The Knicks have landed in New York! Brunson steps off the plane holding the championship trophy, and citywide celebrations will last for a week.

On June 15 Beijing time, the Knicks, who had just clinched the NBA championship in San Antonio, landed at Westchester County Airport. When the team’s flight entered New York airspace, local air traffic controllers offered their congratulations via the control frequency.

After about four hours in the air, the Knicks returned to New York to a hero’s welcome, with the airport arranging a traditional water salute for the flight. Brunson held the championship trophy, and as the players disembarked, they were greeted warmly by fans, local police officers, and airport staff. Some players signed autographs for supporters before leaving. The entire city of New York will hold week-long victory celebrations, culminating in a ticker-tape parade through the Canyon of Heroes on Friday.

In a recently released air traffic control recording, the controller who guided the flight’s departure from San Antonio said, “If convenient, please send my congratulations to the players and tell them to enjoy this moment.”

The pilot replied: “They’re making a lot of noise in the cabin—you can probably hear it from here. Everyone’s having a great time, and we’ll pass along your wishes. The whole plane is shaking; it’s like a party.” Cheers and laughter from the players can be heard in the background.

The controller also joked that he wanted to send his blessings before the players fell asleep, but the newly crowned champions were fully absorbed in their joy and showed no signs of drowsiness.

Hours later, as the flight approached Westchester County Airport, the controller arranged a special route to let the plane circle over New York and enjoy the city skyline, flying over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and along the Hudson River.

At that point, another controller relayed congratulations from all New York air traffic personnel: “Please tell the players that everyone at New York TRACON, LaGuardia Tower, Kennedy Tower, Newark Tower, and Westchester Tower—we’ve only slept three or four hours, but we’re overjoyed. Congratulations to them!”

The pilot responded: “They only quieted down about half an hour ago; before that, the cabin was full of energy.”

The controller added: “We’re all excited here too—already on our second box of coffee this morning. Go New York!”

New Yorkers are celebrating the team’s victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the finals. Several conflicts occurred during the festivities, resulting in 63 arrests, but the city is still immersed in a sea of orange and blue joy. Some residents plan to name newborns after players, and bus drivers have stopped to dance with fans. The team’s championship parade is scheduled for Friday Beijing time in Manhattan.