The New York Knicks ended a 53-year championship drought Saturday night, but celebrations quickly spiraled into violence as buses were set on fire, a teenager was shot and dozens of arrests were made across Manhattan.
NEW YORK — For Knicks fans, it was a night generations had waited for. For New York City police and emergency responders, it became a night of chaos.
The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to capture the franchise’s first championship since 1973. Jalen Brunson led the way with 45 points as New York clinched the series 4-1 and secured one of the most celebrated victories in franchise history.
Within hours of the final buzzer, however, parts of Midtown Manhattan descended into disorder as massive crowds flooded the streets near Times Square and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
School buses torched amid celebration
One of the most dramatic scenes unfolded along West 42nd Street near Eighth Avenue, where hundreds of fans surrounded a convoy of yellow school buses designated for upcoming World Cup transportation operations.
Authorities said people climbed onto the vehicles, smashed windows and vandalized multiple buses.
At least five buses were reportedly set on fire after burning clothing and other objects were thrown inside.
Video from the scene showed flames shooting from bus windows as crowds gathered around the vehicles.
Teenager shot in Times Square area
As police attempted to regain control of the area, a separate violent incident unfolded nearby.
A 17-year-old boy was shot in the foot around 2 a.m. near 42nd Street and Broadway, according to reports.
Because crowds had overwhelmed portions of the area, officers transported the victim directly to Bellevue Hospital. He was treated and listed in stable condition.
Police recovered a firearm and detained three persons of interest as part of the investigation.
Dozens arrested, officers injured
The NYPD said 63 people were arrested during the overnight disturbances.
Charges included assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration.
At least 10 officers were injured while responding to the unrest. One officer reportedly suffered a head injury after being struck by a glass bottle.
Mounted units and officers in riot gear were deployed to disperse crowds and restore order.
Historic championship overshadowed
The violence cast a shadow over what should have been one of the most memorable nights in Knicks history.
The championship ended a drought that stretched back more than five decades. The franchise’s previous title came in 1973 under Hall of Fame coach Red Holzman, led by legends including Walt Frazier, Willis Reed and Earl Monroe.
This year’s championship run was powered by Brunson, along with Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart. New York overcame a Spurs team led by Victor Wembanyama, winning four of five games in the series.
The Knicks’ victory was expected to produce one of the largest celebrations New York has seen in years. Instead, city officials are now facing questions about the violence, property damage and injuries that followed.
The incidents also come as New York and New Jersey are hosting FIFA World Cup matches, creating additional concerns about crowd management and public safety for future large-scale events.
Key Points
• The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 to win their first NBA championship since 1973.
• Celebrations in Manhattan turned violent as at least five school buses were set on fire near Times Square.
• A 17-year-old was shot in the foot, 63 people were arrested and at least 10 NYPD officers were injured during the unrest.