The San Antonio Spurs outlasted the New York Knicks in a thrilling Game 3 matchup on Monday, but the most chaotic scene took place away from Madison Square Garden.
As the Knicks fell to the Spurs, watch parties across the city became violent and destructive. Spurs fans had their Victor Wembanyama jerseys ripped off their bodies while other fans were caught up in massive brawls.
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According to the NYPD, 21 people were arrested on Monday in relation to the chaos. Five NYPD officers were reportedly injured throughout the night and criminal offenses were charged to eight of the people taken into custody.
These charges include assaulting a police officer, criminal possession of a weapon, menacing and resisting arrest. While it was expected that the watch parties would disperse after the loss, that’s when it became ugly.
Fans packed intersections and roadways while climbing light poles and assaulting one another. One streamer had his Wembanyama jersey ripped from his body before getting off the street.
It’s unclear what Monday night’s events will mean for future Knicks watch parties, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see more restrictions put in place.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
