Actress Mariska Hargitay celebrated with the New York Knicks during a championship parade through Lower Manhattan on Thursday [1, 2].
The event marks a historic milestone for the franchise and the city, ending a championship drought that spanned more than five decades.
Hargitay joined the festivities in the "Canyon of Heroes" ticker-tape parade route, where thousands of fans gathered to cheer the team [1, 2]. The actress appeared on the parade float of star player Jalen Brunson, wearing Knicks-themed apparel alongside the athlete [1, 3]. She was accompanied by her son during the celebration [3].
The celebration follows the Knicks' victory in the 2026 NBA Finals, where the team defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games [1]. This victory represents the first NBA championship for the New York Knicks in 53 years [1].
The team had not secured a title since 1973 [2]. The parade served as the official public coronation for a roster that overcame years of postseason struggles to reach the summit of professional basketball.
Other celebrities, including Timothée Chalamet, were also spotted among the crowds and participants in the Manhattan celebration [2]. The event transformed the streets of Lower Manhattan into a sea of orange and blue as the city recognized the team's achievement [1, 2].
“The event marks a historic milestone for the franchise and the city.”
The return of an NBA championship to New York City after 53 years signifies a massive cultural shift for the city's sports landscape. By winning the 2026 title in five games, the Knicks have transitioned from a perennial underdog to a dominant force, generating significant economic and social momentum in the metropolitan area.
