WATCH: Jordan Clarkson unfurls PH flag at Knicks victory parade in NY
Knicks fans, including Filipino Americans, celebrate the team's first title in 53 years
NEW YORK – Filipino American guard Jordan Clarkson unfurled and held up the Philippine flag as fans celebrated the New York Knicks’ first title since 1973 with a huge parade through Manhattan’s Canyon of Heroes.
NEW YORK – Filipino American guard Jordan Clarkson held up the Philippine flag as fans celebrated the New York Knicks’ first title in 53 years with a massive parade through Manhattan’s Canyon of Heroes.
After the Knicks secured their first NBA championship by beating the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals, Clarkson etched his name in basketball history as the first Fil-Am player to win an NBA title.
Knicks fans turn out in force
Throngs of fans, including Filipino Americans, streamed into lower Manhattan on crammed subways. Even several blocks from the parade route, fans stood shoulder to shoulder – sometimes on each other’s shoulders – or climbed traffic lights and sanitation trucks.
Confetti in Knicks blue and orange swirled through the air during the parade. Massive cheers of “Let’s go, Knicks!” and “Knicks in five!” kept erupting.
Clarkson became a focal point for many in the Filipino community, drawing cheers alongside Finals MVP Jalen Brunson as players rode through Lower Manhattan on floats and open buses.“I was amazed seeing that many fans,” Fil-Am fan Ernest Leigh told Inquirer USA. “Filipinos love basketball – it’s part of our culture. And having a player with Filipino roots like Jordan Clarkson makes us even more proud to support the Knicks.”
‘This is crazy bro’
Speaking to ESPN following the championship-clinching victory, the veteran guard admitted that the magnitude of the moment had yet to fully sink in.
“This is crazy bro. Thankful man. Sacrifice baby, one day at a time,” Clarkson said.
Before sharing those thoughts, Clarkson described himself as being “speechless” while reflecting on becoming the first Fil-Am NBA champion.
Crucial role in Knicks run
The 34-year-old guard played a crucial yet understated role during New York’s championship journey. Coming off the bench in the Finals, Clarkson averaged 3.4 points and 1.4 rebounds in 7.7 minutes over five games.
One of his standout performances came in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden. Energizing the crowd, he scored 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting, while also contributing three rebounds, a steal and a block in just 13 minutes of play.
Career milestone
Clarkson’s championship win marks another milestone in a career that has inspired numerous Filipino and Fil-Am basketball players.
Since joining the NBA in 2014, he has risen to become one of the league’s most prominent players of Filipino descent and an essential player for the Philippine national team on the international stage. (With reports from AP, Gavin Martinez and Elton Lugay)
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