New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani says Knicks watch party outside MSG back on for Game 4

A handful of Knicks fans gathered outside Madison Square Garden on Tuesday to burn cleansing sage, hoping to purge whatever bad energy was left behind from Monday’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Maybe it’s working, because New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on X.com Tuesday evening that a watch party for Game 4 is back on outside MSG.

Advertisement

"We have approved a ticketed MSG watch party for Game 4. More details soon," Mamdani said. "As we prepare to watch together, let me be clear: this is a historic, joyful moment for our city. We will not allow it to be disrupted by violence. Be safe, take care, and celebrate responsibly."

This is seemingly another indication that President Donald Trump, who stirred up strong emotions by shutting down midtown so he could attend, will not return for Game 4.

ESPN’s Shams Charania had already reported Trump will not attend, citing “scheduling conflicts and obligations."

Madison Square Garden Sports in a statement, though, said it has been told "that the NYPD will once again implement the same 'frozen zone' restrictions for Game 4."

Advertisement

"The complete closing of areas around MSG is going to affect not only the celebration but also all the small businesses that rely on Garden fans for their livelihood," MSG said.

Trump became the first sitting president in history to attend an NBA Finals game when he showed up at MSG on Monday at the invitation of Knicks owner James Dolan. He was booed when shown on the Jumbotron during the national anthem. His presence also forced the cancellation of the outdoor watch party outside MSG and triggered a security perimeter that had fans waiting two hours or more to get inside.

The Knicks had won 13 straight games before the Spurs snapped the streak, 115-111, and fans wasted no time blaming Trump on social media.

With the president staying away, New York City approved a permit for a ticketed watch party at Plaza 33 outside MSG on Wednesday night. Watch parties will also be held at Wollman Rink in Central Park and the Brooklyn Bowl.

The Knicks lead the series 2-1.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Zohran Mamdani says Knicks watch party outside MSG back on for Game 4