The New York Knicks’ first NBA title in 53 years has brought the Big Apple to a standstill. Jalen Brunson’s team turned the “city that never sleeps” moniker into reality, as people across the region rejoiced and flooded the streets after the Game 5 win. While the night was also marked by certain downslides, New York native Breanna Stewart has shared her two cents on the Knicks’ historic win.

“We’re all really happy for the Knicks. First of all, it was really exciting to watch them and be a part of it,” Stewart told reporter Madeline Kenney. “I was in my house last night, and there were fireworks going off until who knows when. New York is the best city in the world, and for them to be able to bring an NBA championship home after 53 years, it’s huge.”

Stewart also explained that she wants to use the Knicks’ win to fuel the New York Liberty’s season as well.

“Our goal has always been a championship, and we know we were short on that last year, but yeah, the city would be crazy. Let’s talk about that in October,” she added.

Being born in New York, it’s quite certain that the feelings are quite high for Stewart as well. After all, the entire city has been waiting for the Larry O’Brien trophy for years now. It was an all-too-close yet too-far situation for the Knicks over the last few years.

But when the moment finally came, the moment quickly shifted from elation to chaos. According to reports from News 12, a total of 63 citizens were arrested during the celebrations on charges of assault and criminal possession of weapons. Notably, a 17-year-old was also shot and wounded near Times Square.

Manhattan also saw persistent clashes between the police officials and the fan groups. According to a BBC report, five school buses were also destroyed by the crowds. The violence reached an extent that even police vehicles weren’t spared from the crowd.

Notably, the crowd in New York also went violent after the Knicks won Game 4 of the finals. After that game, a teenager was beaten outside Madison Square Garden. The teenager is reported to be in a coma right now. Fireworks on busy roads and fan tussles were also fundamental to these celebrations.

After Game 5, NY Knicks owner James Dolan had already sounded the alarm to fans against any violence during celebrations.

“We need to tell everybody in New York that we know that they’re celebrating, we want them to have a great time,” he said as per BBC. “Please be safe. Don’t get hurt, don’t hurt anybody.”

But as reality set in, those warnings just didn’t materialize. Notably, the NY Knicks will be holding a bus parade in Lower Manhattan on June 18. Given the title’s historic significance, large crowds will be expected on the roads as well. But, was this descent to madness after a historic feat for the city absolutely worth it? Maybe not.

Chaos erupt in Manhattan after Knicks win their historic title

The Knicks have won the world championship for the first time since 1973. But that glory also turned into a nightmare as Manhattan descended into literal chaos. While many across New York City celebrated this occasion with fireworks and pouring into the streets, it didn’t take long for the same to take a dark turn.

New York City is also hosting a FIFA World Cup game at the MetLife Stadium around the same time. Five school buses that were transporting World Cup spectators have been either vandalized or set on fire. Crowds climbed onto vehicles, damaged public property, and blocked major streets, creating a difficult situation for law enforcement agencies to manage.

News 12 reports on the NYPD saying how “unruly fans” gathered north of Madison Square Garden between Fifth and Ninth Avenues. The 63 people reportedly arrested will be facing charges that include assault on police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruction of governmental administration. During crowd control, at least 10 NYPD officer were injured. One was punched in the face and another was struck by a glass bottle.

The night descended into further chaos even beyond Manhattan as the behavior of fans became increasingly destructive. While shots were being fired at Manhattan, one hit a 17-year-old at 43rd Street and Broadway. Besides, there were also incidents of stabbings and slashings through the night.

Sure, it’s a moment of celebration for New York City as the title came home after a wait of five decades. But when the regular citizens have to question their own safety in a city on a day meant for celebrations, that isn’t really worth it.

However, for a moment, the Knicks title did bring the city together. Mayor Zohran Madani has announced that the city will be hosting a victory parade for the Knicks on Thursday. While celebrations will be up galore, these incidents might make New Yorkers understand that it is okay to celebrate responsibly, without vandalizing or destroying the city that they all cherish together.