The New York Knicks won a historic NBA title this season, but fans are raging outside Madison Square Garden. A controversy has taken over the Knicks, as their championship parade had a significant mix-up.
The Knicks retired the No. 33 jersey in 2003, honoring Patrick Ewing, who played for the team for 15 seasons. He took the franchise to the NBA Finals twice, in 1994 and 1999, but couldn’t bring a title home. However, when the team finally won a title this season, Thursday’s championship parade had a major goof.
A No. 33 jersey with Dillon Jones’ name was hung at City Hall. He played with that same number in the last preseason. New York Basketball shared the image on X with the caption:
“He wore 33 last summer/preseason for Wizards
But was cut before opening night
Oh and 33 IS RETIRED
IT’S PATRICK EWING’S”
Fans and popular sports personalities took the comments section by storm, expressing their thoughts on the blunder. Barstool Sports owner Dave Portnoy wrote on X:
“Don’t ever accuse Knicks fans of being band wagon fans! I mean just look at city hall hanging up #33 for Dillon Jones”
Another Knicks fan tagged Mayor Zohran Mamdani and complained about the mix-up:
“This is inexcusable
@NYCMayor
Pls fix asap”
One more fan tagged the Mayor and reported the incident:
“What are we doing? @NYCMayor”
The Knicks won a title after 53 years, and fans have let the whole country know that. Several incidents of vandalism and rowdiness have been reported across the city. Meanwhile, Ewing himself was present to celebrate the title with the team.
Patrick Ewing shows up for the Knicks’ championship parade
Even though the franchise made a mix-up with Patrick Ewing’s retired No. 33 jersey, the Knicks legend was at City Hall to celebrate the title win with the team. “Get Up!” shared a clip of his arrival on Instagram and wrote:
“The Knicks legend is here to celebrate 🙌”
Although the Knicks are rejoicing in their victory this season, other teams have already begun preparing for the next season, looking for options in the draft.
READ MORE: NBA Draft: 3 Lottery Candidates Warriors Monitoring as Strategic Slide Options
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in the NBA, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
