New York City erupts in celebration after Knicks win first NBA title in 53 years
Fans across all five boroughs gathered in streets, bars and public spaces to mark the Knicks' victory over the San Antonio Spurs, with city officials planning a ticker-tape parade.
Long-time Knicks supporter Marvita Davis, 70, recalled watching the championship game on a screen projected on her Brooklyn apartment building’s lawn. The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games, securing the franchise’s first NBA title since 1973.
Residents in neighborhoods such as the East Village, West Village and Clinton Hill gathered in bars, on fire escapes and other public areas to watch the final moments of the game.
"It’s euphoria," Davis said.
The celebration spread throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island, with car horns, fireworks and music playing in public spaces well after midnight.
"The city is alive, man, like never before," said Nick Pineda, a Bronx resident who watched the game at a Brooklyn restaurant that also projected the action outdoors.
Firefighters and bus drivers were seen displaying Knicks blankets, and some fans cheered as a city bus passed by.
Brooklyn native Rashid Taylor praised point guard Jalen Brunson’s performance, noting his 45-point contribution in the decisive Game 5.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that a ticker-tape parade will be held on 18 June and that the team will receive the keys to the city in a ceremony at City Hall.