The Knicks NBA championship celebration turns into chaos as the NYPD makes arrests
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New York City erupted in celebration after the Knicks won their first NBA championship in more than 50 years, but other festivities quickly turned into chaos as police made arrests and reports of vandalism broke out across Manhattan.
The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday in Texas, capturing the franchise’s first championship since 1973 and sparking jubilant scenes across the city.
After this historic victory, some people were seen wreaking havoc in videos that went viral on social media.
One video appeared to show two people jumping onto the roof of an NYPD car and smashing its windshield.
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Police prepare to disperse the crowd after the New York Knicks’ win against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals at Bryant Park in New York City, US, on June 13, 2026. (REUTERS/Christian Monterosa)
Another appeared to show people getting on and off school buses near Times Square.
Even though the championship game was played thousands of miles away, police have been around Madison Square Garden, the Knicks’ home field.
Before the game, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged fans to celebrate with commitment if the Knicks get the first NBA championship in more than fifty years.
“As we celebrate, behave well, take care of each other, stay safe, be smart, and make this a night that shows the best of our city,” Mamdani wrote on social media. “Let’s go Knicks.”
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New York Knicks fans board buses as they celebrate after winning the NBA Finals in Times Square on June 14, 2026, in New York City. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
Despite those calls, some festivals turned chaotic after the final boom.
Armed and mounted police worked to control the crowds that poured into the streets following the victory.
Additional videos posted online appeared to show police making arrests during the celebrations.
The NYPD told Fox News Digital that it expects to provide an update on the number of arrests later Sunday.
“We will advise you of the exact numbers later in the day,” said an NYPD spokesperson.
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A fan celebrates the victory of the New York Knicks against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, on the street near Madison Square Garden, in New York City, US, on June 14, 2026. (REUTERS/Christian Monterosa)
Emergency officials warned residents and visitors to expect road closures and traffic delays in the area around Madison Square Garden.
Authorities also urged anyone celebrating to follow the instructions of the NYPD.
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New York Knicks fans board buses as they celebrate after winning the NBA Finals in Times Square on June 14, 2026, in New York City. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Fox News Digital’s Dan Zaksheske and Chantz Martin contributed to this report.
