Chaotic scenes engulfed New York's streets on Saturday evening after the Knicks clinched their first NBA championship in 53 years.
Supporters described as "out of control" destroyed a police vehicle near Madison Square Garden, while footage captured officers pushing back crowds as people leapt onto cars.
The disorder spread rapidly, with individuals filmed attacking a school bus using improvised weapons and torching another vehicle elsewhere in the city.
Projectiles were hurled towards police as a "frenzied mass" descended upon Times Square.
The mayhem unfolded despite team owner James Dolan's appeal for restraint, saying: "We want everybody tonight, in New York, be safe. Okay, celebrate, but be safe."
Hundreds of officers clad in riot equipment rushed to the area, with police on horseback deployed to contain the crowds.
Flares blazed and fireworks exploded across Sixth Avenue as the celebrations turned increasingly volatile.
One officer spoke to the New York Post about the disorder's unprecedented nature, explaining: "I've been doing this job for 20 years and I've never had to wear riot gear."
Mayor Zohran Mamdani responded to the historic victory with a single word on social media: "History."
Dolan sent a message to those celebrating back home, saying: "Hey New York, I'm sorry it took so long.
"But here we are, and hopefully it won't be that long again."
The decisive game itself took place nearly 2,000 miles away in San Antonio, Texas, where the Knicks secured a 94-90 comeback victory.
Prince Harry was spotted courtside, seated next to NBA commissioner Adam Silver, having already been in Texas for the Warrior Games.
The Duke of Sussex was also accompanied by JP Lane, a US Army veteran who has received the Purple Heart.
Several high-profile figures were also in attendance for the historic match, with Euphoria actress Sydney Sweeney spotted alongside her boyfriend Scooter Braun, while actors Timothee Chalamet and Ben Stiller were among the famous faces courtside.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, did not join her husband at the game, nor did the couple's children.
Since relocating to the United States in 2020, Harry and Meghan have frequently been seen at major sporting events, including an NBA All-Star Game earlier this year in February.
The duke's presence in San Antonio coincided with his involvement in the Warrior Games, an event supporting wounded and ill service members organised by the US Government.
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