Knicks owner clashes with Mamdani over tight security, cancelling NBA Finals watch party

The last-minute cancellation of a watch party for Wednesday's NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden has sparked a blame game between the owner of the New York Knicks and the city's mayor.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Knicks owner James Dolan had "decided to cancel the watch party" for game four, which he said was "breaking hearts across our city".

But Dolan blamed Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica, calling them "party poopers" and citing enhanced security around the Manhattan venue. It comes after a watch party at nearby Bryant Park turned violent on Monday.

Hosting its first NBA Finals in 27 years, the Knicks is playing the San Antonio Spurs in a best-of-seven series of games.

Taylor Swift was among celebrities seen in the crowd at the game on Wednesday night.

Dolan faulted Mamdani and Tisch for increased security around Madison Square Garden, saying during a sports radio show interview that there would be no longer be screens outside the arena showing the game.

"This is about celebrating the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, at the Mecca of basketball," Dolan said. "This is what the mayor's office and the commissioner's office is trying to kill. They don't want the celebration."

Mamdani said on X soon afterwards that the venue had requested a permit for a watch party for up to 999 fans, which the city had approved.

The mayor had stressed the importance of safety on Tuesday. "As we prepare to watch together, let me be clear: this is a historic, joyful moment for our city. We will not allow it to be disrupted by violence," Mamdani said.

Tisch also warned the public that they should again expect New Year's Eve-levels of security, similar to when Trump attended the game Monday. Everyone will be screened, according to the New York City Police Department (NYPD), which advised attendees to "get there early and leave the bags at home".

Dolan responded on Tuesday slamming Mamdani and Tisch as "New York City's biggest party poopers".

"We now know that these restrictions were never about the President. It was just a convenient excuse to restrict how and when Knicks fans celebrate," he said.

Asked about Dolan's comments during a press conference, Mamdani said the security measures fit a gathering the size of the watch party.

The Knicks lost 111-115 at Madison Square Garden to the Spurs in game three of the best-of-seven NBA finals on Monday, cutting their lead in the series to 2-1.

The Knicks haven't been in the finals since 1999, at which time they lost to the Spurs, and New Yorkers have been out in the streets celebrating each win.

"The city is electric," a fan told the BBC.

President Donald Trump attended Game 3 at Madison Square Garden on Monday and sat with Dolan in a luxury suite.

His attendance led to the cancellation of a watch party near the arena and the installation of a fenced perimeter around the arena and surrounding streets.

Those without tickets turned to watch parties, including one organised by the city at nearby Bryant Park.

Thousands of people eventually flooded the area, blocking traffic, standing on cars and climbing building scaffolding to see the screens.

The crowed turned violent, police say, brawling and throwing glass objects at each other. Some 21 people were arrested.

Video also went viral showing a mob violently assaulting a 39-year-old Spurs fan as he walked back to his hotel room.

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama called the violence "unacceptable". NYPD is hunting for the suspects.

Celebrity fans of the Knicks also cautioned fans against getting violent.

"Being a Knick fan doesn't mean being disrespectful to Spurs fans in any way," said actor Ben Stiller.