Thousands of basketball fans flooded the streets of Midtown Manhattan late Saturday as celebrations of the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals victory descended into disorder, leaving a World Cup shuttle bus set on fire, several vehicles damaged and a teenager wounded in a shooting incident.
The Knicks secured their first championship since 1973, defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the fifth game of the NBA Finals and triggering large gatherings across New York City that continued into the early hours of Sunday.
As celebrations intensified, hundreds of mostly young people surrounded a convoy of approximately 15 shuttle buses in Times Square that had been transporting spectators from a World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco, which ended in a draw.
Witnesses reported people climbing onto bus roofs, entering vehicles and occupying driver seats.
One yellow school bus hired by city authorities to transport football fans was set ablaze, while at least three other buses sustained significant damage.
A bicycle was also placed on the roof of one vehicle as crowds gathered around the convoy.
Brazilian football supporters joined Knicks fans atop one bus, waving Brazil’s national flag as festivities continued.
Authorities said it was not immediately clear whether anyone was injured in the bus fire or related incidents.
At approximately 2 a.m., a 17-year-old was shot in the foot during celebrations in Times Square, according to a New York police officer.
Three persons of interest were taken into custody in connection with the incident.
Police initially held back as crowds filled streets around Times Square and Madison Square Garden before officers in riot gear moved in to disperse groups and restore order.
Mounted police were also deployed to clear surrounding streets.
Elsewhere, fans celebrated by playing drums, embracing one another and climbing scaffolding and traffic lights throughout Manhattan.
The Knicks’ victory marked only the franchise’s third NBA Finals appearance since 1973 and ended a decades-long wait for a championship, prompting scenes of jubilation across the city that at times turned chaotic.