After the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win their first NBA title since 1973, many fans rejoiced. People sang and cheered through the streets of Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs, creating a festive mood.
However, as is often the case with celebrations, things soon changed. A video quickly circulated on social media showing a crime in progress, drawing a response from five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, the father of Spurs guard Dylan Harper.
Ron Harper Chides Knicks Fans Over Acts of Vandalism
Normally, fans celebrate a historic championship win by taking to the streets, cheering, and having fun. Recently, however, some fanbases have taken things to the extreme.
After the Knicks’ hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy, a video surfaced showing fans apparently destroying a school bus.
Harper, who played 15 NBA seasons and won five championships, offered a quick critique.
Stupid fans
— Ron Harper (@HARPER04_5) June 15, 2026
“Stupid fans,” Harper wrote on X.
Beyond vandalism, other troubling incidents occurred during the Finals in New York. For instance, fans threw eggs at Spurs center Victor Wembanyama at the team’s hotel. There was also an incident involving a San Antonio supporter who was stripped of his jersey and assaulted.
After the Game 5 win, authorities arrested 63 people, covering a range of offenses including “assault on a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration,” according to Fox 5 (New York).
The conversation did not end there. Some replied to Harper’s tweet, pointing out that fan violence is not unique to this championship. One user pointed out that similar incidents occurred in Chicago after Harper and the Bulls won the title in 1996.
To add context, after the Bulls defeated the Seattle Supersonics for the NBA title, violence erupted throughout Chicago. According to reports, 650 people were arrested and 38 stores were either looted or broken into during that time.
Harper also had a personal stake in this year’s Finals: his son, Dylan, averaged 14.1 points off the bench in 23 playoff games for San Antonio (and just two starts).
In addition, Harper criticized the NBA for not keeping courtside Knicks fans from crowding his son while he tried to inbound the ball late in Game 4. During the play, Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns appeared to encourage the crowd, leading to a tipped pass that made Stephon Castle’s shot even more difficult and allowed the Knicks to secure the win.
