The New York Knicks’ first NBA Finals championship in 53 years lit excitement around the city. Bronx River High School is no exception: Students and staff are abuzz about what the win on June 13 means for the city.
Austin Zhu, a senior who has been watching basketball games since the fourth grade is a passionate fan. “These ups and downs over the years really fueled the emotions of being a Knicks fan, and Jalen Brunson is the king of New York, no doubt,” he said.
“His underdog story of being someone who was overlooked and a small guard really motivates me to be better at the game.”
Austin spent both grad-night and prom watching the recent games, “At prom when the night was coming to an end, everyone was watching the Knicks game while waiting for their ride,” he said.
“When that buzzer hit zero and everyone ran onto the court, I was almost on the verge of crying,” he said. “I rarely tear up when watching things.”
Sanjay Persuad, a sophomore, said he felt elevated after the win. “I love NYC and it finally feels like the city is united. I can’t wait to see the parade; it’s gonna be so hype,” he said.
Kaneisha Joseph, a reading teacher, said she’s so happy to see the win after 53 years of a drought. “It brought the city together; even if you’re not a fan, you can see the unity.”
“What I love about the last game is the fact they managed to turn it all around,” she said. “When in doubt, you have to prove people wrong, and that’s exactly what they did.”
Abraham Zuniga, an algebra teacher, said the game made him remember the last time the Knicks lost a finals game nearly 30 years ago. “I was in 10th grade when I saw the Knicks lose. I was so mad I left my apartment crying, punching the air and cursing the Knicks out.”
“When I watched the game last night, it felt like redemption from all those years ago,” he said, referring to Game 5 when the Knicks clinched the championship. “I cried a little bit, but this time out of joy.”
However, some students don’t share the same excitement. Jemaliz Lopez, a freshman, said she feels like the game caused too much chaos, “The damage they caused in Times Square was harsh and not worth the win.”
With more than 60 arrests, one shooting and several stabbings, the city fell into mayhem after the win. “They could’ve celebrated in better ways without harming the environment,” she said.
