A teenager was shot and buses destroyed during chaotic scenes in New York City that marred jubilant celebrations for the Knicks’ historic NBA championship win.
The New York Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs 94–90 in game five on Saturday to clinch the title for the first time in more than half a century.
The game was in Texas, but New Yorkers took to their hometown streets in droves to toast the milestone for fans and the city.
As crowds swelled into the early hours, gunfire rang out near Times Square, a 17-year-old was wounded and school buses that had transported World Cup fans were torched. It is unclear if anyone was hurt in that incident.
Knicks owner James Dolan had called for restraint following his team’s victory against the Spurs in San Antonio on Saturday night.
“We need to tell everybody in New York that we know that they’re celebrating, we want them to have a great time,” said Dolan, interrupting Knicks player Josh Hart’s news conference. “Please be safe. Don’t get hurt, don’t hurt anybody.”
But celebrations turned violent as fans spilling out of bars and viewing parties clashed with officers in Midtown Manhattan.