Knicks fans going to great lengths to rid Madison Square Garden of ‘Trump curse’

PoliticsSports
11 Jun 2026 • 5:49 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Knicks fans going to great lengths to rid Madison Square Garden of ‘Trump curse’

  • Knicks fans are engaging in various rituals, including burning sage outside Madison Square Garden, after a loss following Donald Trump's attendance, believing he brought "bad energy."
  • Some fans and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attributed the Knicks' loss to Trump's presence, citing jinxes or distractions.
  • A watch party in Bryant Park escalated into violence, resulting in five NYPD officers injured, 21 arrests, and property damage, including fans jumping on cars and chasing Spurs supporters.
  • Actor Ben Stiller, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns condemned the violent behavior, urging fans to show respect and keep physicality on the court.
  • Despite isolated incidents of violence, many fans are showing positive engagement, with one traveling from Europe and rapper Fat Joe describing the finals as a unifying event for New York City.

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