Did Knicks fans’ Gotham City warning come true after NBA Finals Game 5? Every major incident explained

The New York Knicks' long wait for an NBA championship finally ended on June 13. A 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 delivered the franchise's first title since 1973 and sparked scenes of celebration across Manhattan.But as the night wore on, the focus shifted from basketball to the chaos unfolding outside Madison Square Garden. Thousands of fans flooded Midtown streets, turning the city into a massive celebration zone. By sunrise, authorities were dealing with fires, vandalism, arrests, injuries, stabbings, and a shooting. For many fans online, it looked eerily similar to the "Gotham City" scenario they had jokingly predicted before the Finals.

Burning buses, fireworks, and violence overshadowed the historic Knicks victory

The most shocking images of the night came from a group of school buses parked in Manhattan. The buses had reportedly been used earlier in the day to transport supporters attending the FIFA Club World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco.

As crowds grew following the Knicks' victory, people climbed onto the vehicles and turned them into makeshift celebration platforms. Videos showed fans dancing on roofs, jumping on top of buses, breaking windows, tearing off mirrors, and damaging front grills.

The situation escalated further when at least one bus was set on fire. Flames quickly spread through the vehicle as thick smoke rose above the surrounding streets.

The burning bus soon became the defining image of the night's unrest.Fireworks also became a major issue throughout Midtown. While many fans used them to celebrate, videos showed some being launched directly into crowded streets and near vehicles. Explosions echoed through the city as large groups packed roads around Madison Square Garden and Times Square.Authorities were also forced to respond to multiple stabbing and slashing incidents reported during the overnight celebrations. Though the incidents occurred at different locations, they added to growing concerns as emergency crews attempted to navigate through packed streets.One of the most alarming moments came around 2 a.m. near West 43rd Street and Broadway when a 17-year-old was shot in the foot. The area remained crowded with celebrating fans when the incident occurred.Police vehicles were damaged in several areas, while officers struggled to maintain order amid the massive gatherings. By the end of the night, dozens of arrests had been made, and multiple NYPD officers had suffered injuries during the response.

Why did the Gotham City comparison suddenly feel real?

Weeks before the NBA Finals ended, Knicks fans joked on social media that New York would resemble Gotham City if the franchise finally won a championship.The reference came from Batman's fictional city, which is often portrayed as a place filled with crime, fires, riots, and widespread disorder.

At the time, the comments were meant as lighthearted exaggerations reflecting the excitement surrounding the team's playoff run.After Game 5, however, those jokes resurfaced everywhere online. Images of burning buses, fireworks exploding in crowded streets, vandalized property, police activity, arrests, and reports of violence led many fans to revisit the prediction.For Knicks supporters, June 13 will always be remembered as the night their team finally brought the Larry O'Brien Trophy back to New York. Yet the celebrations that followed ensured the championship became known for much more than what happened on the court.