Jennifer Lopez is soaking in the New York Knicks’ championship glory and making it clear that her hometown pride remains stronger than ever.
The singer and actress took to social media Saturday, June 13, to celebrate the Knicks’ long-awaited NBA Finals victory after the team captured its first championship in more than five decades.
Lopez Marks the Knicks’ Long-Awaited Championship
Sharing a video of herself watching the final moments of Game 5, Lopez cheered on the Knicks as they secured a 94-90 win over the San Antonio Spurs and claimed the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy for the first time in 53 years.
“Congratulations to the New York Knickerbockers, NBA Champions!!!!!” Lopez wrote alongside the clip.
The Bronx-born superstar reflected on her memories of watching some of the franchise’s most beloved players during an earlier era of Knicks basketball.
“I remember the last time the Knicks were making a run for the championship and rushing home every game day from the set to watch Ewing, Starks and Oakley make a hell of a run,” Lopez wrote.
A Message to New York City
Lopez went on to praise the team for bringing New Yorkers together and reigniting hope throughout the city.
“We have all been waiting patiently for this day for years. Thank you for uniting our city again…for uniting the world. You restored faith, hope and belief in that there’s nothing we can’t do!! Hard work, goodness and teamwork pays off. You set the city on fire!!”
The emotional message resonated with longtime Knicks fans who have waited decades to see the franchise return to the top of the NBA.
‘Proud to Be From the Block’
The “On the Floor” singer ended her celebratory post with a nod to both her iconic hit and her roots.
“Proud to be from the block!! You already know. Knicks forever. CONGRATULATIONS!! Love, Jenny.”
Lopez has long embraced her New York upbringing, frequently referencing her Bronx roots throughout her music and career. Her 2002 hit “Jenny From the Block” became synonymous with her image as a hometown girl who never forgot where she came from despite her global success.
Her Comments Come After a Viral New Yorker Debate
Lopez’s passionate support for the Knicks arrives just days after she sparked online debate over who deserves to call themselves a New Yorker.
During an appearance on TikTok’s popular “Subway Takes” series on June 4, Lopez argued that being a true New Yorker requires being born in the city.
“You have to be born in New York to be a New Yorker,” she said. “Yes, I know everybody wants to claim the city. Everybody wants to claim our city, but you have to be born in New York. You have to be born in one of the five boroughs to be a New Yorker.”
J.Lo Stands Firm on Her Opinion
“Subway Takes” host Kareem Rahma challenged her position, noting that many people believe living in New York for a decade earns someone the right to claim the title.
“When I moved here in 2012, everyone was like, ‘In 10 years, you can call yourself a New Yorker,’” Rahma replied. “Then, I stayed 10 years. … The New Yorkers used to have this as a rule.”
Lopez wasn’t convinced.
© GC Images“That’s a rule? I didn’t get the memo,” she responded. “I did not sign the petition. … You live in New York, you take on characteristics of New Yorkers, probably, by [50 years here], you have a New York sensibility, you pay New York taxes, [but] when you’re born in New York, that’s when you’re a New Yorker.”
She ultimately made it clear that she wasn’t backing down from her stance.
“I said what I said, and I meant it.”
Whether fans agree with her definition of a New Yorker or not, one thing is certain: Lopez was proudly celebrating her hometown team’s championship moment.
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