New York City streets filled with jubilant crowds late Saturday as fans celebrated the Knicks’ first NBA championship since 1973, turning Manhattan into a sea of orange and blue.
Police deployed large units around Times Square and subway hubs as spontaneous parades mixed cheering with occasional bottle-throwing and property damage.
Mayor’s office officials urged revelers to remain peaceful while acknowledging the franchise’s long drought had amplified emotional release.
Business owners boarded windows in some corridors after social media showed overturned trash bins and scuffles near celebratory bonfires.
Team players thanked supporters during a televised rally, calling the title a redemption arc for a loyal fan base.
City transit ran extended hours to absorb postgame traffic as cleanup crews swept confetti before dawn on June 14.
The Knicks clinched the title in a decisive finals game that ended a half-century drought for Madison Square Garden faithful.
Business improvement districts reported strong weekend sales at bars and merchandise shops despite cleanup costs from overnight celebrations.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised fan passion while urging cities to plan safe gathering spaces for future championship parades.
City sanitation crews worked through dawn on June 14 clearing tipped containers and power-washing sidewalks along Broadway corridors where fans had gathered overnight to sing team anthems.
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Sources:
https://apnews.com/