Knicks Celebrate NBA Championship With Historic New York City Parade

GAB (NEW YORK) — The New York Knicks celebrated their first NBA championship in 53 years with a ticker-tape parade through Lower Manhattan on Thursday, followed by a ceremony at City Hall where Mayor Zohran Mamdani presented the team with the Key to the City.

The parade began at Battery Park and moved north along Broadway through the Canyon of Heroes before ending at City Hall. Thousands of fans lined the streets, many wearing Knicks jerseys and carrying team flags as players and coaches traveled along the parade route.

The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on June 14 to win the franchise's first championship since 1973. Jalen Brunson scored 45 points in the deciding game and was named Finals MVP.

At City Hall, Mamdani told the team and fans that the championship ended a 53-year wait.

“For 53 years, we watched. For 53 years, we waited. Now, we’ve won,” Mamdani said during the ceremony.

Mamdani also said the team's championship reflected the character of the city.

“The Knicks did not just win for New York City — they won like New York City,” he said.

The mayor presented the franchise with the Key to the City, an honor recognizing the team's championship and its connection to New York.

Brunson thanked the fans and his teammates during the celebration, highlighting the team's ability to remain together during difficult moments.

“You saw a team stay connected through the most adverse times,” Brunson said. “You saw the belief, the belief in each other.”

Brunson also addressed those who had doubted him during his career.

“When you prove them wrong, you don’t have to say shit to them,” he said to cheers from the crowd.

Head coach Mike Brown also credited New York fans for their support throughout the championship run.

“The energy today, all around New York, is off the charts,” Brown said. “This is New York City’s championship.”

The celebration included former Knicks players and franchise figures, including Walt “Clyde” Frazier and Patrick Ewing.

Several celebrities also attended the festivities. The parade marked the first ticker-tape parade for the Knicks following an NBA championship. The franchise's previous title, in 1973, predated the current era of championship parades in the city.

The City Hall ceremony concluded with a performance by Alicia Keys of “Empire State of Mind.”