Knicks' Jalen Brunson & More Celebrate In Historic Championship Parade
See Knicks Star Josh Hart's Sons Take Over Press Conference Interview in Adorable Moment
The New York Knicks are taking to the streets of the city.
After the team won their first NBA championship in 53 years, they came home to celebrate with another milestone moment.
To commemorate their win, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and the rest of the team took part in the organization’s very first ticker-tape parade on June 18.
“I want to say thank you to Jim Dolan and the front office for believing in the kid no one else wanted,” Brunson, who was named NBA Finals MVP, said during the celebration. “We really did it, dog. Somehow, some way, I knew we were going to find a way to get this done.”
He added, “There’s a lot of people that have a lot of negative stuff to say. There’s a lot of people who have a lot of opinions, but when you prove ‘em wrong, you don’t have to say s--t to them.”
Meanwhile, head coach Mike Brown shared a few words, saying, “I want to thank everybody. I want to thank everybody for helping accomplish this great feat.” Addressing the fans, he continued, “This championship is about you guys. This is New York City’s championship.”
The team were paraded down Broadway in New York City, making their way to City Hall where they were honored with keys to the city by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Throughout the route, famous Knicks diehards like Timothée Chalamet, Tracy Morgan, Ja Rule and Teyana Taylor accompanied the team while fans draped in blue and orange cheered on.
The New York City tradition historically involved throwing ticker tape—narrow ribbons of paper used on Wall Street—but now the honorees are showered in confetti. Despite the celebration originating in the late 1800s, the Knicks have never participated in one, as city policies had discontinued the practice the last time they won the NBA championship in 1973.
“For more than 50 years, New Yorkers have waited for this moment,” Mamdani had said while confirming the parade in a June 13 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.”
Adam Gray/Getty Images
And after all the parties wind down, some of the players have already locked in their post-season plans.
In fact, Knicks wives Ali Brunson and Shannon Hart recently shared insight into their summer plans with their families.
"We love our beach time," Ali, who shares 22-month-old daughter Jordyn with Brunson, told E! News, "barbecues in the backyard, hanging out at the pool, spending time with Jordyn."
Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images
Meanwhile, Shannon, who shares 3-year-old twins Haze and Hendrix with Hart, said that she’s looking forward to "not having to get up and go all the time, and be here or there.”
Read on to see the biggest moments from the Knicks’ historic championship celebration…
DAVID DEE DELGADO / AFP via Getty Images
Spike Lee
It's been a longtime coming. The diehard Knicks fan celebrates atop a float.
Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
Patrick Ewing
All is good. The former Knicks player celebrates his team.
Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images
Timothée Chalamet
Better than the Oscars. The Call Me By Your Name star celebrates his team's win on a float.
Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images
Mitchell Robinson
Basking in the glory. The Knicks center celebrates in front of the crowds.
Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images
Zohran Mamdani
No better day to be the mayor of New York. Mayor Mamdani reps his city's team.
Adam Gray/Getty Images
Karl-Anthony Towns
Living the dream. The Knicks star sports a custom jacket while holding up his team's championship trophy.
Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
Ben Stiller
The longtime Knicks fan supports his team along the Canyon of Heroes.
Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
Martha Stewart & Jalen Brunson
Name a more iconic duo. The lifestyle guru and Knicks star join forces.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Walt "Clyde" Frazier
Witnessing history—again. The former NBA star shows support for his former team, which he helped lead to their last championships.
Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
Mariska Hargitay & Her Son August
Like mother, like son. The Law & Order star and her son channel their inner Taylor Swift with custom T-shirts.
Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
Jalen Brunson, Dr. Ali Brunson & Daughter Jordyn
A family moment.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
Go New York, Go New York, Go!
Fans don their best Knicks apparel for the first-ever championship parade.
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