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NBA Finals: Knicks fans riot after Game 3 loss, attack Spurs supporters

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • NBA fans clashed with Spurs supporters after the Knicks lost Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York.
  • Videos showed Spurs fans being attacked, with one fan's jersey being torn, stepped on, and burned.
  • San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable.

New York City witnessed post-game chaos after the Knicks' 111-115 loss to the Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. The defeat ended the Knicks' 13-game playoff winning streak, though they still lead the series 2-1.

Social media videos revealed disturbing scenes of Spurs fans being assaulted on the streets. One fan had their jersey ripped off, stomped on, and set ablaze. The New York Police Department reported at least 21 arrests related to fan altercations.

I didn't know about this before. My thought is, we can't forget that this is just a game. We're just playing on the court. I fully support fans showing passion, but we have to have respect for each other. This behavior is unacceptable.

— Victor WembanyamaThe Spurs star condemned the fan violence that occurred after Game 3.

Spurs player Victor Wembanyama addressed the violence, stating, "I didn't know about this before. My thought is, we can't forget that this is just a game. We're just playing on the court. I fully support fans showing passion, but we have to have respect for each other. This behavior is unacceptable."

This sport is built on respect and passion. We want everyone to respect each other and enjoy basketball in its purest form. This is the NBA Finals, there's no better stage for basketball. As for physical altercations, let that be for the players on the court.

— Karl-Anthony TownsThe Knicks center called for respect among fans following the post-game clashes.

Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns echoed the sentiment, emphasizing respect. "This sport is built on respect and passion. We want everyone to respect each other and enjoy basketball in its purest form. This is the NBA Finals, there's no better stage for basketball. As for physical altercations, let that be for the players on the court," he said.

Even prominent Knicks fan Ben Stiller weighed in on X, formerly Twitter, writing, "As a Knicks fan, it doesn't mean we can disrespect Spurs fans in any way. We get emotional and invested during the game, but we still have to be respectful of others."

As a Knicks fan, it doesn't mean we can disrespect Spurs fans in any way. We get emotional and invested during the game, but we still have to be respectful of others.

— Ben StillerThe actor and Knicks fan commented on the fan violence via social media.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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