It didn’t take long for everything to go sideways after the NYPD lifted its ban on outdoor watch parties. As the New York Knicks took a steady 2-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, the area outside MSG saw severe unrest. About 6,500 people showed up outside James Dolan’s arena. Things escalated to the point that multiple arrests were made. But the most shocking incident was the assault on law enforcement, which prompted a stern word from the mayor.

“The assault on an NYPD officer outside Madison Square Garden last night was unacceptable,” Zohran Mamdani wrote on X. “New Yorkers are rightfully excited about the Knicks’ historic Finals run, and we want fans to celebrate this moment together. There is, however, no place for violence, and no tolerance for attacks on police officers. Thank you to the officers who worked to keep fans safe throughout the night, and we wish the injured officer a speedy recovery.”

“The overwhelming majority of New Yorkers celebrated responsibly, and I urge everyone to continue doing so as the Finals return to New York,” Mamdani concluded.

According to the NYPD, the situation escalated when a segment of the crowd began climbing food carts, light poles, and subway entrances, while also blocking traffic along Seventh and Eighth Avenues from 31st to 35th Streets. Gothamist reported that police observed rowdy behavior from the moment the watch party began, with two arrests made even before tip-off. And when officers attempted to enforce order, they were met with non-compliance and physical resistance.

The unrest unfolded despite a very public show of force from Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Just hours before Game 2, Tisch issued a blunt warning, deploying more than 1,000 officers to the watch party and placing the city on notice.

“We will have no tolerance for violence, particularly for violence against police officers, destruction of property, climbing on light poles or structures, blocking emergency vehicles, or any other chaotic behavior that puts people at risk,” Tisch said. “We want people to have fun. We want people to celebrate the Knicks. Do not be the one who ruins it going forward for everyone else. Remember, cops are Knicks fans, too.”

The altercation in discussion involved 29-year-old Karley Reyes, who was arrested and charged with assault, resisting arrest, and obstruction of government administration. Reports from the Police Benevolent Association reveal that Reyes jumped over a barricade into a restricted zone. When an officer attempted to remove her from the area, she reportedly punched the cop multiple times in the face and bit a second officer on the wrist who stepped in to assist.

The officer who was attacked required immediate medical attention and stitches, according to the PBA.

“A victory celebration shouldn’t end with blood pouring down a police officer’s face,” Police Benevolent Association President Pat Hendry said in a statement. “Our sister was just doing her job, trying to keep everyone safe in the pandemonium following the Knicks Game 2 win when an individual jumped over a barrier and punched her in the face hard enough to leave a bloody gash.”

Hendry deemed Reyes’ behavior “completely unacceptable” and added that the union would be “in court to make sure this individual faces the consequences she deserves.”

According to the New York Post, Prosecutor Olivia Tucker asked the judge to set bail at $25,000 in cash, $75,000 insurance bond, and $75,000 for a partially secured bond.

But that was not the only arrest made. Law enforcement took 26 individuals into custody at this chaotic watch party. 17 of them face charges. At least one person was arrested for carrying a loaded firearm and allegedly selling counterfeit merchandise. Nine others received court summonses for disorderly conduct.

Outdoor watch parties were already suspended once during the Eastern Conference Finals after rowdy crowds forced the NYPD’s hand, only to be reinstated for the NBA Finals on a strictly game-by-game basis. But as the series shifts back to NYC for Game 3 on Monday, law enforcement is re-evaluating its crowd-control measures. It had lifted the ban on gatherings outside MSG, but it will get difficult with Donald Trump’s impending visit and the security upgrades.

As for those who are set to attend the game with tickets inside MSG, the security team has already issued its protocol on social media. People are expected to arrive two hours before tip-off. The Knicks made it clear that there’d be a strict no-bag policy with “TSA-style screening procedures” before entering the Garden.

“Fans should make every effort to limit personal items to an absolute minimum,” the team wrote.

Police sources indicate that the NYPD is consulting with the Secret Service about whether outdoor fan watch parties should be permitted right outside the arena, leaving the final decision up in the air.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is also scheduled to attend Game 3, noted he would be seated in an entirely separate section from the president as the city prepares to host Games 3 and 4 under a massive security presence.