Fans Return To Knicks, Nets Games And Love The Experience

The Brooklyn Nets are championship contenders, and the New York Knicks aren't terrible. But that wasn't the only reason New York basketball fans were happy to be back in the arena.

For the first time in nearly one calendar year, Knicks fans were back in Madison Square Garden to watch -- what else? -- a loss, this time to Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Nearly 2,000 fans were allowed to attend.

Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving, James Harden and the Nets took care of business against the lowly Sacramento Kings at the Barclays Center in front of about 300 fans.

“Only real Knick fans were there — completely die hard. The Knicks almost won, but it wouldn’t have been a Knicks game if they didn’t lose,” Upper Eastside resident Ben Soffer told the New York Post.

This has been the trend throughout the NBA, with more and more states and cities beginning to allow people into arenas to root on their favorite teams. And some of those who have been allowed to have fans already have pushed for a few more.

It's a big step for the NBA, which had to finish last season in a "bubble" environment at Walt Disney World. This year, the league may conclude with people at each of its Finals games.

For sports teams everywhere -- yes, even the Knicks -- that's a win.