NYPD Turns MSG Into ‘Armageddon’ to Stop 6,000 Knicks Fans Days After Backlash for Controversial Move

The New York Knicks last lost on April 23rd. Since then, they have won 10 straight before Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. As the winning streak went up, the problems and chaos on the NYC streets. The conclusion of Game 2 even led to six arrests, so naturally, the surveillance and vigilance during Game 4 had to be tight.

FOX 5 NY Emmy winner, Sports Reporter Jennifer X. Williams, shared a video outside of the Radio Music Hall, where the Game 4 watch party was in full effect. The price was just $10, way less than the hundreds of dollars spent at Madison Square Garden. “HUGE police presence outside of Radio City Music Hall for the Knicks Game 4 Watch Party, the pep talk included: ‘If they win, it’s gonna get rowdy,’” Williams tweeted, alongside the video. “A cop told me that they are going be dispersed throughout the area. Tonight’s event is sold out / at capacity at 6K fans…”

The video shows a large contingent of NYPD officers gathered at night outside Madison Square Garden, standing near Chase Bank signage and MSG’s illuminated entrance. It generated 2.1 million views, as the rowdiness of some Knicks fans has grabbed the headlines. Over the weeks, the police had to deal with jersey burning of rivals, a fan climbing a billboard, and multiple scuffles happening outside MSG. A few comments perfectly captured the scenario.

HUGE police presence outside of Radio City Music Hall for the Knicks Game 4 Watch Party, the pep talk included: “If they win, it’s gonna get rowdy.” A cop told me that they are going be dispersed throughout the area.

Tonight’s event is sold out / at capacity at 6K fans…… pic.twitter.com/KVJ4pE28wB

— Jennifer X. Williams (@JenXperience) May 25, 2026

“NYPD preparing for Armageddon once the Knicks win .” while another added, “NYPD got the riot gear ready because Knicks fans are about to celebrate like the city just defeated Thanos”. Let’s not forget that there have been multiple arrests for disorderly conduct.

“Games 1 and 2 have seen progressively more problematic issues at the watch parties outside MSG, six arrests last night alone, so the NYPD will not support more watch parties outside the stadium,” a police department statement read. “But we will continue to review requests to support parties at alternate sites, like Summer Stage.”

That’s why the NYPD pulled the plug on other watch parties outside Madison Square Garden because of concerns about escalating Knicks fan rowdiness. In fact, citing the city’s Street Activity Permit Office, they denied MSG’s permits for the Eastern Conference Finals Game 4. The police concerns boiled over, and the officers were reportedly unwilling to return unless Knicks fans showed more control.

Fans to NYC Mayor to overturn the ruling

The NYPD described the atmosphere of NYC streets as “progressively more problematic.” One clear example could be when the former Knicks guard J.R. Smith was swarmed by celebrating fans outside MSG. Videos later revealed that the Smith had to repeatedly say “relax” as people stumbled over one another. The Knicks have now won 11 consecutive playoff games and swept the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals.

For the first time since 1999, the Knicks will be going to the NBA finals. So, the fans made one request to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, “Mr. Mayor, bring back the watch parties!” Even NYC City Council Public Safety Chair Oswald Feliz echoed the same sentiment. “New Yorkers deserve to be able to enjoy their city together with their friends and their family. They also pay taxes so that we could have a police department to help ensure that these events do not become chaotic.”

Now, there has to be a middle ground where the fans get to enjoy, and the police feel it is safe for everybody. But with every win, it seems that the middle ground is slowly fading away.

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