NBA

Knicks No. 1 in merchandise — with an asterisk

MILWAUKEE – The NBA’s announcement the Knicks are No. 1 in merchandise sales in its latest study for the first time since 2004 may need a big, fat black-and-white asterisk. The figures are based on sales at the NBA store and online store from April through Thanksgiving Weekend.

However, the Brooklyn Nets new merchandize didn’t come available until late September, skewering the tally. A lot of the figures count the Nets old merchandise sales.

According to a league source, Brooklyn’s merchandise is actually No. 1 since the season began in late October, which is hardly a surprise considering its novelty and fashionable black-and-white color scheme. So the Knicks reign on No. 1 may be short lived on the next tally – which is done twice a year.