It was a great moment in New York City sports 50 years ago. The Knicks won the NBA championship on May 10, 1973.

"When you stand there at center court, with your fist raised in the air, chills going up and down your spine, knowing you are the best in the world, that’s a unique feeling,” said Knicks legend Bill Bradley.

Known as “Dollar Bill” at the time, Bradley was a member of that legendary championship team. He later became a U.S. Senator representing New Jersey.

"I always think our team embodied the best of selflessness, imagination and discipline,” said Bradley.

The Knicks beat the Los Angeles Lakers in the finals. Earl “The Peal" Monroe was a part of the team as well.

"We had lost to L.A. the previous year and we thought we should’ve played much better,” explained Monroe. “We got a chance to get them again in the finals, we were determined at that point not to lose that final.”

The 1972-73 team also included Willis Reed, Walt "Clyde" Frazier, Phil Jackson, and Dean "The Dream" Meminger, the father of Spectrum News NY1’s Dean Meminger. A host of other great basketball players were on the championship team as well.

During those years, players didn't make as much money as current players and they were often seen all over New York City.

"Yeah, you’re right, we had the occasion to go on the subway to games back in those days, so we were really fan friendly,” said Monroe.

"I took a cab every day from my apartment to the game,” said Bradley. “I would arrive an hour before the game and go in and tape my ankles.”

In February, the Knicks and Madison Square Garden held a celebration for the golden anniversary of the 1973 championship.

Fifty years is a long time since New York has won it all on the basketball court, but does it feel like a half a century has gone by for the former players?

“First of all, I look in the mirror, and I say, ‘50 years,’ I see it all of a sudden,” said Monroe while laughing.

Reflecting on the five decades that have passed, Bradley chuckled as well.

"All I have to do is go out and try to run or bend over and I will say, ‘Yeah, it has been 50 years,'" Bradley said. 

They are hoping a new crop of Knicks can become champions hopefully this year or in the near future.