By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-06-14 14:27:28 | Updated at 2026-06-15 15:44:52
1 day ago
A celebration 53 years in the making kicked off in the visitor's locker room at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio after the New York Knicks clinched their first NBA title since 1973.
As raucous and rowdy fans tore up the streets of New York City over 1,500mi away, the Knicks celebrated back in Texas with champagne sprayed all over the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Joyful videos showed players singing along to the Jay-Z hit 'Empire State of Mind' and lighting up cigars courtside.
Jalen Brunson, the Finals MVP who cemented his case as the greatest Knick of all time, popped bottles and sprayed bubbly all over the room as staff and players celebrated.
New York native Jose Alvarado may have partied the hardest out of everyone as the Brooklyn native took to his Instagram for a live video.
'I'm super lit bro, I wasn't even supposed to be in the league and now I got a ring now,' he told his followers.
Finals MVP Jalen Brunson sprayed champagne over his teammates as the Knicks won a title
Players smoked courtside cigars as the Knicks celebrated their first title in 53 years
New York native Jose Alvarado went live on Instagram to show fans the behind-the-scenes
Even actor and Knicks superfan Timothee Chalamet was doused in champagne by the players
Others present in the locker room included celebrities and Knick superfans like Ben Stiller and Timothee Chalamet.
Chalamet was doused with champagne and was not wearing any protective eyewear, with the New York-born actor seen wiping his eyes.
'I'm not an athlete, I don't deserve it, I'm not an athlete. Usually I have a stunt double to do that,' the actor said.
The funniest reaction may have been from guard Tyler Kolek, who did not feature in these NBA Finals, but joked that he 'got an A on the group project.'
Others were more triumphant, with guard Josh Hart posting to his X account, 'FROM NOW ON ADDRESS ME AS CHAMP!'
After celebrating in the locker room, the Knicks immediately boarded a plane to fly back to New York City and landed at Westchester County Airport just before 8:30am ET.
Just before leaving, Brunson took the phone from the Knicks' social media admin and in a sing-songy voice declared, 'Imma see y'all in New Yooooooork.'
The Knicks are set to have their first ticker-tape parade in franchise history on Thursday as the team will be lauded by throngs of fans through the Canyon of Heroes in Lower Manhattan.
