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New York City erupted into chaos as Knicks fans celebrated a thrilling victory at Madison Square Garden, though some of the festivities took a violent turn.
In a stunning comeback, the Knicks erased a 29-point deficit to edge the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, clinching a 3-1 series lead and bringing the franchise closer to its first championship since 1973. With just 1.2 seconds remaining, the game-winning shot drew high praise from Knicks coach Mike Brown, who called it “the most iconic shot in the history of New York basketball.”
The city’s excitement quickly spilled into the streets, with fans moving from watch parties to public celebrations-some descending into disorder. Near Madison Square Garden, footage showed groups of fans, many wearing Knicks gear, vandalizing property: kicking over a Citi Bike and repeatedly toppling a post box. Another video revealed a yellow NYC taxi with a shattered windshield as bystanders reacted with disbelief.
Social media captured the frenzy, with one user describing the scene as “an absolute madhouse” as fans flooded the streets, some climbing on and further damaging the already broken taxi windshield.
The Knicks, boasting only two titles in their 80-year history and their first Finals appearance since 1999, now have three chances to clinch the championship, starting with Game 5 in San Antonio on Saturday night.
Historically, no NBA Finals team had overcome a deficit larger than 24 points until the Knicks’ remarkable rally, surpassing the previous record set by Boston against Los Angeles in 2008.
However, the celebrations also saw tensions flare. Videos showed Knicks fans confronting Spurs supporters, surrounding a man in a Spurs jersey, shouting insults, and attempting to rip his jersey off. Additionally, when the Spurs players returned to their hotel post-game, they were reportedly booed and had objects thrown at them by Knicks fans.
Meanwhile, despite the excitement, restrictions remained in place around Madison Square Garden-similar to those during former President Donald Trump’s attendance at Game 3-leading the Knicks to cancel plans for an outdoor watch party outside the arena.
As the series intensifies, the city’s passion for the Knicks is undeniable, though authorities will be watching closely to keep celebrations from turning destructive.