The New York Knicks’ championship parade was always going to be loud, but the celebrity turnout made it feel even bigger than basketball.
New York celebrated its first NBA title since 1973 with a ticker-tape parade through the Canyon of Heroes on Thursday, June 18. The parade began near Bowling Green, moved up Broadway and ended with a City Hall ceremony after the Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs in five games.
It was a celebration for a team, a city and a fan base that had waited 53 years for this moment. It also became a showcase for the famous faces who have been courtside throughout the Knicks’ rise.
Knicks championship parade brought out New York celebrity fans
Spike Lee was the most expected name on the route, and also the most fitting. The filmmaker has been the face of celebrity Knicks fandom for decades, so seeing him celebrate a title finally made the wait feel complete.
Ben Stiller was also spotted at the parade with Christine Taylor, while Timothée Chalamet joined the celebrations in Knicks colors. Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, Jon Stewart, Martha Stewart and Edie Falco were also among the stars seen around the event.
Mariska Hargitay was reportedly on Jalen Brunson’s float with her son, while Teyana Taylor took part in the procession.
The celebrity list worked because it reflected the Knicks’ reach. This was not just a sports parade, it was a New York cultural event.
Knicks players and fans made parade feel historic
Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson were among the key players involved in the celebration. Brunson remained the center of attention after winning Finals MVP.
The Knicks earned the parade by beating San Antonio 94-90 in Game 5 and closing the Finals 4-1. Brunson scored 45 points in the clincher, sealing one of the great individual nights in franchise history.
Fans packed Lower Manhattan, with chants, signs and Knicks colors filling the route. The reaction was emotional because many fans had never seen the franchise win a title in their lifetime.
For the Knicks, this was more than a victory lap. It was 53 years of frustration, loyalty and celebrity fandom finally spilling onto Broadway.
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