Even if you never watch basketball.
And even if you've never heard of Jalen Brunson.
And even if spectator sports is not your thing.
It doesn't matter.
It feels like every single person in NYC is caught up in the thrilling win of last night's game. Another come-from-behind victory to clinch the series against the San Antonio Spurs, and become the NBA Champions, for the first time since 1973.
I have lived in this city for over 40 years.
I have watched the city unite after the horrific events of 9/11.
I have seen the city act in solidarity at 7pm every night during the early days of Covid, cheering out their windows to thank essential workers.
But this is the first time I have ever seen the city come together for a joyous reason.
I do not follow basketball.
I don't know the game beyond the very basics.
And before the playoffs, I couldn't name the coach or one player on the Knicks team
But the buildup to last night has been contagious.
People wearing Knicks shirts everywhere. Local news talking about the possibility of a win for weeks. The topic of basketball coming up in conversations where it never has before.
I even teared up after their win. It was hard not to. Watching Jalen Brunson hug his dad. Or Bruce Beck, a local sportscaster, getting emotional recalling the many games he watched the game with his dad. Or seeing big, muscular men release all their pent up emotions.
Oh and finally, it was nice to see a smile on the faces of Mike Brown and Jalen Brunson.
The absolute joy spreading through the city is electric. Seas of blue and orange everywhere.
And the unity, for such a happy reason this time, is just plain incredible.
Yes! Once again, you’ve captured a unique NYC moment perfectly. I wasn’t watching the game (I’m a futbol fan) but at some point heard the cheering and joy explode on the streets last night. My neighborhood has been Knicks jerseys for weeks. The joy and unity has been wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI hate to admit it but I was there the last time the Knicks were the NBA champions ( Ok I was very young!) but it is nothing like this time. The grit, the never say die, the team supporting each other, New Yorkers looking for some reason to unite and be happy...it all came together. it was as they say, a " beautiful thing!"
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhat did they accomplish? They brought people together in joy, brought smiles to old and young, rich and poor, and let people celebrate a moment of victory and happiness in a wold that currently has little to celebrate. I doubt the ability to recite onomatopoeic words would come even close to what this team did for humanity last night.
DeleteLyn-who is this guy Dave? His comments are moronic, racist, and offensive.
DeleteGood for the Knicks, although I do wish that it was the Celtics.
Deletelyn - i’ve been wondering what it’s like in NYC this past week - culminating in last night! i’m so happy for NY! enjoy the electricity! 💙🏆🧡
ReplyDeletelyn - past comment was me - lv-b. that Dave dude has a sad, lonely life. creepy that he knows you tho.
ReplyDeleteGail
ReplyDeleteI was in Penn Station!! such amazing positive energy!! ✅✅✅