What began as a calm, yet spirited gathering of New York Knicks fans on the manicured lawn of Bryant Park quickly turned chaotic Monday night, with more than 20 people taken into custody, five NYPD officers injured and video footage showing people in San Antonio Spurs attire being verbally and physically harassed.There were an estimated 7,000 people in the vicinity of Bryant Park after the Knicks’ loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals when a large crowd of people took over 42nd Street and refused to disperse, according to a police spokesperson.“New Yorkers are understandably passionate about the Knicks, and the overwhelming majority of fans watched the game last night in ways that were both safe and fun,” said a spokesperson for New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “But the fights and other disruptive incidents — including assaults on police officers — in various parts of the city are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”After enhanced security protocols due to President Donald Trump’s attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals displaced the outdoor Plaza 33 watch party at Madison Square Garden, fans had to find an alternate location.One popular watch party was held at Bryant Park, which the city announced Monday morning. The party, which was initially said to be limited to 5,000 people, was free and open to the public; however, registration was required to attend.