Knicksmania transformed NYC for two blissful weeks

Since the Knicks won the Eastern Conference on May 25, New York City transformed into one big fan zone. After enduring decades of heartbreaking defeats, dysfunctional ownership, and bad luck, the city finally had real hope that a championship was on the horizon. The dream came true on June 13, with a 94-90 game-five win over the San Antonio Spurs. To support the team, everyone (and it really did feel like everyone) turned out with their orange and blue. And with each gripping finals win, team spirt grew even stronger and more expressive across the city—massive public watch parties, a booming economy of bootleg merch, and artists painting homages to team on daring locations. Even city agencies and officials got in on the fun. During the championship run, New York was the Knicks. Sanitation trucks have long swept away confetti from today’s ticker tape parade and people are sure to return to their usual routines. Before this moment is scrubbed clean from the city, we rounded up the best Knicksmania takeovers from this generational run. [Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images] New colors for the subway Just steps from the Knicks home at Madison Square Garden, an entrance to the 34th Street – Penn Station subway received the Knicks treatment on June 1. The MTA painted the railings and light posts blue and orange and stenciled a basketball pattern onto the lamps. (One fan even hitched a pair of Timbs to the poles.) It instantly became a viral hotspot for fan photos. To immortalize the win, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the entrance will remain Knicks-ified at least through the next basketball season. And for those who wish to bring the basketball and transit crossover into their homes, the New York Transit Museum is also selling miniature versions of the fan-favorite spot. [Photo: Gary Hershorn/Getty Images] A revived skyline One of the city’s most emblematic features is its distinct skyline—of course had to join in. From the Empire State Bui