On Monday night, Knicks fans celebrated exuberantly, reminiscent of 1999, as their team swept the Cleveland Cavaliers, which sent a wave of excitement across New York City.
This win marked the end of a 27-year drought since their last finals appearance, and the team was eager to seize the moment.
“The city has been waiting for this since 1999. We’ve endured a lot, but the fans never left us. It feels great to finally be on the winning side,” said Kevin Cull, a 30-year-old human resources manager from New Jersey, while attending a viewing party at Radio City.
“It’s our time now. This squad is filled with underdogs. Let’s just hope Manhattan holds up tonight!”
While things were calm at Radio City, Madison Square Garden erupted into celebrations, with thousands spilling into the streets surrounding the iconic venue.
Many fans engaged in lighthearted antics, climbing lampposts, brandishing brooms in a symbolic “sweep,” or balancing on ledges to revel in the moment.
Within an hour of the Knicks’ decisive 37-point victory, chants of “Damn the World Cup!” filled the air.
MetLife Stadium is set to host numerous World Cup games in June and July.
Interestingly, many in the crowd weren’t even alive to witness the Knicks’ last finals run in 1999 when they fell to the San Antonio Spurs.
“It’s summer in New York—a lot on the go. The Yankees are doing well, but we’ve really lifted the Knicks high! They are soaring!” commented 23-year-old Juan Pablo Estupinan amidst a crowd of fans.
Henry Hunt, also 23 and from New Jersey, noted, “Sure, we have our debates about other sports, but every New Yorker stands together for the Knicks.” He added, “The excitement is unreal. We’ve awaited this for ages.”
Fans who made the trip to Cleveland for the games brought their celebration right to Rocket Arena, right where Cavs fans looked on dismally.
“I can’t believe it. I feel on top of the world. There’s no stopping the Knicks,” shared Tara Hochberg, a 50-year-old from Long Island.
She, along with many others, was shouting, “We want Wenby,” calling for Spurs superstar Victor Wenbanyama. The same sentiment echoed around The Garden as the Knicks awaited the outcome of the Western Conference Finals.
Even Mayor Zoran Mamdani joined in on the fun, humorously teasing about a clear victory over Cleveland after watching the second game from a nosebleed seat.
“New York City Department of Health, I’d like to report a thorough investigation,” he jokingly tweeted.
