Thousands of Knicks fans celebrated their team’s NBA championship victory in a vibrant ticker-tape parade in downtown New York City on Thursday.

Dressed in blue and orange, fans filled Church Street, lighting joints and enjoying drinks, much to the amusement of a small contingent of New York City police officers. Some even climbed on police cruisers to capture memorable photos, embodying the spirit of the victory.

Wesley Chow, a 27-year-old from Astoria, Queens, reflected on the significance of the day, saying, “The people out here right now… It’s crazy.” The parade began at 10 am, with viewing areas reaching capacity by 7:25 am, according to the NYPD.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani danced on a float alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, while OG Anunoby mingled with fans, holding the NBA Cup and a bottle of tequila. Celebrity fans like Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, and Chris Rock also joined the festivities.

Children chanted playful jabs at Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, while vendors sold T-shirts celebrating the team. Alan, a fan capturing moments on a Polaroid camera, expressed his desire to provide memories for families.

John Rivera, a lifelong Knicks fan, shared his emotional connection to the team, recalling how he had waited decades for this moment.

Barbara Etheredge, a new fan from Newark, remarked on the sense of community, stating, “Everyone out here strangers… But we family now.” The celebration was further sweetened by the presence of the now-famous Baklava Guy, who shared his treats with the crowd.

Fans like Benny Tuchman highlighted the unifying power of sports, capturing the essence of the day: “This is what makes sports great.”

The parade not only celebrated a championship but also fostered a sense of belonging among fans from all walks of life.