The Knicks are just two wins away from an NBA title, but celebrations near Madison Square Garden are already raising serious safety concerns across New York.
Friday night’s watch party should have been remembered for the Knicks escaping San Antonio with a 105-104 win and a 2-0 NBA Finals lead.
Instead, the scene outside MSG became another warning before Game 3, when the crowd will be even bigger, and President Donald Trump is expected inside the arena.
Knicks’ celebration outside Madison Square Garden turns dangerous
NY Daily News reporter Thomas Tracy detailed how an NYPD officer was injured, and 26 people were arrested after thousands gathered outside the arena.
“A victory celebration shouldn’t end with blood pouring down a police officer’s face,” Police Benevolent Association President Pat Hendry said in a statement Saturday. “Our sister was just doing her job, trying to keep everyone safe in the pandemonium following the Knicks Game 2 win when an individual jumped over a barrier and punched her in the face hard enough to leave a bloody gash.”
Police said 29-year-old Karely Reyes was charged with assault, resisting arrest, and obstruction after allegedly jumping a barrier, entering a frozen area, punching the 23-year-old officer, and biting another cop after being placed under arrest.
The crowd was estimated at 6,500 people. Arrests covered alleged offenses including assault, counterfeit merchandise sales, climbing light poles, scaling food vendor carts, and blocking subway entrances.
Police also said they recovered a loaded firearm from one person selling knock-off goods, adding another layer to a night that had already spiraled far beyond normal fan celebration.
Game 3 security now faces Knicks Finals pressure
The timing could hardly be more sensitive for the NYPD.
Outdoor watch parties had already been stopped during the Eastern Conference Finals after rowdy crowds, then reinstated for the Finals on a game-by-game basis. Game 1 brought eight arrests, ambulance damage, an NYPD chief being punched, and thousands of dollars in damage.
Commissioner Jessica Tisch warned before Game 2 that more than 1,000 officers would be deployed, with no tolerance for violence, property damage, climbing structures, or blocking emergency vehicles.
Game 3 now brings an even harder test. The Knicks are returning to MSG two wins from their first title since 1973, Trump’s expected appearance adds Secret Service-level pressure, and any repeat chaos could overshadow the biggest Knicks home game in 27 years.
New York wants to celebrate. The challenge now is making sure the celebration does not become the story again.
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