NEW YORK (AP) — Chaos enveloped Broadway as the New York Knicks secured their first NBA championship in 53 years on Saturday night. The jubilation was overshadowed by disorder and violence, with reports of gunfire in Times Square.
Outside Madison Square Garden, fans erupted in cheers as they watched the Knicks overcome a 16-point deficit to defeat the Spurs in San Antonio during Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Following the victory, the streets descended into turmoil as exuberant fans clashed with police, smashed windshields, and climbed onto scaffolding, light poles, and statues. In Times Square, some even climbed onto school buses and attempted to ride a moving fire truck. One of the buses was later set ablaze.
At approximately 2 a.m., gunshots were reported near 42nd Street and Broadway, according to the police. Videos from bystanders captured at least seven shots, causing people to crouch and flee for safety. Initial reports suggested that no injuries occurred, police said.
The NYPD reported several arrests, though the total count would be available later on Sunday.
Knicks owner James Dolan, addressing fans in San Antonio after the game, encouraged them to remain peaceful.
“We need to tell everybody in New York that we know that they’re celebrating, we want them to have a great time,” stated Dolan, interrupting guard Josh Hart’s press conference. “Please be safe. Don’t get hurt, don’t hurt anybody.”
The city plans to officially honor the Knicks with a parade and City Hall ceremony on Thursday.
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As the final buzzer sounded on Saturday night, the tension of the first three quarters transformed into pure joy. The two-month playoff journey for the Knicks, which began with an early game, culminated in their third title in the franchise’s 80-year history.
Fireworks lit up the sky over Brooklyn and Central Park. Throngs of fans poured into Times Square, singing the team’s anthem: “Go New York, Go New York, Go!”
Even police officers and ambulance workers joined in, shouting “Let’s go Knicks” over loudspeakers in Brooklyn. In the Lincoln Tunnel, drivers returning from the World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey honked their horns in celebration.
“I’m so overwhelmed. I’m so happy,” expressed Mathieu Ogno from Long Island, who was moved to tears at a team-organized watch party at Wollman Rink in Central Park.
Ogno proudly wore the jersey of Knicks captain Jalen Brunson, whose 45-point performance earned him the NBA Finals MVP. Brunson’s tenacious spirit has made him a beloved figure, reflecting New York’s working-class values.
Completing the season 19,392 days since their last championship, the Knicks’ remarkable playoff run revitalized a team that hadn’t reached the NBA Finals since 1999. The team won 15 out of 16 games since April 23, losing only Game 3.
Their previous championship in 1973 was also clinched on the road in Game 5, while their first title in 1970 was won at home in a thrilling Game 7. Neither victory was followed by a parade.
“I’m happy to see my Knicks finally make it over the hump,” said Shawn Muoneke, 26. “I’ve seen them knock on the door. They were knocking on the door the past few years. But they finally made it over the hump, and I’m so happy to see it and I’m so happy I’m in the city to experience it.”
Muoneke, who began supporting the Knicks at age 10 and was born a year after their last Finals appearance, traveled from Maryland to join the Central Park watch party for Game 5.
“I saw the ups, the downs and I watched the team come back up, and I was so happy to see them finally reach the highest echelon of stardom as a team,” Muoneke said.
After the Knicks’ triumph, he remarked that the city’s energy “is the highest it’s ever been.”
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President Donald Trump, a dedicated Knicks fan who attended Game 3 at the Garden with Dolan, praised the team on his Truth Social platform.
“What a year it has been but, even more so, what incredible playoff wins we have all witnessed, especially the last four – Maybe the greatest in the history of basketball,” Trump wrote.
He highlighted Brunson’s standout performance by stating, “a superstar was born.”
After numerous arrests during the playoffs and violent incidents following Games 3 and 4 in New York, which resulted in injuries to officers and a teen falling into a coma, police prepared for potential unrest as Saturday transitioned into Sunday.
“As we celebrate, be responsible, look out for one another, stay safe, be smart, and make this a night that reflects the very best of our city,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani advised on social media. “Let’s go Knicks.”
Emily Wang Fujiyama contributed reporting.
