UMVA has learned that chaos erupted outside Madison Square Garden on a wild Wednesday night as New York Knicks fans took to the streets to celebrate their team's thrilling 107-106 win over the Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
The scene was one of unbridled joy and reckless abandon, with fans climbing on vehicles, street signs, and light poles, while others clashed with NYPD officers, who struggled to maintain order in the face of the rowdy crowds. Video footage and photos captured the frenetic atmosphere, showing fans brawling and officers cuffing individuals amidst the mayhem.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the trouble began as the game got underway, with fans gathering in the area despite the absence of an official watch party outside the arena. The dispute between the arena's CEO and the City of New York over security measures and party size had killed the plans, but that didn't stop fans from converging on the area to cheer on their team.
At least four people were taken into custody on Wednesday night, with police using stun grenades to try to disperse the large crowds that had gathered. The events and watch parties that took place around midtown Manhattan, just a few blocks from Madison Square Garden, were sealed off by police, who had banned public screenings of the game near the arena earlier in the day.
The NYPD is also investigating a disturbing incident in which a Spurs fan was beaten and stripped of his jersey by an unruly crowd. The victim, a San Antonio fan, was jumped early Tuesday morning following Game 3 of the NBA Finals, and authorities have released surveillance photos of five people wanted on robbery charges related to the incident.
The police were already on high alert after Game 3 on Monday night, when at least 21 people were arrested and five officers were injured in the aftermath. The NYPD said eight people were arrested on charges of assaulting police officers, while 13 others were issued criminal court summonses for disorderly conduct. The Knicks' comeback win has given them a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the NBA Finals.
