Josh Hart revealed how the Knicks celebrated their first championship in 53 years while explaining why some details are staying behind closed doors.
The New York Knicks waited more than five decades to win another NBA championship, so it should come as no surprise that their celebrations lasted well beyond the final buzzer.
Josh Hart recently discussed how the team spent time together after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals, offering a glimpse into the private celebrations that followed New York’s first title since 1973.
Hart said the Knicks made the most of their time together after completing a championship run that brought the franchise its third NBA title.
“We were celebrating almost every night and enjoying each other’s company,” Hart said during a recent interview. “You kind of always do that at the end of the year.”
For Hart, the celebrations were not only about winning a championship. They were also about recognizing that an NBA roster rarely stays together exactly as it was during a particular season.
Josh Hart Explains Why Teams Celebrate Together
Hart acknowledged that the Knicks held similar gatherings after the previous season, even though their playoff run ended without a championship.
Those celebrations attracted attention because they happened around the time former coach Tom Thibodeau was fired, creating an impression that players were partying while the organization underwent a major change.
Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) shoots the ball past New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during game five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesHart explained that the timing did not reflect how players felt about the coaching decision.
“Last year we did the same thing in terms of obviously we lost and it kind of came out like, oh, we were partying and then Tibs got fired like the next day or something like that or the day before,” Hart said.
Instead, he described the gatherings as an annual opportunity for teammates to appreciate the relationships they built over the course of a season.
Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New YorkKnicksguardJoshHart(3) shoots over San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) in the first half during game five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images“You always want to go out and celebrate at the end of every year with that team because at the end of the day that team in its entirety is never going to be back together,” Hart said. “You’re not going to have that same locker room. Guys are going to go in, guys are going to go out.”
That perspective carried additional significance after the Knicks finally broke through under coach Mike Brown.
Knicks’ Championship Run Created Lasting Memories
New York defeated San Antonio in five games, with Jalen Brunson scoring 45 points in the championship-clinching victory and earning NBA Finals MVP honors. NBA.com reported that the victory ended the franchise’s 53-year championship drought.
Hart played an important role throughout the postseason, contributing as a rebounder, defender and secondary playmaker alongside Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Jun 13, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New YorkKnicksguardJoshHart(3) shoots over San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) in the first half during game five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesThe championship carried another meaningful connection for Hart, Brunson and Bridges, who previously played together at Villanova.
The former college teammates became the first trio to win both an NCAA championship and an NBA title together.
Hart’s comments reflected the same chemistry that helped define the Knicks during their championship run.
May 1, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Knicks guard JalenBrunson(11) and guardJoshHart(3) celebrate after defeating the Detroit Pistons during game six of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesHowever, he stopped short of revealing everything that happened once the team started celebrating.
“We had a bunch of times where we were able to go out and celebrate as a team and as a whole,” Hart said. “And I’ll leave those details out for another day.”
After ending one of the longest title droughts in professional basketball, the Knicks earned the opportunity to enjoy every moment together.
