Villanova Alum Pope Leo XIV’s Election Sparks Knicks Championship Hopes

New York Knicks fans have seen enough proof so far to believe that their team comprising of the Villanova boys can help them win an NBA title.

Villanova Alum Pope Leo XIV’s Election Sparks Knicks Championship Hopes

Pope Leo XIV's Villanova past has Knicks fans hyped (Image via FirstSportz)

The New York Knicks came into the 2025 playoffs with more question marks than answers. Jalen Brunson had a star-studded team beside him, but their performances against elite playoff teams left many disappointed. After all, the franchise had given up a lot to bring in players who could make the team a contender.

Their goal was simple: to bring the NBA title to the Big Apple for the first time in over half a century. They have been the laughingstock of many basketball fans, players, and members of the media, but this time, they want to prove everyone wrong.

So far, the team has been playing according to that goal. They had a little scare against the Detroit Pistons in the first round and needed a lucky break to advance to the second. At this point, many questioned if the Knicks could take the fight to the defending champion Boston Celtics.

But two 20-point comebacks and game-winning plays have helped the New York Knicks take a surprising 2-0. They now head back home, hoping the Villanova boys, along with Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, can deny the Celtics at the hallowed Madison Square Garden. Now, many believe another hallowed person’s indirect link to the Knicks will help them succeed.

The Vatican appointed American Robert Prevost as the next Pope of the Catholic Church. The link to the Knicks happens to be his education. Pope Leo XIV, as he was anointed, is a Villanova University alumnus. This link has some folks believing the Villanova boys will help the Knicks win the 2025 NBA title.

Knicks superfan Spike Lee believes ‘God’ will help his team win

When it comes to the New York Knicks, no one believes they are a bigger fan than legendary director Spike Lee. As soon as the Vatican announced Pope Leo XIV to the world, the 68-year-old took to his Instagram page to share his excitement.

Knicks fans hope the divine connection helps their team win the NBA title
Knicks fans hope the divine connection helps their team win the NBA title (Image via New York Knicks/X)

The Vatican voted in Robert Francis Prevost as their 267th pontiff. For my New York Knicks fans, his alma mater is Villanova University (Brunson, Hart, and Bridges won NCAA rings at Villanova). What a holy blessing. The Knickerbockers are gonna win the 2024-2025 NBA World Championship. It is divinity.

Spike Lee shared

Lee believes this divine connection will help his Knicks win the 2025 NBA title. Considering how they are playing now, his belief might be sky high. There is no doubt he will be sitting courtside for both Games 3 & 4, cheering his hometown team to win both games.

That way, they can rest easy and concentrate on the goal they have been working on all season. Even though the Boston Celtics play well on the road, Lee believes this divine intervention will clear all obstacles on their way to the first title since 1973.

Knicks cannot go easy in both games at MSG

The New York Knicks might have taken a 2-0 series lead playing away from home. But they have to be aware that the defending champion Boston Celtics might come back with a vengeance. They know their championship defense is on the line and will do everything necessary to ensure the Larry O’Brien trophy stays in Boston.

The winningest team in NBA history has a deep roster that it can depend on. Moreover, its top two players, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, have come under extreme ridicule after the way they lost those two games.

The Knicks should expect them to come out firing on all cylinders. But if the home team can hang in there, buoyed by the chants filling Madison Square Garden, they could try and steal a win or two, the same way they did in the first two games. That way, they can get into a lead that usually results in the leading team winning the series.

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