Knicks win first NBA championship in 52 years, several arrested in celebrations

New York City erupted Saturday night after the Knicks claimed their first NBA championship in more than half a century, and what began as jubilation quickly spilt into disorder, with multiple arrests, damaged police vehicles and fireworks set off in Times Square.

Though the game took place in Texas, thousands of fans from the Knicks team came out in support at viewing parties all over the city.

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As soon as the whistle blew, fans stormed the streets, which were already blocked off and being watched carefully by the New York Police Department (NYPD), surging through intersections and up onto streetlights and cars.

By early Sunday morning, the NYPD reported a number of arrests, though more information on what the charges will be is forthcoming. The NYPD has used horses and riot fences to clear the streets of protesters, and there have even been mounted police with goggles after a trash fire started near the Garden.

Times Square and Sixth Avenue see the worst violence

On Times Square, spectators were letting off fireworks amid large crowds, while another group started to attack a parked school bus, ripping open parts of its hood.

On Sixth Avenue, the most tense moment occurred around 2am, when several police cars sustained damage, and their windscreens shattered under rocks being thrown from bottles and coolers by supporters.

Owner of Knicks James Dolan had called upon fans to remain safe prior to the game, stating to the media, "Celebrate but be safe." The mayor announced that there would be a victory parade on Thursday, marking the first of its kind for the Knicks team.

A total of 56 people were taken into custody following Game 4 on Wednesday, out of whom 15 people were arrested, while 10 police personnel were injured. On Monday, an assault took place where a 39-year-old man dressed in Spurs attire was beaten and robbed near West 47th Street.