The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 on Saturday night in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, winning their first NBA championship in 53 years. The win touched off celebrations across New York City's five boroughs, and also some mayhem.
According to ABC News, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson led the team with 45 points to close out the series at the Spurs' home court, where the arena was packed with a notable number of Knicks fans. Brunson was named Finals MVP and was joined on stage by his father Rick, an assistant coach on the team.
"I don't know what I'm feeling. I'm in awe. Whenever anyone count us out, we found a way to go do something about it," Brunson told ESPN's Lisa Salters after the game.
He had more to say once on stage. "It's everything I've dreamed of, that's why I came to New York," Brunson said.
Back in the city, crowds filled bars, outdoor watch parties, and street corners. A large crowd gathered outside Madison Square Garden, watching the game's final moments on a giant screen. President Donald Trump posted his congratulations early Sunday on his social media platform, calling out several players by name.
"Congratulations to Jim Dolan and the New York Knicks!!! What a year it has been but, even more so, what incredible playoff wins we have all witnessed, especially the last four - Maybe the greatest in the history of basketball," Trump wrote. He also singled out Brunson specifically. "Also, tonight, a superstar was born. His name is Jalen Brunson, and there are others, including, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and great Patriot, Mitchell Robinson!" Trump wrote.
Trump had attended Game 3 at Madison Square Garden as the guest of Knicks owner Jim Dolan, making him the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game.
Not all the celebrations stayed peaceful. The New York Police Department said a 17-year-old was shot once in the foot near West 42nd Street and Broadway. The teenager was taken to Bellevue Hospital in a police squad car after an ambulance was blocked by crowds swarming Midtown Manhattan streets. Three people were taken into custody and a firearm was recovered at the scene. At least four people were slashed or stabbed during the post-game celebrations, according to the NYPD. At least 63 people were arrested in total.
CBS News reported Sunday morning that correspondent Lilia Luciano was in New York, where the city was still celebrating into Sunday.
