The New York Knicks' emphatic 137-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night didn't just send a message on the court—it sparked a street celebration that swept up former Knicks guard JR Smith. Video captured the 40-year-old being knocked to the ground by the sheer force of ecstatic fans outside Madison Square Garden. Once he regained his footing, Smith could be heard telling the crowd to “relax,” a moment that perfectly encapsulates the raw energy surrounding this Knicks team.
JR Smith's Enduring Bond with New York
Smith, who played for the Knicks from 2011 to 2015, remains a beloved figure in the city. During his tenure, he averaged 15.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, earning the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award in 2013. Though he later won championships with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers, his most productive years were in New York, forging a connection that endures. That bond explains why he chose to join the street celebrations, getting caught up in an atmosphere of excitement not seen around the franchise since the late 1990s.
The incident, captured on social media, quickly went viral. In the clip, Smith is seen surrounded by a sea of blue and orange, fans chanting and jumping as he tries to navigate the crowd. The moment he falls, the energy only intensifies, a testament to the hunger for glory that has been building for decades.
A Team on a Mission
The fan frenzy is backed by a string of dominant performances. After eliminating the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of the first round with a 140-89 blowout, the Knicks carried that momentum into Monday's game, handing the Sixers a nearly 40-point defeat. This level of execution on both ends of the floor suggests the team is not only looking to repeat last year's Eastern Conference Finals appearance but is also capable of ending a title drought that dates back to 1973.
For a fanbase that has not seen the NBA Finals since 1999, every victory in the second round is treated as a historic milestone. The incident with Smith is a clear symptom of the hunger for glory surrounding Madison Square Garden, where a blend of nostalgia and current dominance has created an electric environment. If the team maintains this imposing rhythm, celebrations outside the arena are likely to continue growing in intensity, reaffirming that New York is once again the epicenter of the basketball world.
As the Knicks prepare for Game 2, the city's Latino basketball fans—many of whom have roots in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and across the Americas—are feeling a renewed sense of pride. The team's resurgence mirrors the cultural vibrancy of neighborhoods like Washington Heights and the Bronx, where basketball is more than a sport; it's a community rallying point. For more on the broader playoff landscape, check out our coverage of the NBA Second Round 2026: Knicks-76ers Brawl, Lakers vs Thunder Uphill Climb.
Meanwhile, the energy in the city is palpable. From bodegas to barbershops, conversations are dominated by the Knicks' playoff run. The team's blend of gritty defense and explosive offense has captured the imagination of a generation that grew up hearing stories of the 1990s battles. For many Latino fans, this run feels personal—a shared experience that transcends the court. As one fan outside MSG put it, “This is our time.”
The Knicks' success also highlights the diverse fabric of New York's basketball culture. Players like Jalen Brunson, whose father was a former Knick, and Josh Hart, known for his tenacity, have become household names in Spanish-language broadcasts. The team's appeal cuts across borders, with fans tuning in from San Juan to Santo Domingo. For a deeper look at how sports intersect with identity, read our piece on Cinco de Mayo: The Real Story Behind the Celebration in the U.S.
As the playoffs continue, one thing is clear: the Knicks have rekindled a flame that had dimmed for too long. And if JR Smith's accidental tumble is any indication, the celebrations are only just beginning.
