NYPD banning public gatherings near MSG amid Game 4 of NBA Finals

The NYPD will ban the general public from the vicinity of Madison Square Garden for hours before, during and after Wednesday's Game 4 of the NBA Finals, restrictions the venue said make the mayor and police commissioner "NEW YORK CITY’S BIGGEST PARTY POOPERS."

In the aftermath of unrest at a viewing party uptown Monday for Game 3 in which 21 people were detained on criminal charges, the NYPD on Tuesday evening announced street closures similar to what the department had in place to protect President Donald Trump during his attendance.

“The last several victories the Knicks have had have been celebrated by thousands and thousands outside MSG. The joy and happiness were palpable everywhere," MSG said in a statement criticizing Zohran Mamdani and Jessica Tisch by name. "Apparently Mayor Mamdani and Police Commissioner Tisch, despite what they say, don’t want to see these celebrations happen." 

A "security perimeter" will cover from West 29th Street to West 35th Street, between Sixth and Eighth avenues. Starting at 4 p.m., Seventh Avenue on those streets will be closed to vehicle drivers and pedestrians.

A street viewing projection of the game is set to be held Wednesday night outside MSG, but attendance will be capped. 

"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," said mayoral spokesperson Sam Raskin. "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.

Neither Raskin nor the NYPD responded to MSG's statement, which also lamented that local small businesses will be hurt by the perimeter.

The party will be ticketed; those entering will be screened; entry will be limited to designated spots; backpacks, alcohol and umbrellas are banned; reentry is prohibited; attendees exiting the arena itself will be directed elsewhere; and anyone trying to access the vicinity must show a need to be there, according to a security plan the NYPD released Tuesday evening. There are also parties at Wollman Rink in Central Park and B rooklyn Bowl. 

On Monday, near the Bryant Park party, the NYPD said its officers detained at least 21 people during unrest among a crowd of nearly 7,000 as the Knicks dropped Game 3. 

Of those taken into custody, 13 were later freed on criminal court summonses on a charge of disorderly conduct and eight were arrested for alleged crimes, including assault on a police officer, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, menacing, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration, according to a police spokesperson. Their names weren't released.

"The crowd became increasingly rowdy, violent, and destructive, and there were many incidents of disorderly and dangerous behavior. A large crowd of people took over 42nd Street and refused to disperse — blocking vehicular traffic and causing significant disruptions to traffic in the area," the spokesperson, Erika Tannor, wrote byin an email.

"The members of the crowd ... engaged in incredibly reckless behavior — there were large physical and violent fights that resulted in multiple injuries. People climbed on top of scaffolding, light poles, police cars, and NYPD trucks, causing significant damage," Tannor wrote. "The crowd was throwing glass objects at each other and police officers, and they ripped bus signs and trees out of the ground to throw them. Individuals refused many police orders to clear the streets."

That city-advertised watch party moved to Bryant Park after authorities canceled one near the Garden, and barricaded the blocks nearby for hours before and after the game as part of security precautions for Trump's attendance.

Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns said there was no place for clashes between fans.

"The game is built off of respect and passion," Towns said. "We want everyone to respect each other. We want everyone to enjoy basketball at its purest state. It's the NBA Finals. There's no better place to watch basketball. Leave the physicality to everyone on the court."

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama called the violence "unacceptable."

"My thoughts of course is that we can't forget it's a game," Wembanyama said. "We're just playing a game out there. I am all for passion, but to the respect of each other. It's unacceptable."

A watch party last week outside the arena had turned rowdy and violent. Fans blocked traffic, fought and, in one instance, allegedly punched a police officer, the NYPD said.

On Monday night, the NYPD was diligent about shutting down unauthorized, pop-up viewings across the city, including in Williamsburg's McCarren Park and near MSG, where, to boos and jeers, officers ordered those operating projectors beaming the game onto the side of a building to stop. 

Newsday's Anthony M. DeStefano and Colin Stephenson contributed to this story.