KNICKS fans clashed with cops and hurled bottles at officers as an NBA Finals watch party descended into chaos outside Bryant Park on Monday night.
Riot police were forced to step in and deploy pepper spray after thousands of supporters gathered near the Manhattan fan zone for Game 3, with wild scenes breaking out long before the final buzzer.
New York Knicks fans clash with NYPD officers outside of a watch party at Bryant Park Credit: Getty
An NYPD officer uses pepper spray as Knicks fans clash with cops on Monday night Credit: Getty
At least one fan reportedly threw a bottle at an officer as NYPD cops in riot gear battled to regain control of the disorderly crowds, according to the New York Post .
The trouble erupted outside the official watch party, where 5,000 free tickets had been handed out to fans hoping to catch the Knicks’ Finals showdown with the San Antonio Spurs on giant screens.
Many supporters who failed to get inside the packed event remained on surrounding streets, where tensions quickly boiled over.
Videos shared online showed punches being thrown as large groups gathered around fights and cheered on those involved.
In one clip, two men exchanged blows before others piled into the brawl. Another showed a man swinging a large tree branch as crowds surged around him.
Elsewhere, fans climbed onto parked vehicles, while others were seen scrambling over police cars.
Chants of “We want Wemby!” rang out through the streets as some supporters targeted Spurs fans.
One San Antonio supporter was reportedly chased across a road by a mob, while another fan set fire to a Spurs T-shirt.
The mayhem continued as troublemakers knocked down a metal bus sign and snapped off large tree branches.
A long line of NYPD officers was eventually deployed to restore order, with pepper spray used to push back particularly aggressive members of the crowd.
Police confirmed one person was arrested for assaulting an officer, while at least six others were taken into custody for disorderly conduct.
The Bryant Park gathering had only been announced hours before tip-off after a previously planned watch party outside Madison Square Garden was scrapped following the visit of President Donald Trump to the arena.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani had promoted the event as an opportunity for fans across the city to unite behind the Knicks during their Finals run.
“These watch parties have become a celebration of New York City itself,” he said.
“From every borough and every neighborhood, this city has come together to cheer on the Knicks and share in a moment that belongs to all of us.
“That’s why we’re adding Bryant Park as an additional watch party location, so even more fans can be part of this incredible Knicks Finals run.
“Whether you join us in Bryant Park, Central Park or at Brooklyn Bowl, we invite New Yorkers to come together and support our team. Let’s go Knicks.”
People attend a watch party at Bryant Park for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on Monday night Credit: Getty
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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