BASKETBALL: Chaos and confetti settle as New York City prepares Knicks celebration

NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani had a simple message for residents early Sunday after the New York Knicks ended a 53-year NBA championship drought: “PARADE THURSDAY MANHATTAN.”

The Knicks completed another remarkable comeback, overcoming a double-digit deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs, 94-90, in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday. The victory secured the franchise’s first NBA title since 1973 and sparked celebrations across New York City.

For millions of fans throughout the city’s five boroughs, the championship ended decades of frustration and delivered what many considered an unforgettable moment in franchise history.

“To have the fans that we have in New York City and be able to bring home a championship after all these years is absolutely amazing. It’s a surreal feeling,” Knicks head coach Mike Brown told reporters.

“I mean, I don’t know how long it’s been since that final buzzer went off, but I still don’t believe it. I’m pinching myself.”

By Sunday morning, dozens of fans had gathered outside Madison Square Garden, where the arena opened its doors to supporters eager to purchase championship merchandise and celebrate the historic victory.

Mia Smith, a playwright and actress from Queens, described the win as a landmark moment for New York.

“It means hope, it means joy, excitement for the city,” said Smith, 37. “It’s so much joy and community.”

Amy Loria, a registered nurse originally from the Philippines who now lives in Brooklyn, said she became a Knicks fan after moving to New York a decade ago.

“It was electric. We were so amazed by the game,” said Loria, 50. “If you can do anything, it’s always in New York.”

Parade Preparations Begin

City officials are now preparing for a championship parade expected to match the scale of celebrations in one of the largest sports markets in the United States.

The festivities come as New York hosts several major sporting events that are drawing international attention. The New York-New Jersey stadium, which is set to host eight FIFA World Cup matches, welcomed its first game on Saturday. Morocco and Brazil played to a 1-1 draw, with the match ending around the same time the Knicks and Spurs tipped off in the NBA Finals.

Following the Knicks’ victory, thousands of fans flooded city streets to celebrate. In Times Square, large crowds surrounded a convoy of shuttle buses transporting soccer fans from the World Cup match. One bus was reportedly set on fire during the celebrations, while authorities also reported a teenager suffering a gunshot wound amid the chaos.

By Sunday morning, however, Midtown Manhattan had returned to a festive atmosphere. Digital billboards featured star point guard and NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, while fans wearing Knicks jerseys gathered throughout the city to celebrate the long-awaited championship.

The victory parade is scheduled for Thursday, coinciding with another major sporting event in the region: the U.S. Open golf championship in Southampton. To accommodate the expected influx of spectators, the Long Island Rail Road has constructed a temporary train platform near the tournament venue.

The Knicks’ championship marks the end of one of the longest title droughts in NBA history and adds another memorable chapter to New York’s rich sports legacy. -Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; editing by Clare Fallon/Reuters