The NYPD made multiple arrests outside Madison Square Garden late Monday after a celebrating crowd became unruly as it became clear the New York Knicks were heading to the NBA Finals, police said.
Cops already stationed at MSG were attempting to do crowd control when a large group of people became disorderly near W. 34th St. and Seventh Ave. around 10:46 p.m., according to an NYPD spokesperson. The Knicks routed the Cleveland Cavaliers to earn their first trip to the finals since 1999.
Knicks fans celebrate winning the eastern conference championship against the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 25, 2026 in New York City. The Knicks last reached the NBA Finals in 1999, falling to the Spurs, and are seeking their first championship since defeating the Lakers in 1973. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)
NYPD monitor Knicks fans celebrating winning the eastern conference championship against the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 25, 2026 in New York City. The Knicks last reached the NBA Finals in 1999, falling to the Spurs, and are seeking their first championship since defeating the Lakers in 1973. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)
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Knicks fans celebrate winning the eastern conference championship against the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 25, 2026 in New York City. The Knicks last reached the NBA Finals in 1999, falling to the Spurs, and are seeking their first championship since defeating the Lakers in 1973. (Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)
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Backup was called and additional police units arrived at the scene. Several people were arrested for disorderly conduct. Video posted on X showed Knicks fans climbing light posts and a subway station overhang.
An exact number of arrests was not immediately available.
NYPD on Saturday denied permits for Knicks watch parties at MSG for due to “huge, very rough” crowds in the past.
“There have been huge crowds — there were an estimated 6,000 people outside Thursday night,” for Game 2, a police spokesperson said. “This is not about having enough of the unruly fans — this is about keeping people safe,” the spokesperson added.
