New York: The New York Knicks made the NBA finals for the first time since 1999, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is encouraging kids to stay up late to cheer on their team.
Mamdani has signed an executive order saying kids could stay up late to watch the Knicks play in the finals. “Today, I signed an executive order temporarily repealing bedtimes in the City of New York so that kids of all ages can watch our team in the NBA finals,” Mamdani posted on X.
The last time the Knicks won the NBA championship was in 1973.
This is most likely a mock order, meaning it’s not a real law that can be enforced. According to the official game schedule, Games 2 and 7 are on Friday nights, and Game 5 is on a Saturday, so many kids will have a chance to sleep in the next morning.
The New York mayor’s message does seem to be good old-fashioned fun. “As mayor, you’re forced to make many difficult decisions,” he said on X. “This was not one of them. Go Knicks.”
The order, which takes effect “immediately,” was signed in New York City Hall by the mayor. Kids also signed the document, some by hand. Others stamped the order with their handprints.
Mamdani is enjoying a good run as a sports fan. His beloved Arsenal won the Premier League last week, he celebrated the Knicks’ sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals, and he announced a $50 World Cup ticket lottery for New York City residents in May.
