Parade about to start as players are arriving

There is a 50% chance of rain during the Knicks parade, but thousands of fans hope the forecast holds until Thursday afternoon. Scattered showers are possible throughout the day, according to the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms are also possible after 2 p.m., with wind gusts topping 30 mph.

Knicks owner James Dolan and Knicks players including Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson are starting to arrive for the parade. Towns carried the Larry O'Brien championship trophy and greeted fans, taking pictures with them at Battery Park.

Other VIP celebrities including Spike Lee arrived for the ceremony at City Hall. A piano was also wheeled onstage for Alicia Keys' expected performance of "Empire State of Mind."

Knicks small forward Mikal Bridges arrived wearing his team jersey and his dog Sunny, while he carried a video camera. The team was joined by Knicks legends including Walt "Clyde" Frazier, Patrick Ewing and Carmelo Anthony, followed by Knicks forward OG Anunoby and coach Mike Brown. The start of the parade was slightly delayed as the players made their way to the Battery Park parade floats.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.