It was during this time that Childs helped lead the New York Knicks to the NBA Eastern Conference championship in 1999. He led the team in assists (6.1 per game) as a starter during the 1996–97 season, and was a valuable contributor off the bench during his next four years with the team. A visible figure in the New York media, he also represented the Knicks on the 1998–99 NBA All-Interview Team and won the New York Press Photographers Association's 2000 "Good Guy Award" for his involvement with several charities and youth basketball programs.
Childs played a key role in leading the New York Knicks to the NBA Eastern Conference championship in 1999. During the 1996–97 season, he led the team in assists (6.1 per game) as a starter and was an important bench player for his next four years with the team. He was visible in New York media and earned recognition on the 1998–99 NBA All-Interview Team, winning the "Good Guy Award" from the New York Press Photographers Association in 2000 for his charitable work and involvement in youth basketball programs.