The owner of the New York Knicks basketball team has sharply criticized both the New York Police Department and Zohran Mamdani after city officials announced an extensive security strategy for Game 4 of the NBA finals, featuring a large restricted zone and additional access controls.
Background of Security Measures
The expanded security measures follow Monday's Game 3 watch party at Bryant Park, where disorder erupted and led to arrests, damage to property, and incidents involving assaults on police officers. In response to the plans for Wednesday night, Madison Square Garden Sports (MSG Sports), James Dolan's company that owns the Knicks, issued a strongly worded statement titled "Mayor Mamdani and Police Commissioner Tisch are New York City's Biggest Party Poopers."
"The last several victories the Knicks have had have been celebrated by thousands and thousands outside MSG," the statement said. "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."
MSG Sports' Criticism
MSG Sports argued that while similar restrictions put in place earlier in the week had been attributed to Donald Trump's presence at Game 3, the decision to maintain the perimeter for Game 4 is evidence that the president's appearance was "a convenient excuse to restrict how and when Knicks fans celebrate." The sports holding company also claimed that shutting down the surrounding area hurts the atmosphere of the celebration and negatively impacts nearby small businesses that depend on game-day crowds.
NYPD officials told the Athletic that MSG's permit request for Wednesday's watch party proposed a crowd limit of between 500 and 1,000 attendees. City officials approved attendance up to the maximum of 1,000 people.
Game 3 Unrest
The heightened security measures come after Monday night's gathering in Bryant Park turned chaotic following the Knicks' defeat. Fans left Bryant Park and moved onto nearby streets, where fights broke out and resulted in 21 arrests. Five police officers were reportedly among those injured. Footage shared online showed individuals wearing Spurs apparel being chased and attacked. Several videos gained widespread attention, including one showing a fan's Victor Wembanyama jersey being ripped off and torn apart.
Mayor's Response
Ahead of Game 4, Mamdani called on New Yorkers to refrain from targeting Spurs supporters. "We're back outside the Garden. We have approved a ticketed MSG watch party for Game 4. More details soon. As we prepare to watch together, let me be clear: this is a historic, joyful moment for our city. We will not allow it to be disrupted by violence. Be safe, take care, and celebrate responsibly. Knicks in 5," the mayor wrote on social media.
Last week, Mamdani signed a symbolic executive order repealing the bedtime curfew for New York City's children during the Knicks' NBA finals run.
Game 4 Security Plans
For Wednesday night's game, entry into the restricted area will be limited to people with game tickets, train tickets, proof of residence within the area, or those visiting a specific local business. Fans entering will use a designated access point at 6th Avenue and 33rd Street, where all attendees will undergo screening. Trump, a longtime friend of Dolan, is not expected to attend.
