Jalen Brunson slams skeptics as Knicks revel in NBA championship parade

Jalen Brunson slams skeptics as Knicks revel in NBA championship parade

Jalen Brunson publicly ignored his critics throughout the Knicks' historic championship run, focusing instead on achieving his goal of delivering an elusive title to New York.

But Thursday, surrounded by more than a million fans celebrating the Knicks' first championship in 53 years, Brunson finally hit back at those who doubted him.

"There's a lot of people that have a lot of negative stuff to say," Brunson said during a celebration at New York's City Hall. "There's a lot of people who have a lot of opinions. But when you prove them wrong, you really don't have to say s--- to them. They don't deserve it."

"Damn, New York, we really did it," Brunson said. "Somehow, someway I knew we were going to find a way to get this done."

Moments later, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani presented keys to the city to the Knicks' players, coaches, owners and staff. Wearing a team jersey under his suit jacket, Mamdani said he and other fans "waited because we knew deep down in our sick, suffering hearts" that the Knicks would someday win.

Confetti in Knicks blue and orange swirled through the air during the parade. Massive cheers of "Let's go, Knicks!" and "Knicks in five!" kept erupting.

Director Spike Lee, perhaps the team's most iconic fan, was on a float with Brunson, savoring the moment. "I've never been to a parade -- ever -- and I'm glad it's this one," Lee said.

"The whole city won," Anthony said. "New Yorkers are, as they say, 'lit' right now."

Officials said 10,000 police officers were deployed to secure the event, which follows ebullient but sometimes chaotic street celebrations and some violence during the Knicks' title run, including a five-game final against San Antonio.

Police said 10 people in the area around the parade were arrested and three others were issued summonses, on charges ranging from disorderly conduct to felony assault. The Fire Department said it took 30 people to hospitals and treated 31 others at the scene for ailments that included heat-related emergencies, asthma and minor injuries.

Before the parade, a small group of people were crushed against a barrier near Fulton Street, a key subway hub, pinned between a swelling crowd and a group of police officers shoving the barrier.

Knicks great Walt "Clyde" Frazier -- a member of the 1970s champion teams -- led the parade in a stylish convertible and wearing his NBA title rings. "This has exceeded any expectations I ever thought that we'd have," Frazier said.

The Knicks' parade is the 210th, coming after a ticker-tape bash for the WNBA's New York Liberty in 2024.