The New York Knicks are in the middle of an NBA Finals run, but not all the headlines are about basketball. After a chaotic scene outside Madison Square Garden following Game 3—where multiple fans were arrested—ESPN's Stephen A. Smith unloaded on the fanbase, calling their actions a stain on the city.
Smith Sounds Off on First Take
On Wednesday's episode of First Take, Smith didn't mince words. “It’s disgusting, and I think it’s embarrassing that a 22-year-old from France has to remind us about how we’re supposed to act,” he said, referencing Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who had earlier appealed for calm. The outburst came after reports that several Knicks supporters were taken into custody during a watch party near the Garden.
Smith's frustration wasn't just about the arrests—it was about the message it sends. “We’re supposed to be the world’s greatest city, and this is how we represent ourselves?” he added, shaking his head.
Fan Reactions: Mixed and Heated
The commentary sparked a firestorm online. Some fans applauded Smith for using his platform to call out the behavior. “Stephen A. calling out the fan behavior is exactly what needed to be said,” one user posted on X. Others, however, pushed back. “KAT made a comment too, why only reference Wemby’s comment?” wrote another, referring to Karl-Anthony Towns. A more defiant reply read: “None of that is accurate and Wemby did worse on the court. Just STFU already! You do not represent NY and no one here likes you!”
One critic pointed out Wembanyama's own on-court outbursts, saying, “The French kid isn’t one to look up to when it comes to how we’re supposed to act. He’s been unable to control his outbursts for a month.”
Security Tightens for Game 4
The fallout has real consequences. For Game 4, security around Madison Square Garden will be nearly identical to the heightened level seen when President Trump attended earlier in the series—despite Trump not being present this time. The increased presence is a direct response to the ugly scenes, which included Ben Stiller begging fans to show class after the incidents.
Smith's criticism also echoes warnings from city officials. Earlier this week, NYC Mayor Warns Knicks Fans: Stop the Violence or Face Consequences, a reminder that the city is watching closely.
A Larger Conversation
While Smith's comments have divided the fanbase, they highlight a broader issue: how far is too far when passion turns into chaos? The Knicks are fighting for a championship, but for some, the fight spilled into the streets. As one fan put it, “Blame the fans when and if they lose!”
For now, the Knicks have a chance to channel that energy into a win. If they do, hopefully the celebration will be about the game—not the arrests.
