The New York City Police Department had a busy Wednesday night attempting to control crowds of rowdy and excited New York Knicks fans. Multiple arrests were made outside Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 107-106 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, as reported by CBS News.
Video footage and photos circulating online show enthusiastic fans climbing on vehicles, street signs, and light poles, along with NYPD officers handcuffing several individuals. Crowds even took over streets while brawls broke out. The unruly behavior began as the Knicks and Spurs tipped off Game 4. Normally, an official watch party would be held outside MSG, but a dispute between arena CEO James Dolan and New York City over security measures and the party's size canceled those plans. However, that did not stop fans from cheering on the home team in the area.
At Least Four People Arrested
At least four people were taken into custody on Wednesday night, according to The Straits Times. Police reportedly used stun grenades to try to disperse large crowds that gathered for the game. Events and watch parties took place around midtown Manhattan, a few blocks from MSG, an area sealed off for the game by police, who earlier Wednesday banned public screenings near the arena.
Spurs Fan Attacked
The NYPD is also searching for members of an unruly crowd who beat a Spurs fan and stripped him of his jersey. Authorities said the San Antonio fan was attacked early Tuesday morning following Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Police reported that the man was walking back to his hotel when a group of unidentified individuals approached and surrounded him. The individuals punched and kicked the victim and forcibly removed his basketball jersey. No arrests have been made yet, and police have released surveillance photos of five people wanted on robbery charges related to the incident.
The NYPD was also busy after Game 3 on Monday night, arresting at least 21 people immediately after the game at Bryant Park. Several people allegedly threw bottles at or punched officers, climbed light poles and scaffolding, jumped on top of vehicles, and broke into fights. Five police officers were reportedly among those injured in the aftermath, as reported by The Guardian. The NYPD said eight people were arrested on charges including assaulting police officers, criminal possession of a weapon, menacing, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental administration, while 13 others received criminal court summonses for disorderly conduct.
After trailing by 29 points, the Knicks came back to win by one point in the last 1.2 seconds of Game 4, defeating the Spurs 107-106. The Knicks now hold a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
