New York has been waiting a long time for the Knicks to win an NBA championship title and they wasted no time in celebrating.
Knicks fans flooded the streets in the boroughs to celebrate the New York team for beating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals and bringing a trophy back to the Empire State. In fan video, they were seen singing Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind,” which earned the musicians two Grammy awards in 2011 for Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
Fans in the comment section reacted to the joy Knicks fans expressed after the team hadn’t won an NBA title in 53 years.
“Song released 17 years ago btw. Jay-Z’s music is timeless,” a fan responded to the video praising the New York legend. Keys is also a native New Yorker from Hell’s Kitchen.
“What a moment! It’s been 53 years, they’re definitely feeling it right now,” another fan reacted, noting that the last time the Knicks won a championship was in 1973, the franchise’s second-ever title following the 1970 title win.
“They’ll remember this summer forever,” one fan reacted.
The entire city of New York is singing Empire State of Mind. Incredible.
(via @TrindonHo11iday) https://t.co/IGG4U7gZUe
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 14, 2026
New Yorkers weren’t the only one getting into the fun of the historic win for the Knicks as their fanbase also includes celebrities like Mariska Hargitay, Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, and more who have also shared their reactions to the win.
The Law & Order: SVU star shared a photo of Jalen Brunson on her Instagram, “You found a way” written in orange letters and a blue outline.
She captioned the photo, “And you lead the way for so many. Congratulations to you all and deepest thanks. #NBAFINALS CAPTAIN @jalenbrunson1 @nyknicks CHAMPIONS #BELIEVE”
Stiller was seen outside the Knicks locker room and when asked how he felt about the win after the game, he responded, “As happy as I’ve ever felt. It’s pretty amazing.”
"As happy as I've ever felt. It's pretty amazing."
Ben Stiller is filled with joy after the Knicks become champs for the first time in 53 years
pic.twitter.com/FKPZgJRCe7
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 14, 2026
Chalamet also had the opportunity to celebrate with the Knicks stars after their win in the locker room. He excitedly told Captain Clutch, “D–n bro you got a ring bro. That’s all you.”
The actor then began chanting “Finals MVP” as Brunson was awarded it after the presentation of the NBA championship trophy.
“You did that bro.”
Timothée to Jalen Brunson
pic.twitter.com/DHFU2Wrbyv
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 14, 2026
The fun for Knicks fans is far from over, as they will be able to celebrate during the parade on Thursday, June 18.
The post Watch throngs of New Yorkers belt out Jay-Z, Alicia Keys’ Empire State of Mind in streets after NBA title appeared first on ClutchPoints.
