SAN ANTONIO – What started as a night of celebration for Spurs fans quickly spiraled into chaos outside a San Antonio shopping center Monday night.
After the Spurs’ 122-115 playoff win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, a large crowd gathered in the parking lot off Military Drive, where cellphone video captured a violent fight breaking out as spectators watched and recorded the scene.
Video taken by Jena Lachelle Anderson shows the area packed with people as punches were thrown. Two women can be seen wrestling on the pavement while bystanders shouted and recorded on their phones.
The incident comes as excitement continues to build around the Spurs’ playoff run, but Monday night’s celebration also served as a reminder of how quickly large gatherings can turn dangerous.
The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) says it is aware of the celebrations that often follow Spurs victories. While officers support lawful celebrations, the department says it is also focused on reducing public safety risks when large crowds and vehicles gather in the same area.
In a statement, SAPD urged fans to celebrate responsibly following the Spurs’ latest win. The department reminded the public to obey traffic laws and city ordinances, wear seatbelts, avoid blocking active roadways, and refrain from dangerous activity such as celebratory gunfire, fireworks, lighting fires, or riding on top of moving vehicles.
“Our top priority is safety for all,” the department said. “Please celebrate responsibly. If you see something, say something. Go Spurs Go.”
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Police officials say no arrests were made last night along Military Drive.