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New York City erupted in celebration after the Knicks won their first NBA championship in more than 50 years, but some celebrations quickly turned chaotic as police made arrests and reports of vandalism emerged across Manhattan.
The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday in Texas, capturing the franchise’s first championship since 1973 and sparking jubilant scenes across the city.
In the wake of the historic win, some individuals were seen causing damage in videos circulating on social media.
A video appeared to show two people jumping onto the roof of an NYPD vehicle and smashing its windshield.
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Police officers prepare to disperse the crowd after the New York Knicks’ victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals at Bryant Park in New York City, the United States, on June 13, 2026. (REUTERS/Christian Monterrosa)
Another appeared to show people climbing on and entering school buses near Times Square.
Although the championship game was being played thousands of miles away, police maintained a heavy presence around Madison Square Garden, the Knicks’ home arena.
Before the game, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged fans to celebrate responsibly if the Knicks clinched the franchise’s first NBA title in more than five decades.
“As we celebrate, be responsible, take care of each other, be safe, be smart and make this a night that reflects the very best of our city,” Mamdani wrote on social media. “Let’s go Knicks.”
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New York Knicks fans climb onto buses as they celebrate after winning the NBA Finals in Times Square on June 14, 2026 in New York City. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
Despite those calls, some celebrations turned disorderly after the final buzzer.
Officers in riot gear and on horseback worked to control large crowds that poured into the streets after the victory.
Additional videos posted online appeared to show police making arrests amid the festivities.
The NYPD told Pakinomist Digital it expects to provide an update on the number of arrests later Sunday.
“We will release the total later today,” an NYPD spokesman said.
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A fan celebrates the New York Knicks’ victory against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on a street near Madison Square Garden in New York City, the United States, on June 14, 2026. (REUTERS/Christian Monterrosa)
Emergency officials warned residents and visitors to expect road closures and traffic delays in the area around Madison Square Garden.
Authorities also urged anyone celebrating to follow NYPD instructions.
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New York Knicks fans climb onto buses as they celebrate after winning the NBA Finals in Times Square on June 14, 2026 in New York City. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
This is a development story. Please check back for updates.
