Zohran Mamdani announces Knicks MSG Game 2 watch party, with one request

As the New York Knicks prepare for Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced plans for a public watch party outside Madison Square Garden.

The announcement comes as excitement continues to build across New York during the Knicks’ first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.

Juliet Papa of 1010 WINS and 92.3 FM Radio NYC reported the news Friday morning on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“#Breaking: @NYCMayor announces on @1010WINS there WILL be a @Knicks watch party tonight outside @MSG. He asks that people stay safe, and don’t jump on emergency vehicles.”

The request follows widespread celebrations throughout New York during the Knicks’ playoff run. Large crowds have gathered outside Madison Square Garden after several postseason victories, creating memorable scenes as fans celebrated the team’s deepest playoff push in decades.

The Knicks enter Game 2 with a 1-0 series lead after defeating the Spurs 105-95 in Wednesday night’s opener at Frost Bank Center. New York overcame a 14-point deficit to steal home-court advantage behind a game-high 30 points from Jalen Brunson.

The victory extended the Knicks’ remarkable postseason surge and moved the franchise three wins away from its first NBA championship since 1973.

Knicks’ NBA Finals run sparks citywide excitement ahead of Game 2

Game 2 is scheduled to tip off Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC. While the action will take place in San Antonio, thousands of Knicks fans are expected to gather around Madison Square Garden to watch the game and support the team from New York.

Mamdani’s announcement adds another chapter to the city’s growing Finals atmosphere as anticipation continues to rise around the franchise’s pursuit of a championship.

The excitement surrounding the series is expected to continue into next week. President Donald Trump is confirmed to attend Game 3 at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, adding another high-profile element to New York’s first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.

Following Friday’s contest, the series will shift to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 on Monday night. If the Knicks can secure another victory in San Antonio, they would return home holding a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

For now, city officials are encouraging fans to enjoy the occasion responsibly as New York continues to rally behind a team that has energized the city throughout the postseason.

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