Celebrations over the New York Knicks’ first NBA championship in more than five decades descended into chaos in Midtown Manhattan after fans flooded the streets following the team’s title-clinching victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
According to Reuters, thousands of supporters poured into the streets on Saturday night chanting “Knicks in five!” after the New York Knicks secured their first NBA title since 1973. What began as jubilant scenes quickly escalated into disorder, with fireworks, smoke grenades and widespread vandalism reported across parts of Manhattan.
One of the most dramatic incidents involved a World Cup shuttle bus that was set on fire near the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The buses had been transporting supporters from a FIFA World Cup match between Brazil national football team and Morocco national football team, which ended in a draw earlier in the day. Crowds reportedly swarmed around a convoy of about 15 buses, climbing onto roofs, entering vehicles and causing extensive damage to several of them.
Police said a 17-year-old was shot in the foot during the celebrations in Times Square, with three persons of interest taken into custody. Riot police and mounted officers were later deployed to disperse crowds and restore order around Madison Square Garden, the Knicks’ home arena.
Despite the unrest, many lifelong Knicks supporters described the moment as one they had waited decades to experience. The franchise ended a 53-year championship drought by defeating the Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
New York City officials are now preparing for a championship parade later this week, while authorities continue investigating the violence and property damage that overshadowed the historic sporting triumph.
