'We want Wemby!' Knicks fans are chanting, and it's gotten noticed at the Western Conference finals

New York Knicks fans cheer during the second half of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference finals NBA basketball playoffs series against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Tim Phillis)
New York Knicks fans cheer during the second half of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference finals NBA basketball playoffs series against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Tim Phillis)
Fans cheer during the first half of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference finals NBA basketball playoffs series between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Tim Phillis)
Fans cheer during the first half of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference finals NBA basketball playoffs series between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Tim Phillis)
Carbonatix Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Carbonatix

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Even before the New York Knicks won the Eastern Conference title, some of their fans took to the streets of Manhattan with a message.

The chants: “We want Wemby! We want Wemby!”

The Knicks have done their part, getting to the NBA Finals. And now, they'll have to wait until at least Thursday to see which team comes out of the Western Conference — either Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, or the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

Before Game 5 of the Spurs-Thunder series on Tuesday night, San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson was asked if he has heard about the chants from those Knicks fans.

He hasn't — but didn't seem surprised that they're happening.

“I know New York's on fire. They won so that city is obviously enjoying it and they've had a heck of a playoff run,” Johnson said. “But unfortunately, I've been pretty locked-into what we've got going right here in front of us.”

The Knicks have won 11 consecutive games, rallying from a 2-1 deficit to beat Atlanta in Round 1 and then sweeping Philadelphia and Cleveland in the next two rounds.

And in fairness, some Knicks fans were captured on videos that got posted to social media chanting “We want Wemby!” after Game 1 of the East finals against the Cavaliers.

“Tip your cap to New York, for sure,” Johnson said. "They're having a heck of a run."

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba

 

Salem News Channel Today

Sponsored Links

On Air & Up Next

  • Radiosurgery New York
    2:00AM - 3:00AM
     
    Don’t miss Radiosurgery New York with Dr. Gil Lederman on AM 970 The Answer.
     
  • O’Connor & Company
    3:00AM - 6:00AM
     
    Start the morning with the most important news show in America
     
  • The Joe Piscopo Show
    6:00AM - 10:00AM
     
    There is something about Joe that makes you feel at home. Wake up with Joe and   >>
     
  • The Mike Gallagher Show
    10:00AM - 12:00PM
     
    Mike Gallagher is one of the most listened-to radio talk show hosts in America.   >>
     
  • The Alex Marlow Show
    12:00PM - 1:00PM
     
    An Alternative Voice in a Time of Conformity
     

See the Full Program Guide