New York erupts after Knicks win NBA championship, leaving chaos and arrests behind
Photo: Knicks' NBA victory sparks unrest in New York (x.com/nyknicks)
Celebrations of the New York Knicks' first NBA championship title in 53 years ended in violent clashes with police. On the night of June 14, thousands of fans flooded the streets of Manhattan, and the joy of victory quickly turned into widespread unrest, according to Reuters.
A historic triumph that ended in chaos
The explosive reaction from fans was triggered by the New York Knicks' victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. The Knicks won the series 4-1 and captured the third championship in franchise history, ending a title drought that had lasted since 1973.
US President Donald Trump has already congratulated the team on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling the playoff run "perhaps the greatest in basketball history."
Attack on football fans
While the decisive game was taking place in Texas, a huge crowd gathered outside the team's home arena, Madison Square Garden. After the final buzzer, fans poured into the streets, completely blocking traffic in central Manhattan. People set off fireworks and smoke bombs, smashed storefronts, broke car windows, and climbed traffic lights and construction scaffolding.
Fans of the national teams of Morocco and Brazil suffered the most from the actions of the aggressive crowd. Basketball fans attacked and vandalized special shuttle buses transporting football supporters after a World Cup 2026 match between the two teams, which had taken place nearby in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Main consequences of the night's unrest
Football shuttle buses attacked: an angry crowd surrounded a convoy of 15 special buses carrying spectators from the football match. People tore off hoods, roof hatches, and doors from the vehicles, and even attempted to break into the drivers' cabins.
Vehicles set on fire: one shuttle bus carrying football fans was completely burned. At least five other buses sustained serious damage.
Shooting in Times Square: during the chaotic celebrations, a 17-year-old teenager was shot in the leg near the famous square.
Morocco and Brazil fans become victims of Knicks' NBA triumph: video of the unrest in New York
It all started with toasts celebrating the victory (photo: x.com/nyknicks)
Mounted police and mass arrests
To disperse the crowd and stabilize the situation in Manhattan, law enforcement deployed large numbers of specialized units. Mounted police patrols were also brought in after fans began throwing bottles at officers and actively resisting police efforts.
Authorities have already arrested three individuals believed to be involved in the most serious acts of vandalism. Investigations into the shooting and the arson attack on public transportation are ongoing.
Earlier, we reported why Canadian authorities officially denied entry to the star captain of Ghana's national team.
