The owner of the New York Knicks launched a scathing attack against city officials Wednesday, calling off a planned fan gathering for Game 4 of the NBA Finals due to what he described as overly restrictive security protocols around Madison Square Garden.
James Dolan directed his criticism at Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch on Tuesday, labeling them New York’s “biggest party poopers.” His company, MSG Sports, escalated the rhetoric Wednesday by claiming Mamdani had transformed “the streets around MSG into a police state.”
City officials defended their position, noting they had approved Madison Square Garden’s permit application for a watch party accommodating 500 to 999 attendees on Wednesday. Police had arranged for participants to access the event through a designated security perimeter that required street closures for the ticketed gathering.
However, Dolan characterized the city’s authorization as “disingenuous at best” and suddenly scrapped Wednesday’s viewing event, which has been a longstanding tradition at Madison Square Garden during playoff runs.
The team, playing their first NBA Finals home contests in 27 years, was looking to build on their 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven matchup against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
Dolan argued the 1,000-person capacity restriction would leave “tens of thousands of people who want to come to The Garden to celebrate the Knicks out in the cold.” He explained his decision to cancel by saying it would be unjust to those unable to participate.
Mamdani responded that the cancellation was “breaking hearts across our city.”
This security dispute marked the second such controversy this week. U.S. President Donald Trump’s attendance at Monday’s Game 3 required additional Secret Service protection, while the NYPD blocked several surrounding blocks to non-authorized foot traffic.
The NBA Finals contests in midtown Manhattan have energized the city, with supporters paying premium prices for tickets to one of the most expensive sporting events in recent history at the venue known as the “World’s Most Famous Arena.”
Trump occupied a luxury suite with Dolan on Monday and faced crowd disapproval when shown on the arena’s video board during the national anthem, having previously dismissed criticism about the steep ticket costs.
Excitement built again Wednesday as the New York Post reported that pop sensation Taylor Swift would join other celebrities in attendance.
The Knicks and Spurs are scheduled for Game 5 on Saturday in San Antonio, with a potential Game 6 return to New York if needed.
