Zohran Mamdani sends message to NY fans before Game 5 watch parties

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani sent a message to fans of the New York Knicks ahead of a pivotal Game 5 match in the NBA Finals. The Knicks are one win away from beating the San Antonio Spurs to capture their first championship in 53 years, but the Knicks’ success in the playoffs comes after incidents of harassment and violence by several Knicks fans in the city following the games.

One particular incident involved San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama having eggs thrown at him, which Shams Charania reported about on ESPN’s NBA Today on Thursday.

“I can confirm that multiple eggs were thrown in the direction of Victor Wembanyama late last night outside the Spurs Hotel. As of right now, the New York Police Department has not made any arrests, though, and the Spurs are on their way back to San Antonio today for game five.

Charania continued, “Game six would be on Tuesday night; unclear where the Spurs would stay. Their hotel for Games 3 and 4 was located just about a five-block radius from Madison Square Garden, where there were 56 arrests, according to NYPD, last night after the game.”

Mamdani took to his X account to share his special message with New York Knicks fans.

“NEW YORK: Tonight, Knicks fans across our city will come together at Plaza 33 outside MSG, Radio City Music Hall, and Wollman Rink to watch Game 5 of the NBA Finals. My administration is proud to work with the Knicks to support these watch parties.

As we celebrate, be responsible, look out for one another, stay safe, be smart, and make this a night that reflects the very best of our city.

Let’s go Knicks.”

Mamdani has taken several steps to make the NBA Finals more accessible to New Yorkers. On Friday, he announced that 130 LinkNYC kiosks in the city will stream Game 5 of the NBA Finals. This comes after a successful streaming of Game 4 of the NBA Finals on the devices.

“The Knicks belong to all New Yorkers, whether you’re watching from the Garden or not,” Mamdani said in a statement. “Earlier this week, New Yorkers gathered around LinkNYC kiosks to watch one of the greatest comebacks in basketball history. This weekend, we’re running it back. More than a hundred kiosks will turn our sidewalks into watch parties and our streets into celebrations. Knicks in Five.”

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