Knicks championship celebrations turn violent: World Cup bus set on fire, teen shot in Times Square
New York Knicks' first NBA title in 53 years sparked wild street celebrations that escalated into disorder, with a World Cup shuttle bus set ablaze and a 17-year-old wounded by gunfire in Times Square.
A title 53 years in the making
On Saturday night, the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 to capture their first NBA championship since 1973, ending a 53-year drought. Thousands of fans poured into the streets around Madison Square Garden and Times Square immediately after the final buzzer. Fireworks and orange-and-blue smoke grenades filled the air as chants of "Knicks in five!" echoed through Midtown. The victory was the franchise's third title overall, following losses in the 1994 and 1999 finals.
I watched them since I was a kid. This means everything to me. For 25 straight years they've been garbage. Finally we have a win.
A party that spilled into the streets
Celebrations swelled for hours, with fans climbing light poles, stopping traffic, and flooding subway stations with cheers. Bars were overwhelmed; some supporters pulled passengers off buses to join the revelry. Jalen Brunson, named NBA Finals MVP, was celebrated as a hero. The atmosphere was electric, but as the night wore on, scattered groups began blocking intersections, climbing onto vehicles parked near the celebration, and setting off fireworks at close range.
Violence strikes Times Square
Around 2 a.m. on Sunday, a 17-year-old was shot in the foot near Times Square, a New York police officer confirmed. Three people were detained as persons of interest. The shooting occurred amid the sprawling crowds that had not yet dispersed. Police had been on foot and horseback, trying to manage the chaos without heavy intervention for several hours.
World Cup buses become target
At the same time, hundreds of mostly young revelers swarmed a convoy of about 15 shuttle buses that had been carrying football fans from the Brazil-Morocco World Cup match earlier in the day. Some climbed onto roofs, entered the cabs, and hoisted a bicycle atop one bus. One yellow school bus, hired by the city to transport football supporters, was set alight. At least three other buses sustained significant damage. Brazilian fans waving their national flag were seen joining Knicks supporters on the roofs.
- New York Knicks defeat San Antonio Spurs to win their first NBA title in 53 years, sparking mass celebrations across Manhattan.
- A 17-year-old is shot in the foot in Times Square; three persons of interest taken into custody.
- A convoy of World Cup shuttle buses is swarmed; one school bus set on fire and at least three others damaged.
- Riot police and mounted officers, after holding back for about two hours, move in to disperse the crowds.
Police move in
After holding back for roughly two hours, officers in riot gear moved in to clear the streets, police fenced off several blocks, and mounted units pushed crowds away from the damaged buses. No injuries were reported from the bus fire. By early morning the area was largely secure, though groups of fans continued sporadic celebrations.
They are expressing their happiness, a little bit violently, but it is what it is.
We care way more about the Knicks than the World Cup right now.
