The New York Knicks won their first NBA championship in 53 years on Saturday night, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94–90 in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
Jalen Brunson delivered a standout performance, scoring 45 points and earning Finals MVP honors as the Knicks clinched the series 4–1.
Back in New York, fans gathered at watch parties, Madison Square Garden, and public spaces. Early celebrations remained largely peaceful, with crowds cheering, the Empire State Building lit in team colors, and street gatherings spreading across parts of Manhattan.
Night Turns Violent in Midtown
As the night progressed, celebrations in parts of Midtown Manhattan escalated into violence and disorder.
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The NYPD reported widespread disturbances, including at least 63 arrests, one shooting, and multiple stabbings or slashings linked to the celebrations. Crowds became increasingly difficult to control in dense public areas such as Times Square.
Shooting and Stabbing Incidents
A 17-year-old boy was shot in the foot around 2 a.m. near 43rd Street and Broadway in Times Square. Police later recovered a firearm and took three individuals into custody in connection with the incident. The victim was listed in stable condition after being transported to hospital.
Authorities also responded to several separate knife-related attacks, with at least four reported stabbing or slashing incidents during the night.
Large crowds in Times Square climbed onto parked school buses, smashed windows, and set at least five vehicles on fire. Police vehicles were also damaged during the unrest.
Elsewhere, fireworks were reportedly launched into crowds, and fights broke out across multiple locations as thousands filled the streets. At least 10 police officers were injured during the response.
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Police Response
Police in riot gear were deployed across affected areas to disperse crowds and restore order.
Arrests were made for offenses including assault, disorderly conduct, and property damage as officers worked to regain control of key intersections and public spaces.
Officials said city agencies had already deployed additional officers in anticipation of large celebrations following earlier playoff disturbances.
Knicks’ Historic Season
The Knicks’ championship marks their first title since 1973. The team’s run was driven by a core group including Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, and head coach Mike Brown.
They overcame multiple double-digit deficits during the Finals, including a record 29-point comeback in Game 4, sealing their place in franchise history.
No fatalities were reported.
