Dave Portnoy is putting New York City on notice ahead of Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
New Yorkers have faced criticism for their behavior during this postseason run. After a Game 3 loss to San Antonio, several Knicks were seen jumping and beating up fans in Spurs attire. Both celebrity Knicks fans and the Mayor of New York City have taken to social media to put those fans on blast.
"Being a Knick fan doesn't mean being disrespectful to Spurs fans in any way…we get caught up during the games but we gotta show respect to our fellow humans…" Ben Stiller, who has been courtside for most games, said on X.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani added: "Couldn't agree more. We'll win this series on the court (even if the refs refuse to call a flagrant on Wemby), not by targeting, harassing, or attacking Spurs fans. Knicks in 5."
The City of New York is now searching for fans who beat up Spurs fans - and they could be charged with serious crimes.
"The NYPD released pictures of six separate people wanted in connection with the violent robbery. Though none of the wanted individuals appeared to be pictured in Knicks merch, many fans clad in blue and orange were seen in the massive crowd closing in on the Spurs fan. Some New Yorkers and Knicks faithful blasted the hooligans for the violence in subsequent videos shared online," the New York Post reported.
Portnoy calls out New Yorkers before Game 4
Portnoy, who is from Boston but lived in New York while running Barstool Sports, is calling out New Yorkers online.
"We need all of New York to be better tonight. Let's prove to the world that not all Knicks fans are dirtbags. Let's cut out the riots and muggings and general mayhem. Let's prove all the haters who say NYC is a toilet bowl unworthy of the big stage wrong," he wrote on X.
Time will tell, of course.
Game 4 is set for 8:30 p.m. E.T. on ABC.
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