1 shot, 4 stabbed as New Yorkers celebrate Knicks championship

by · UPI

June 14 (UPI) -- One teenager was shot in the foot and four people were stabbed overnight in New York during the celebration of the New York Knicks' first NBA championship in 53 years.

The 17-year-old was shot in the foot, police said, and at least one person has been charged with carrying a gun. Fifteen people have been arrested for various incidents, including a 28-year-old man who has been charged with assault for striking a police officer.

Forty-eight more people have been taken into custody and issued court summonses.

The celebration erupted on the back of the Knicks winning Game 5 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio 94-90, snapping their decades-long championship drought. Fans swarmed Madison Square Garden to watch the game and ultimately celebrate the win.

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The series was the first appearance in the Finals by the Knicks since 1999.

As the Knicks clinched victory, people in New York began climbing on light posts and vehicles, lighting school buses on fire, shooting fireworks and spreading across at least 10 city blocks from Madison Square Garden to Times Square.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Sunday that the city will celebrate the Finals win again on Thursday with a ticker-tape parade. The festivities are scheduled to start at 10 a.m. EDT, beginning near Battery Park and moving north toward City Hall. The parade route will go along Broadway and through the Canyon of Heroes.

"As a fan, I haven't wanted to jinx it, but as the mayor, we've been preparing for all these logistics," Mamdani said.

Some city buildings will be lit in Knicks colors, blue and orange, on Thursday, including City Hall.

The Knicks capped off the historic championship run two games after its 13-game playoff winning streak was snapped by San Antonio in Game 3, posting the biggest comeback in Finals history in Game 4 at home and sealing the series on the road.

"I want to say something to New York," said James Dolan, owner of the Knicks. "Hey New York. I'm sorry it took so long. But here we are and hopefully it won't take that long again."

Fans celebrate as New York Knicks win NBA Finals

New York Knicks fans celebrate at St. Marks Place after the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals in New York City on June 14, 2026. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo