Knicks watch party turns ugly as brawls break out, pepper spray is deployed in Manhattan
A party to watch Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Bryant Park in New York City turned into a riot Monday night as fists flew, pepper spray and more than half a dozen arrests.
As the New York Knicks hosted their first NBA Finals game since 1999, the excitement and tension in the city was palpable, and as President Donald Trump attended the game at Madison Square Garden, emotions, and security, were stronger than belief in Manhattan.
After the San Antonio Spurs spoiled the team with a 115-111 win, many unruly Knicks fans took their frustration out on the streets by creating as much chaos as possible.
Fans fight outside a viewing party at Bryant Park during Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026 in New York City. The New York City Police Department and Secret Service have canceled an NBA Finals viewing party near Madison Square Garden. (Photo by Adam Gray/Getty Images) (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
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Large clashes broke out at the official watch party in Bryant Park, with police in riot gear rushing to the scene to try to control the fans. Pepper spray was used amid a tense incident that took place on the streets.
An NYPD officer uses pepper spray as New York Knicks fans clash with NYPD officers outside a party at Bryant Park for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026 in New York City. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
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While many supporters were seen climbing on top of cars and buildings in the area, one man was caught in a video posted by Freedom News, hitting people with a bus sign that was removed from a nearby pole. While the police were arresting people who were sleeping face down on the side of the road, chants of “Knicks in five” broke out at one point.
The NYPD told Fox News that 21 people were arrested at the viewing event – 13 for disorderly conduct and eight officers for assault, possession of a weapon and criminal mischief. 13 who were arrested for misbehavior were released.
New York Knicks fans ride an ice cream truck and scaffold outside a watch party at Bryant Park for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Adam Gray/Getty Images) (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a free party in Bryant Park on Monday morning after original plans for an event outside Madison Square Garden were scrapped due to security restrictions and road closures, with President Trump attending the game.
The expectation is that the official watch party for Wednesday’s Game 4 in New York City will be held outside Madison Square Garden. Whether the Knicks take a 3-1 series lead or the visiting Spurs tie the series at 2-2, it’s safe to assume that some of the mayhem will take place on the streets again.
