Teen shot and buses torched in Manhattan after historic NBA win for Knicks
The New York Knicks won their first NBA championship in over 50 years, but celebrations turned violent: a teenager was shot, school buses were set on fire, and 63 people were arrested.
The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94–90 in Game 5 on Saturday in Texas, clinching their first NBA title since 1973. Fans poured into the streets of New York City to celebrate, but the festivities quickly spiraled into chaos.
Gunfire erupted near Times Square around 2:00 a.m. local time, wounding a 17-year-old boy in the foot. Witnesses said people ran for cover. Police took three people of interest into custody and recovered a firearm. The victim was transported to hospital in a police vehicle because an ambulance could not access the area due to crowds.
Five yellow school buses, previously used to shuttle World Cup football fans, were torched or destroyed with bats and by people jumping on them. Revelers were seen climbing on roofs and inside the buses, posing for photos. Police cars were also damaged—windshields smashed, and some officers were targeted.
The NYPD reported 63 arrests on charges including assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct. Ten police officers were injured overnight, one punched in the face and another struck with a glass bottle. There were four slashings/stabbings, fireworks set off in crowds, and brawls.
Knicks owner James Dolan interrupted a player's press conference to urge fans to celebrate safely. A parade and city hall ceremony are scheduled for Thursday, according to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's office.
Earlier, a party atmosphere had prevailed: emergency workers shouted "Let's go Knicks" over loudspeakers, strangers hugged, and drivers honked. One fan described it as "New Year's Eve times 20."
