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Indian American voices join the celebration as Knicks end 53-year title drought
The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to clinch the championship and end a 53-year wait for the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
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Bhavana P - Sun, 14, Jun 2026
- 16:31 EDT
- 71
(Top, L-R) Nikki Hakey (X) and Jennifer Rajkumar (X), (Bottom, L-R) Zarna Garg (Facebook), and Indra Nooyi / LinkedIn
The New York Knicks' historic 2026 NBA championship victory has sparked celebrations across New York and beyond, with several prominent Indian Americans joining millions of fans in applauding the franchise's first title since 1973.
Among those celebrating was Indra Nooyi, the former PepsiCo chief executive. In a LinkedIn post, Nooyi praised the team's performance and resilience, highlighting the significance of the championship for a city that has waited generations to see the Knicks return to the top.
“OUR NY KNICKS. Congratulations on winning the Championship. Congratulations to the incredible Jalen Brunson who fearlessly vanquished the opposition, especially in the second half. Congrats to the entire team for great teamwork, delivering when needed and doing so in a systematic, calm, deliberate way. I loved watching history being made,” Nooyi wrote.
Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Indian American woman elected to the New York State Legislature, also joined the celebrations. Sharing her excitement on social media, Rajkumar hailed the Knicks' achievement as a proud moment for New York. “We are the champions!! Built on resilience, heart, and New York grit. Tonight, New York celebrates what happens when heart never gives up,” she wrote on X.
Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley added a personal note to the celebrations, sharing that her son, Nalin Haley, has been a lifelong Knicks fan. In an X post, she said hearing him say, "I have waited my whole life for this" and later, "I am so happy," made the championship especially meaningful, congratulating him and other Knicks supporters who had waited decades for the franchise's return to the top.
Indian American comedian Zarna Garg joined the outpouring of support, sharing her excitement over the Knicks' title-winning season on Instagram as fans across the city celebrated the historic triumph. “No one comes to New York because it’s easy. People come here to win. Thank you NY Knicks. Thank you for reminding me why I came to this city as a bright-eyed immigrant with ridiculous ambition.”
The championship has resonated far beyond basketball circles, drawing reactions from business leaders, elected officials, celebrities and lifelong fans alike as New York celebrates its first NBA title in more than half a century.
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