Fansided

Love affair between Evan Fournier and Knicks fans is just getting started

By Aryanna Prasad

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks in action against the Washington Wizards during a preseason game at Madison Square Garden on October 15, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks in action against the Washington Wizards during a preseason game at Madison Square Garden on October 15, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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Newly-acquired New York Knicks shooting guard Evan Fournier gets a warm welcome from fans after a 138-134 overtime win over the Boston Celtics.

The New York Knicks are back — at least that’s what the fans have to say.

After an electric double-overtime win on Wednesday, Knicks fans flooded the streets with excitement as they reveled in sweet victory over their bitter Boston rival.

“New York is f*****g back!” screams a Knicks fan as he collapses from excitement.

“Fresh out the Garden, baby! We’re taking it all the way!” shouts another.

“We had DeBlasio, we had Cuomo… it was tough s**t, but we have the Knicks!”

The hilarious minute-long video featured all kinds of declarations and profanity, including some harsh words for former New England Patriot Tom Brady. Comedian and Knicks superfan Desus Nice was among the crowd, declaring that “New York Knicks run New York City.”

After watching the video, the man responsible for the celebration had one question: what had he gotten himself into?

Evan Fournier joked, but the newly-acquired shooting guard delivered more than just a win on Wednesday night. Once again, this troubled New York fandom has found hope in a new beginning with Fournier at the helm.

Knicks’ Evan Fournier jokes with Knicks fans about their over-the-top celebration outside Madison Square Garden

It’s not unusual for the Knicks to have won in their season opener, but for a franchise that has seen more than its fair share of losing seasons, opening with a win is a promising start.

In the past ten years, the Knicks have won five of their last ten season openers. Three of those wins were consecutive from 2011-2013, when the teams featured Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler. The past two seasons opened with losses, and their last opening win in 2018 is the only one in a five-year period. On top of all of that, the initial win has meant little in the past: the last time they won their season opener, they went 17-65.

But the fans say the Knicks are back, and they were well could be with Fournier. The Knicks acquired the French guard from the Celtics in August through a sign-and-trade deal. On Oct. 20, the Knicks signed a four-year, $78 million deal with Fournier, cementing his future in New York before he delivered the win.

Fournier was a big part of the victory, logging 44 minutes in the double-overtime victory. He supplied 32 points (13-25 FG, 6-13 3Pt), six rebounds, four steals, three assists and one block during the game. He also broke a Knicks record for most points in a franchise debut with 32, surpassing Keith Van Horn’s mark of 29 in 2003.

What did Fournier get himself into? Perhaps a winning season for New York’s perennial underdogs.

Must Read. The Whiteboard: Evan Fournier, Jaylen Brown and the best opening game performances. light

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