Celebrations erupted throughout New York following the Knicks’ win of their first NBA championship in 53 years Saturday night but were tainted by riots and destruction.
The Knicks snatched victory against San Antonio in Game 5 of the NBA finals, clawing back a 16-point deficit but were met by a citywide eruption after millions stormed the streets in a mass celebration, resulting in drastic action being taken against some in a period of mayhem around Madison Square Garden and Times Square.
One 17-year-old boy has a gunshot wound and a weapon has been retrieved, whilst three other men have been arrested. Other victims were treated for knife and slash wounds.
Four others and three men were arrested for their part in the violence, where a World Cup bus designated to hold 20 fans for the World Cup competition and three other cars had been set on fire, as well as three police cars being damaged; these incidents also involving the overturned World Cup bus saw three men arrested.
The sheer number of people scaled structures, climbed over buildings and buses and even threw fireworks at riot police, resulting in 63 arrests involving everything from gun possession to assaults on officers, and Mr James Dolan, owner of the Knicks, urged fans to keep their distance whilst respecting others during the celebrations.
