Ahead of Game 2 of the NBA Finals last Friday, a midlevel associate at a global law firm received a surprising email. It was from his partner, who wanted him to know an assignment could wait until the next day.
“‘This doesn’t need to be done tonight, enjoy the game,’” the private-equity attorney—who wished to remain anonymous—recalls the message saying. “We barely see that kind of leniency for federal holidays … It’s gotten to the point where [coworkers and I] are sending emails back and forth just to make sure our WiFi is working.”
As the Knicks vie for their first NBA title since 1973, law and finance professionals tell Front Office Sports that the historic playoff run has provided some rare moments of relief from New York’s famously relentless work culture.
Throughout the postseason—which began for the Knicks on April 18—sources say their inboxes have gotten leaner and some requests have less urgency.
The change isn’t because business has slowed; it’s because the executives, partners, and clients who dictate the pace of New York’s professional class are just as consumed by the possibility of a Knicks championship as everyone else.
