Madison Square Garden officials blasted the New York Police Department and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani after the city unveiled its security plan for Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The plan still includes a large security perimeter and restrictions, despite President Donald Trump not planning to attend the next game.
“The last several victories the Knicks have had have been celebrated by thousands and thousands outside MSG,” a Madison Square Garden spokesperson told CNN. “The joy and happiness were palpable everywhere. Apparently Mayor Mamdani and Police Commissioner (Jessica) Tisch, despite what they say, don’t want to see these celebrations happen.”
The plan includes crowd-control measures in and around the arena, including a security zone similar to the one implemented during Game 3 on Monday, when Trump attended and sat with James Dolan, whose company owns both the Garden and the Knicks. Those restrictions “were supposedly to thwart any threats related to the President’s attendance,” the MSG spokesperson said.
“We now know these restrictions were never about the President – it was just a convenient excuse to restrict how and when Knicks fans celebrate,” the spokesperson said Tuesday night in a statement that blasted city officials and the NYPD.
A watch party outside the arena that was canceled for Game 3 due to presidential security will resume Wednesday night, but with some limitations, city officials said. Only ticketed attendees will be allowed in. City officials did not announce how to get tickets, and the Knicks watch party webpage said to “Check back soon for upcoming information” as of Wednesday morning.
“The complete closing of areas around MSG is going to affect not only the celebration but also all the small businesses that rely on Garden fans for their livelihood,” the Madison Square Garden spokesperson said.
City officials described the return of the watch party – even under tighter security – as a win for fans.
“We’re back outside the Garden,” Mamdani wrote on X. “This is a historic, joyful moment for our city. We will not allow it to be disrupted by violence.”
The new strategy was announced a day after 21 people were taken into custody at a watch party of roughly 7,000 people in Bryant Park that turned violent and destructive, according to a law enforcement official. Two of those arrested were charged with assaulting a police officer, and five officers were injured, the official said.
Some people in the crowd refused to leave, blocked traffic and engaged in large, physically violent fights that caused multiple injuries, the official added. Others threw glass objects at people and ripped bus signs and trees out of the ground.
A 39-year-old man wearing a Spurs jersey was stomped and punched after Game 3 while walking down West 47th Street, about 15 blocks from the arena. Video showed the man being jeered and then attacked by people trying to rip off the jersey.
After trying to defend himself and push people away, the man was brought to the ground from behind and kicked, according to NYPD. The group stole his cellphone before dispersing, police said. The victim was hospitalized in stable condition.
The last time a Knicks watch party was held outside the Garden – during Friday’s Game 2 played in San Antonio – about 6,500 people attended, an NYPD spokesperson told CNN. There were 26 arrests, including a person who police said punched one officer before biting another.
This week marks the first time the NBA Finals have returned to New York City in nearly three decades, as the Knicks host the Spurs. The Knicks hold a 2-1 lead going into Game 4, scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET. All games in the series so far have been won by the visiting team.
Under Wednesday’s security plan, no one will be allowed inside the secure area starting at 4 p.m. unless they have a ticket to the game or watch party, a train ticket for Penn Station, are going to a business, live in the area, have credentials or have some other authorized reason to be there. The restrictions are essentially the same as those in place Monday for Trump’s visit. Everyone entering the secure area will be screened.
Businesses inside the security zone will still be allowed to operate under strict capacity limits.
This story was updated with additional information.
CNN’s Caroll Alvarado, Danya Gainor and Andy Rose contributed to this report.
Correction: An earlier headline on this story incorrectly spelled the last names of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
