NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Nearly two dozen people were taken into custody as Knicks fans got rowdy and clashed with cops in Midtown on Monday night, as the team lost to the Spurs, 115-111.
According to the NYPD, 21 people were taken into custody. Eight of them were arrested and charged, while 13 others were released with criminal court summonses.
Two of the people were charged with assault on a police officer, the NYPD said.
NYPD officer uses pepper spray as New York Knicks fans clash with NYPD officers outside of a watch party at Bryant Park for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026.Adam Gray/Getty Images
Five members of the NYPD were injured in the clashes at Bryant Park and Herald Square.
Bryant Park was an official watch party for Game 3, though fans had to register ahead of time to attend the party inside the park. The clashes happened outside the park on the streets.
In a statement, the NYPD said an estimated 7,000 people attended the watch party at Bryant Park, but "the crowd became increasingly rowdy, violent, and destructive, and there were many incidents of disorderly and dangerous behavior."
"A large crowd of people took over 42nd Street and refused to disperse blocking vehicular traffic and causing significant disruptions to traffic in the area," police said. "The members of the crowd engaged in incredibly reckless behavior."
Videos and photos show fans throwing bottles, tearing down street signs, uprooting trees, climbing light poles, jumping on cars and NYPD vehicles, chasing Spurs fans and yelling obscenities at officers. At least one person set a shirt on fire. Police deployed pepper spray, photos show.
New York Knicks fans climb on an ice cream truck and scaffolding outside of a watch party at Bryant Park for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026.Adam Gray/Getty Images
“We used to the city, man—it’s breaking lights, it’s what we do, it’s New York,” one fan said. “Trump pull up, Obama pull up, your mama pull up, it don’t matter.”
In a statement, PBA President Patrick Hendry said, “Last night was another shameful display from individuals who are more interested in brawling with each other, ripping up street signs and hurling objects at cops than supporting their team.”
“We know New Yorkers are passionate about these NBA Finals, but police officers shouldn't have to endure a barrage of mayhem after every single game. Our elected leaders need to send a stronger message and make it crystal clear that this behavior won't be tolerated,” Hendry said.
NYPD officers detain a person as they move back New York Knicks fans outside of a watch party at Bryant Park for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026.Adam Gray/Getty Images
Fans fight outside of a watch party at Bryant Park for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026.Adam Gray/Getty Images
New York Knicks fans drag potted plants outside of a watch party at Bryant Park for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026.Adam Gray/Getty Images
NYPD SRG officers push back a crowd outside of a watch party at Bryant Park for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026.Adam Gray/Getty Images
