This past Sunday, the Spurs got quite a reception in New York outside their hotel.
Fans of the Knicks lined the streets, playfully taunting their Western Conference rivals as the Spurs made their way to the buses in preparation for Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday.
With a couple of days to spare between games, the Knicks, having taken the first two games on the road, were riding high with a 2-0 lead in the series. They are eager to secure their first championship since 1973.
Even though the last game was played on Friday, the excitement surrounding the Knicks’ first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 was palpable, evident from the throngs of fans gathered outside the Spurs’ hotel.
A video circulating on social media captured the moment when boos erupted as the Spurs stepped out into the Manhattan streets, particularly aimed at San Antonio superstar Victor Wembanyama as he approached the team bus.
One particularly vocal fan could be heard shouting at the Spurs to “keep the bus running” and to “get ready to play golf, buddy!” as he made his way toward Wembanyama.
Throughout the Knicks’ playoff journey, their passionate fans are becoming talk of the town, with lively watch parties and celebrations at Madison Square Garden generating quite the buzz online.
However, the joyous atmosphere surrounding Madison Square Garden is set to be slightly muted, as enhanced security measures will be in place due to President Donald Trump’s attendance at Game 3.
“After careful coordination and evaluation, the Secret Service and NYPD jointly determined that an outdoor surveillance party cannot be held in the immediate vicinity of Madison Square Garden,” stated Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool.
An NYPD spokesperson expressed optimism, saying, “We look forward to the resumption of watch parties at Madison Square Garden for Game 4.”
In a notable historical nod, the NBA Finals will return to Madison Square Garden on Monday for the first time since June 21, 1999, when the Knicks triumphed over the Spurs 89-81 in Game 3, narrowing the series lead to 2-1.
