Knicks Win NBA Title, Crowds Turn Violent in Manhattan

The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 on Saturday in Texas, ending a 53-year title drought. Hours later, a 17-year-old was shot in the foot near Times Square and five yellow school buses were set on fire or damaged amid chaotic scenes in Manhattan.

m. EDT. The wounded teenager was taken to a hospital in a police vehicle because ambulances could not reach the scene through the crowds. Officers reported four slashings or stabbings, multiple vehicles damaged, fireworks set off in dense crowds, and repeated clashes with police.

Ten officers were injured, including one punched in the face and another struck by a glass bottle.

Police took three people of interest into custody and recovered a firearm. Sixty-three individuals were arrested on charges that included assault on an officer, weapons possession, criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct. The damaged buses had been used earlier to transport World Cup fans after a Brazil-Morocco match.

Some revelers climbed onto the roofs and posed for photos before the vehicles were set ablaze.

Before the violence, the city had a celebratory mood.

Emergency workers shouted team chants through loudspeakers, strangers embraced, and drivers honked horns in support. Knicks owner James Dolan urged fans to celebrate safely during a post-game news conference.

“We need to tell everybody in New York that we know that they're celebrating, we want them to have a great time." — James Dolan, post-game news conference City officials announced that an official parade and City Hall ceremony will be held on Thursday.”