image003(1)The New York Knickerbockers have announced Austin Branda, of Manhattan, as this month’s Sweetwater Clifton “City Spirit” Award winner for his heroic acts during last week’s tragic East Village explosion.

The award, named in honor of Basketball Hall-of-Famer Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, the first African-American to play for the Knicks, recognizes individuals who have made a significant difference in the lives of others.

Each month a winner is chosen by members of the Knicks front office staff and honored at center court during a Knicks game with a $2,000 donation in his or her name made out to a charity of their choice.

Austin, a musician who lives in the East Village, witnessed a woman struggling with the Second Avenue building’s fire escape ladder. While other neighbors instructed the woman from afar, Austin immediately climbed up the ladder and aided her down to safety before the building erupted and collapsed.

Tonight, when the Knicks host the Philadelphia 76ers, Austin will accept the Sweetwater Clifton City Spirit Award, presented by Knicks Legend John Starks, at center court of Madison Square Garden.

The award money will go to “Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City.”

To nominate your hero, or to read more about this month’s winners and other past winners, please visit nyknicks.com.