▲ The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics facing off
The New York Knicks, last season's NBA champions, have stumbled to an 0-2 start to the new season amidst a controversy surrounding their championship rings.
On October 24, the Knicks lost 107-103 to the Boston Celtics in a regular-season away game held at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Having suffered an upset loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in their season opener at Madison Square Garden on October 21, the Knicks fell to their second consecutive defeat.
In this match, Karl-Anthony Towns fought hard with 22 points and 10 rebounds, and OG Anunoby added 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, but the team failed to pull through in the close contest.
Entering the season as the defending champions, the early part of the campaign has been turbulent for New York due to issues regarding their championship rings.
According to a report by The Athletic, it was revealed that during the championship ring presentation ceremony held ahead of the season opener, some coaching staff members received empty boxes instead of actual rings because they had not yet been given their physical rings.
It was reported that ring sizing had not yet been conducted for the coaches who failed to receive physical rings, and having been notified just before the opening game that they would not receive them, the coaches inevitably expressed their dissatisfaction.
Adding to the controversy, it was also revealed that a phishing email using the championship rings as bait was sent to Madison Square Garden employees, drawing criticism.
The email stated, "Free rings are provided for employees. Choose a design and make a reservation," which turned out to be a phishing test email sent to check whether employees would actually click on it.
Employees who clicked the link to select a ring were forced to undergo cybersecurity training.
As the controversy continued, Madison Square Garden explained that they recently experienced a hacking attack which led them to conduct the test, issuing a statement on this day calling it an "unfortunate mistake."
Meanwhile, Boston bounced back from their opening-game loss to the Detroit Pistons three days prior to secure their first win of the season, fueled by Jayson Tatum who poured in 36 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.