6 Arrested as NYPD Takes Major Decision After Knicks-Cavs Game 2

Following the New York Knicks' 109-93 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday, which gave them a 2-0 series lead, six people were arrested amid rowdy celebrations outside Madison Square Garden. In response, the NYPD has denied permits for outdoor watch parties near the arena, aiming to prevent further chaos as the team chases its first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.

Their current hot streak and the promise of a spot in the NBA Finals are enough to cause pandemonium among the team's fans. However, it seems that a few rowdy supporters have taken things a bit too far.

Well, the police have had enough of these drunk crowds and the wild parties. As a response, they've implemented a proactive approach to nip the problem in the bud in hopes of maintaining order in the areas near Madison Square Garden.

"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 spokesperson confirmed. "But we will continue to review requests to support parties at alternate sites, like Summer Stage."

Games were broadcast for free on outdoor screens, prompting fans to gather in the streets. Crowds swelled to as many as 6,000, with reports of fans jumping barriers, blocking traffic, climbing subway entrances, and drinking openly. These usual parties that take place near these screens will not be present following the police's decision.

With Games 3 and 4 taking place in Cleveland, this decision removes one of the most popular ways for Knicks fans to come together and support their team near MSG. Still, it doesn't eliminate the watch parties entirely.

The police also said that they will still review requests in different sites, especially those farther from MSG. Additionally, the option to watch the games from the comfort of one's home remains available, along with indoor options such as arena viewings and bar takeovers.

Celebrations and parties among New York Knicks fans have earned them a reputation and even led star guard Jalen Brunson to admit he fears the hometown fans.

Jalen Brunson Wants to Avoid Knicks Crowd After Incident With JR Smith

The New York Knicks set the tone early against the Philadelphia 76ers, dominating Game 1 to get a 137-98 victory. The hometown crowd waiting outside Madison Square Garden went into overdrive as they celebrated their squad's landslide win.

Among the crowd was former Knicks guard JR Smith, who is also notorious for loving to party. Smith celebrated the victory with the crowd, who increasingly got rowdy around the former NBA star.

Fans closed in from all directions, causing him to lose his balance, along with a few other individuals. Despite that, the celebrating fans continued partying and began closing in on Smith and the others who had fallen.

Those who were closest tried to help Smith up, but the pressure from those approaching made it difficult for him to get back on his feet. Thankfully, no harm was done, and he managed to stand. Afterward, he could be seen telling the crowd to relax as they continued to crowd him.

Brunson witnessed this incident, which led him to reconsider celebrating with the fans.

“I thought about it, then I saw JR Smith, and I don’t know now,” he said. “[After winning a championship] would be the only time, but still it might be even a little crazier then.”

He admitted he considered joining the party, but seeing what happened to Smith was enough to dissuade him.

However, he also added that he might join in on the celebration if his squad wins the championship.