New York City celebrates Knicks’ first NBA championship in 53 years
After a 53-year wait, the New York Knicks captured their first NBA championship, sparking celebrations across New York City. Thousands of fans lined the streets of Manhattan for a historic ticker-tape parade, turning a Thursday workday into a spontaneous holiday as the city honored 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 in rapture because of it.
Jalen Brunson, the NBA Finals MVP, continues to celebrate the long-awaited victory, but fans may not like what they saw in his first public appearance since getting offseason surgery done just under a month ago.
Brunson needed his left wrist surgically repaired, 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-tape parade and victory rally in New York City. (Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images)
Brunson also had his left hand and wrist wrapped up in a picture taken with a fan at The Other Lucy Beach Grille in the shore town.
Brunson underwent surgery due to 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 bit after seeing the photo.
It’s common for players to get procedures done during the offseason, as they wish to be ready for the upcoming season. Brunson is no different in this case, but any worries can be chalked up to how important he is for the Knicks to retain that title heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
Brunson averaged an NBA Playoffs-leading 28.4 points during the 19 games played for the Knicks. He also tallied 6.1 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 46.5% from the field and 36.3% from three-point territory.
New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson celebrates after scoring against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of Game 3 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Friday, April 21, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Brunson, as well as his Knicks teammates, etched their names in New York history, returning the Larry O’Brien Trophy to a rabid fan base that captivated basketball fans around the globe throughout their series wins over the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.
“Today, we want to give a heartfelt THANK YOU to Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks for stopping by and making time for our students! Your kindness and encouragement meant so much, especially to one student who truly needed a reason to smile,” The Other Lucy Beach Grille’s Instagram post with Brunson read.
Jalen Brunson is seen at the New York Knicks ticker-tape parade along the Canyon of Heroes in New York City on June 18, 2026. (NDZ/Star Max/GC Images)
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“Robert was having a difficult day and facing some challenges, and your kindness and encouragement completely turned things around. Moments like these remind us that being a role model goes far beyond the basketball court.”
While Brunson may still be recovering, he’s still impacting the tri-state area as the certified “King of New York” after helping bring an NBA title to the city.
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