Ever since the NBA Finals shifted to New York, the expectation was that fans would embrace the moment in grand fashion. Whether the Knicks won or lost, Madison Square Garden was expected to showcase the passion that has made New York one of basketball’s most iconic cities, proving once again that, for many people, basketball is another religion.
Instead, some incidents that have unfolded over the past several days have cast a shadow on what should have been a celebration of the game.
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Following numerous videos of hostile behavior toward Spurs players and supporters, ESPN analyst Mike Greenberg did not hold back, criticizing Knicks fans and calling the conduct an embarrassment and a “disgrace” to the sport.
“If you’re throwing eggs at Victor Wembanyama and the other night you’re beating up, threatening, doing anything to people wearing Spurs jerseys, just know you’re a disgrace,” Greenberg said. “You’re not disgracing the city, you’re disgracing yourself and everyone that knows you.”
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Wemby, Spurs fans get harassed by Knicks fans
With the NBA Finals ticket prices already reaching extraordinary levels, the atmosphere inside MSG getting dominated by Knicks fans would have been understandable. However, despite taking the trip, the Spurs fans faced extreme hostility outside the venues and on the roads.
In Game 3, when the Spurs snapped the Knicks’ 13-game winning streak in New York, the latter’s fans physically confronted anyone who dared to wear a Spurs jersey on the streets. If that wasn’t bad enough, numerous innocent Spurs fans were shamelessly beaten, lynched and verbally assaulted by groups of Knicks fans.
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Things took an even uglier turn on Wednesday night.
While it was heartbreaking enough for the young Spurs team to witness the Knicks bounce back from a 29-point deficit to register the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history, when their players were reportedly making their way to the hotel, multiple eggs were thrown at Victor Wembanyama.
This is why Mike Greenberg emphasized the importance of that distinction. Passionate support and intimidation inside an arena are part of sports culture, but harassment and personal attacks outside the competition itself are surely not.
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There is only one way to respond to this heckling
This is why, if the Spurs ultimately fall in Game 5, this series could be remembered not only for New York’s remarkable on-court achievements but also for the unfortunate incidents and heckling suffered by those who dared to wear the Spurs jersey.
Nevertheless, what has stood out in the 2026 playoffs is the resilience shown by coach Mitch Johnson’s young group.
Despite the animosity they have faced, they have bounced back, as they did when they eliminated the defending champs in the Conference Finals.
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Could they pull off another miracle? It remains to be seen if Wemby, Stephon Castle & Co. will be triggered enough to remind Knicks fans why they shouldn’t have disrespected him outside his hotel?
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jun 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.