalry and sneakers worn when they happened.

1996-97 Season

After leading the Knicks to a Conference Championship and the NBA Finals in 1994, head coach Pat Riley stepped down a year later. Later that fall Riley became team president and head coach with Atlantic conference rival Miami Heat. This move caused speculation of tampering and eventually was settled by the Heat giving the Knicks a first round draft pick and $1 million dollars.

It took Riley and the Heat two years to rise as division champs, taking the title from the Knicks. Tension was high but raised to a boiling point in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals. During a free throw sequence PJ Brown flipped beloved Knicks guard Charlie Ward into the crowd. A fight broke out and the Knicks bench cleared. The bench clearing caused suspension of Patrick Ewing, Larry Johnson, John Starks, Allan Houston, and Ward. With the key players out Miami came back from a 3-1 deficit to advance to the Conference Finals.