New York celebrates Knicks’ first NBA championship in 53 years
After a 53-year wait, the New York Knicks won their first NBA championship, sparking celebrations across New York City. Thousands of fans lined the streets of Manhattan for a historic parade, turning a Thursday workday into a spontaneous celebration as the city paid tribute to its victorious team.
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It’s been over a month since the New York Knicks won the NBA title for the first time since 1973, and the “Big Apple” remains elated because of it.
NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson continues to celebrate the long-awaited victory, but fans may not like what they saw in his first public appearance since undergoing offseason surgery just under a month ago.
Brunson needed surgical repair of his left wrist, and for the first time since the successful procedure, he was spotted in Margate, New Jersey, with a sling around his left arm.
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Jalen Brunson celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy during the New York Knicks Championship Ticker Parade and Victory Rally in New York. (Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images)
Brunson also had his left hand and wrist wrapped in a photo taken with a fan at the Other Lucy Beach Grille in the coastal city.
Brunson underwent surgery for a tendon issue in his left hand and wrist, which he dealt with throughout the Knicks’ historic playoff run.
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However, Brunson’s estimated recovery time was six to eight weeks, which should ease Knicks fans’ minds a little after seeing the photo.
It is common for players to undergo procedures during the offseason because they want to be ready for the upcoming season. Brunson is no different in this case, but any concerns can be attributed to how important he is to the Knicks retaining this title heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
Brunson averaged an NBA playoff-leading 28.4 points in 19 games played for the Knicks. He also averaged 6.1 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 46.5 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from three-point territory.
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks celebrates after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half of Game 3 during a first-round NBA basketball playoff series, Friday, April 21, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Brunson, along with his Knicks teammates, etched their names in New York history, returning the Larry O’Brien Trophy to a rabid fan base who captivated basketball fans around the world throughout their series victories over the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.
“Today we want to sincerely thank Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks for stopping by and taking time for our students! Your kindness and encouragement meant a lot, especially to a student who really needed a reason to smile,” reads The Other Lucy Beach Grille’s Instagram post with Brunson.
Jalen Brunson is seen during the New York Knicks parade along the Canyon of Heroes in New York on June 18, 2026. (NDZ Images/Star Max/GC)
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“Robert was having a tough day and facing some challenges, and your kindness and encouragement completely changed the situation. Moments like these remind us that being a role model goes way beyond the basketball court.”
While Brunson may still be recovering, he continues to make an impact on the tri-state area as a certified “King of New York” after helping bring an NBA title to the city.
