21 Knicks Fans Taken Into Custody After Game 3 Loss

Close to two dozen New York Knicks fans were taken into police custody following the Game 3 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday evening.

Close to 20,000 fans attended Game 3 at Madison Square Garden. Meanwhile, thousands of others watched the game at bars and parks across New York City. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who attended the game, helped host a watch party at Bryant Park in Midtown. However, things got pretty chaotic.

New York City Police ended up arresting eight Knicks fans and took 21 people into custody for their behavior at the watch party. There were multiple fights and several things at the public park were broken.

"Bryant Park in New York is a fantastic place to watch the Knick finals," one fan joked, showing off the chaos.

In total, close to two dozen people were taken into police custody for their behavior during Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals.

Knicks fans arrested for classless behavior

The city-hosted event at Bryant Park was limited to 5,000 fans who pre-registered, though it quickly got chaotic.

"Several fights broke out that left people with injuries as fans climbed on top of scaffolding, light poles and NYPD vehicles, according to police. Fans in the crowd also started throwing glass objects at other fans and police officers, ripping bus signs and trees out of the ground to throw as well, the NYPD said. Police said 21 people were taken into custody, eight of whom were arrested and charged and 13 of whom were released with criminal court summonses," Spectrum News reported.

Five NYPD officers were injured, while two fans were charged with assault on a police officer.

"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," Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said. "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."

Game 4 is set for Wednesday night.

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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 9:11 AM.