The New York Post’s front-page tribute to the Knicks, celebrating their triumphant victory, quickly became a prized collectible. Enthusiastic fans snapped up every available copy from delis and newsstands throughout the city.
“This is a memento, a piece of history. I might just frame it — the first championship in 53 years,” shared Kristopher Kennedy, a 25-year-old middle-school educator, at a Hudson News outlet on Sunday. His voice was raspy after a night of jubilant festivities in Midtown.
The Knicks secured victory against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, capturing their fourth win in the seven-game showdown to claim the championship title.
New Yorkers, well aware of the moment’s cultural and historical weight, rose early on Sunday to grab print editions of their beloved paper. The cover immortalized the momentous occasion with a striking image of the players lifting their trophy, crowned by the bold headline: “CHAMPS!”
By 8:45 a.m., Grand Central’s Hudson News had already sold out of The Post, although copies of The New York Times were still available.
The New York Times’ cover prominently featured articles about President Trump’s name being removed from the Kennedy Center, artificial intelligence and the World Cup bookended by developments in the Iran and Ukraine wars.
There was not a single mention of the Knicks’ victory.
Andy Yu, a 32-year-old banker, trekked to Hudson News at his friends’ recommendation.
“I wanted to have it to commemorate the victory last night,” Yu said.
“I’m a city kid through and through, and to see them win is something historic and memorable,” he added.
People were lining up outside of Casa Magazines in the West Village in Manhattan before the store even opened.
“It’s crazy. My phone battery died from answering if we have it,” store manager Ali Wasim said.
The drought stretched all the way to Queens.
A cashier at a Walgreens on 8011 Elliot Avenue said that they usually sell five or six copies of The Post daily but ran out Sunday.
Another store on 80th Street and Elliot Avenue said they were fresh out of their 75 copies by 9 a.m. — just two hours after opening.
One frustrated resident popped into the store in their fifth attempt to nab a newspaper.
“I want it because I’m a fan of the Knicks,” he told The Post.
A deli at 64-66 Dry Harbor Ave. receives 10 copies daily — all of which were purchased by a lone local just 20 minutes after opening Sunday.
“Everyone wanted to buy today. They went crazy,” the cashier told The Post.
Scalpers were already selling The Post’s cover for as much as $100 on eBay. It sells for $2 a pop at newsstands and delis.