New Yorkers celebrate a thrilling possibility: The Knicks could soon be champions

New York City is pulsing with more energy than usual as the Knicks prepare to face the Spurs in crucial game five of the NBA Finals tonight. Hours ahead of the game - taking place in San Antonio at the Spurs' home court - sports bars were already packed with fans excitedly chattering, mingling, and drinking mostly beer. If the Knicks win this game in the best-of-seven series, they will clinch the championship for the first time in more than 50 years. That possibility has taken over the city's psyche. A river of blue and orange - the Knicks colours - courses through sidewalks and subway platforms. A historic church dons a "Go Knicks!" banner, while bars' clapboard signs advertise the game. There's a fizzy anticipation in the air like a champagne bottle about to pop its cork. "I grew up watching the Knicks. They were so bad for so long," said Jake Minicucci while sitting with his friends on the patio of a Manhattan sports bar "This might be the first time I cry in a very long time, tonight." "This city is electric," he added. "I've never gotten so many head nods, everybody knowing we are in it for the Knicks together." Inside the bar, nearly every person was wearing Knicks gear - jer