If there is something that never stops in the Big Apple, it is sports.

This past week, the city that never sleeps has lulled in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. With nearly every subway line down and shortages of basic supplies from water to trash bags, southern Manhattan resembled a ghost town.

The natural disaster evoked every emotion of New Yorkers, from extreme compassion — as shown by the many food trucks serving food free of charge — to utmost greed — as shown by criminals donning city worker clothes to con helpless citizens.

Despite the turmoil and chaos, New York sports fans proved that they are the most resilient fans in the world.

High hopes ride on the revamped and energized Brooklyn Nets, who recently moved across the Hudson river from New Jersey into the city. Their season opener against the beloved New York Knicks was scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 1, but the game was postponed because of the storm.

The Nets’ played their following game at home on Saturday, despite serious transportation issues. The team provided buses from Manhattan for spectators; some fans were forced to wait three hours for an available bus

because of long li

nes. Some die- hard New Yorkers even walked all the way to Brooklyn, traveling upwards of 100 blocks in grim weather.

The fans provided the Nets with the much-needed rapport that they used to propel themselves to a 107-100 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Witnessing their fans’ dedication gave players mo- tivation and drive to perform at their best.

“I know that these fans want the best for this team,” shooting guard Joe Johnson said in his postgame interview. “All they want from us is to work hard and give them a show.”

In the aftermath of a hurricane, New Yorkers still put aside their troubles to come together over a common interest and cheer their team towards success. Such enthusiasm for sports is unrivaled anywhere else in the world.

Sports are more than mere games in the greatest city in the world; they represent the undying loyalty of the city’s citizens and their abil- ity to form bonds that result in victory.

No matter how many misfortunes befall the Big Apple, the unifying power of sports will not fade.