Celebrations following the New York Knicks’ historic NBA Finals victory descended into chaos in New York City late Saturday, with a World Cup bus set on fire and a teenager suffering a gunshot wound amid large street gatherings.
Thousands of fans flooded the streets of Midtown Manhattan after the Knicks clinched the championship, ending a title drought that had lasted since 1973.
Authorities reported that a teenager was wounded by gunfire during the celebrations, while a bus linked to the upcoming FIFA World Cup was set ablaze.
Videos from the scene showed fans launching fireworks and smoke grenades as crowds chanted “Knicks in five!” in celebration of the team’s victory in the fifth game of the NBA Finals series.
The championship marked the Knicks’ first NBA title in more than five decades and only their third Finals appearance since 1973, following defeats in 1994 and 1999. Their latest triumph came against the San Antonio Spurs.