1980–81 New York Knicks season

The 1980–81 New York Knicks season was the 35th season for the team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). In the regular season, the Knicks finished in third place in the Atlantic Division with a 50–32 win–loss record, qualifying for the 1981 NBA Playoffs. New York lost in the best-of-three first round to the Chicago Bulls in a two-game sweep.

NBA draft
Note: This is not an extensive list; it only covers the first and second rounds, and any other players picked by the franchise that played at least one game in the league.

Season standings
Notes
 * z, y – division champions
 * x – clinched playoff spot

Playoffs

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 * 1
 * March 31
 * Chicago
 * L 80–90
 * Ray Williams (19)
 * Micheal Ray Richardson (13)
 * Micheal Ray Richardson (6)
 * Madison Square Garden 14,822
 * 0–1
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 * 2
 * April 3
 * @ Chicago
 * W 114–115 (OT)
 * Campy Russell (29)
 * three players tied (6)
 * three players tied (5)
 * Chicago Stadium 19,901
 * 0–2

Awards and records

 * Micheal Ray Richardson, NBA All-Defensive First Team