NYPD Reverses Ban, Allows Knicks Watch Party Outside MSG for Game 1

For the first time in 27 years, the New York Knicks are in the NBA Finals. After briefly banning watch parties outside Madison Square Garden due to fan rowdiness, the NYPD has reversed course for Game 1 on Wednesday night.

Madison Square Garden secured permits for a watch party at Plaza 33. Game 1 will also be shown inside the arena with $10 tickets benefiting the Garden of Dreams Foundation.

The reversal follows six arrests during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Fans celebrated the Knicks' clincher with street parties, chants for Victor Wembanyama, and mayhem at intersections.

The Knicks face the San Antonio Spurs as underdogs. New York hasn't won an NBA title since 1973.