After the New York Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the NYPD took 21 people into custody following a watch party at Bryant Park. Investigators said eight were arrested and charged, while 13 were released with criminal court sum
Monday night didn’t just end with boos around Madison Square Garden—it spilled onto the sidewalks.
After the New York Knicks lost to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the NYPD took multiple people into custody tied to incidents at watch parties celebrating the game. The number landed at 21, with the custody centered near the Bryant Park watch party in Midtown Manhattan.
“21 people were taken into custody following the Knicks Game 3 watch party at Bryant Park last night, per the NYPD,” the figure reported by Clutchpoints indicates. Of those, eight people were arrested and charged, while 13 were released with criminal court summonses.
The atmosphere had already been tense before tip-off. A watch party outside Madison Square Garden was canceled because of President Donald Trump’s attendance at the game. With the MSG event called off, New York hosted watch parties elsewhere, including Bryant Park in midtown.
Gothamist described the crowd scenes turning violent. The New York City news website reported that incidents included property damage and that NYPD officers reported experiencing injuries. It also said at least one other altercation occurred.
One episode captured by Gothamist involved a chase that began after the game ended. A reporter there said hundreds of people chased a social media streamer wearing Spurs gear through Midtown. before cornering him near West 36th Street. Gothamist reported that members of the crowd tore off his jersey before the streamer escaped into a nearby building.
Law enforcement leaders condemned what happened. Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said. per Spectrum News: “Last night was another shameful display from individuals who are more interested in brawling with each other. ripping up street signs and hurling objects at cops than supporting their team.” Hendry added: “We know New Yorkers are passionate about these NBA Finals. but police officers shouldn’t have to endure a barrage of mayhem after every single game.”.
The Knicks’ Monday loss carried another layer of significance in the sport’s calendar. It was the first time since June 1999 that the Knicks hosted an NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden. Despite the home defeat, New York still holds the series lead 2-1.
Now the focus shifts to Game 4, set for Wednesday night at the Garden—at a time when the city’s postseason energy has to compete not just with the Spurs on the floor, but with the volatility that followed the final buzzer outside it.
NYPD Knicks Spurs NBA Finals Game 3 Bryant Park watch party Madison Square Garden Patrick Hendry Police Benevolent Association arrests court summonses
21 detained is crazy. Knicks fans need to chill.
So they canceled the MSG watch party bc Trump was there… and then it turned into a brawl at Bryant Park? Seems like both sides just got worked up. I’m not surprised cops got hurt.
Wait, so they arrested 8 but released 13 with summons? That math confuses me like did they just pick random people off the sidewalk? Also didn’t Trump being at the game mean fewer people were there or something?
I saw the part about chasing that streamer in Spurs gear and they ripped off his jersey?? That sounds like some TikTok stunt gone wrong. But honestly Knicks lose and everyone loses their minds, like it’s every time. I wish they’d focus on stopping the violence instead of arguing who started it.