Knicks Owner James Dolan Takes Clear Shot At NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani

Game 4 of the NBA Finals will be played between the Knicks and Spurs, but The Blame Game is currently being played by Knicks owner James Dolan and New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Yesterday, Dolan’s Madison Square Garden Sports company announced that the “frozen zone” restrictions that were implemented during President Donald Trump’s visit to MSG for Game 3 are being implemented again. MSG Sports blamed Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch for not wanting to see celebrations taking place outside of the venue.

“The last several victories the Knicks have had have been celebrated by thousands and thousands outside MSG. The joy and happiness were palpable everywhere. Apparently, Mayor Mamdani and Police Commissioner Tisch, despite what they say, don’t want to see these celebrations happen.

“We have been told that the NYPD will once again implement the same ‘frozen zone’ restrictions for Game 4, which were supposedly to thwart any threats related to the President’s attendance. We now know these restrictions were never about the President – it was just a convenient excuse to restrict how and when Knicks fans celebrate.

“The complete closing of areas around MSG is going to affect not only the celebration but also all the small businesses that rely on Garden fans for their livelihood.

“These celebrations are part of the heart and soul of New Yorkers. The actions of the Mayor and Police Commissioner, supposedly in support of the Knicks and their fans, are difficult to understand. We urge them to lift these restrictions and embrace the love of the team.”

Who’s to blame?

There are certainly a number of parties who can be given blame for the frozen zone implementation. The NYPD obviously couldn’t set up the frozen zone without coordinating with Mayor Mamdani’s office, but it’s clearly more than just them being “party poopers.”

There were literal dozens of arrests that took place outside of Madison Square Garden after Game 3, some of which were for potentially serious violent assaults.

On the other hand, the Game 3 frozen zone probably never would have been implemented in the first place if Dolan hadn’t personally invited the President of the United States to attend – effectively forcing the NYPD to maximize their presence at MSG.

Jun 2, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks during an event for the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour at American Museum of Natural History. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images© John Jones-Imagn Images

Fans on social media certainly believe that Mamdani and Tisch aren’t the only ones to blame.

“This is a really bad look for the Knicks and for MSG. The main reason they’re doing this is because of the violence that happened after the game last night. If they were so concerned about it why didn’t they make a big fuss last night? Why didn’t they put this press release out last night?” one user remarked on X.

“Dolan is back to being Dolan. Mr petty and his little petty friends. This is it for Knicks fans. I feel for the players and staff. Some people will always be who they are… won’t grow,” wrote another.

“They must really think we’re stupid lol,” a third wrote.

No matter who is to blame, the frozen zone isn’t going away. The NYPD has confirmed that the areas will be secured, and the watch party outside MSG will be a ticketed-only event.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Jun 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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