NEW YORK (Web Desk) – Celebrations following the New York Knicks’ historic NBA Finals triumph descended into chaos in Midtown Manhattan late on Saturday, with a World Cup shuttle bus set on fire and a teenager suffering a gunshot wound amid the festivities.
Thousands of fans flooded the streets after the Knicks secured victory in the NBA Finals, ending the franchise’s 53-year wait for a championship title. Jubilant supporters poured out of bars and outdoor viewing venues, setting off fireworks and smoke grenades while chanting, “Knicks in five!”
The Knicks captured their first NBA title since 1973 and only the third in the franchise’s history, having previously fallen short in the 1994 and 1999 finals before defeating the San Antonio Spurs to claim the championship.
According to a New York police officer, a 17-year-old was shot in the foot near Times Square at around 2am during the celebrations. Authorities said three persons of interest had been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
As the festivities continued, hundreds of mostly young people surrounded a convoy of around 15 shuttle buses that had been transporting football fans from the FIFA World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco, which ended in a draw.
Witnesses said some individuals climbed onto the buses, entered the vehicles and occupied the driver’s seats. One of the yellow school buses hired by city authorities to transport World Cup spectators was set ablaze, while at least three other shuttle buses sustained significant damage.
The disorder also saw supporters climbing onto bus rooftops, waving flags and gathering in large crowds across Times Square. Reuters reported seeing a man with a bleeding face, although the cause of his injury could not be confirmed.
Police eventually intervened after initially holding back for nearly two hours. Officers in riot gear moved in to disperse the crowds, while mounted police helped clear streets around Madison Square Garden, the Knicks’ home arena.
Despite the unrest, many lifelong Knicks supporters celebrated what they described as a once-in-a-generation moment after witnessing the team win its first championship in their lifetime.
