A curse was broken after 53 years. The New York Knicks became NBA champions after defeating the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the Finals. At the sound of the final buzzer, massive, never-before-seen celebrations erupted across Manhattan, particularly around Times Square and Madison Square Garden. However, in some areas, the matter descended into violence that needed immediate intervention from the New York Police Department.

According to the New York Post, a father of four from Brooklyn was sh-t just minutes after the Knicks’ victory. Emanuel Spencer was found with multiple gunsh-t wounds not far away from his home on Lincoln Road in Prospect Lefferts Garden around 11:40 p.m. on Saturday. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but he did not survive.

“His day was going good,” Spencer’s younger brother told the NY Daily News. “Everybody was just watching the basketball game, relaxing. He was a gentle person. Laid back. Family man. Liked to spend time with his daughters. He loved everything. He loved sports. He loved music.”

A neighbor mentioned that she heard “probably like two or three” gunsh-ts before she grabbed her own child and took shelter. However, that was not the only violent incident of the night.

A 17-year-old boy was sh-t in the foot around 2 a.m. in the Times Square area while thousands of locals were celebrating, according to TMZ. He was transported to the hospital in an NYPD vehicle because emergency vehicles were unable to access 42nd Street and Broadway routes due to massive crowds that had “completely taken it over.” The teen was reported to be in stable condition.

The firearm was recovered from the scene, and the police took three people of interest in connection with the sh-oting into custody.

The NYPD also reported four stabbings, one confirmed sh-oting, at least 63 arrests, ten injured officers, and numerous charges, including assault on police officers, weapons possession, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.

These celebrations also escalated into acts of vandalism. Reported incidents include a World Cup shuttle bus and five other school buses being set on fire, other vehicles being struck with bats, police cars sustaining damage, including smashed windshields, fireworks, and smoke devices being set off in crowded areas.

Videos circulating online showed fans climbing onto vehicles, gathering in massive crowds, and, in some cases, destroying public property as the cops attempted to restore order.

Throughout the Knicks’ playoff run, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani was one of the team’s most vocal public supporters. In fact, he repeatedly celebrated their success and encouraged fan participation by helping organize alternative watch parties to accommodate the city’s enthusiastic fans.

But city officials had been concerned about crowd-control issues long before the championship-clinching game. They were already in a feud over security restrictions and watch-party planning with Madison Square Garden (James Dolan), amid fears that large gatherings would be difficult to manage.

The unrest wasn’t limited to championship night. Violent incidents had occurred throughout the series. After the Spurs defeated the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in Game 3, the NYPD reported approximately 21 arrests. Some fans threw bottles and objects at the police. Others engaged in street fights and clashed physically with officers trying to safeguard watch parties. Reports also described Knicks fans attacking Spurs supporters and tearing their jerseys.

While the celebrations continue across New York, attention is already turning to what comes next for the Knicks after their historic NBA Finals triumph.

What’s next for the Knicks following a successful NBA Finals win?

The Knicks had not won an NBA title since 1973. Their 94-90 Game 5 victory, led by Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, ended one of the longest championship droughts in American professional sports.

The focus now shifts to the championship parade in New York, where authorities are expected to deploy a considerable police presence following the violence that accompanied the celebrations on the night of the victory. The Knicks are returning to New York to participate in official festivities, including a ticker-tape parade through the city’s famed Canyon of Heroes, as per the Mayor.

“For more than 50 years, New Yorkers have waited for this moment. Through near misses, heartbreak, and a hope that every year could be our year, this city never stopped believing in the Knicks. And this team fulfilled that hope with grit, resilience, and heart — just like the five boroughs itself,” Mayor Mamdani said. “Now it’s time for our city to celebrate together. Bing bong.”

With this, authorities are now focused on ensuring that upcoming festivities, including the championship parade, proceed safely and without further incidents.