New York Knicks win NBA championship for first time in over 50 years

The New York Knicks won the National Basketball Association championship for the first time in over 50 years, sending the city and fans into a frenzy after the long-awaited victory.

The Knicks clinched the title on Saturday night against the San Antonio Spurs , 94-90, in the fifth game of the best-of-seven series.

While the game was in Texas, New Yorkers took to their hometown streets in droves to watch and celebrate the milestone moment for the team, its fans and the entire city.

This season has represented a stunning reversal of fortune for the Knicks after decades as one of the worst teams in the league. The last time they made it all the way to the finals was in 1999, also against the Spurs, who ultimately beat them. Their last finals win was even earlier, in 1973.

They held a 3-1 lead in the series heading into Saturday's game.

"I grew up watching the Knicks. They were so bad for so long," said Jake Minicucci while sitting with his friends on the patio of a Manhattan sports bar "This might be the first time I cry in a very long time, tonight."

Fans' anticipation before the game was like a champagne bottle about to pop its cork.

"This city is electric," said Jake Minicucci while sitting with friends on the patio of a Manhattan sports bar. "I've never gotten so many head nods, everybody knowing we are in it for the Knicks together."