Madison Square Garden called off the planned Game 3 watch party as the Knicks host their first home finals game with President Trump and Mayor Zohran Mamdani both expected to attend. The decision follows Friday's raucous celebration outside the arena that ended with seventeen arrests and nine summonses for disorderly conduct, including an incident where a reveler allegedly punched and bit police officers.

Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch confirmed that over 1,000 officers were deployed during Friday's watch party, where fans climbed lampposts and food carts. The department faces mounting pressure with the FIFA World Cup starting June 13 in New Jersey, requiring officers to work 12-hour shifts and creating overtime costs while staffing levels remain strained from attrition.

Ticket holders received instructions to arrive two hours early and bagless for Monday's game, reflecting enhanced security protocols at the iconic venue. While the Garden watch party was scrapped, celebrations at Wollman Rink and Brooklyn Bowl will continue as planned, offering alternatives for fans seeking communal viewing experiences.

The cancellation highlights the operational challenges facing New York's security infrastructure when high-profile political figures intersect with major sporting events, creating both logistical complexity and significant financial strain on city resources during peak tourist season.