The New York Knicks won 94-90 against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, securing their first NBA championship in 53 years. The victory took place at the Spurs’ home court before a crowd that included a significant number of Knicks fans. Guard Jalen Brunson led the team with 45 points during the win. Leading into the game, the Knicks held a 3-1 series lead. The team’s success marked a reversal of fortune after decades as one of the league’s worst teams; their previous finals appearance was in 1999 against the Spurs, and their last championship win occurred in 1973. In New York City, the atmosphere was described as electric, with fans wearing orange and blue gear and gathering at sports bars, subway platforms, and outdoor kiosks to watch the game. The championship run prompted various fan reactions and rituals. Some fans performed Hindu rituals to ward off the “evil eye,” while others, like actor Ben Stiller, burned clothes from a previous loss. Celebrity fans also participated in rituals, such as Jordyn Woods bringing a custom orange bag to games. Also, the run spurred local entrepreneurship, with residents selling custom-printed Knicks apparel. The high stakes also led to logistical and safety concerns. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James criticized the Spurs and Ticketmaster for implementing a 150-mile geographical restriction on ticket sales for Game 5. While Ticketmaster stated such restrictions are common, Madison Square Garden later confirmed with Spurs ownership that existing ticket holders would not be revoked. Meanwhile, reports of violence against Spurs fans in the city led both teams’ players to publicly urge fans to remain respectful.