MSG owner slams NYC mayor & NYPD as ‘party poopers’ over ‘frozen zone’ security measures for Knicks Game 4

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MADISON Square Garden’s bosses have blasted New York City leaders for ruining the arena’s party atmosphere over strict security plans for the Knicks’ NBA Finals clash.

The arena and the New York Knicks slammed Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch ahead of Game 4 against the San Antonio Spurs.

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New York Knicks fans in Central Park watching game 3 of the NBA Finals.

New York Knicks fans stood in long lines and gathered in Central Park to watch the 3rd game of the NBA finals Credit: Alamy

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks at a press conference.

New York Knicks slammed Mayor Zohran Mamdani calling him “biggest party poopers.” Credit: EPA

Madison Square Garden officials have called off the watch party outside the venue entirely.

“We’re not even putting up the screens,” Knicks owner Jim Dolan said during a Wednesday appearance on WFAN Radio.

“Our hope was that the mayor and the commissioner would change their minds and we’d put the screens up,” Dolan added.

“They clearly haven’t changed their minds. It’s almost 5 o’ clock, so the screens are not going up.”

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Dolan added that the decision is “really out of the mayor’s office,” noting that it would be Mamdani who “really needs to change his mind.”

Mamdani announced the cancelation on Twitter.

“MSG requested a permit for a watch party for 500-999 fans. We approved that permit for 999 fans.

“Mr. Dolan has now decided to cancel the watch party. I know this is breaking hearts across our city.

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“But if there’s one thing Knicks fans don’t need permission for, it’s showing up for our team wherever we may be — no matter the block or the borough. Knicks in five,” he wrote.

The row erupted in New York City after officials approved a smaller, ticketed watch party outside MSG but kept a tight “frozen zone” around the venue.

The Knicks are set to host the Spurs on Wednesday night as they try to bounce back from a bruising Game 3 loss.

But MSG said the city’s security plan is crushing the celebration around the team’s historic Finals run.

New York Knicks fans climb on scaffolding and an ice cream truck during an NBA Finals watch party.

Fans climb on an ice cream truck and scaffolding outside of the watch party at Bryant Park Credit: Getty

Police officers from the Strategic Response Group push back a crowd at Bryant Park.

For Game 4, police confirmed the Knicks applied for and received a permit for a watch party outside the Garden Credit: Getty

“The last several victories the Knicks have had have been celebrated by thousands and thousands outside MSG,” the venue said in a statement.

“The joy and happiness were palpable everywhere.”

MSG then took direct aim at City Hall and the NYPD.

“Apparently Mayor Mamdani and Police Commissioner Tisch, despite what they say, don’t want to see these celebrations happen,” the statement said.

The arena called Mamdani and Tisch the city’s “biggest party poopers.”

Security around MSG was ramped up for Monday’s Game 3 because President Donald Trump attended the matchup.

The measures included a steel fence, limited access points, strict screening, and limits on what fans could bring inside.

A watch party planned outside MSG was also moved to Bryant Park.

About 7,000 fans attended that event, according to reports.

But the night turned chaotic after the Spurs beat the Knicks 115-111.

More than 20 people were taken into custody, five NYPD officers were injured, and videos showed fans in Spurs gear being verbally and physically harassed.

For Game 4, police confirmed the Knicks applied for and received a permit for a watch party outside the Garden.

The team asked for space for 500 to 1,000 people and was granted the top limit, an NYPD spokesperson said.

Only 1,000 ticketed fans will be allowed to attend.

The mayor’s office and the NYPD said there will be no reentry.

Fans attending the watch party will have one entry point, while game ticket holders will use four separate entrances.

Tisch said Monday that watch parties outside MSG were expected to resume but would be tightly controlled.

“Those watch parties will be managed with pens and screening, and we do anticipate the same security perimeter for safety purposes,” she said.

Mamdani also said the city had approved a ticketed MSG watch party for Game 4.

“We’re back outside the Garden,” the mayor posted on X.

“This is a historic, joyful moment for our city. We will not allow it to be disrupted by violence.”

City officials defended the restrictions after the ugly scenes that followed Game 3.

“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,” city spokesperson Sam Raskin said.

“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.”

MSG fired back that the same “frozen zone” rules were being kept even though Trump is not expected at Game 4.

“We have been told that the NYPD will once again implement the same ‘frozen zone’ restrictions for Game 4, which were supposedly to thwart any threats related to the President’s attendance,” the statement said.

“We now know these restrictions were never about the President — it was just a convenient excuse to restrict how and when Knicks fans celebrate.”

The venue said the celebrations outside MSG are part of New York’s identity.

“These celebrations are part of the heart and soul of New Yorkers,” MSG said.

“The actions of the Mayor and Police Commissioner, supposedly in support of the Knicks and their fans, are difficult to understand.

“We urge them to lift these restrictions and embrace the love of the team.”

The NYPD later warned fans that the same secure zone used Monday would return for Game 4.

“We know you are excited to cheer on the Knicks tonight, and we are too, but we want everyone to be safe,” the department tweeted.

“Starting at 4pm, we will have the same secure zone around MSG as we had on Monday. Everyone will be screened.

“Get there early and leave the bags at home.”

The feud marks a sharp turn for MSG, which launched a campaign earlier this year thanking NYPD officers.

Now, the Garden and city officials are clashing over how far security should go during the Knicks’ biggest postseason run in decades.

The Spurs won Game 3 behind a huge night from Victor Wembanyama, who had 32 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.

Jalen Brunson also scored 32 for the Knicks, while OG Anunoby added 28 points and five rebounds.

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New York still leads the series 2-1.

Tip-off for Game 4 is scheduled for 8:30 pm ET.

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