Entering the press conference with a glass of red wine in hand, Josh Hart set the tone: with these Knicks, history is written with formidable seriousness on the court, but total nonchalance off it. Just minutes after sweeping Cleveland, the forward couldn't resist teasing a reporter who was munching on chicken wings right in front of him. Jalen Brunson tried to calm his friend down with a discreet, "I see, don't say anything," but Hart went straight for it: "I knew you'd come in sucking your fingers! You're supposed to be asking questions and you went and got some chicken wings... Anyway, they look great!"

This close bond didn't come out of nowhere. It was forged on the Villanova University campus, where Hart and Brunson shared a dorm room before conquering America. When asked about this high-profile reunion with his former teammates, Brunson was quick to point out the hierarchy with a touch of irony: "Josh won one college title, while Mikal (Bridges) and I won two."

A dig that makes Hart smile, more touched than he lets on: "It's surreal. In college, you all dream of the NBA, but the probability of playing together is almost zero. The fact that it's happening is super cool. We have a brotherhood for life, and we just keep adding memories to our collection."

For coach Mike Brown, this locker room chemistry is driven by a leader with exemplary behavior. The coach even admits to having to rearrange his own nighttime routine to keep up with his point guard's pace: "His work routine is extraordinary. He shoots every morning, at home and away, well before the 10 a.m. team practice. He wears me out! I have to get up at 7:30 a.m. to schedule my staff meetings. Jalen is always even-tempered; he never loses his temper. When it comes from the best player, it's impossible for the rest of the team not to follow."

Although voted MVP (best player) of the series, the person in question prefers to dodge the question:

"It's something I'm not analyzing too much right now. We're still writing our story and I'm simply enjoying the journey."

Beyond the Villanova connection between Brunson, Hart, and Bridges, this qualification also resonates deeply with local boy Karl-Anthony Towns. Hailing from neighboring New Jersey, the forward has never hidden his childhood love for the Manhattan franchise: “It means the world to me. Growing up in the area, I felt like the word ‘hope’ had disappeared from the Knicks’ name a long time ago. To be part of this team that reignites dreams in this city is truly special. When I was a kid, I just hoped I could wear this jersey someday. I never imagined I’d be in front of this microphone announcing we’re going to the Finals. There’s no better place in the world than Madison Square Garden when people have hope.”