For the first time in over half a century, the New York Knicks are champions of the NBA. The Knicks clinched the title on Saturday night against the San Antonio Spurs, winning 94-90 in the fifth game of the best-of-seven series. The victory ended a drought that had lasted since 1973, when the Knicks last won the championship, and sent fans in New York and around the world into a frenzy.
The Knicks, one of the most storied franchises in basketball, had not even reached the finals since 1999, when they lost to the same Spurs team. That 1999 defeat was part of a long period of decline for the team, which had become one of the worst in the league over the past two decades. This season represented a stunning reversal of fortune, with the Knicks holding a 3-1 lead in the series heading into Saturday’s game.
“The New York Knicks ended a 53-year drought to win the NBA championship.”
The final game was played at the Frost Center in San Antonio, the Spurs’ home arena, but that did not dampen the celebrations in New York. Fans packed sports bars and took to the streets in Midtown Manhattan, including near Times Square. Crowds celebrated into the early hours, with some climbing light poles and smashing vehicle windows. The celebrations also turned chaotic, with reports of gunshots, vehicles set on fire, and clashes with police. More than 60 people were arrested, multiple NYPD officers were assaulted, and five school buses were burned, according to Metro. A 17-year-old was shot in the foot in Times Square.
Celebrities were out in force for the game. Actor Timothée Chalamet, who attended the game, said afterward, “Way rather this than the Oscars.” Ben Stiller, Taylor Swift, and ASAP Rocky were also in the stands. Singer Jennifer Lopez, who watched from home, recalled watching the Knicks’ 1990s runs and said, “Thank you for uniting our city again… for uniting the world.” Prince Harry also made an appearance at the game, according to Sky News.
The Knicks’ win comes as the World Cup is also being held in the United States, with matches at the New York-New Jersey Stadium. The convergence of major sporting events added to the energy in the city.
Q: How long had it been since the New York Knicks last won the NBA championship? The Knicks’ previous championship came in 1973, meaning the drought lasted 53 years. They had not even reached the finals since 1999.
Q: Who did the Knicks beat to win the title? The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games. The decisive game was played in San Antonio, with a final score of 94-90.
Q: Why did Prince Harry attend the NBA Finals? Prince Harry was among the famous faces at the game, as reported by Sky News. The exact reason for his attendance was not given in the sources, but it highlights the global appeal of the event and the presence of British royalty at major US sporting occasions.
The Knicks’ victory sets off an offseason of celebration and planning for the team. A parade in New York is expected, though no date has been announced. The team will also look to build on their success for next season, while fans continue to bask in the end of a half-century wait.