President Donald Trump took to Truth Social early Sunday to congratulate the New York Knicks on capturing their first NBA championship in over five decades, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5. Trump specifically called out Madison Square Garden Sports CEO Jim Dolan, who owns the franchise, in a post that highlighted what he called an extraordinary playoff run.
"Congratulations to Jim Dolan and the New York Knicks!!!" Trump wrote, adding, "What a year it has been but, even more so, what incredible playoff wins we have all witnessed, especially the last four – Maybe the greatest in the history of basketball."
The Knicks rallied from a 16-point deficit on the road in San Antonio to clinch the series, a comeback Trump credited to emerging star Jalen Brunson. "Also, tonight, a superstar was born. His name is Jalen Brunson, and there are others, including, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and great Patriot, Mitchell Robinson!" the former New York resident wrote.
The victory triggered massive celebrations across New York City, with crowds flooding streets from Midtown to the outer boroughs. However, the revelry turned chaotic in some spots: NYPD reported clashes with fans near 42nd Street and Broadway, where gunshots were fired around 2 a.m. Sunday. No injuries were reported from the shooting, though police made several arrests. A full arrest tally is expected later Sunday.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a ticker-tape parade for Thursday and said the team would receive keys to the city. "For more than 50 years, New Yorkers have waited for this moment," Mamdani said in a statement. "Through near misses, heartbreak and a hope that every year could be our year, this city never stopped believing in the Knicks. And this team fulfilled that hope with grit, resilience and heart — just like the five boroughs itself."
Both Trump and Mamdani attended Game 3 of the series at Madison Square Garden last week, where Trump drew boos from the crowd during the national anthem. The Knicks' championship is only the third in the franchise's 80-year history, and the first since 1973.
The win comes amid a busy political backdrop: Trump has been pushing for a Sunday signing of an Iran peace framework, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from some lawmakers. Meanwhile, House conservatives are working to codify Trump's border policies, signaling the administration's focus on domestic and international fronts even as sports news captures national attention.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
