“New Yorkers are understandably passionate about the Knicks, and the overwhelming majority of fans watched the game last night in ways that were both safe and fun,” Mamdani’s spokesperson, Sam Raskin, told MySA. “But the fights and disruptive incidents – including assaults on police officers – in various parts of the city are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Shortly after the Spurs secured their first victory in the NBA Finals on Monday, June 8, in Knicks’ territory, videos circulated online showing San Antonio visitors being mobbed by rival fans. Jerseys were ripped off, fights erupted and harassing words were hurled as Spurs fans were escorted to a taxi.
More than 20 people were allegedly arrested after a mass brawl at Bryant Park. A Spurs player’s wife and her friend claim they were also given the middle finger, highlighting the overwhelming and at times unsafe rivalry that’s developed between the two fan bases.
The numerous, intense scuffles and encounters have sparked pushback from several public figures, including beloved Spurs star Victor Wembanyama. Wemby respected people’s passion for the game but urged them to maintain respect for one another, reminding everyone that it is “just a game” after all.
Ben Stiller, who was in San Antonio for Game 1 of the finals, also weighed in on the violence, saying, “Being a Knicks fan doesn’t mean being disrespectful to Spurs fans in any way,” according to a PageSix Instagram post.
Texas state Sen. Ronald Gutierrez (D-San Antonio) called on Mamdani to “get your folks under control.” He urged the NYC mayor to deploy the New York Police Department to quell the chaos.
“As the NBA Finals continue, Mayor Mamdani wants all New Yorkers to celebrate and enjoy this run across the city while respecting one another,” the NYC mayor’s rep said.