Knicks fans celebrate historic NBA title as victory parties turn chaotic

The New York Knicks returned home Sunday to a hero's welcome after capturing their first NBA championship in more than 50 years.

(CNN)- The New York Knicks returned home Sunday to a hero’s welcome after capturing their first NBA championship in more than 50 years.

Fans packed airports, streets and public gathering spaces across New York City as the team arrived following its championship-clinching victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.

Celebrations erupted throughout the city at the moment the Knicks secured the title, with crowds gathering from Brooklyn to Central Park, Times Square and outside Madison Square Garden.

“We didn’t sweep, but we cleaned up really quick,” one fan said.

Another described the atmosphere as a rare moment of unity for the city.

“There’s a joy here in this city and there’s a unity in this city that we haven’t seen maybe since 9/11,” the fan said.

As celebrations continued into the night, thousands of fans flooded city streets, filling intersections, climbing light poles and gathering on top of buses.

However, the festivities later turned chaotic.

Authorities said five school buses were set on fire in Times Square, while five police vehicles were damaged along Sixth Avenue.

After a trash fire was ignited in the street, mounted police officers wearing protective gear for their horses formed lines to push crowds out of roadways. Additional crowd-control units were deployed to help disperse large gatherings.

The New York Police Department said dozens of people were arrested in connection with postgame incidents.

Charges included assault on a police officer, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Police said 10 officers suffered injuries during the celebrations.

Despite the unrest, many fans continued celebrating what is being hailed as one of the biggest moments in franchise history.