The NBA Playoffs are one step closer to crowning a champion. The New York Knicks stormed into Cleveland and completed an emphatic sweep of the Cavaliers, punching their ticket to the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
Fans, media members, and players all celebrated the Knicks’ incredible accomplishment. The streets of New York erupted into beautiful chaos Monday night. Social media lit up with fans roasting the Cavaliers in support of Knicks faithful.
One of New York City’s most recognizable figures, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, joined the celebration with a subtle but hilarious jab at Cleveland.
MORE: ‘Inside the NBA’ brutally roasts Cavaliers during embarrassing Knicks sweep
Mamdani called on one of the city’s essential services to help clean up the sweep, writing on X, “NYCSanitation I’d like to report a sweep.” The clever shot at the Cavaliers made the moment even sweeter for Knicks fans.
May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Jose Alvarado (5) help the team lift the trophy after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Subtle but sweet
That wasn’t the only activity Mamdani noticed either. After the Knicks dismantled the Cavaliers, he reposted a message from Vivek Ramaswamy. In the original post, Ramaswamy and his wife attended Game 4 to support Cleveland. He confidently declared the Cavaliers would come “all the way back” starting Monday night.
Ramaswamy, who is currently running for Governor of Ohio, unintentionally became part of the online ridicule surrounding Cleveland’s collapse. Moments like these continue to show why sports and social media remain such a powerful combination.
MORE: How to buy New York Knicks NBA Finals & Eastern Conference Champions gear: hats, jerseys, t-shirts
The Cavaliers unraveled quickly against the Knicks and suffered a brutal 130-93 defeat. Cleveland had reached its first Eastern Conference Finals without LeBron James since 1992. This led some to wonder whether the franchise had finally escaped his shadow.
May 25, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA;New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) looks on after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Instead, the Knicks seized the moment and continued their pursuit of the franchise’s first NBA championship since 1973. Mayor Mamdani will likely have a busy schedule as New York prepares to host at least two NBA Finals games. Still, he may find time to attend another postseason matchup during this historic run.
New York City has already taken major steps to keep celebrations under control. The NYPD reportedly shut down a massive watch party outside Madison Square Garden during Game 3. Even so, the city streets overflowed with celebration Monday night after the Knicks completed the sweep.
Now, the Knicks await the outcome of the Western Conference Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder. With the series tied 2-2, New York gains valuable extra time to rest and preparation.