Sunday night felt different.
It wasn’t just the Sunday Scaries creeping in. I was going into the first week all year without Knicks basketball—and I didn’t realize how much I was going to miss it.
Not just the games: The anticipation. The group texts. The where-are-we-watching-tonight planning. The Let’s Go Knicks! energy that made an ordinary Tuesday feel electric.
When I really paused to think about how I was feeling, I wasn’t just mourning the end of a playoff run (although it does suck!), I was coming down from a high—one built on connection and community and lots of oxytocin!
Here’s what the Knicks gave me this postseason:
A Connection to Purpose
In a city that can often feel fragmented, the Knicks gave us something to rally around: a shared purpose. You could feel it everywhere—from corner delis and office Slack channels to subway platforms and MSG itself.
I found myself fist-bumping strangers and making eye contact with anyone wearing Knicks gear. For a few weeks, we were all on the same team and that felt great.
A Connection to Others
This playoff run created new rhythms, new rituals, and new, unexpected friendships.
Daniel and I went to most of the home games together. Before each one, we stopped at the same bar, met up with old friends, made new ones, and joined in the collective chaos of cheering, groaning, and celebrating together.
In those moments, I remembered and felt what real connection looks like.
A Connection to Myself
This one took me by surprise. Really watching the game meant putting down my phone. Not multitasking. And being truly present.
For a few hours, I wasn’t managing logistics or thinking five steps ahead. I even put down my to-do list!
When the games ended, I felt more energized, more connected, and more…myself.
While we are out of the playoffs and already planning for next season, I’m determined to hold on to the gift that this season brought me: connection.
You might be thinking…I don’t even like basketball or G-d forbid, I’m a Celtics or Pacers fan, what does that have to do with me?
Here’s the thing: Left to our own devices (pun intended), we aren’t connecting. But that’s exactly what Great Human Leaders do. They are intentional about how to connect their employees to a bigger purpose, to their colleagues, and to themselves.
So if you’re a manager who wants to become a Great Human Leader, I hope you take a leaf out of the Knicks’ playbook.
6/3/25
