The New York Knicks are set to return to the court for Game 3 against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals while holding a commanding 2-0 series lead. Naturally, Knicks fans are buzzing with excitement as the team now sits just two victories away from reaching the NBA Finals.
However, despite the excitement surrounding the Knicks’ strong playoff run, fans were dealt a setback that could disrupt plans of celebrating a potential Game 4 series-clinching victory together if the team also wins Game 3 against the Cavaliers.
Both Saturday’s Game 3 and the upcoming fourth game of the series are set to be hosted by the Cleveland Cavaliers, prompting many New York Knicks fans who are not traveling to plan a usual watch party together for Monday’s matchup.
However, Madison Square Garden has reportedly been prevented from hosting its traditional outdoor watch party. According to the New York Post, permits for the Eastern Conference Finals Game 4 gathering were denied by the city’s Street Activity Permit Office. The report also claimed that frustrated police officers were unwilling to take part unless fans showed better crowd control and behavior.
“Games 1 and 2 have seen progressively more problematic issues at the watch parties outside MSG — six arrests last night alone — so the NYPD will not support more watch parties outside the stadium,” a police department spokesperson told the New York Post.
Knicks watch party limits follow chaotic 76ers scenes
Madison Square Garden had been showing New York Knicks playoff games for free on giant outdoor screens throughout the month as the city’s team continued its postseason run. Despite the cancellation of Monday’s outdoor event, Saturday’s indoor Game 3 watch party will still take place, with proceeds from the gathering set to support charity.
The move to limit the watch party reportedly followed chaotic scenes outside Madison Square Garden, when former New York Knicks player J.R. Smith was knocked to the ground during postgame celebrations after the Knicks’ 137-98 Game 1 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Also read: Knicks’ odds vs Cavaliers slip amid Scott Foster referee decision for Game 1: ‘See you Thursday’
Scenes outside MSG during New York Knicks playoff games are often chaotic, whether the team wins or loses, and fans quickly mobbed Smith when he stepped into the massive crowd to celebrate following the game.
The concerns surrounding the watch parties came only weeks after Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced plans for free public viewing events during the FIFA World Cup, which will be held across New Jersey in June and July.
