A New York Knicks fan watch party at Bryant Park in New York City saw 21 people arrested after fights broke out and some fans confronted police officers.
Thousands gathered to watch Monday night’s Game 3 of the NBA Finals, which saw the San Antonio Spurs win 115-111 to cut the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1. According to ABC7 News, fans left Bryant Park at the conclusion of the game and into neighboring streets. That led to several fights, fans jumping on top of cars, objects being thrown at windshields, as well as beer bottles tossed at police.
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An NYPD spokesperson told Gothamist that eight people were charged with offenses ranging from assaulting a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, menacing and resisting arrest. Criminal summonses were given to 13 others for disorderly conduct.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 8: New York Knicks fans try to pull down a street sign outside of a watch party at Bryant Park for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026 in New York City. The New York City Police Department and Secret Service cancelled an NBA Finals watch party near Madison Square Garden, with fans advised to arrive at least two hours before Monday’s game due to heightened security for U.S. President Donald Trump’s attendance. (Photo by Adam Gray/Getty Images)
(Adam Gray via Getty Images)
“There are ways to manage crowds that limit risks and remove bad actors and also allow fans to have fun,” said City Council member Justin E. Sanchez in a statement. “We’ve got more games ahead of us and hopefully a lot more to celebrate too. Just like the Knicks, we need to debrief, reassess and plan how we can do better for the next game.”
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Due to President Donald Trump’s attendance at Game 3, security restrictions were placed around the perimeter of Madison Square Garden. The watch party outside of the arena that had been held during during 2026 NBA playoffs was canceled and there was limited access around the surrounding blocks.
That security perimeter is expected to be in place again for Wednesday night’s Game 4, with major streets closed off around MSG. The watch party outside of the arena is expected to return inside that blocked off area.
