NYPD Use Pepper Spray to Dismiss Wild Brawl in Game 3 Knicks Watch Party

Knicks fans clashed with the cops and hurled bottles at officers during the watch party.

NYPD Use Pepper Spray to Dismiss Wild Brawl in Game 3 Knicks Watch Party

Fans clashed with the police in New York (Image credits - Firstsportz)

There was a lot of hype surrounding the New York Knicks heading into Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night. They were coming off two road wins and had a 2-0 lead in the series, with Games 3 and 4 taking place at Madison Square Garden.

However, the fans were left disappointed as their team succumbed to a 115-111 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3. Knicks fans, who are known for being a passionate fanbase, did not take the loss very well.

There were several watch parties across the city of New York. But the outside of Bryant Park turned wild and ugly as fans clashed with the NYPD. The police were forced to control the chaos by deploying pepper sprays as the fans caused riots. Several fans were also seen throwing bottles at the cops.

It is reported that multiple people have been arrested for the events that unfolded even before the final buzzer. The watch party was announced a few hours before the game as the watch party outside MSG was canceled after Donald Trump confirmed he would be attending Game 3 of the Finals, which added to the fans’ frustrations.

The series between the two sides was a highly anticipated matchup. During the Eastern Conference Finals, several New York Knicks fans took over the streets of New York and began chanting that they wanted to face Victor Wembanyama in the NBA Finals.

The watch party outside Bryant Park was promoted by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. 5,000 free tickets were handed out. Unfortunately, the result did not go in their favor.

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The internet erupts after clips of fans clashing with the NYPD went viral

The whole event turned into a mess as tensions boiled over. The chaos saw fans attacking the cops as they battled to regain control of the disorderly crowds.

Images and videos quickly went viral across social media as the internet reacted to the unfortunate turn of events.

The internet called out the Knicks fans for their behavior. While they are a passionate fanbase, the violence that took place was uncalled for. Some even condoned the cops using pepper spray to control the crowd.

New York Knicks came up short in Game 3 at home

After impressing on the road in the first two games, the Knicks had a huge opportunity to take a 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals. After a slow start in the first quarter in Game 3, the Knicks came roaring back in the second quarter as they were up by seven at halftime.

With their backs against the wall, the Spurs stepped up defensively in the second half and choked the Knicks’ offense, especially in the fourth quarter. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby led the scorers for the Knicks with 32 and 28 points, respectively.

Jalen Brunson has led his Knicks to a 2-0 lead
Jalen Brunson (Image via Ahmed Big Business/X)

The Knicks fans were seen leaving the arena before the final buzzer as violence grew in the streets. The loss means the Knicks lost in the playoffs after 13 games.

Knicks fans shouldn’t be too disheartened as they still have the home advantage. The pressure is high on both teams heading into Game 4.

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