Knicks watch party turns ugly as massive brawls break out, pepper spray gets deployed by cops in Manhattan

President Donald Trump was at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.

A watch party for Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Bryant Park in New York City turned into a royal rumble on Monday night as fists flew, police officers deployed pepper spray, and more than half a dozen arrests were made.

With the New York Knicks hosting their first NBA Finals game since 1999, the excitement and tension around the city were palpable, and with President Donald Trump attending the game at Madison Square Garden, emotions, along with security, were heightened beyond belief in Manhattan.

After the San Antonio Spurs spoiled the party with a 115-111 win, many unruly Knicks fans took out their frustrations in the streets by creating as much chaos as possible.

Fans fight outside of a watch party at Bryant Park for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026 in New York City. The New York City Police Department and Secret Service cancelled an NBA Finals watch party near Madison Square Garden. (Photo by Adam Gray/Getty Images) (Adam Gray/Getty Images)

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Massive brawls broke out around the official watch party at Bryant Park, with officers in riot gear rushing to the scene in an attempt to control the fans. Pepper spray was deployed amid the intense scene unfolding in the streets.

An NYPD officer uses pepper spray as New York Knicks fans clash with NYPD officers outside of a watch party at Bryant Park for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026 in New York City. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)

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