The San Antonio Spurs’ Game 3 victory over the New York Knicks has been overshadowed by disturbing scenes that unfolded on the streets on New York afterward.
Multiple videos circulated across social media showing individuals wearing Spurs gear being confronted, harassed and, in some cases, physically attacked by apparent Knicks fans following San Antonio’s 115-111 win.
🚨INSANITY🚨
SPURS FAN gets ASSAULTED by a rabid mob of New York Nicks fans
Police is nowhere to be found… pic.twitter.com/p57KAD8vln
— PartiKing (@parti_king) June 9, 2026
At least 21 people were arrested in incidents connected to fan behavior after the game, according to ABC News, citing the New York Police Department.
When asked about the violent actions, Victor Wembanyama didn’t hesitate to condemn.
“My thoughts of course [are] that we can’t forget it’s a game,” Wembanyama said. “We’re just playing a game out there. I am all for passion, but [with] the respect of each other. It’s unacceptable.”
Several players from both teams echoed the same message, stressing that fan passion should never cross the line into violence.
“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, who grew up in Brooklyn, said the incidents shouldn’t define the city or the fanbase, but made it clear there is no excuse for targeting people because of the team they support.
“I feel we’re here to play a basketball game. That’s the main thing,” Champagnie 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.”
The Spurs organization also confirmed that the team itself has not encountered any security issues during its stay in New York.
READ MORE: Sam Presti Fires Back at Critics While Backing Chet Holmgren & SGA