The Knicks secured their first NBA title in more than 50 years after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 on Saturday. While the championship-clinching game took place in Texas, thousands of jubilant fans flooded the streets of New York to celebrate the long-awaited triumph.
However, the festivities took a violent turn in the early hours of Sunday as large crowds gathered around Times Square and Midtown Manhattan.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), a 17-year-old boy was shot in the foot near 42nd Street and Broadway at approximately 2am local time. The victim was transported to a hospital in a police vehicle because emergency crews were unable to reach the area due to the massive crowds. Authorities confirmed that there were no fatalities.
Police said three persons of interest were taken into custody and a firearm was recovered from the scene.
The NYPD reported that celebrations became increasingly disorderly, with multiple incidents of vandalism and violence. Five yellow school buses, which had been used to transport football fans attending a FIFA World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco, were either set on fire or severely damaged.
Witnesses reported seeing people climbing onto the buses, smashing windows, entering the vehicles and taking photographs before several were engulfed in flames.
Police vehicles were also targeted, with some individuals using bats to damage patrol cars and jump on their roofs, causing extensive damage.
Authorities said four separate stabbing incidents were reported during the unrest. Additional disturbances included fireworks being ignited in dense crowds, street fights, damage to private property and repeated refusals by groups to disperse when ordered by police.
A total of 63 people were arrested on various charges, including assault on police officers, criminal possession of weapons, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration.
The NYPD said 10 police officers sustained injuries during the overnight disturbances. One officer was punched in the face, while another was struck with a glass bottle.
Earlier in the evening, celebrations had been largely peaceful, with fans gathering in bars, parks and public spaces across the city. Emergency service workers joined in the festivities, chanting support for the Knicks, while motorists honked their horns and strangers embraced in celebration.
Official celebrations for the Knicks championship victory are scheduled to take place on Thursday, when a victory parade and a ceremony at City Hall will be held, according to the office of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
