The New York Knicks have claimed the National Basketball Association championship for the first time in more than 50 years, ending one of the longest title waits in the league.
The Knicks sealed the championship with a 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the best-of-seven finals series.
Although the decisive game took place in Texas, thousands of New Yorkers filled the streets back home to watch the action and celebrate a landmark night for the team, its supporters and the city.
Ahead of the game, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in a social media post that the city was working with the Knicks to organise watch parties outside Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Wollman Rink.
“As we celebrate, be responsible, look out for one another, stay safe, be smart, and make this a night that reflects the very best of our city,” the mayor said.
The mayor’s safety message followed several reported incidents of violence in New York City involving Spurs fans, including an assault that left one fan in hospital and another incident in which a fast food worker wearing a Spurs jersey was attacked, according to local reports.
Players from both the Knicks and Spurs have spoken out against the violence and harassment, urging fans to keep the rivalry respectful.
Before Saturday’s Game 5, Knicks supporters travelling from New York to San Antonio were also left worried they could be blocked from entering the arena.
A notice on Ticketmaster’s website for the game said purchases made by people living more than 150 miles, or 241 kilometres, from the San Antonio arena would be cancelled and refunded without notice.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticised the move on social media, writing: “Knicks fans finally get within one game of a championship and their reward is having their tickets canceled?”
Ticketmaster later moved to reassure fans, saying that no tickets bought through its platform “have or will be canceled”.
