Knicks NBA championship celebration turns chaotic as NYPD makes arrests
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
New York City’s celebration of the Knicks’ first NBA title in more than 50 years was marred by gunfire in Times Square early Sunday morning that sent a teenager to the hospital, according to the New York Police Department.
An NYPD spokesperson told Fox News Digital that officers responded to a shooting that occurred around 2:01 a.m. near 42nd Street and Broadway. A 17-year-old male was shot once in the left foot and was transported to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition. Police said that 3 people were detained in connection with the incident and a firearm was seized at the scene.
The attack occurred hours after thousands of Knicks fans took to the streets of Manhattan to celebrate the team’s first NBA championship since 1973.
The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals held in Texas on Saturday, capturing the team’s first championship since 1973 and causing jubilant scenes in the city.
KNICKS MIRACULOUSLY OVERCOME A 29-POINT DEFICIT AND BECAME A 3-1 Lead AGAINST Spurs IN THE NBA FINALS
Police officers prepare to disperse the crowd following the New York Knicks’ victory over the San Antonio Spurs during Game 5 of the NBA Finals at Bryant Park in New York City, USA on June 13, 2026. (REUTERS/Christian Monterrosa)
In the videos circulating on social media after the historic victory, it was seen that some people caused damage.
One video shows two men jumping onto the roof of an NYPD vehicle and smashing its windshield.
Another showed individuals getting on and off school buses near Times Square.
A third video has emerged showing NYPD officers capturing and arresting a Knicks fan as authorities attempted to disperse the crowd.
Even though the championship-clinching game was played thousands of miles away, police maintained a large 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 capture the franchise’s first NBA championship in more than five decades.
“As we celebrate, be responsible, look out for each other, stay safe, be smart, and make this a night that reflects the best of our city,” Mamdani wrote on social media. “Let’s go to the Knicks.”
NYPD LIFTS BAN ON KNICKS WATCH PARTIES OUTSIDE MSG FOR GAME 1 OF THE NBA FINALS AFTER FANS WERE TOO COMBATIVE
New York Knicks fans board 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 these calls, some celebrations turned into chaos after the final whistle.
Officers wearing riot gear and on horseback worked to manage the large crowds that poured into the streets following the victory.
Additional videos posted online show police making arrests during the celebrations.
The NYPD told Fox News Digital it expects to provide an update on the number of arrests later Sunday.
“We will report total numbers later in the day,” an NYPD spokesperson said.
MICHAEL RAPAPORT SLAMS ZOHRAN MAMDANI FOR KNICK’S POST-GAME CHAOS, SWORNS HE WAS ‘NOT OVERSEEING’ AHEAD OF THE MAYORSHIP
A fan celebrates the New York Knicks’ victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on a street near Madison Square Garden in New York, USA, on June 14, 2026. (REUTERS/Christian Monterrosa)
Emergency officials warned residents and visitors that road closures and traffic delays could occur in the area surrounding Madison Square Garden.
Authorities also urged anyone celebrating to follow NYPD guidelines.
New York Knicks fans board buses as they celebrate after winning the NBA Finals in Times Square on June 14, 2026 in New York City. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Fox News Digital’s Dan Zaksheske, Chantz Martin, Bradford Betz and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
