New York City police said 56 people were taken into custody, with 15 arrested, as large crowds of fans caused disruptions across New York City Wednesday night during the Knicks’ historic comeback in Game 4 of the NBA Championship Series against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden.
Taking place in what the NYPD Thursday described as “various places north of Madison Square Garden between Fifth and Eighth Avenues,” police said crowds grew to some 10,000 fans, with “large crowds of people who engaged in incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior” — both during and after the game. Police said 10 members of the NYPD were injured during the melees, one officer struck in the head with a bottle.
Among the disorderly conduct episodes police said took place were: the taking over of streets, shutting them down to vehicular traffic; people jumping on moving trucks, taxis and other occupied vehicles, the igniting of fireworks in large crowds; fans climbing atop scaffolding, light poles, traffic lights, buildings and police vehicles, damaging at least four department cars; fans throwing glass bottles and other objects into crowds and at police; fans trying to “physically flip over a taxi” as well as breaking into a tractor trailer, stealing items and throwing them at police and into the gathered crowds and fights.
“This is an exciting time for the Knicks and for fans across New York City,” the NYPD said in a statement Thursday, adding: “The NYPD wants New Yorkers to be able to enjoy these celebrations, but our primary responsibility is to ensure that everyone can do so safely.”
Police said of the 56 taken into custody, 41 were released and 15 were arrested. The charges of those arrested included: assault on a police officer; criminal possession of a weapon, a knife; reckless endangerment; criminal mischief; disorderly conduct; resisting arrest; obstruction of governmental administration; and trademark counterfeiting. Police have not released identities and charges of those arrested or detailed the violations charged to those released with criminal court summonses.
Police said visitors torestaurants and bars in the secure zone around the Garden were “able to enjoy the game close to MSG,” though it said in many cases those locations had long lines of patrons.
“The NYPD ensured that these businesses could continue to stay open and that patrons were able to access these restaurants and bars even with the additional security measures,” officials said.
John Valenti, a Newsday reporter since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press, Society of the Silurians and National Headliner Awards for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing. He is the author of “Swee’pea,” about New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. His debut crime novel, “For Nothing Is Hidden,” rooted in 1950s Long Island, was released in October 2025.