The Knicks' dramatic 107-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals has captured New York's political imagination, with elected officials offering everything from spiritual commentary to reflections on public safety.
The Knicks overcame a 29-point deficit — a new NBA Finals record — to defeat San Antonio and take a 3-1 series lead. The comeback win puts New York one victory away from its first championship since 1973. Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday in San Antonio.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive Democrats leaned into superstitious explanations for the Knicks' success, with some suggesting rituals helped lift a perceived curse.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wrote on X just before midnight: "THANK YOU TO THE PEOPLE WHO BLESSED MSG TODAY TO GET THE STANK VIBES OUT. YOUR SERVICE IS APPRECIATED." The congresswoman was referring to superstitious Knicks fans who burned sage outside Madison Square Garden to cleanse the venue of what they perceived as bad energy following President Donald Trump's attendance at Game 3, which the Spurs won 115-111.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards suggested Staten Island's Wu-Tang Clan — which performed last night's halftime show — had a hand in rooting out unfavorable vibes. "Wu-Tang is for the children!!!" Richards wrote on X in response to a video of the rap group's performance captioned: "Wu-Tang Clan have broken Donald Trump's curse on the Knicks."
Mayor Zohran Mamdani turned to faith for his championship prediction, saying "Knicks in five — inshallah, baby, let's go" on Hot 97 radio this morning, using the Arabic term for "God willing."
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries offered a more competitive framing in an Instagram video late last night. "Wemby tried to taunt the Knicks when they were up by about 29, suggesting that he was in our heads," Jeffries said, referring to Spurs center Victor Wembanyama. "No. Actually Wemby, we were in your head."
What the Right Is Saying
Conservatives and law enforcement officials focused on public safety concerns following post-game chaos.
An NYPD spokesperson said 56 Knicks fans were taken into custody after massive crowds converged near Madison Square Garden to celebrate the victory. According to the spokesperson, 10 officers were injured in the rampage, including one who was hit in the head with a glass bottle as crowds jumped on top of moving vehicles, tried to flip over a parked cab, and set off fireworks.
"This demonstrates exactly why the NYPD has increased our presence in and around Madison Square Garden," the police spokesperson said.
The chaos unfolded after Knicks owner James Dolan canceled last night's ticketed watch party outside MSG because he was angry with Mayor Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch for blocking unauthorized pedestrian traffic in a large swath of Midtown around the arena due to security concerns, according to reporting by Chris Sommerfeldt.
What the Numbers Show
The Knicks' comeback set an NBA Finals record. The 29-point deficit they overcame surpasses the previous mark. New York now leads the best-of-seven series three games to one and needs just one more victory to claim their first championship since 1973 — a drought spanning more than five decades.
Law enforcement responded to significant unrest: 56 arrests, 10 officers injured, multiple vehicles damaged including one flipped cab, fireworks set off in crowded areas, and at least one officer struck with a glass bottle. The NYPD has announced increased presence around Madison Square Garden for future events.
The Bottom Line
The Knicks' improbable run to the brink of an NBA championship has dominated political conversation in New York, with officials weighing in on everything from superstition to public safety. While progressives embraced spiritual explanations and faith-based predictions, law enforcement officials highlighted the challenges of managing large celebrations. With Game 5 set for Saturday in San Antonio, New Yorkers are one win away from their first title in over 50 years — and officials across the political spectrum appear united in their enthusiasm for the hometown team.