The New York Knicks have won their first National Basketball Association (NBA) championship in more than 50 years, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the Finals to clinch the best-of-seven series and spark celebrations across New York City.
The victory marks the Knicks' first NBA title since 1973 and completes a remarkable turnaround for a franchise that has endured decades of disappointment. The team's last appearance in the NBA Finals came in 1999, when they were also beaten by the Spurs.
Although the title-clinching game was played in Texas, thousands of fans packed sports bars, public watch parties and city streets across New York to witness the historic moment.
Supporters described the atmosphere as electric, with many reflecting on the club's lengthy championship drought.
Ahead of the game, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the city had partnered with the Knicks to host public watch parties outside Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Wollman Rink.
In a social media post, Mamdani urged supporters to celebrate responsibly and look out for one another while enjoying the historic occasion.
The celebrations came despite reports of isolated incidents involving Spurs supporters in the lead-up to the game, including an assault that reportedly left one fan in hospital and another attack on a fast-food worker wearing a Spurs jersey.
For Knicks fans, however, the night was ultimately about ending a 53-year wait and witnessing a championship many believed they might never see.
Source: BBC News
