The New York Knicks clinched their first NBA championship in 53 years on Saturday night after rallying from a 16-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Led by captain Jalen Brunson’s outstanding 45-point display, the Knicks sealed their third title in franchise history and completed a remarkable postseason run.
The victory sparked massive celebrations across New York City as thousands of jubilant fans poured into the streets around Madison Square Garden, Times Square and other parts of Manhattan.
However, the celebrations later descended into chaos, with police reporting shootings, stabbings, vandalism and dozens of arrests overnight.
Fans watching the game on giant screens outside Madison Square Garden erupted in celebration at the final buzzer as the Knicks completed the comeback victory in San Antonio.
Cheers quickly spread through the city, with supporters climbing onto buses, street poles and scaffolding while others danced in the streets chanting “Let’s go Knicks.”
Authorities said the disorder escalated during the early hours of Sunday morning. A 17-year-old boy was shot near Broadway and 42nd Street around 2 a.m., with bystander videos capturing the sound of multiple gunshots as crowds scrambled for safety.
Police said officers transported the victim to hospital because ambulances could not get through the packed streets. A firearm was recovered and three suspects were detained.
Police also confirmed that four people were stabbed or slashed during the unrest. One school bus being used for World Cup transportation was set on fire in Times Square, while several other buses and five police vehicles were damaged.
In total, 63 people were arrested on charges including assault on police officers, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and illegal weapon possession.
Despite the unrest, the city remained consumed by excitement over the Knicks’ historic triumph.
The franchise had not won an NBA title since 1973 and had not even reached the Finals since losing to the Spurs in 1999.
Knicks owner James Dolan urged supporters to celebrate responsibly while speaking after the game in San Antonio.
“We want everybody in New York to enjoy this moment,” Dolan said. “Please stay safe and don’t hurt anybody.”
The city has scheduled an official championship parade and City Hall ceremony for Thursday.
The title-clinching victory capped an extraordinary playoff campaign for New York, which won 15 of its last 16 postseason games.
Brunson’s leadership and fearless performances throughout the playoffs made him a hero among Knicks supporters, with the guard earning NBA Finals MVP honours after his dominant Game 5 performance.
Across New York, emotional fans hugged strangers, honked car horns and celebrated late into the night.
Emergency workers and police officers in Brooklyn joined in chants supporting the team, while fans returning from the World Cup at MetLife Stadium celebrated throughout the Lincoln Tunnel.
Longtime supporter Shawn Muoneke, who travelled from Maryland to New York for the game, described the atmosphere as unforgettable.
“I’ve watched this team through the ups and downs,” he said. “To finally see them become champions again is an unbelievable feeling.”
US President Donald Trump also congratulated the Knicks, describing their playoff run as one of the greatest in basketball history.
Meanwhile, Mayor Zohran Mamdani appealed for calm and responsibility as the celebrations continued across the city.
“As we celebrate this incredible achievement, let’s look out for one another and show the best of New York,” the mayor said.
