Hours after the San Antonio Spurs defeated the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, videos circulating online showed several incidents involving people wearing Spurs gear being confronted on the streets of Manhattan. The footage went viral on social media and drew reactions from politicians, NBA figures, celebrities, and fans from both cities. Police are launching investigations, and public officials are condemning the violence.
Fan wearing Spurs jersey attacked after the Knicks' Game 3 loss
According to the New York Police Department, one of the most serious incidents occurred shortly after midnight on Tuesday. A 39-year-old Spurs fan was walking toward his hotel near West 47th Street when he was approached by a group of men. Police said the group punched and kicked the victim before tearing off the Spurs jersey he was wearing. The suspects then fled the area on foot. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is expected to recover.
Videos posted online appear to show multiple confrontations involving Spurs supporters. In one clip, a crowd surrounded a fan wearing a Victor Wembanyama jersey while chants of 'Take it off!' echoed through the street before the jersey was ripped away. The incidents occurred amid wider disorder in Midtown Manhattan. Following the Knicks' 115-111 defeat, crowds gathered near Bryant Park and along 42nd Street, where videos showed fights, property damage, fans climbing poles, and confrontations with police.
Did police make any arrests after the viral Spurs fan incident?
The NYPD confirmed that 21 people were taken into custody during the postgame chaos. Eight arrests involved charges including assaulting police officers, resisting arrest, weapon possession, and other offenses. Thirteen additional people received criminal court summonses for disorderly conduct. However, authorities have not announced any arrests directly connected to the assault of the Spurs fan. Investigators released photos of several men believed to have been involved and are asking the public for assistance in identifying them. Police sources have indicated that the attack is being investigated separately, with one reported incident being treated as a possible robbery after the victim's jersey was forcibly taken.
What NBA players are saying about the incident?
The controversy reached the NBA Finals media sessions when Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was asked about the videos. 'My thoughts, of course, are that — I mean — we can't forget it's a game,' Wembanyama said. 'We're just playing a game out there. And I am all for, you know, passion. But, to the respect of each other, it's unacceptable.'
What did New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani say?
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the behavior through a statement from City Hall. '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. But the fights and other disruptive incidents — including assaults on police officers — in various parts of the city are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.' The mayor's office also encouraged fans to continue supporting the Knicks while respecting others as the Finals continue. Meanwhile, Roland Gutierrez publicly called on city officials and law enforcement to take stronger action, describing the attacks on Spurs supporters as unacceptable.
Celebrity reactions to the viral incident
Among the highest-profile voices to weigh in was Ben Stiller, a longtime Knicks supporter who criticized the behavior seen in the videos. 'Being a Knick fan doesn't mean being disrespectful to Spurs fans in any way,' Stiller wrote. 'We get caught up during the games but gotta show respect to our fellow humans.' Mamdani later responded publicly, writing: 'Couldn't agree more. We'll win this series on the court (even if the refs refuse to call a flagrant on Wemby), not by targeting harassing, or attacking Spurs fans.' As Game 4 approaches, the focus remains on basketball.
