Knicks Fans Destroy NYPD Property as Championship Celebrations Take Drastic Turn

The Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the 2026 Finals, clinching their first title since 1973 with Jalen Brunson scoring 45 points in the decisive Game 5. Unfortunately, this has made the NYPD’s job that much harder. Reporter Nick Sortor captured chaotic street celebrations in New York after the Knicks ended the 53-year championship wait, as crowds started destroying cars and NYPD riot officers made aggressive arrests.

Video shows chaotic Knicks fans climbing on and smashing the windshield of a white NYPD Prius patrol car outside Madison Square Garden. The car was empty at the time and had its windshield heavily damaged as large crowds filled the surrounding streets. With over a million views garnered, it perfectly encapsulated the nighttime mayhem, including fans climbing on and vandalizing vehicles like SUVs, dense crowds filming with phones.

Another video surfaced where NYPD officers in riot gear and on horseback were yelling “move back,” as they advanced on large crowds of Knicks fans flooding streets near MSG. The police deployment was rapid compared to slower responses to other protests, with some calling for arrests to prevent vandalism. It stems from intense fan celebrations during the Knicks-Spurs finals, including a record 29-point comeback win in Game 4.

The police also set a plan in place previously as they expected large crowds due to a Knicks watch party outside Madison Square Garden, World Cup travel and a 5 Seconds of Summer concert at MSG.

Starting at 4 p.m., a security perimeter will be established around Madison Square Garden. The perimeter will run from West 29th Street to West 35th Street, between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue.

Sixth and Eighth avenues will remain open to vehicles and pedestrians, but they are subject to closures.

Starting at 4 p.m., people will not be allowed inside the secure area unless they have a ticket to the concert at MSG, a train ticket, are going to a business inside the area, live in the area or have another authorized reason to be there.

Despite the plan in place and even with a swift response, the damage seemed to have been done.

“I’ve been doing this job for 20 years and I’ve never had to wear riot gear,” one officer told The Post outside MSG.

No immediate information was available regarding injuries, and arrests were not available at the moment.

Mayor’s words go unchecked as Knicks fans continue creating problems for the NYPD

From trampling JR Smith to mobbing a 76ers reporter, New York Knicks fans celebrate on another rowdy level. After the Game 4 win, it was even more difficult. Even then, the NYPD did its best, but some of the supporters had already destroyed vehicles, taxis, and property after watch parties near Madison Square Garden. Nearly 60 people were taken into NYPD custody on Wednesday night after nearly 10,000 people swarmed the area of MSG.

That’s why before Game 5, Mayor Zohran Mamdani asked fans to be cautious.

“Tonight, Knicks fans across our city will come together at Plaza 33 outside MSG, Radio City Music Hall, and Wollman Rink to watch Game 5 of the NBA Finals. As we celebrate, be responsible, look out for one another, stay safe, be smart, and make this a night that reflects the very best of our city. Let’s go Knicks.”

But the fever of the championship meant all hell broke loose. Only time will tell the real damage, as developments throughout the night will take place.