New York Knicks win sparks chaotic Times Square celebrations, arrests and a city parade

The New York Knicks captured their first NBA championship in 53 years with a 94‑90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5, highlighted by Jalen Brunson’s 45‑point performance. Thousands of fans surged onto Times Square after the win, and the celebration turned violent when demonstrators climbed onto and set fire to school buses, damaged a taxi and a police vehicle, and a 17‑year‑old was shot. Police made dozens of arrests, including 63 individuals detained after the melee.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced an official ticker‑tape parade for Thursday, June 18, beginning at Battery Park, proceeding up Broadway through the Canyon of Heroes and concluding at City Hall where the mayor will present the team with the keys to the city. He emphasized safety measures to avoid a repeat of the earlier unrest and pledged a joyous, orderly event for the city’s long‑awaited celebration.