Monday night saw a chaotic scene unfold outside Bryant Park during the Knicks’ Game 3 watch party, as enthusiastic fans clashed with police officers. The tension escalated when at least one person reportedly threw a bottle at an officer.
The atmosphere was already electric just an hour after the game between the Knicks and the Spurs began. Many fans were unable to enter the official viewing area in Midtown, leading to mounting frustration.
In their fervor, the crowd began to chant “We want Wemby!” as some fans climbed onto parked cars. The situation intensified when a fan set a Spurs t-shirt ablaze, and a group pursued a San Antonio supporter across the street.
The majority of those causing disturbances appeared to be young individuals. They went as far as toppling a metal bus sign and snapping large branches from trees.
In response, police officers in riot gear were dispatched to manage the disorderly crowd, resorting to the use of pepper spray. The fans, however, did not back down easily, retaliating by throwing bottles at the law enforcement officers.
One person was arrested for assaulting a police officer and at least six people were cuffed for disorderly conduct.