NYPD arrests – The New York Police Department arrested 15 people and issued criminal court summonses to 41 others after violence erupted near Madison Square Garden during and after the Knicks’ Game 4 win over the Spurs. Objects that appeared to be eggs were thrown at Victor
The night after the Knicks’ historic push at Madison Square Garden, the celebration curdled into chaos.
The New York Police Department arrested 15 people and released another 41 with criminal court summonses Wednesday night as crowds gathered outside the arena during and after the Knicks’ comeback win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
Objects that appeared to be eggs were also thrown at Spurs star Victor Wembanyama as he walked from the team bus into the team hotel following the game, according to multiple videos on social media.
The NYPD estimated a crowd of about 10,000 near Madison Square Garden during the game. Police said it “became increasingly destructive” as the Knicks mounted a 29-point comeback to win. Officers reported that people jumped atop vehicles and damaged four NYPD cars. They tried to flip a taxi, threw glass bottles at police, and shut streets down to car traffic.
Police said the violence extended beyond the sidewalks: people climbed scaffolding, light poles, traffic lights and buildings. Officers also said people broke into a tractor trailer, stole items, and threw them at police. Ten members of the NYPD were injured, including one officer who was hit in the head with a glass bottle.
“Once again, there were large crowds of people who engaged in incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior last night both during and after the game,” the NYPD said in a statement Thursday. “This demonstrates exactly why the NYPD has increased our presence in and around Madison Square Garden.”
The arrests came amid a broader security fight that has spilled into politics over the past few days. The Knicks have taken a 3-1 series lead over the Spurs and are aiming to win their first championship since 1973.
In the lead-up to Game 4. Knicks owner James Dolan criticized New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch for security measures outside Madison Square Garden. saying in a radio interview that they “didn’t believe in their own police force.” Mamdani responded that the Knicks only applied for a permit for a gathering of 500 to 999 people. which the city approved. and that planned security measures were similar to those on July 4 or New Year’s Eve. The Knicks later canceled the watch party, citing crowd restrictions.
Security was even tighter ahead of Game 3 on Monday, with President Donald Trump in attendance. That night included a steel fence, limited access points, and restrictions on what attendees could bring to the game. A watch party outside the Garden was moved to Bryant Park and drew approximately 7,000 people. After the Knicks lost. the scene turned chaotic: more than 20 people were taken into police custody. five officers were injured. and video on social media showed people wearing Spurs apparel being verbally and physically harassed.
The city’s approach has also shifted week to week. The city previously denied a permit for watch parties in May after police arrested six people during the Eastern Conference finals. but lifted the ban for watch parties outside Madison Square Garden during Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio.
The pattern did not stop with Game 4. On Friday, the NYPD arrested 17 people after the Knicks won Game 2 in San Antonio.
With the Finals at a critical point and crowds continuing to gather in and around the arena, the question facing New York now is whether the line between celebration and disorder can be held—before more officers, and more fans, are hurt.
NYPD Madison Square Garden Knicks Spurs NBA Finals Victor Wembanyama crowd violence arrests New York City security Zohran Mamdani Jessica Tisch James Dolan