Knicks Win First NBA Title in 53 Years

The New York Knicks won their first NBA championship in 53 years, triggering massive street celebrations in New York City and dominating late-night television, with Jalen Brunson and teammates appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

The Morning Brief Desk · June 16, 2026 · Based on reporting by The Epoch Times · Updated July 13, 2026

The New York Knicks won their first NBA championship in 53 years, ending a drought that stretched back to 1973. Star point guard Jalen Brunson led the team to the title, drawing a public apology from ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, who had previously doubted Brunson's ability to carry the franchise.

The victory triggered celebrations across New York City. The night was not entirely peaceful -- among them a World Cup bus set alight in Manhattan. The win also dominated late-night television, with Jon Stewart using his Daily Show platform to celebrate the championship while criticizing the White House's concurrent UFC event as a "god-awful mockery."

Sources

The Epoch Times — New Yorkers Revel in the Streets Celebrating Historic Knicks Win
The euphoric night ended with some violent incidents, including a World Cup bus being set alight in Manhattan.
Read at The Epoch Times →
Rolling Stone — Jon Stewart Calls Trump's UFC White House Event 'God-Awful Mockery' as He Celebrates Knicks Win
Jon Stewart celebrated the Knicks' championship victory on The Daily Show, calling the White House UFC event a 'god-awful mockery.'
Read at Rolling Stone →
Bleacher Report — Knicks' Jalen Brunson Responds to Stephen A. Smith's Apology for Doubting PG
ESPN megaphone Stephen A. Smith apologized to Jalen Brunson after the star point guard led the New York Knicks to an NBA championship.
Read at Bleacher Report →

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