Players from both teams in the NBA finals have condemned apparent attacks on San Antonio Spurs fans by supporters of the New York Knicks.
Videos circulating on social media showed Spurs fans having their jerseys ripped off on the streets of New York in the aftermath of the Knicks’ loss in Game 3 of the finals at Madison Square Garden.
“My thoughts of course [are] that we can’t forget it’s a game,” Spurs star Victor Wembanyama said when told of the incidents. “We’re just playing a game out there. I am all for passion, but [with] the respect of each other. It’s unacceptable.”
According to CBS News, 21 people were taken into police custody, with eight arrested, after Monday’s game in violence related to the NBA finals.
Several members of the Knicks expressed their disquiet about the behavior of some of their fans.
“The game is built off of respect and passion,” Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns said. “We want everyone to respect each other. We want everyone to enjoy basketball at its purest state. It’s the NBA finals. There’s no better place to watch basketball. Leave the physicality to everyone on the court.”
Spurs forward Julian Champagnie grew up in New York but said he had not felt threatened walking around Manhattan during these finals. He did, however, say fans should moderate their behavior.
“I feel we’re here to play a basketball game. That’s the main thing,” he said. “I feel like for the fans, it should never be that serious where you have to jump people, beat people up, follow people home. Whether we win, they win, it doesn’t really matter. Everybody should be able to come and enjoy the game, no matter who they’re rooting for.”
A watch party outside Madison Square Garden was cancelled for Monday’s game due to enhanced security measures because of Donald Trump’s attendance. Several other outside gatherings took place around the city without serious incidents.
The Knicks host the Spurs again on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks, chasing their first NBA championship since 1973, lead the series 2-1.
