More than 6,500 people had gathered outside Madison Square Garden for the Game 2 watch party, but police said they grew increasingly rowdy during New York’s 105-104 win over the San Antonio Spurs. In the end, 26 people were taken into custody, with 17 arrested and charged, and nine others released with criminal court summonses for disorderly conduct.
The disturbances happened two nights after eight people were arrested for outbursts following the Knicks’ Game 1 win on Wednesday. The NYPD had beefed up its presence ahead of Game 2, with 1,000 officers dispatched to the watch party outside MSG.
After Friday night’s game, police reported that multiple arrests were made, including that of one individual who allegedly hit a female police officer in the face after leaping over a barrier and refusing to leave. The cop needed medical treatment for multiple lacerations to her face.
The episode left Patrick Hendry, president of the NYC Police Benevolent Association, incensed.
“A victory celebration shouldn’t end with blood pouring down a police officer’s face,” Hendry said in a statement. “The same person also bit another cop after being placed under arrest. Thankfully, our sister is recovering, but this is completely unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.”
Hendry said PBA members would attend the unnamed suspect’s court hearing “to make sure this individual faces the consequences she deserves.”
Meanwhile, the NYPD reported that the rowdy crowd also spilled into the streets, blocking traffic along 7th and 8th Avenues between 31st and 35th Streets. Multiple people, the department said, were spotted “climbing on objects such as food vendor carts, light poles and subway entrances.”
Cops also cuffed “multiple individuals” caught selling counterfeit merchandise; one of those suspects was found in possession of a loaded firearm, the department said.
Prior to the game, another individual was arrested for assault, and another was pinched for climbing a light pole.
Police presence is expected to be even tighter on Monday night when the Knicks play the Spurs in Game 3 at the Garden, and President Donald Trump is expected to attend.
