The Knicks’ first NBA title in over half a century sparked celebrations across New York, but violent scenes in Manhattan have cast a shadow over the upcoming parade plans.
New York clinched the championship with a 94-90 win over the Spurs in Game 5 in San Antonio.
But as fans flooded the streets back home, things quickly spiraled out of control.
Knicks title celebrations turn violent in Midtown
The BBC reported that a teenager was shot, buses were destroyed, and dozens were arrested as crowds spilled through Midtown after the title win.
“A 17-year-old boy was shot in the foot, officials said. Preliminary reports indicated no fatalities. The victim was transported to the hospital in an NYPD vehicle as an ambulance couldn’t access 43rd Street because of the crowds, police said. Three people of interest were taken into custody, and a firearm was recovered from the scene.”
The NYPD told the outlet that crowds became “increasingly destructive” with “incredibly reckless and dangerous behaviour.” Five yellow school buses were set alight or destroyed with bats and people jumping on them.
Those buses had reportedly been used to shuttle World Cup fans back to Times Square after Brazil vs. Morocco, adding another layer of chaos on a night already stretched by major sporting crowds.
Police also said private vehicles and police cars were damaged, fireworks were lit inside packed crowds, brawls broke out, and four slashings or stabbings were reported. Sixty-three people were arrested overnight, with charges including assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.
Knicks parade faces major policing challenge
Across the Finals, at least 125 formal arrests have been reported by the NYPD, plus another 41 summonses. That includes 26 arrests after Game 2, 21 after Game 3, 15 formal arrests from 56 detentions after Game 4, and 63 following the clinching win.
Officer injuries have also been a concern. Ten NYPD officers were hurt after Game 4, and another 10 were injured after Game 5, according to the BBC, including one officer punched in the face and another struck with a glass bottle.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has already announced a ticker-tape parade for Thursday, where the Knicks will be honored at City Hall and receive Keys to the City. City Hall and municipal buildings will be lit up in Knicks colors for the occasion.
It will be the first ticker-tape parade in Knicks history, but after the violence that followed the title win, it is also shaping up as a major challenge for city officials, who will be under pressure to keep the next celebration from turning into another crime scene.
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