The New York Knicks ended their long wait for an NBA championship on June 13, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 to secure the franchise's first title since 1973. The victory sparked celebrations across Manhattan, but as the night progressed, the focus shifted from basketball to the chaos unfolding outside Madison Square Garden.
Celebrations Turn Chaotic
Thousands of fans flooded Midtown streets, turning the city into a massive celebration zone. By sunrise, authorities were dealing with fires, vandalism, arrests, injuries, stabbings, and a shooting. For many fans online, the scenes looked eerily similar to the "Gotham City" scenario they had jokingly predicted before the Finals.
Burning Buses and Fireworks
The most shocking images came from a group of school buses parked in Manhattan. The buses had reportedly been used earlier to transport supporters attending a FIFA Club World Cup match. As crowds grew, people climbed onto the vehicles, turning them into makeshift celebration platforms. Videos showed fans dancing on roofs, breaking windows, and damaging mirrors. The situation escalated when at least one bus was set on fire, with flames spreading quickly and thick smoke rising above the streets. The burning bus became the defining image of the night's unrest.
Fireworks also became a major issue throughout Midtown. While many fans used them to celebrate, videos showed some being launched directly into crowded streets and near vehicles. Explosions echoed through the city as large groups packed roads around Madison Square Garden and Times Square.
Violence and Injuries
Authorities responded to multiple stabbing and slashing incidents during the overnight celebrations. Though occurring at different locations, they added to growing concerns as emergency crews attempted to navigate packed streets. One of the most alarming moments came around 2 a.m. near West 43rd Street and Broadway when a 17-year-old was shot in the foot. The area remained crowded with celebrating fans when the incident occurred.
Police vehicles were damaged in several areas, while officers struggled to maintain order. By the end of the night, dozens of arrests had been made, and multiple NYPD officers had suffered injuries during the response.
Gotham City Comparisons
Weeks before the NBA Finals ended, Knicks fans joked on social media that New York would resemble Gotham City if the franchise finally won a championship. The reference came from Batman's fictional city, often portrayed as a place filled with crime, fires, riots, and widespread disorder. After Game 5, those jokes resurfaced everywhere online. Images of burning buses, fireworks exploding in crowded streets, vandalized property, police activity, arrests, and reports of violence led many fans to revisit the prediction.
For Knicks supporters, June 13 will always be remembered as the night their team finally brought the Larry O'Brien Trophy back to New York. Yet the celebrations that followed ensured the championship became known for much more than what happened on the court.
