The Spurs got the win on the court in Game 3 of the NBA Finals in NYC and Knicks fans were not too happy with the result, with some even lashing out on visiting fans.
The New York Knicks welcomed the San Antonio Spurs to Madison Square Garden for the next two games of the NBA Finals. While both squads battled it out, it was the Spurs who got revenge after dropping their two home games with an 115-111 win.
New York fans were left feeling the frustration of the loss in their first home Finals game in over two decades. However, some took this disappointment to the extreme.
Videos began swirling on social media on Monday following the game's conclusion that showed Knicks fans harassing and even attacking Spurs fans and NYPD officers in the Big Apple.
Again, the emotions were definitely high for the hometown crowd after a thrilling game on the court, combined with added theatrics from a visit by President Donald Trump to MSG, which added understandable security measures and limited the fan experience outside the arena.
Despite these circumstances, it seems plainly obvious that resorting to brawling with opposing fans in the streets of NYC is not the best strategy for Knicks fans to earn favor with the rest of the sports world.
These incidents led to the arrest of over 20 rowdy fans and caused statements from several figures, both inside and outside of the NBA.
Actor Ben Stiller is a vocal Knicks fan and has been a staple of the team's historic return to the biggest stage. He took to X to encourage other diehards to cool down and prevent tarnishing the name of the city and their beloved team.
"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…" wrote Stiller in the wake of the incidents.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani was in attendance for Game 3 and issued a statement via spokesperson in the aftermath of a wild Monday night.
"New Yorkers are understandably passionate about the Knicks, and the overwhelming majority of fans watched the game last night in ways that were both safe and fun. But the fights and other disruptive incidents — including assaults on police officers — in various parts of the city are unacceptable and will not be tolerated," stated Mayor Mamdani.
He spoke on the situation again in a direct response to Stiller's post. "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."
During their media availability on Tuesday, members of the Spurs and Knicks shared their thoughts on the ordeal.
"We can't forget it's a game," said Spurs' Victor Wembanyama. "I am all for passion, but with respect of each other. It's unacceptable."
Karl-Anthony Towns of the Knicks agreed, "The game is built off of respect and passion. We want everyone to respect each other. We want everyone to enjoy basketball in its purest state. It’s the NBA Finals. There’s no better place to watch basketball. Leave the physicality to everyone on the court."
There will be at least one more game at Madison Square Garden, and those in New York are hoping that it will see less chaos spawned from it. The Spurs and Knicks tip off Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m., with San Antonio looking to knot things up at 2-2 heading back home.
