{"id":265492,"date":"2026-06-13T13:37:14","date_gmt":"2026-06-13T13:37:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/265492\/"},"modified":"2026-06-13T13:37:14","modified_gmt":"2026-06-13T13:37:14","slug":"surrounded-by-knicks-fever-spurs-fans-in-new-york-need-to-celebrate-too","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/265492\/","title":{"rendered":"Surrounded by Knicks fever, Spurs fans in New York need to celebrate too"},"content":{"rendered":"

New York City is pulsing with more energy than usual in the build-up to the Knicks<\/a> facing the Spurs<\/a> in a crucial game five of the NBA Finals tonight.<\/p>\n

But in a city fiery with Knicks passion and a championship on the line, it can be tough for San Antonio fans living in the same city.<\/p>\n

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“Spurs fans that live in New York City are just as much part of the city as anyone else,” said Dave Rizo, owner of Yellow Rose, a San Antonio<\/a>, Texas-themed restaurant in Manhattan.<\/p>\n

If the New York Knicks win tonight’s game in the best-of-seven series, they will clinch the National Basketball Association championship for the first time in over 50 years – a huge moment for the team and its fans.<\/p>\n

\"Mannequins<\/p>\n

[BBC]<\/p>\n

Yellow Rose is one of a few local establishments recognizing New Yorkers with Texas roots and Spurs passion – and it tries to show up for them.<\/p>\n

A cardboard cutout of Spurs star Victor Wembanyama<\/a>‘s face, a Spurs flag and painted banner, and a signed card from Spurs owner Peter Holt greet customers. But while it has livestreamed the Finals for customers, it’s a restaurant – not a sports bar – and the vibe is pretty low-key. Rizo says he’s keeping it that way.<\/p>\n

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“I don’t want to unintentionally add more fuel to any of the fire that’s going on,” the San Antonio native told the BBC. “I want this to be a safe space for people that are Spurs fans.”<\/p>\n

\"Knicks<\/p>\n

[Getty Images]<\/p>\n

There have been a few instances of violence in New York City against Spurs fans, including one assault that landed a fan in the hospital and another in which a fast food worker wearing a Spurs jersey was attacked, according to local reports.<\/p>\n

Both Knicks and Spurs players have condemned the violence and harassment.<\/p>\n

‘City’s gonna be crazy:’ Knicks run electrifies NYC, as Trump’s attendance locks down arena<\/a><\/p>\n

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“We’re just playing a game out there. And I’m all for passion, but with respect for each other. It’s unacceptable,” the Spurs’ Wembanyama said recently at a press conference.<\/p>\n

The Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns<\/a> echoed Wembanyama’s sentiment, urging fans to “leave the physicality to everyone on the court”.<\/p>\n

Finals fan harmony is possible though, according to those on the frontlines of frenzied watch parties.<\/p>\n

At Whiskey Tavern in Manhattan, manager Alex told the BBC that the bar has been packed on game nights – with both teams’ fans watching together.<\/p>\n

“It’s fun, it’s good energy,” Alex said. “Everybody’s here just having a good time and celebrating either team. It is definitely heavily mixed.”<\/p>\n

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She said she hasn’t seen any clashes or tension between the groups – and she’s even seen Knicks fans reserve seats for Spurs fans.<\/p>\n

“It’s all just people here together, she said.<\/p>\n

Bartender Markie insists that the sports bar where she works is a safe space for anyone to watch the game. But with a laugh, she also acknowledges that she hasn’t seen “a single Spurs fan” on game nights at the bar, which has a capacity of around 250-300 people.<\/p>\n

Doris, a Brooklyn cocktail bar, also is striving for fan unity – sort of.<\/p>\n

It began calling itself a “makeshift sports bar” when the series started, welcoming all fans “whatever that hometown may be” – but with a not-so-thinly-veiled favorite.<\/p>\n

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Its Instagram page features pictures of Texas’ Lone Star beer, a mention of a Spurs legend Manu Ginobili<\/a> jersey on display since 2013, and “go Spurs go” in all caps.<\/p>\n

“Doris loves the Knicks, too! We just LOVE the SPURS more!” it says.<\/p>\n

Before game three, Rizo walked around the city in a Spurs jersey, and kept hearing “you better be careful” or, “you’re really bold for walking around like that”.<\/p>\n

“I didn’t really think anything of it,” Rizo said. But when he saw on social media the harassment and violence against Spurs fans, as a New York transplant for a decade, he said it made him sad.<\/p>\n

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He is hoping for a Spurs win, but as both a New Yorker and a Texan, he’s excited no matter what, he told the BBC.<\/p>\n

“Either way, I win,” he said, laughing.<\/p>\n

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