Knicks Fans Ink Their Loyalty Ahead of Game 6

New York Knicks fans are making a bold statement this playoff season, opting for permanent tattoos to showcase their unwavering support. Brandon Soler, a 45-year-old from the Bronx, took the plunge on Friday, getting a vibrant blue and orange Knicks logo inked on his shin. “It’s New York and the Knicks – I also wanted to represent New York as a whole, where I’m from,” he shared, embodying the spirit of pride that resonates among fans.

At a tattoo studio in Gowanus, Soler expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It was a spur-of-the-moment thing.” He believes that his new ink might even bring the team some luck as they prepare to face the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. “I figured I’d get it in the first round [of the playoffs], we did well against the [Detroit] Pistons and we’re doing it better. So I feel like it’s more luck,” he added.

Meanwhile, Nikhil Dhanani, 26, joined Soler at the same studio, opting for an arm tattoo featuring the Knicks’ “NY” logo alongside the Unisphere from Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. “New York’s never leaving me,” he declared, explaining that he had long desired a Knicks tattoo. “It felt like the right moment to do it,” he said, reflecting the surge of New York pride surrounding the team’s playoff success.

Steven Avalos, the tattoo artist responsible for both fans’ ink, noted an unprecedented demand for Knicks-themed tattoos this season. “It’s way more Knicks tattoos than I’ve ever done,” Avalos remarked, revealing that he has scheduled multiple appointments for Knicks designs this week alone. “I think this is the craziest I’ve ever seen Knicks fans because of the playoffs,” he added.

Fans have historically associated being a Knicks supporter with enduring disappointment, but Avalos observed a shift in sentiment this year. “When it comes to being a Knicks fan, you kind of expect losing,” he explained. “So I think that being a Knicks fan – or being a Jets fan – there are certain New York teams where you think you’re never going to win. [Fans] are really just that glad they’re doing well this year.”

Live By The Sword, a tattoo shop with locations across New York City, has also reported a spike in interest for Knicks designs. A representative mentioned that their flash sheet of ready-made designs was shared nearly 500 times online since its release on April 25. “The Knicks are momentous right now,” said Michael Bellamy, owner of Red Rocket Tattoo in Midtown, who has seen a rise in requests for tattoos honoring the team.

Michelle Myles, co-owner of Daredevil Tattoo in the Lower East Side, echoed these sentiments, noting that fans have been frequenting her shop for everything from team logos to knuckle tattoos. “If they continue on, I imagine we’ll probably get some more [customers],” she said, hinting at upcoming promotions that will feature Knicks-themed art.

Avalos reflected on how successful seasons for New York sports teams often lead to increased tattoo requests. He recalled a similar trend during the Yankees’ World Series victories in the early 2000s. “Imagine just growing up in New York and going to Yankee Stadium and seeing your home team win: It gave you a lot of pride for the city,” he said.

“Sports tattoos are super important; they give people a sense of pride of being a New Yorker and ownership of this city,” Avalos continued. However, he also noted that if the Knicks win the championship, tourists may join in on the trend. “Tourists will hop on the bandwagon with that one,” he predicted.

As it stands, the Knicks trail 3-2 against the Pacers ahead of their crucial matchup Saturday night. A victory would set the stage for a climactic Game 7 in New York on Monday.