Our Last Season: A Writer, a Fan, a Friendship

Journalist Araton writes a moving story of his friendship with Michelle Musler, a dedicated fan of the New York Knicks and a holder of season tickets to Knicks games for over four decades. The two met at Madison Square Garden, and forged a close bond throughout the years, with Musler guiding Araton’s progress as he married, had a family, and progressed in his career as sportswriter. Musler’s path to the Knicks began when, as a divorced mother of five, she needed to support herself and her family. Starting out as a teacher, she moved on to the corporate world where a colleague asked her to a Knicks game during their 1973–74 season. She invested in season tickets, later securing a seat behind the Knicks’ bench. Stories of players and coaches are included throughout the book. As her health declined, Musler had to reduce her times at the Garden. The last season Araton and Musler shared was 2017–18; Musler was diagnosed with cancer and later died in 2018. An outpouring of grief from Knicks players coaches (past and present) came after her death.