There's a reason why people around the country want to adopt New York City's mayor.
During the New York Knicks' historic NBA Finals run, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has been vocal about his lifelong love of the team, and that this is a time for New Yorkers to celebrate the blue and orange.
And while ticket prices for the NBA Finals games have skyrocketed, the mayor has provided watch parties around the city for fans to enjoy the Knicks excitement and just feel some good old-fashioned hope for a change.
Mamdani shared at a news conference on Monday ahead of the Game 3 matchup between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs that he'd be in attendance. "I bought my ticket for nearly $1,000 from Madison Square Garden," he said. "I will be going to tonight's Game 3; I will be standing for the duration of the game."
A man in a suit speaks at an outdoor podium, gesturing with one hand, with trees and a metal fence in the background
A man in a suit speaks at an outdoor podium, gesturing with one hand, with trees and a metal fence in the background
Anadolu / Getty Images
He also joked that he would not be in a coveted section like President Trump. “I will be in a very different section,” he said in a news conference.
A smiling man in a dark suit and tie stands indoors, looking to the left
Bloomberg / Getty Images
While Trump was loudly booed (and then subsequently fell asleep) during Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, Mayor Mamdani delivered on his promise and felt the love in a very different section of the arena.
A man in a suit sits with a focused expression, surrounded by others, in a dimly lit setting
Al Bello / Getty Images
During the game, the mayor's office tweeted a photo of Mamdani watching the home team from his standing-room-only spot at MSG:
"Mayor Zohran Mamdani is watching the Knicks game with state lawmakers from a perch that appears to be high above the court. (Photo from the mayor’s office.)"
Group of people smiling at a basketball game, seen from a high vantage point; one wears a Knicks hat
Group of people smiling at a basketball game, seen from a high vantage point; one wears a Knicks hat
@emmagf / Via x.com
Aside from last night's game (the Knicks lost to the Spurs in a very close battle), people have been loving Mamdani's big Knicks energy throughout the series:
"Other states watching as New York turns up"
Squidward looks out the window at SpongeBob and Patrick, who appear excited. Tweet by Smooth Melanin says, "Other states watching as New York turns up."
Squidward looks out the window at SpongeBob and Patrick, who appear excited. Tweet by Smooth Melanin says, "Other states watching as New York turns up."
@smoothmelanin / Via x.com
Tweet by Mike (@nerdmasternyc) from June 8, saying "THAT'S MY MAYOR" with a profile image of an avatar
Tweet by Mike (@nerdmasternyc) from June 8, saying "THAT'S MY MAYOR" with a profile image of an avatar
@nerdmasternyc / Via x.com
A tweet by Mason saying: "Real leaders step up when faux leaders make tonight about themselves. Thank you, Mayor."
@masonisonx / Via x.com
Tweet by @cys_simon expressing admiration for Mamdani's creativity, criticizing "big orange turd," and supporting the Knicks
Tweet by @cys_simon expressing admiration for Mamdani's creativity, criticizing "big orange turd," and supporting the Knicks
@cys_simon / Via x.com
"Thank you for being the Anti-Trump here, concerned about New Yorkers and their exciting, joyful moment instead of your own ego and getting attention!"
Tweet from user expressing gratitude for focus on New Yorkers' joyful moment over personal attention-seeking and ego
Tweet from user expressing gratitude for focus on New Yorkers' joyful moment over personal attention-seeking and ego
@julest10003 / Via x.com