Monday was momentous in New York City, as the New York Knicks hosted the San Antonio Spurs for Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals — the first Finals game played at Madison Square Garden since 1999.
Unfortunately, it was spoiled by two parties: the Spurs and select Knicks fans who couldn’t handle their team losing to the Spurs.
Led by Victor Wembanyama, a.k.a. Wemby, San Antonio won Game 3, 115-111, to cut the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1. Afterward, several clips began circulating on X showing people wearing Spurs jerseys getting physically accosted by New Yorkers. In the age of AI, who knows the validity of those specific videos, but ABC News reported that “at least 21 people” were arrested.
Ben Stiller, recognized for his Knicks fandom as much as his legendary comedy career, hated what he saw.
“Being a Knick fan doesn’t mean being disrespectful to Spurs fans in any way…we get caught up during the games but we gotta show respect to our fellow humans…,” Stiller posted on X.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani quote-tweeted Stiller’s post, writing, “Couldn’t agree more. We’ll win this series on the court (even if the refs refuse to call a flagrant on Wemby), not by targeting, harassing, or attacking Spurs fans. Knicks in 5.”
Wembanyama was asked to comment on Knicks fans attacking Spurs fans outside of Madison Square Garden, and he also condemned violence.
“Fans got attacked? Hm, I didn’t know that,” Wembanyama said Tuesday. “But my thoughts, of course, is that, I mean, we can’t forget it’s a game. We’re just playing a game out there. And I am all for passion, but to the respect of each other. It’s unacceptable.”
The Knicks and Spurs will return to Madison Square Garden for Game 4 on Wednesday night.
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