An analysis of NYPD arrest data found that arrests near Madison Square Garden increased as the Knicks advanced deeper into the playoffs, with win nights producing the largest spikes.
NEW YORK — As the New York Knicks push closer to their first NBA championship in more than five decades, a new analysis suggests the excitement surrounding the team’s playoff runs has been accompanied by a rise in arrests near Madison Square Garden.
Research conducted by VegasInsider examined NYPD arrest records from the three precincts surrounding Madison Square Garden and compared arrest totals during Knicks home playoff games against typical arrest levels for the same day of the week.
Photo: Graphic representation of unrest at MSG after a NY Knicks basketball game.
Key Points
• Arrests near Madison Square Garden have increased during Knicks playoff games in each postseason since 2021.
• The average arrest spike rose from 1% above normal in 2023 to 6.6% above normal in 2025.
• Knicks victories were associated with significantly higher arrest totals than losses.
According to the analysis, playoff-related arrest activity has grown steadily in recent seasons. None of the Knicks’ three home playoff games in 2021 produced arrest totals above their expected baseline. By 2025, eight of nine home playoff games exceeded normal arrest levels.
Researchers found the average increase in arrests during home playoff games has more than tripled since 2023. Arrest counts averaged 1% above normal during the 2023 postseason, rose to 3% in 2024, and reached 6.6% above normal in 2025.
Deeper playoff runs bring larger increases
The study found arrest spikes tended to grow as the Knicks advanced through the postseason.
First-round games averaged slightly below normal arrest levels, while second-round contests averaged 2% above baseline. Eastern Conference Finals games averaged 5.7% above normal, suggesting larger crowds and heightened excitement may contribute to increased police activity around the arena.
“The further the Knicks go, the worse it gets,” the report concluded.
One of the largest spikes occurred during the Knicks’ first-round opener against the Detroit Pistons on April 19, 2025. Authorities recorded 61 arrests compared to an expected baseline of 47.1, a nearly 30% increase.
Win nights generate more arrests
Researchers found a notable difference between games the Knicks won and games they lost.
On nights when the Knicks were victorious, arrests averaged 5.2% above normal levels. During losses, arrest totals averaged 5.4% below normal, creating a gap of more than 10 percentage points.
The findings suggest postgame celebrations may contribute more to disorder than fan frustration following defeats.
“Celebrations produce more disorder than frustration,” the report noted.
Finals appearance brings renewed attention
The analysis comes as New York continues its deepest playoff run in decades. On the night of Game 3 of the NBA Finals, the NYPD confirmed 26 arrests near Madison Square Garden, including charges involving assault on a police officer and criminal possession of a weapon.
An additional 21 arrests were reported at the official Bryant Park watch party, according to the report.
VegasInsider’s analysis used data from NYPD Arrests Historic records and examined arrest activity in Precincts 10, 14, and 18, which border Madison Square Garden. Each playoff game was compared against a same-weekday baseline calculated from surrounding weeks to account for normal fluctuations in arrest activity.
While the study identifies a correlation between playoff games and arrest activity, it does not determine whether the games directly caused the increases.