Let’s go back to 1973, the New York Knicks beat the favored Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA title in five games There can be parallels drawn to the 2026 team, but at the end of the day, we are still celebrating this Knicks team winning for the first time in 53 years.

When the 1973 Knicks won, the New York Mets were having a forgettable season. On August 20, they were 55-67. We can talk about them being seven games out, but in reality, they were 12 games under .500 and in sixth place.

Well, in 2026, the Knicks won the title, and the 2026 Mets are having a forgettable season. In fact, they were sellers at the trade deadline. Now, entering play on August 20, they are 58-70 sitting 10 games out of a postseason spot.

The same 12 games under .500. The same disappointment after a Knicks championship. Why not see history repeat itself?

Yes, there’s no Tom Seaver on this team. Then again, the 1973 Mets didn’t have a player at the level of Francisco Lindor (with all due respect to the late Rusty Staub).

These Mets are playing inspired baseball with Carson Benge making a late Rookie of the Year push. With Benge, A.J. Ewing, and Luis Robert Jr., the Mets quite possibly have the best defensive outfield in baseball.

Lindor is back to his old self looking like he did in 2024. Bo Bichette is getting better at third and is driving in runs.

Nolan McLean is rounding back into form. Christian Scott and Zac Thornton look like the real deal. Sean Manaea is once again pitching like their tribal leader.

Even with the bullpen sell-off, their bullpen remains terrific. Suddenly, Kodai Senga is a closer with a better entrance than Edwin Diaz. Don’t argue this point.

Eddie Van Halen >>>>>>>>>>>Timmy Trumpet.

The Mets have been 11-6 in August. They’re playing better baseball against better teams. The hard part of the schedule is almost over.

If this team can somehow position themselves to be within striking distance, they end the season with the Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals. No Miami Marlins to block their way.

Plus, at some point, Juan Soto comes back. Let him come back to a team in contention, and there can be real magic here.

This happened in 1973. We can see it happen again. You just gotta believe.