Knicks' NBA Finals victory triggers violent street celebrations

A teenager was shot and four people were stabbed as massive crowds brought chaos to the streets of New York City following the New York Knicks' first NBA championship win in 53 years.

The chaos broke out after the final buzzer confirmed the Knicks' 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs at Texas' Frost Bank Center on Saturday as reported by PEOPLE. Throngs of people sporting blue and orange flocked to the streets of all five boroughs amid the celebrations, which also followed the first World Cup game held in the New York City area.

Amid the raucous celebrations, a teenager was shot, four people were stabbed and five buses were set on fire, among other altercations, a New York Police Department (NYPD) spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE.

Crowds turn 'increasingly destructive'

During and after the championship game, crowds numbering tens of thousands gathered around the Knicks' home turf of Madison Square Garden. According to the NYPD spokesperson, the crowds "became increasingly destructive, and there were many incidents of incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior."

Teenager shot at Broadway and 43rd Street

One incident resulted in a 17-year-old being shot at Broadway and 43rd Street. Police said the latter location was so packed with people that an ambulance could not transport the victim.

Police transported the teen to a hospital, and there are three people of interest in custody in connection with the shooting, the NYPD spokesperson said. A firearm was also recovered from the scene.

Multiple stabbings and officer injuries reported

Also among the violent incidents were four stabbings and "slashings", along with multiple "large physical fights" that broke out, according to police. Ten members of the NYPD were also injured amid the celebrations, police said.

One officer was struck with a glass bottle, while another was punched in the face.

World Cup transport buses set alight

Property — including school buses being used to transport people from New York City to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for the World Cup games — was also destroyed amid the chaos. Five of the buses were "lit on fire/destroyed with bats and people jumping on them," the NYPD spokesperson said.

One of the passengers who exited one of the World Cup transport buses before it was surrounded, Youssef Sabbr, told Reuters: "They are expressing their happiness, a little bit violently, but it is what it is." Sabbr, 49, added: "That's what happens everywhere around the world when a team wins."

Police vehicles also damaged

Five NYPD cars were also "badly damaged," as people used bats to hit the vehicles and jumped on top of them, police said. Other non-NYPD or World Cup vehicles were also destroyed, with damage including shattered windows.

Fans climb structures and light fireworks

The post-championship chaos also saw people climbing traffic lights and other structures, and lighting fireworks in crowds, the NYPD spokesperson said. Video on social media also showed Knicks fans blasting music, dancing, hugging and chanting, "Knicks in five!" New Yorker Carol Marino told Reuters: "Oh, my God. It's like New Year's Eve times 20."

63 arrests made overnight

In total, the NYPD made 63 arrests on the evening of 13 June and into the early hours of Sunday "related to the Knicks game" as crowds refused to disperse, police said. Charges included assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon (gun), disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and more.