New York Knicks parade brings generations of fans into the streets

Jalen Brunson held the golden NBA championship trophy up for a forest of outstretched hands to touch as fans celebrated the New York Knicks' first title in 53 years with a booming parade through Manhattan's skyscraper-flanked "Canyon of Heroes."

"It makes everything worth it," Brunson, the team captain and finals MVP, said. "I can't put it into words."

Confetti in the Knicks' blue and orange swirled through the air. Massive cheers of "Let's go, Knicks!" erupted as the trophy float got close to City Hall, the ticker-tape parade's finish line, where players are expected to get keys to the city.

OG Anunoby, who scored the go-ahead basket in Game 4 of the finals on a tip-in with 1.2 seconds left, left his parade float to interact with fans, holding the NBA Cup in-season championship trophy in one hand and a bottle of Patron tequila in the other.

Film director Spike Lee, perhaps the team's most iconic fan, was on a float with Brunson, savoring the moment. "I've never been to a parade — ever — and I'm glad it's this one," Lee said.

The MVP's mom, Sandra Brunson, wore a shirt with photos of Jalen and husband Rick, who played for the Knicks. She echoed her son's words, saying: "It was all worth it."

Karl-Anthony Towns hoisted the Eastern Conference championship trophy and a cigar on top of a parade bus, alongside a dancing Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a huge Knicks fan. On a nearby float with other alumni, Carmelo Anthony had a victory cigar of his own.

"The whole city won," Anthony said. "New Yorkers are, as they say, `lit' right now."

People streamed into the area on crammed subways, looking to get as close as they could or find any elevated spot to catch a glimpse.

Several blocks from the parade route, fans stood shoulder to