Things turned ugly outside Madison Square Garden on Monday night, after the New York Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The NYPD took multiple people into custody due to incidents that occurred at game watch parties.
“21 people were taken into custody following the Knicks Game 3 watch party at Bryant Park last night, per the NYPD,” Clutchpoints has learned. “8 people were arrested and charged and 13 were released with criminal court summonses.”
A watch party outside MSG was canceled, due to President Donald Trump's attendance at the game. New York hosted watch parties in other areas instead, like Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan. Many of the arrests were near the Bryant Park watch party.
Incidents included property damage and NYPD officers reported experiencing injuries, per the New York City news website Gothamist. At least one other altercation occurred.
“A Gothamist reporter witnessed hundreds of people chase a social media streamer wearing Spurs gear through Midtown after the game had ended before cornering him near West 36th Street. Members of the crowd tore off his jersey before he escaped into a nearby building,” Gothamist reported.
Law enforcement officials condemned the behavior.
“Last night was another shameful display from individuals who are more interested in brawling with each other, ripping up street signs and hurling objects at cops than supporting their team,” Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said, per Spectrum News. “We know New Yorkers are passionate about these NBA Finals, but police officers shouldn't have to endure a barrage of mayhem after every single game.”
Monday's game was the first time since June 1999 that the Knicks hosted an NBA Finals game at MSG. The Knicks now lead the NBA Finals 2-1, after losing at home on Monday. Game 4 is on Wednesday night at the Garden.
Things turned ugly outside Madison Square Garden on Monday night, after the New York Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The NYPD took multiple people into custody due to incidents that occurred at game watch parties. “21 people were taken into custody following the Knicks Game 3 watch party at Bryant Park last night, per the NYPD,” Clutchpoints has learned.