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The New York Knicks arrived at Westchester County Airport early Sunday to a jubilant reception from fans who had gathered overnight, just hours after the team defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 to capture the franchise's first NBA championship in 53 years. Rather than spend the night in Texas, the Knicks opted to fly home immediately following their on-court celebration at the Frost Bank Center, according to multiple reports.
Dozens of supporters lined the airfield holding banners and signs as a procession of player vehicles rolled past. Guard Jordan Clarkson leaned out of a car window to high-five the crowd, while center Karl-Anthony Towns and franchise legend Patrick Ewing waved from separate SUVs as fans chanted, "Let's go Knicks!" Coach Mike Brown was photographed beaming as he stepped off the team plane, and several players shared celebratory moments on social media, including a selfie with the Larry O'Brien trophy taken mid-flight.
The title capped a postseason run defined by Jalen Brunson's standout performance. The point guard scored 45 points on 14-for-27 shooting in the series-clinching win and was named unanimous NBA Finals MVP for his playoff effort.
Back in New York, the celebration spilled into the streets well before the team landed. Watch parties filled all five boroughs as the Knicks closed out the series, with fans gathering at Radio City Music Hall, which lit up in the team's orange and blue colors for the occasion. When the final buzzer sounded, the city erupted, with strangers reportedly sharing pizza in the streets amid the citywide roar.
Not all of the reaction was celebratory. Some fans clashed with property near Madison Square Garden, with at least one NYPD vehicle's windshield smashed in the aftermath, despite team owner James Dolan's appeals for fans to celebrate safely.
The festivities are far from over. The Knicks will be honored with a parade down the Canyon of Heroes in Manhattan on Thursday, giving the city several more days to soak in its first championship in over five decades.
