Knicks owner James Dolan says New York City officials, not President Donald Trump or the Secret Service, were responsible for the intense security surge around Madison Square Garden during Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
On Monday night, as the New York Knicks hosted an NBA Finals for the first time in decades, local authorities imposed strict access controls around the arena ahead of President Trump’s attendance. Only ticketed fans were permitted within the secured perimeter, which featured expanded checkpoints, street closures, and restricted movement zones around Penn Station and nearby blocks.
But according to Dolan, the crackdown was not driven by federal officials.
“Look, let’s just talk about the Game 3, right? The Secret Service didn’t demand this stuff. It was NYPD, and it was really the commissioner’s office,” Dolan said during an appearance on The Carton Show.
When a host suggested the restrictions would have been more understandable if they had come from the Secret Service, Dolan doubled down, pointing fingers at NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s office.
“No, this was the commissioner’s plan all along. She (sic) just used the president coming as an excuse, that you know, to set it up,” Dolan fired back.
James Dolan on @CartonShowWFAN says that the secret service didn’t demand the extra security around MSG, it was the NYPD Commissioner’s Office:
“This was the plan all along, she used the president coming as an excuse to set it up” pic.twitter.com/kIPR7eEPSq
— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 10, 2026
Dolan’s comments appear to contradict the narrative that President Trump and the Secret Service sparked the confusion and long lines outside Madison Square Garden.
“All because Donald Trump wanted to make it about himself,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said of the situation. “I trust New Yorkers will let him hear how they feel about that.”
ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith also criticized the situation, saying politicians should not interfere with Knicks fans’ ability to enjoy the team’s historic Finals run.
“I have a problem with any politician — any politician — that shows up, causes delays and interferes with these watch parties buzzing all over NYC,” Smith posted on social media.
Grow the Hell up! I have a problem with any politician — any politician — that shows up, causes delays and interferes with these watch parties buzzing all over NYC. It’s not political. It’s about the @nyknicks and the vibe this city has going. Anyone who messes with that needs to… https://t.co/FTEIS8E8nz
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 6, 2026
The controversy escalated after watch parties planned outside of MSG were canceled. Roughly 7,000 people later gathered in Bryant Park, where celebrations turned chaotic and violent, The Daily Wire previously reported.
In one video, New Yorkers appeared to be ganging up on a man wearing a San Antonio Spurs jersey as he was walking down the street, forcing him to fend off numerous attackers. Of the 21 people police took into custody, officers arrested and charged eight and released 13 with criminal court summonses. At least five NYPD officers were injured, according to the department.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch defended the restrictions, saying the NYPD and Secret Service jointly determined that watch parties directly outside Madison Square Garden could not be safely accommodated during a presidential visit.
“We are looking forward to bringing back watch parties for Game 4,” Tisch said at a news conference.
That promise did not last long. Madison Square Garden canceled its Wednesday night watch party for Game 4, citing the city’s strict security perimeter restrictions.
In response, the Madison Square Garden executive chairman and CEO blasted NYC leadership, calling Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Commissioner Tisch the city’s “biggest party poopers.”
“We now know these restrictions were never about the President – it was just a convenient excuse to restrict how and when Knicks fans celebrate,” Dolan said, according to NBC4 New York. “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.”
“They have never managed anything like this before, and it’s like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches coming out the sides,” he added, according to The New York Post.
Mamdani pushed back online, arguing that Madison Square Garden had applied for a watch party permit capped at 500 to 999 attendees and that city officials approved a permit for up to 999 fans.
“Mr. Dolan has now decided to cancel the watch party. I know this is breaking hearts across our city,” Mamdani said. “But if there’s one thing Knicks fans don’t need permission for, it’s showing up for our team wherever we may be — no matter the block or the borough.”
MSG requested a permit for a watch party for 500-999 fans. We approved that permit for 999 fans.
Mr. Dolan has now decided to cancel the watch party.
I know this is breaking hearts across our city.
But if there’s one thing Knicks fans don’t need permission for, it’s showing up…
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) June 10, 2026
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