New York fans lost control after their team's defeat! 21 arrested, 5 police officers injured, Wembanyama calls for mutual respect.

On June 10 Beijing time, New York police stated that an NBA Finals viewing event in Manhattan on Monday night descended into utter chaos. Following the New York Knicks' loss to the San Antonio Spurs, several fans lost control, scaling lampposts, hurling debris at police, and ripping down road signs.

The disturbance occurred just a few blocks from Madison Square Garden. The Knicks had made a historic playoff run this season, and fervent fans often gathered near the arena to celebrate. However, because President Trump attended the game, the area around the arena was closed to the public on Monday night.

Approximately 7,000 fans instead gathered at nearby Bryant Park for an official watch party organized by the city. According to police and on-site conflict footage, the event initially had a calm atmosphere, but later some fans blocked roads, refused to disperse, while others threw glass objects or engaged in street fights.

The incident resulted in 21 arrests (including two for assault on police), with eight people formally charged and 13 receiving criminal court summonses; five officers were injured. The NYPD has not yet released details on the officers' injuries or those arrested.

Police stated in a press release: "The crowd grew increasingly loud, violent, and destructive, with multiple disorderly and dangerous acts. Individuals engaged in extremely reckless behavior, triggering several large-scale physical altercations, resulting in multiple injuries."

A spokesperson for New York Mayor Mamdani emphasized that the vast majority of fans watched the game in a civilized manner, "but the brawls, assaults on police, and other destructive acts occurring in multiple locations across the city are unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

Spurs center Victor Wembanyama was not previously aware of the incident. He said: "What I want to say is, we can't forget that this is just a game. Everyone just plays basketball. I fully understand the fans' passion, but passion must be built on mutual respect. This kind of behavior is unacceptable."

The New York City government and police department have not yet confirmed whether the official watch party outside Madison Square Garden will resume for Game 4, when the Knicks host the Spurs at home.

During the Eastern Conference Finals last month, the NYPD had announced it would no longer support watch parties outside the arena, citing "bad crowd behavior and threats to public safety." However, after the Knicks reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, that decision — ultimately made by the mayor's office — was reversed.