A disturbing video circulating online appears to show a group of New York Knicks fans surrounding and attacking a man wearing a San Antonio Spurs jersey following Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
The footage, which spread across social media on Tuesday (June 9), allegedly captures part of a confrontation that witnesses claim lasted roughly 15 minutes in the aftermath of the Spurs' 115-111 victory over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
According to accounts and video shared online, the unidentified Spurs supporter was circled by a large crowd and repeatedly confronted after New York suffered its first loss of the series. Several videos appear to show the man attempting to protect himself while he received little immediate assistance from those around him.
Witnesses also claimed the fan suffered facial injuries during the incident, with footage showing what appeared to be blood on his face. The situation reportedly escalated until the man removed his Spurs jersey and handed it to members of the crowd. According to multiple accounts, he was then allowed to leave the area.
Warning: The videos below are graphic.
The video emerged amid a chaotic night across parts of Manhattan following the Knicks' loss, as thousands of fans gathered around Bryant Park and the area surrounding Madison Square Garden after a watch party for Game 3.
The New York Police Department reported that more than 20 people were taken into custody following a series of disturbances, per The Athletic. Eight individuals were arrested and charged, while several others received criminal court summonses. Police also reported that five officers were injured during the unrest.
Videos appeared to show multiple fights breaking out throughout Midtown, objects thrown into crowds, and Knicks supporters targeting fans wearing Spurs gear.
“New Yorkers are understandably passionate about the Knicks, and the overwhelming majority of fans watched the game last night in ways that were both safe and fun,” a spokesperson for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in a statement. “But the fights and other disruptive incidents—including assaults on police officers—in various parts of the city are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
The unrest came after security for President Donald Trump attendance at Game 3 forced changes to gathering locations around Madison Square Garden, sending many fans to other watch-party sites throughout the city.
