Cop assaulted, 26 arrested as Knicks fans celebrate in NYC

Field Level Media
06 Jun 2026, 22:25 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images)

Unruly New York Knicks fans turned a reason to celebrate into chaos late Friday after their team opened a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs.

With Game 2 at San Antonio on Friday night, more than 6,000 fans gathered at a watch party outside Madison Square Garden before the scene on the streets of Manhattan afterward turned violent.

A female police officer was assaulted to the point of needing medical attention, while 26 people were arrested following what one police official described as 'pandemonium.'

'A victory celebration shouldn't end with blood pouring down a police officer's face,' Police Benevolent Association President Pat Hendry said in a statement. 'Our sister was just doing her job, trying to keep everyone safe in the pandemonium ... when an individual jumped over a barrier and punched her in the face hard enough to leave a bloody gash.'

Among the reasons for arrests were people who scaled light poles, as well as those who jumped on food carts and subway entrances. There was at least one arrest for selling counterfeit merchandise. A total of 17 of those arrested were criminally charged, according to the New York Daily News.

A foreshadowing to Friday's unrest came after Game 1 on Wednesday when eight people were arrested following a watch party at Madison Square Garden.

The best-of-seven series now shifts to New York for Game 3 on Monday. The Knicks sit two victories away from their first NBA title since the 1972-73 season.

--Field Level Media

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Tennis Times.

More Information

Sports

Section

Cop assaulted, 26 arrested as Knicks fans celebrate in NYC

(Photo credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images) Unruly New York Knicks fans turned a reason to celebrate into chaos late Friday after their...

Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy wins 2nd Vezina Trophy

(Photo credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images) Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy is now a two-time Vezina Trophy winner....

"Well-deserving": BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Shreyas Iyer becoming new T20I skipper

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 6 (ANI): BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar praised Shreyas Iyer's leadership and consistent performances,...

Replacing Suryakumar as T20I captain a "tough decision" but "in interest of team," says BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 6 (ANI): The Chairman of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Senior Men's Selection...

First-ever World Yogasana Championships boosts PM Modi's dreams of transforming traditional art into global sporting discipline

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 6 (ANI): Argentinian Nabila Sol Barraza comes from the same village as the legendary footballer Lionel...

Iran accuses US of denying visas to football team officials ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

New Delhi [India], June 6 (ANI): Iran has accused the United States of denying visas to a significant number of officials and support...

Lifestyle

Section

First-ever World Yogasana Championships boosts PM Modi's dreams of transforming traditional art into global sporting discipline

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 6 (ANI): Argentinian Nabila Sol Barraza comes from the same village as the legendary footballer Lionel...

Manipur: Protesters block NH-2 at Namdilong, demand release of 6 Naga hostages

Imphal (Manipur) [India], June 6 (ANI): Protesters on Saturday blocked the Imphal-Dimapur road along National Highway-2 at Namdilong...

On World Environment Day, Dettol Banega Swasth India Showcases How Climate-Resilient Schools Are Helping Children Stay Healthy and Learn Better

BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], June 6: Climate change is increasingly shaping the everyday lives of children. From extreme...