NEW YORK KNICKS DRAW BIGGER CROWDS THAN WORLD CUP MATCH

A World Cup match between Brazil and Morocco drew spectators to John Doe's bar on Manhattan's 28th and 5th Avenue on Saturday evening, but the establishment's primary focus remained on the New York Knicks' NBA Finals contest against the San Antonio Spurs. Vinícius Júnior equalised for Brazil after Ismael Saibari's opener for Morocco, with the bar decorated with competing nations' flags and football memorabilia. As the football match concluded, crowds surged into the venue in anticipation of switching to ABC to watch the NBA Finals, with patrons chanting "Knicks in five!" The basketball match represented the main event for New York City on the night.

The Knicks were attempting to end a 53-year drought in winning the NBA title. The team held a 3-1 series lead over the Spurs after completing a comeback from 29 points down in the previous game. Manhattan was awash with Knicks branding throughout the day, with residents and visitors wearing merchandise featuring player Jalen Brunson and team colours of royal blue and orange. The display of team support extended across all demographics, from hotel staff to tourists and long-time New Yorkers.

New York mayor Zohran Mamdani attended the World Cup match at MetLife Stadium, drawing muted reactions from bar patrons when his appearance was broadcast. The Knicks-Spurs matchup represented a seven-game series format in the NBA Finals.