NEW YORK — What began as a historic night of celebration for New York Knicks fans quickly descended into chaos across Midtown Manhattan after the franchise captured its first NBA championship in more than five decades.
Thousands of fans flooded the streets late Saturday night following the Knicks’ victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Jubilant crowds gathered around Times Square and Madison Square Garden, chanting, waving flags, setting off fireworks, and celebrating a long-awaited championship that ended the team’s 53-year title drought.
As the celebrations intensified, several shuttle buses operating in the area became targets of vandalism.
Witnesses reported that large crowds swarmed a convoy of buses that had been transporting spectators from a FIFA World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco earlier in the day. Revelers climbed onto the roofs of vehicles, smashed windows, removed exterior parts, and spray-painted messages across the buses.
One yellow school bus was ultimately set on fire, sending flames and thick smoke into the night sky. Images and videos from the scene quickly spread across social media, showing crowds gathered around the burning vehicle as emergency responders worked to contain the blaze.
Authorities said multiple buses sustained significant damage during the unrest. Police later moved into the area in riot gear and on horseback to disperse crowds that had occupied portions of Times Square and surrounding streets.
The celebrations were further marred by violence when a 17-year-old was reportedly shot in the foot near Times Square during the overnight festivities. The teenager was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police detained several individuals as part of the investigation.
Despite the disorder, many fans described the atmosphere earlier in the evening as one of pure joy. The Knicks’ championship victory marked one of the most significant moments in recent New York sports history, bringing an end to a title drought that stretched back to 1973.
City officials are expected to review security measures ahead of upcoming championship celebrations and parade events. Investigations into the bus fire, property damage, and related incidents remain ongoing.
Videos of the bus fire and crowd activity continue to circulate online as authorities assess the full extent of the damage caused during the celebrations.
Video Credit: NewYorkPost
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