The Post’s front page hailing hometown hoops heroes the Knicks became an instant classic overnight — with fans buying out every copy in delis and newsstands across New York City.
“It’s a keepsake, an archive. Something I might frame, first title in 53 years,” said Kristopher Kennedy, a 25-year-old middle-school teacher, at a Hudson News stand Sunday, his voice hoarse from a long night of celebrating in Midtown.
The Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, winning their fourth game in the best-of-seven series to clinch the top title.
The legions of New Yorkers who recognized the cultural and historical significance of the win woke up bright and early Sunday and bought out print copies of their favorite paper, which immortalized the historic win with a stunning photo of the players holding up their trophy under a single word that said it all: “CHAMPS!”
Grand Central’s Hudson News was sold out of The Post by 8:45 a.m. but still had plenty of copies of The New York Times.
The New York Times’ cover prominently featured articles about President Trump’s name being removed from the Kennedy Center, artificial intelligence and the World Cup bookended by developments in the Iran and Ukraine wars.
There was not a single mention of the Knicks’ victory.
Andy Yu, a 32-year-old banker, trekked to Hudson News at his friends’ recommendation.
“I wanted to have it to commemorate the victory last night,” Yu said.
“I’m a city kid through and through, and to see them win is something historic and memorable,” he added.
People were lining up outside of Casa Magazines in the West Village in Manhattan before the store even opened.
“It’s crazy. My phone battery died from answering if we have it,” store manager Ali Wasim said.
The drought stretched all the way to Queens.
A cashier at a Walgreens on 8011 Elliot Avenue said that they usually sell five or six copies of The Post daily but ran out Sunday.
Another store on 80th Street and Elliot Avenue said they were fresh out of their 75 copies by 9 a.m. — just two hours after opening.
One frustrated resident popped into the store in their fifth attempt to nab a newspaper.
“I want it because I’m a fan of the Knicks,” he told The Post.
A deli at 64-66 Dry Harbor Ave. receives 10 copies daily — all of which were purchased by a lone local just 20 minutes after opening Sunday.
“Everyone wanted to buy today. They went crazy,” the cashier told The Post.
Scalpers were already selling The Post’s cover for as much as $100 on eBay. It sells for $2 a pop at newsstands and delis.