NEW YORK — Knicks fans clashed with police outside a Bryant Park watch party for Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night, leading to multiple arrests and injuries to officers, the New York Police Department said.
About 7,000 people gathered in and around Bryant Park in Manhattan for the public viewing of the game between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. After the Knicks' 115-111 loss, which cut their series lead to 2-1, some fans spilled into neighboring streets, sparking disorderly behavior and confrontations with officers, police officials said.
NYPD reported that 21 people were taken into custody on charges including disorderly conduct, assault on officers and other offenses. Five officers sustained injuries during the incidents, though details on the severity were not immediately released. Fans were seen climbing on vehicles, throwing objects including beer bottles and engaging in fights, according to video footage and witness accounts.
The watch party was organized as an alternative location after security concerns related to President Donald Trump's attendance at Madison Square Garden prompted changes. Mayor Zohran Mamdani had announced the Bryant Park site earlier on Monday.
Police deployed Strategic Response Group officers to manage the crowd on West 42nd Street. Some videos showed fans surrounding cars and taxis, blocking traffic and, in isolated cases, interacting with Spurs supporters. No serious injuries to civilians were immediately reported by authorities.
An NYPD spokesperson said officers used pepper spray in some instances to disperse the crowd. "The situation involved a small group acting recklessly after the game," the spokesperson told reporters.
The Knicks are in the NBA Finals for the first time in years, generating significant fan enthusiasm across New York. The Bryant Park event was one of several public watch parties in the city. Most attendees inside the park remained calm, with the disturbances occurring primarily outside the designated viewing area, officials noted.
As of Tuesday, authorities were reviewing video evidence to identify additional individuals involved. No further watch parties at Bryant Park have been announced for upcoming games. The NBA Finals continue with Game 4 scheduled later this week.
